Events

Tuesday, July 1

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Canada Day at Fort York – Celebrate Canada’s birthday with a visit to the birthplace of urban Toronto!  See the Fort York Guard perform hourly musket drill and artillery demonstrations, as well as fife and drum music; or take a guided fort tour. At Fort York, 100 Garrison Rd. Call 416-392-6907 or visit www.toronto.ca/museums.

11 a.m.- 5 pm.: Black Creek Celebrates Canada Day – Celebrate Canada’s past and future.  Thirty people will become Canadian citizens in the heart of the Village.  Special activities include crafts, games, music and more. For more information, visit blackcreek.ca, or call 416-736-1733.

11 a.m.- 11 p.m.: Canada Day at Downsview Park – Enjoy a full day of FREE activities and entertainment including amusement rides, petting zoo, face painting, fire buskers and FREE food while quantities last. Watch the night sky light up with a kaleidoscope of colours. Entertainment includes a Caribbean Pan band and an 1812 historical military reenactment. Donations are welcome for Goodwill and iRecycle (11 a.m.- 6 p.m). Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd, Toronto. Info: www.downsviewpark.ca, 416-952-2222.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Kanata Celebration – There’s fun for the whole family: inflatable bouncers, rock climbing, a bike demonstration, chimo gardens, and live entertainment. At Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket. Call 905-895-5193 or visit www.newmarket.ca.

12 – 4 p.m.: Canada Day at Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum – Pack a picnic lunch and celebrate Canada Day in the Valley! Visit 19th century homes, sample treats prepared in historic kitchens, and enjoy children’s activities. At Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum, Bottom of Pottery Rd. Call 416-396-2819 or visit www.toronto.ca/museums.

12 – 5 p.m.: Canada Day at Mackenzie House – On Canada's 141st anniversary explore the editorial cartoons and media influence of the Confederation debate of the 1860s. You can also print your own special Confederation souvenir. At Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St. Visit www.toronto.ca/museums or call 416-392-6915

4 – 11 p.m.: Caledon Canada Day Celebrations – Enjoy free admission and live entertainment at this great family fun day at Albion Hills Conservation Area, Activities include a magic show, children’s activities, food vendors, picnicking, swimming, hay rides, pedal boat and canoe rentals and much more.  Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display at dusk. For camping reservations, call 905-880-4855. Visit www.trca.on.ca for details.

7 p.m.: Hamilton Military Museum – Come and enjoy a spectacular evening of musical celebration at Hamilton Military Museum. Thrill to the sounds of the pipes and drums and Regimental Bands. Cost: FREE Contact: 905-546-2872, military@hamilton.ca, www.hamilton.ca/museums

10 p.m.: Kanata Fireworks Extravaganza – The town of Newmarket is proud to present their annual fireworks extravaganza. At George Richardson Park, Newmarket. Call 905-895-5193 or visit www.newmarket.ca.

World Routes Canada Day Summer Festival – In the spirit of history and family, this festival celebrates all that Canada has to offer. Featuring live music, dance, film, visual arts and family events all day and into the night. Visitors to Harbourfront Centre can also experience shopping and food selections at the International Marketplace and at the World Café, nestled alongside an extensive waterfront boardwalk. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay West. For more information call 416-973-4000 or visit harbourfrontcentre.com/worldroutes. Festivals continue each weekend until September 1

Thursday, July 3

2- 4 p.m.: Ice Cream Wishes – At Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum, enjoy fresh homemade ice cream in an outdoor garden. Sit and relax in the gardens, welcome the arrival of summer, while children take part in inter-active activities and make their own sundaes. Cost: $5 per person. Contact: 905-648-8144, www.hamilton.ca/museums

Friday, July 4

1-1:30 p.m.: Guided Tour: On Your Toes: Broad, Square, Pointed, Turned-up, Peek-a-toe –  Join us for a friendly half-hour and leave with a new understanding of the world at your feet!Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West (at St. George) *Limited to 12 visitors. Pre-registration recommended.  To register call 416-979-7799 x242 or email programs@batashoemuseum.ca; www.batashoemuseum.ca

Sunday, July 6

12 noon- 5 p.m.: Farm Fun for Kids – Country Heritage Park in Milton presents an event for families that includes miniature horses, tractor drawn wagon rides, ride the farm animal train and the saw horse animals and try your hand at bean bag pitching and pedal tri-cycles. While you’re there visit the heritage homes and school house and take part in kids scavenger hunt for prizes. Visit www.countryheritagepark.com for details.

