Are we there yet? Extreme fun for extreme kids in Toronto and beyond!

By Barbara Slawek and Kolette Taber, SLA Toronto Chapter

There’s nothing easier than keeping a child entertained, right???  Well, when it comes to Extreme Fun for Extreme Kids, Toronto is the perfect destination vacation.  Where to start?  We’ve identified plenty of web sites, activities and attractions that are sure to “WOW”.  Better yet, get those web-savvy kids involved – and excited – by having them research and plan their own Extreme Adventure - in T.O…and Beyond!

EXTREME WEB SITES:  Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

Toronto4Kids.com:  An advocacy group for children, Toronto4Kids team of “kid experts” is dedicated to promoting what’s best and what’s available to children living – and visiting - in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  This award-winning web site offers “Fun Places To Go”, “Events and Entertainment”, “Baby Zone”, “Kid Zone”, and much more.  Subscribe to the Toronto4Kids e-Bulletin and get up-to-the-minute information on shows and events as June 2005 approaches.

KidsinTO.com:  Tourism Toronto’s travel information web site for families visiting Toronto identifies lodging (crib/cot/stroller availability, child-proofed rooms, kids’ programmes) , dining (children’s menus, reasonable prices), attractions (change areas, stroller accessibility), and health resources (emergency services, hospitals, 24-hour pharmacies) that address family concerns.

Help!...We’ve Got Kids.com:  Greater Toronto’s comprehensive resource directory of children’s activities and services, products and programs covers the bases, for those living or visiting the GTA.

Tourism Toronto – Fun for All Ages:  Tourism Toronto is the official non-profit marketing organization for Toronto’s tourism industry.  Comprehensive coverage with cool “My Toronto” feature that will allow your kids to create their own personal itineraries – what better way to keep forgetful parents on track!

Toronto Public Library T.O. Kids:  TPL presents Toronto for kids with links to sports, museums and entertainment, as well as lists of famous Torontonians, authors and illustrators, and even books set in Toronto.  TPL’s RAMP is Toronto’s teen online gateway and meeting place created in collaboration with teen volunteers.  Bored in the T-dot?  With loads of fun ideas – entertainment guides and games, (extreme!) sports and special events, library and community programs, and fun reads (this is a library site after all) – your teen will never be bored while hanging out in T.O.

Attractions Ontario

This non-profit association boasts a province-wide membership of over 300 public and private attractions and tourism related organizations, and actively promotes travel throughout Ontario.  Search this site for attractions and special events by region, stay up-to-date with “Attractions News”, and – don’t forget! – order your free Passport Magazine and Coupon Book for significant savings by calling toll-free 1-800-ONTARIO.

Ontario Travel

This is your official web site of choice if you’re planning to venture beyond Toronto.  Organized by themed travel experiences and vacation ideas (check out “Family Fun”), destinations by region and downloadable travel guides, you are guaranteed to find something for even the fussiest child. 

EXTREME DISCOUNTS AND DEALS:  How to Do It All … On A Budget!

Attractions Ontario Passport Magazine and Coupon Book:  As mentioned above, get significant savings with this definitive guide to 100s of AO member attractions.

CityPass Toronto:  Pay one price and visit six of Toronto’s major attractions – Art Gallery of Ontario, CN Tower, Casa Loma, Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo  - at greatly reduced rates.  CityPass booklets can be purchased in advance or directly at any of the attractions and are valid for nine days from first use.

For more great ideas on how to stretch your C$ dollars, read “The Best Things in Life are (Almost) Free!” in our “Things To Do” section.

EXTREME ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Extreme Fun calls for Extreme Measures – here’s our list of just some of the most Extreme Activities and Attractions you’ll find in Toronto and beyond.

TALLEST

Look up – look wa-a-a-y up!* The CN Tower defines the Toronto skyline welcoming almost two million visitors a year to take in the view.  At 553 m (1815 ft), it is the world’s tallest free-standing structure and an engineering marvel.  Enjoy the arcade, motion simulators and marketplace at the base and then ride up to four lookout levels where you’ll find a 360° revolving restaurant, indoor and outdoor observation decks, and the Glass Floor.  Now - look down – look wa-a-a-y down!*

*With fond memories of The Friendly Giant (Robert Homme, 1919-2000)

SMALLEST

Situated on 36 acres of professionally landscaped gardens and grounds, Cullen Gardens & Miniature Village offers a relaxing way to spend the day.  “Mini-me’s” will be charmed by more than 160 handcrafted replica buildings, trains and boats, all 1:12 scale miniatures.  Enjoy splash pads and playforts, mini-golf and go-karts.  Maybe the best things do come in small packages!

OLDEST

Kids and museums are a perfect fit especially when they feature hands-on exhibits of bugs and biodiversity, dinosaurs and archeological digs.  Enter the ROM’s Discovery Gallery for interactive discovery zones or wander the museum’s galleries and enjoy its extensive collections.

