If you get a hold of the last issue of The Grid, keep it as a souvenir! Toronto's best free weekly (proclaimed World's best designed newspaper by the Society for News Design in 2011, 2012 and 2013) has just folded after 3 years and this is their very last issue. It was my favourite free newspaper of all time, and they chose to end with a whimsical A to Z Kids Guide to Summer.
Following are the suggestions in The Grid's A to Z guide which most caught my attention and why.
My 5 favourite picks from The Grid A to Z Kids Guide to Summer (July 3rd, 2014 issue):
A for Alice Through the Looking-Glass: We went to Stratford with my oldest a while ago. We stayed one night in a hotel, saw a play and strolled around Stratford. It was a very pleasant family getaway. This summer, Alice Through the Looking-Glass, recommended for age 6 and up, seems like the perfect choice for families, but there are more options.
I for Island time: I so agree! A visit to Toronto Islands is a must in the summer. Read my tips on how to get the most out of a family visit to Toronto Islands, depending on the age group.
L for Leslie Stret Spit: A Butterfly Festival on Leslie Spit? Count me in! The festival, which is actually taking place on Tommy Thompson Park within Leslie Spit, is on August 23. Note that you'll need to pre-register if you want to take advantage of the free guided walks. As I'm writing this post (on July 5, 2014), their website is still showing last year's information, indicating the walks are sold out, but it refers to last year's walks! You'll need to return to see when 2014 registraton is open.
P for Planet: I did not know about the Walkable Planets self-guided tour (part of Jane's Walks). What a fantastic idea! The 2-km stroll maps out the relative distance between the planets in our solar system, from the Sun sign at Christie Pits to Neptune sign in Trinity-Bellwoods Park. I'll try it and will write a post about it as soon as I can. Earth can be found at the entrance of Bickford Park off Grace Street.
S for Sprouts: It's the perfect activity for rainy days with children 6 years and under. I've got to visit this facility including a 3,000 sq.ft indoor playground with drop-in time from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (located in Leslieville at 183 Carlaw Avenue just north of Queen east). Note that Sprouts offer a first visit FREE for each new visitors but you'll need to buy a pass for 6 visits (sold $60) afterward or pay a monthly fee to enjoy the drop-in playground. (By the way, a 3-minute walk from Sprouts is one of the best place for gelato and ice cream in Toronto Ed's Scoop, at 920 Queen, west of Carlaw). Talk about a cool combo!
While we're at it, you might want to check my own A to Z guide to DIY crafts for kids (a series of Pinterest boards each featuring a specific craft material). It could come handy on the summer rainy days.
Enjoy!
(Click here to get The Grid's full article.)
________________________________________________________