Friday, July 11

12 noon- 2 p.m.:Family Picnic Day – Grandparents and grandchildren alike will enjoy old fashioned family fun including egg & spoon and three legged races as well as croquet and other outdoor fun. Bring your own picnic and blanket. All you can drink lemonade will be available for $1 per person. Ages: 3 to 7 years. Accompanied by an adult. Cost: Free outdoor event. Regular admission rates apply to the museum. Contact: 905-546-2018, whitehern@hamilton.ca, www.hamilton.ca/museums

Saturday, July 12

Archery Workshop – Welcome all Robin Hoods and Maid Marions! Join resident Archer Sir Shawn Adams for an opportunity to learn the history and techniques involved in the ancient sport of archery. This archery workshop will afford all children the opportunity to hone their archery skills. Completion of this part of the program will entitle each child to a Robin Hood or Maid Marion Archer Certificate. At Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. Call 416-923-1171 or visit www.casaloma.org.

Wednesday, July 16

6-8:30 p.m.: Ballet Movie Night – A viewing of The Red Shoes followed by a private gallery tour of the exhibition On Pointe: The Rise of the Ballet Shoe with Museum Curator Elizabeth Semmelhack. Free admission and Free Popcorn! Pre-registration is recommended; seating is limited.  To register call: 416-979-7799 x242 or email programs@batashoemuseum.ca For information visit www.batashoemuseum.ca

Saturday, July 19

11 a.m.: A Family Concert with Brent Atkins – Entitled Brent, My Favourite Songs with Friends, the concert will feature Brent on both piano and guitar singing well-known kids’ songs, plus his own compositions at Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Drive, Toronto. Both onstage and off, Brent's outgoing, warm personality makes him instantly appealing. Tickets: $15. Call 416-937-6837 to reserve. Seats are going quickly so don't miss out!

2-3 p.m.: Go Ahead and Touch: Hands on Demonstrations – Who said you can’t touch at a Museum!  Join Bata Shoe Museum Docent, Elizabeth Parker for an up close and personal look (and touch) at footwear from our hands on collection. See that ballet slipper, feel that sealskin boot and wear the clown shoe. Fun for the entire family. Bata Shoe Museum is located at 327 Bloor Street West (at St. George). Regular Museum admission:  $12 adult; $10 senior; $6 students; $4 children (5 - 17 years); Children under 5 are free; Family passes are also available. Free for Museum members. *Limited to 12 visitors. Pre-registration recommended. To register call: 416-979-7799 x242 or email programs@batashoemusuem.ca

Sunday, July 20

10 a.m.- 5 p.m.: Archaeology Adventure – Dig in and discover the exciting world of archaeology during Crawford Lake’s newest special event!  Event activities include: a special guest presenter, simulated archaeological digs, pottery making, archeology videos, longhouse exploration and more! For information email crawlake@hrca.on.ca or call 905-854-0234

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Making it Work – This summer exhibit will feature some of the rarely seen industrial artifacts from famous manufacturing factories in Hamilton such as Westinghouse, Camco, Mercury Mills and Stelco. Come learn about these factories and the men and women that worked there. at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology. Contact: 905-546-4797, steammuseum@hamilton.ca, www.hamilton.ca/museums

Saturday July 26

12 noon to 5 p.m.: 3rd Annual Victorian Entertainment Extravaganza! Visit Scarborough Historical Museum at Memorial Park for some old-fashioned Victorian-inspired entertainment.  Enjoy traditional music and sample old-fashioned baked treats. Don't miss the classic melodrama performed on the Log Cabin Playhouse stage! Pay-What-You-Can admission. Call 416-338-8807 for details.

