5 of the best things to do with kids this weekend

Sat 9 – Sun 10 Aug

Photo credit: Canadian National Exhibition

1. CNE

Canada’s largest community event

Kids’ World (Sat & Sun):

10am: LEGO® She Built That

  • LEGO activities, photo-ops & giveaways

11am: Dogs do Magic

  • Entertaining comedy

11.30am: Under the Little Top

  • A circus workshop ending with a performance by the kids

12.30pm: Emma Memma’s Live Show!

  • Toronto debut: music, dance & storytelling

12.30pm: Fizzlewit’s Fairy Finding Tour!

  • An interactive strolling show led by a wizard

1pm: Birds of Prey

  • Get up close with hawks, owls, falcons, vultures & eagles

1pm: Under the Little Top

2pm: Dogs do Magic

2.30pm: Birds of Prey

3pm: Fizzlewit’s Fairy Finding Tour!

3.30pm: Emma Memma’s Live Show

3.30pm: Under the Little Top

4pm: Birds of Prey

4.30pm: Under the Little Top

5pm: Cirque: A Wicked Good Time

  • Aerialists will bring the world of Oz to the CNE

5.30pm: Fizzlewit’s Fairy Finding Tour!

6.30pm: Emma Memma’s Live Show

Kids’ crafting workshops will also take place this Sat & Sun at 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm. 

Location: Exhibition Place (north of Lake Shore Blvd W)
Date: Fri 15 Aug – Mon 1 Sep
Time: 10am – midnight (no entry past 5pm & no re-entry past 3pm)
Price: $25.11+ (Free kids passes for children 5-13yrs available til 14 Aug)
Age: All

2. Dino Run

Kids chase dinos. Dinos chase kids.

  • Dino Specialists use songs, dance, storytelling & games to teach kids facts about dinosaurs
  • Then, kids become Dino Explorers, tasked with chasing escaped dinosaurs
    • Kids engage in Dino Run Training, including warm-up, songs, dance & games
    • Non-competitive run around the 220m figure-eight skate trail
      • The unlimited looped course allows participants to complete it as many times as they like
  • Parents cheer from the sidelines
  • New this year: visit the Dino Run Market – a kids entrepreneurs market
    • Showcases local children’s businesses ages 8-19

The run begins in waves to prevent overcrowding on the course.

All registered participants receive a bib, a medal, post-run snacks & free downloadable photos.

Location: The Bentway (250 Fort York Blvd)
Date: Sat 16 Aug 
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Price: $25.57 for kids (no tickets required for parents/guardians)
Age: All

3. The Little Circus that Could

A “silly acrobatic clown show”

  • “This Ringmaster has lost his circus! Can you help us find it?”
  • A family-friendly interactive acrobatic comedy
  • Check out Wychwood Barns playground & splash pad nearby before/after the show

Any person entering the performance space, must hold a valid ticket to be seated.

Location: Wychwood Theatre (76 Wychwood Ave)
Date: Sat 16 & 23 Aug
Time: 10am & 12.30pm 
Price: $22.99+
Age:  4-9 yrs
Runtime: 50min (no intermission)

4. The Big Toddle

The 10th annual community fundraising event

  • Music performances
  • Fire truck
  • Crafts
  • Bubble play
  • Bean bag toss
  • Hula hoops
  • Infant toy area
  • Circle time
  • Photo booth
  • Face painting
  • Walk-A-Thon
  • Storytime by Toronto Public Library
  • Free t-shirts (with registration)
  • Tickets sold for pizza, coffee, fruits, water & juice boxes

The goal is to raise $40K to support College-Montrose Children’s Place (CMCP); which provides free early learning & family support.

Kids’ pre-registration recommended. 

Caregivers are encouraged to ask family/friends to sponsor their kids to raise funds, or to donate. 

Bring a picnic blanket.

Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park  (790 Queen St W)
Date: Sat 16 Aug
Time: 9.30am – 12pm 
Price: Donations encouraged 
Age:  0-7 yrs

5. Paws in the Park

A celebration of pets, people & community

Kids’ Zone

  • Complimentary face painting
  • Colouring pages
  • DIY bandanas
  • Storytime

Beer Garden

  • Locally crafted beers
  • Barking Brew —a non-alcoholic beverage for dogs
  • Lawn games
    • Cornhole & giant Jenga
  • Vendor marketplace
  • Adopt a dog/kitten (3-5 months)
    • First-come, first-served basis

Leashed dogs welcome. Dogs’ activities include an agility training course & a canine splash pad. There are also Polaroid photo ops and a Puppy Glam Cam red carpet experience. 

Location: 11 River St (Toronto)
Date: Sat 16 Aug
Time: 11am – 3pm 
Price: Free
Age: All

Bonus: Bloor West Village Community Treasure Hunt

A one-day, text-message-powered event that leads you on a journey through local businesses

  • Solve the clues & reveal surprises at 25+ local shops
  • You’ll need a mobile phone to play (no app)
  • Unlock exclusive deals, treats & surprises as you go
  • Personalized text messages lead you to secret locations in the neighbourhood
  • Text in your answer as you discover each location/service
  • As you play in the adventure, you’ll qualify for random draws, free offers and the Treasure Trove Grand Prize of $1K cash
  • It’s not a race & you have the entire day to participate

Online registration required. 

Location: BIA Curb Side Patio (2253 Bloor St W)
Date: Sat 16 Aug
Time: Anytime between 11am – 3pm
Price: Free
Age: All

Duration: 1-1.5 hrs

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