Experience life in 19^th century York County at Black Creek Pioneer Village (North Toronto) where original settlers Daniel and Elizabeth Stong first cleared the land.  More than 35 restored homes and shops recreate 1860s Victorian village life with demonstrations by artisans and interpreters in period dress.

Explore historic Fort York (Downtown Toronto), the 1793 birthplace of modern Toronto, home to Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and designated National Historic site.  NOTE: June 5-6/05: Revolutionary War-era re-enactors, the King’s Royal Regiment of New York (KRRNY) will have a weekend encampment with demonstrations and flag dedication ceremony.

WETTEST

Toronto’s only downtown water park is just one part of a leisure and entertainment complex located on three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront.  A cool escape on a hot summer day!

Take a road trip to Canada’s largest water park, Wild Water Kingdom (Brampton), and body flume, speed slide, or simply laze the day away.  Get soaked as you climb its newest attraction – the 25-ft Wild Water Wall.  Toddlers and small children will love the children’s water playground designed specifically for tiny tikes.

Board the Maid of the Mist (Niagara Falls) and get close and personal with majestic Niagara Falls.  Slickers are included!

WILDEST

With more than 5000 animals from six zoogeographic regions over 287 hectares (710 acres), you’re set for a wild adventure at one of the largest zoos in the world.  Children won’t want to miss a new Kids Zoo, a dynamic and interactive wildlife experience, and daily “Meet the Zookeeper” sessions.

Go Wild! at African Lion Safari (Rockton) where more than 1000 animals roam free in a large drive-through wildlife reserve.  Follow the Safari Trail, view mammal and bird performances, learn about captive breeding and reintroduction programmes, and cruise aboard the “African Queen”.

Pack your camera and binoculars and take your kids for some unparalleled wildlife viewing in Ontario – whether daytrips or extended weekends, hiking or horseback, canoe, kayak or submarine!

WEIRDEST

Toronto has its share of weird and wonderful museums that provide a unique learning experience.  What about the Bata Shoe Museum (Downtown Toronto) – with over 10000 shoes representing more than 4500 years of history – for the fashion-conscious footwear-fiend in your family?  Enjoy free entrance and activities on Thursdays after 5 pm or “Shoebox Shenanigans” with the kids on selected Saturday afternoons.  Looking for some new “material”?  The Textile Museum of Canada (Downtown Toronto) has a workshop where kids can create their own textile samples to take away.  Couch potatoes rule in your household?  Remind your ungrateful offspring that TVs didn’t always come in plasma and big-screen at the MZTV Museum of Television (Downtown Toronto), one of the world’s largest collections of historic television sets and ephemera.  Look, Ma?! … No remotes!

SANDIEST

This upscale yet laidback neighbourhood bordering Lake Ontario boasts a 3k+ boardwalk and wide sandy beach - perfect for summer in the city.  Recreational facilities include an Olympic swimming and diving pool, dozens of volleyball courts, and rental kiosks for sailboards and small boats.  For up-to-date information re: all 14 of Toronto’s (lifeguarded) beaches, consult TorontoBeach.ca.

Climb the world’s largest system of freshwater sand dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park (Picton) on the shores of Lake Ontario.  Peak season in Ontario parks doesn’t begin until mid-June so you’ll be saving money while avoiding those summer crowds.  Happy campers indeed!

Soak up the sun on sandy Wasaga Beach (Wasaga Beach)– at 14 kilometres it’s the longest freshwater beach in the world.  Located on the southern shore of Georgian Bay, you can come for the day or – better yet – rent a cottage for a week and explore the Georgian Triangle.

SPORTIEST

Citius, Altius, Fortius – Swifter, Higher, Stronger.  The world’s first permanent complex dedicated to the Olympic Spirit features interactive kiosks, unique simulators, and multimedia theatres along with in-person interaction with Canadian athletes.  Experience the passion of the Olympic Games from an athlete’s perspective – and inspire a future Olympian.

Toronto is a true-blue hockey town (Go, Leafs Go!) and there is no better place to celebrate Canada’s national (winter) sport than the Hockey Hall of Fame (Downtown Toronto).  There are no game misconducts here but with all the exhibits of prized artifacts, audio/video tributes, and interactive zones, you just might get two minutes* (in the penalty box) for having so much fun.

*In memory of Maurice “Rocket” Richard (1921-2000)

Go Mini-Indy (West Toronto) in Toronto’s fastest Go-Karts.  Your formula for fun?  Nine-horsepower + two locations = one great time.

Hit the trails and holiday with horses. Roaming Rider identifies a variety of recreational riding options in Ontario – from trail rides to pack trips.

For the true sports enthusiast, read “Toronto Sports Highlights” in our “Things To Do” section.

HAIRIEST

Is there an anime/board games/comic book/trading cards/role-playing fanatic in your home?  Stop by Hairy Tarantula Comics & Cards for some serious shopping.  For other specialized bookstores, consult “A Librarian’s Guide to Downtown Toronto Bookstores” in our “Things To Do” section.