2-3 p.m.: Ballet Shoe Fitting Demonstration – This drop-in program is led by Nadia Randall, Footwear Specialist at The Shoe Room, Canada’s National Ballet School. Find out everything you wanted to know about a ballet shoe, including how it feels when new and how that changes with time. For dancers and lovers of dance of all ages! At the Bata Shoe Museum 327 Bloor Street West (at St. George)Regular Museum admission:  $12 adult; $10 senior; $6 students; $4 children (5 - 17 years); Children under 5 are free; Family passes are also available. Free for Museum members. For information call 416-979-7799 or visit www.batashoemuseum.ca

12 noon- 4 p.m.: My Big Fat Greek Family BBQ – This family event at Mr. Greek Mediterranean Grill in Milton to benefit Milton District Hospital will feature an inflatable jumping castle, face painting and a clown balloon artist with Greek music. To complete the experience, guests can enjoy from a delicious selection of Greek/Mediterranean specialties like fire-grilled souvlaki on a stick, tasty souvlaki on a pita, fresh spanakopita & traditional baklava. Fifty cents of each item sold will go to the Milton District Hospital Foundation. For more information visit www.mrgreek.com

Sunday, July 27

12 noon to 5 p.m.: 3rd Annual Victorian Entertainment Extravaganza! See Saturday, July 26

Ongoing

AD(H)D Power Parent Support Group – Burlington: Find your parent power through this support group.  Whether your child has been diagnosed with AD(H)D or you suspect they have AD(H)D, you don't have to walk this path alone. Meetings are held the last Monday of each month. Next meeting is on Monday, May 26 at the Ontario Early Years Centre on Cumberland Ave. Burlington.  For more information or to email questions visit www.adhdpower.ca

Adventures in the Valley: Does your child love exploring the great outdoors? They’ll love these one-day Adventures in the Valley programs for boys and girls ages 9 to 12 years old.  Each day of Adventures in the Valley includes fun filled games, activities and a take home craft.  Sign your son or daughter up for any or all of these one-day mini sessions. Tuesdays throughout the Summer ! Camps will run July 8-August 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Spaces are limited. Call 905-627-1233 to register or visit www.conservationhamilton.ca.

Anne of Green Gables: A Canadian Icon at 100 – This is a new exhibit celebrating Lucy Maude Montgomery's Canadian classic, curated by Irene Gammel at the Modern Literature and Culture Research Center at Ryerson University. This exhibit presents the surprising and diverse inspirations that gave birth to the big-eyed, freckle-faced iconic redhead known around the world, Anne of Green Gables. At Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens from April 19 to September 28, Tuesday to Sunday 12 noon- 5 p.m. Included with regular admission. Admission: A$5.66*, Srs & Y $4.72*, C $3.77* (*plus GST) Paid parking at Casa Loma spadina@toronto.ca 416-392-6910

Antique Tractor and Toy Show: Country Heritage Park in Milton is the site of all things tractor from antique and lawn tractor pulls to displays, a tractor parade, lawn tractor races and more from July 18 to 20. The event also includes a toy show/sale, vintage cars/trucks, collectibles auction, kid's pedal tractor pull, miniature horses and kid's scavenger hunt & prizes. Visit www.countryheritagepark.com for details.

Barney Live at Ontario Place: Barney, the famous purple dinosaur, will make special appearances from July 23 to August 3 at Ontario Place with live shows each afternoon.  Sing and dance with Barney and keep the kids entertained all day long! Call 416-314-9900 or visit www.ontarioplace.com for more information.

Castle Loma Renaissance Festival: Step back in time and experience the excitement and adventure of the Renaissance at Toronto’s Majestic Castle from July 4 - 6. Casa Loma's estate gardens will be transformed into a Renaissance-style village populated by vendors, village characters and the court of King Henry VIII. Thrilling live performances add to the festive atmosphere. At Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace. Call 416-923-1171 or visit www.casaloma.org.

Cinderella: Be enchanted by a classic fairy tale as adapted by musical theatre’s beloved  duo Rodgers & Hammerstein. Cinderella – tormented by her wicked stepmother and spoiled stepsisters – dreams going to the ball and dancing with the prince. Her impossible dream is realized with the help of her fairy godmother. Children and adults alike will cheer when the slipper fits. Presented from July 22-26 by Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts at Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst St., Toronto. Tickets $22 at www.ticketmaster.ca or call 416-872-1111.

Griffin House Open: The Griffin House stands today as a testament to the bravery and determination of black men and women who journeyed to freedom in Southern Ontario. The site is open for public tours on public holidays from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. Visit this preserved early 19th century home, set on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Dundas Valley. Explore the history of Enerals Griffin and other early Black settlers and enjoy a walk along nearby trails. Time: Regular admission hours apply.Cost: $3 per person. Suggested donation. Contact: 905-546-2424 ext. 7220, griffinhouse@hamilton.ca, www.hamilton.ca/museums

Crawford Lake’s Season of the Three Sisters: Come share in the discovery! Explore the reconstructed Iroquoian village and furnished longhouses from June 30 to September 28, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Enjoy self-guided native games, free craft making, a daily discovery hunt for kids and fascinating video presentations. Visit the silent waters of Crawford Lake as you stroll around the elevated boardwalk or hike one of our many trails in the beautiful surrounding woodlands. Visit www.conservationhalton.on.ca

Darwin at the ROM: The Royal Ontario Museum’s exhibit is the most in-depth ever mounted on Charles Darwin, the man whose theory of evolution changed everything. Until August 4 at the Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. Visit www.rom.on.ca or call 416-586-8000.

Day Out With Thomas 2008: The Great Discovery Tour: Peep! Peep! Thomas the Tank Engine is set to roll into St. Thomas on July 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, 27, hosted by the Elgin County Railway Museum, at the St. Thomas – Elgin Memorial Centre. 80 Wilson Ave. Themed entertainment for the entire family, including: a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine; meet Sir Topham Hatt; Thomas & Friends Imagination Station; featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, arts and crafts, storytelling, video viewing and live music. For tickets call toll-free 866-468-7630 or log onto www.ticketweb.com/thomas  For information contact the Museum at 519 637-6284 or www.ecrm5700.org.

Discover Science: This free Saturday program at The Waterfront at Downtown Burlington runs from11a.m. -12noon. Registration is required.  To register, residents may sign up at City Hall, Tansley Woods or by visiting RecExpress at www.burlington.ca  (if you have RecExpress access).   For more information call 905-335-7725.  Program space is limited.

 FACING MARS: Would you survive the journey? The Ontario Science Centre’s new exhibition takes visitors on an inspiring personal and practical voyage of discovery. In one visit, participants will be able to become an astronaut-in-training, a planetary geologist or a spacecraft technician through this new interactive exhibition that focuses on the real-life obstacles of sending humans to Mars. Until January 4, 2009. For further information and hours visit, www.ontariosciencecentre.ca.

Free Flicks: At Harbourfront Centre’s Sirius Stage, moviegoers can enjoy an evening of specially selected films at Harbourfront Centre’s lakefront venue.  Beginning July 8 until August 12, each Tuesday at 9 p.m. this summer visitors can sit back, relax and take in a movie on the big outdoor screen. For more information call 416-973-4000, or visit harbourfrontcentre.com.

Harbourfront Centre Camps: These camps offer interactive activities that stimulate the imagination of campers in a safe, supervised environment. This year there are 35 full-day returning and new camps for ages 3 to 17. Fees for one, two or four week camp session range from $170 to $695. To register or for information visit harbourfrontcentre.com/camps call 416-973-4093.

Kids’ Day - Métis Arts Festival: Children can join in on fun and educational activities at Black Creek Pioneer Village including Aboriginal games, traditional beading, looking at artifacts, learning to Métis jig/dancing and a special concert in the Event Pavilion at 1 p.m. on Friday.From Juy 11 to 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, www.blackcreek. or call 416-736-1733.

Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children - Peer support groups for children, teens and their families grieving the death of a parent or sibling. For information call 905-337-2333 or email lighthouseprogram@bellnet.ca. Visit www.grievingchildrenlighthouse.org

Movies for Mommies: Couples can enjoy a movie, with all the comforts available to allow them to easily care for their baby. Movies for Mommies can also be a great way for new parents to get out on their own. Having a new baby can be isolating and this is a great way to spend an afternoon, seeing a current movie on the big screen. Oakville is screening every Thursday. The doors open at 1 p.m. at Encore Cinemas - Mews, 71 Speers Rd Oakville. The screenings include special door prizes and give-aways. Admission is $8.50 Visit www.moviesformommies.com.