SCARIEST

Scare yourself silly as you read up on Toronto’s ghostly legends and hauntings courtesy of the Toronto Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society – then join a Muddy York walking tour of the “Haunted Streets of Downtown Toronto” or “Ghosts of the University of Toronto” – if you dare!

EXTREME INDOOR FUN

Weather not cooperating?  Skip room service and those endless DVDs, and head straight for the Ontario Science Centre (East Toronto) where its mission “to delight, inform and challenge visitors through engaging and thought-provoking experiences in science and technology” has been doing just that for 35 years.  Experience more than 600 exhibits in ten exhibition halls, IMAX® films and expert demonstrations, and the popular “Scream Machines, the Science of Roller Coasters” exhibition (Feb 2-Sep 5, 2005).  Innovative initiatives and renovations continue to transform the interactive OSC experience with new “Agents of Change” and enlarged “Kidspark” exhibits.  Whatever you do, don’t tell your kids that it’s e-d-u-c-a-t-i-o-n-a-l!

Harbourfront Centre offers Harbourfront Kids (Downtown Toronto) – family programming every Sunday afternoon with creative arts and activities, concerts, storytelling and more.

EXTREME OUTDOOR FUN

Rock climb a 40-ft wall, play a challenging 18-hole pro-putt course, or lounge by an outdoor pool at The Docks Entertainment Complex (Downtown Toronto).  Test your skills on the paint ball range, go kart track, or speed cage; your endurance on the obstacle course and gladiator joust; your limits on the demon swing and flying trapeze.

A leisure and entertainment complex located on three man-made islands, Ontario Place (Downtown Toronto) has been a part of Toronto’s waterfront since 1971.  Bridges and walkways connect pods and pavilions, marinas and “zones”.  Attractions include Adventure Island (amusement park) and Soak City (water park), open-air concert venue Molson Amphitheatre, and the world’s first permanent IMAX® theatre, the geodesic Cinesphere.

Paramount Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan, York Region) theme park is the single largest youth employer in Canada and boasts North America’s greatest variety of roller coasters, more than sixty thrill rides and simulators in eight themed areas, Splash Works 20-acre water park, pint-sized fun in KidZville and Hanna-Barbera Land for toddlers and small children, daily live entertainment and stunt shows…need we say more?  Make the most of your visit with suggestions on suitable rides and sites for specific age groups and interests.   By coming in June, you’ll avoid those summer crowds.  Must-eat? Funnel cake!  Must-ride? THE ITALIAN JOB™: Stunt Track, a new fast-track coaster experience that takes you on a high-speed movie-based stunt car adventure.  TIP: Use public transit - Wonderland Express “GO” Buses run regularly from Yorkdale and York Mills subway stations.

Sometimes there is no greater adventure than the “Great Outdoors”.  Ontario boasts hundreds of conservation areas, forest reserves, and provincial parks.  Scale challenging cliffs as you rock climb at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area.  Strap on your scuba gear to explore shipwrecks and sea caves in the crystal blue waters of Fathom Five National Marine Park, Canada’s first National Marine Conservation Area.  “Walk in the Clouds” along a suspended canopy boardwalk some 20 metres above the forest floor at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve.  Take a family paddling adventure anywhere in Ontario – with more than half a million(!) lakes and rivers, your biggest challenge will be deciding which one to canoe or kayak.  Explore Ontario Outdoors with your child – it comes with an Extreme Guarantee that no one will go home disappointed.

BREEZIEST

Pack a picnic lunch, hop on a 15-minute ferry to the Toronto Islands and enjoy more than 600 acres of this spectacular urban park.  Toddlers and small children will delight in Centreville Amusement Park, wading pools, and Far Enough Farm (petting zoo) while the whole family can enjoy trails, bike and boat rentals, frisbee golf and pickup baseball – bring your bat, ball and mitt and batter up!

Sail with Toronto Tall Ship Cruises (Downtown Toronto) on Kajama, a 165-ft three masted schooner or board one of many tour and charter boats at Harbourfront Centre (Downtown Toronto).

See Toronto from a different perspective with a rental from the Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre (Downtown Toronto).  Can’t paddle?  Sign up for courses and clinics with certified instructors and go home with new skills that will last a lifetime.

Catch the Breeze* (Spirit of Ontario I) – a daily high-speed ferry service between Toronto and Rochester NY.  With port-to-port travel time of 2 hours 15 minutes and space for 750 walk-on passengers and 220 cars, those traveling to Toronto from/through upstate New York might consider this option.  Amenities include dining and duty-free bar, business lounges, wireless internet, movie theatres and children’s activities.

* On February 28, 2005, the ferry was bought at auction by the City of Rochester and daily service is expected to resume in May 2005.

EASIEST ???

Why – Toronto, of course!  Make the city your playground for a memorable family vacation and an extremely good time.  Extreme Fun for Extreme Kids?  It doesn’t come any easier.