Oakville Galleries Summer Camps: This summer at Oakville Galleries there are fun and unique art-related activities for children and teens ages 6 to 14 in both official languages. Youth experience art and visual culture in the picturesque lakeside setting of Gairloch Gardens.  Each programme balances indoor and outdoor art-making and recreational activities. To register call 905-844 – 4402, Tuesday – Sunday between 1 & 5 p.m. For information call 905-844 4402, ext 23 or email shaun@oakvillegalleries.com

On Pointe: The Rise of the Ballet Slipper: Features artifacts drawn from the Bata Shoe Museum’s private collection as well as historical and contemporary examples on loan from The Shoe Room, the principal supplier of pointe shoes in Canada. Produced in collaboration with Canada's National Ballet School, the exhibit includes ballet shoes worn by the famous, including Karen Kain, Margot Fonteyn, Carla Fracci and Rudolf Nureyev. On view at the Bata Shoe Museum located at 327 Bloor Street West at St. George until September 28. Visit www.batashoemuseum.ca or www.nbs-enb.ca

Picnic in the Park, All Summer Long: On Wednesdays (July 2-30) bring your lunch and enjoy the garden and all you can drink tea or lemonade while listening to live music at Whitehern Historic House & Garden. Limited tables and chairs will be provided. From 12 noon- 2 p.m. Cost: $1 for all you can drink lemonade. Regular admission rates apply to the museum. Contact: 905-546-2018, whitehern@hamilton.ca, www.hamilton.ca/museums

Saturday Shenanigans: Family Fun at the Bata Shoe Museum: For children age 3 to 9. With a different theme every month, Saturday Shenanigans is offered from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Drop in at Bata Shoe Museum 327 Bloor Street West (at St. George) Included in Museum admission. For info visit www.batashoemuseum.ca

The Fringe Theatre Festival: Toronto’s 10-day festival on independent, unjuried theatre includes a Kid’s Venue at the Palmerston Library Theatre in downtown Toronto from July 4- 15. Features 8 shows for children and their families. Kids tickets $5. Visit www.fringetoronto.com for program.

Toronto Argonauts Training Camp: Argos players and coaches practice on the field almost every day, for more than two weeks beginning June 1, in preparation for the opening of the regular season on June 28 at Rogers Centre. Fans and families are welcome to watch from the sidelines and meet their favourite players following practices. Free. Held at the University of Toronto, Mississauga Erindale Campus, 3359 Mississauga Rd. N. on the north field from 9 - 11 a.m. & 2:30- 5 p.m. Families can park in lot P2, parking is metered. Practice times are updated daily at argonauts.ca

Ways of the Woods Daycamp 2008: A traditional outdoor day camp for children ages 6 to 14 at the Mountsberg Conservation Area. For more than 20 years, Ways of the Woods day camp has been offering high quality, traditional outdoor day camp experiences for children and youth. Operated by Conservation Halton, Ways of the Woods takes advantage of all of the best natural features in the Conservation Halton park lands. An accredited member of the Ontario Camping Association, Ways of the Woods strives to provide the very best services and experiences for our campers and camp families. Register online at www.conservationhalton.on.ca

Science and Nature

Crawford Lake Conservation Area: Spectacular hiking and cross-country ski trails, a visitor centre with gift shop, café, theatre, picnic tables and a reconstructed Iroquoian village amid the unique environment Niagara escarpment. Located at Steeles Avenue and Guelph Line, 5 km. south of Highway 401 and 15 km. north of the Q.E.W. Admission A$6, C (5-14) $3.50, 4 and under free. Call 905-854-0234.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area: Halton’s largest conservation area includes a waterfall that cascades over the Niagara Escarpment and 16 km. of trails. Call 905-854-0262.

Kelso Conservation Area: An escarpment park offering spectacular views by hiking or biking. Home to the Glen Eden Ski and Snowboard Centre and the Halton Museum. Located just off Hwy 401, at 5234 Kelso Rd. in Milton. Call 905-878-1147.

Mountsberg Conservation Area: 16 km of trails for hiking or biking, a children’s playbarn, visitor centre, farm animals, a bird of prey education centre with weekend demonstrations, and a 500 acre lake. Admission: A$4.50; C$3.25; 4 and under free. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Located at 2259 Milborough Line, just off Hwy 401 west of Campbellville. Call 905-854-2276 or visit www.conservationhalton.on.ca.