Attractions & things to do for the kids in your life

"Happiness is a fishing trip with your dad!" – Student from École publique Le Caron, Penetanguishene

I was in a French school this Friday and saw this in a display of quotes by the students saying what happiness is to them. This one really caught my attention! Which reminds me that Burd's Family Fishing is a fantastic place to get a first fishing expetience! Everyne is sure to catch someting... and they clean the fish for FREE! (a major plus, if you know what I mean!)

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To each culture its own crèche!

I was so glad to see that the Crèches from Across the World exhibit organized by St. James Cathedral is once again offered to the general public. It was cancelled for a few years while they were constructing the new St. James Cathedral Centre. The event is set in the Nancy Mallett Archives and Museum room. The small space doesn't allow for as many crèches as before but it still can hold nearly 50 crèches.

The Museum features a few historical artifacts, such as this bell from the top of the school which opened on the current site of the Parish House in 1851.

The event includes a collection of Nativity books, a Treasure Hunt list and some colouring sheets.

Following your visit it is worth visiting St. James Cathedral to admire its stained glass.

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Allan Gardens by night

Following our visit to Allan Gardens Conservatory to admire the displays of their Christmas Flower Show, we went on the west side of the building to see if the new playground was lit enough for kids to play. It is, and will apparently bring the child in almost everyone!

My young adults (age 18 and 22) with their 24-year-old cousin ran straight to the merry-go-round... and pretty much tried everything else in the next half-hour.

My oldest, who has accompanied me to most Toronto playgrounds when helping in his time with the research for Toronto Fun Places, has declared it the best playground in Toronto (my own personal favourite is Jamie Bell Adventure in High Park). He was lamenting that this playground did not exist when he was attending the College français, the French high school nearby. (Outdoor playgrounds are very popular with teeangers... when adults are not around.)

Lovely mural at Bleecker and Carlton (one block east of Allan Gardens). We found street parking on Bleecker.

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Allan Gardens is looking very, very good!

I think the Christmas Flower Show 2015 currently presented at Allan Gardens Conservatory is my favourite so far. The flower sculptures are lovely. Considering the very mild weather so far, I must say it cracked me up to see a guy on a toboggan surrounded by tropical plants.

This year, as a bonus, the large greenhouse to the left of the entrance hosts many cute life-size (fake) birds and shiny eggs in nests. They inspired me to do an I-SPY game for you to print and play with your kids on your next visit. The Christmas display is on until January 10 (including on December 25 and January 1st), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

They also offer candlelight nights until 7 p.m. on December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, hence the glass lanterns all over the place. Can't wait to see this!

 I forgot to say: there's also a little train circling around a tree.

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The Christmas Flower Show 2015 at Allan Gardens (from December 6 to January 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. + candlelight nights until 7 p.m. on December 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27!

Allan Gardens Conservatory is one of the few attractions in Toronto which are open on December 25th and January 1st. And it's FREE! The Christmas Flower Show 2015 is beautiful, and my favourite so far. Not only does it feature whimsical flower sculptures, it also includes many fake little birds made out of real feathers, and shiny eggs in nests. Kids will love playing this I-SPY game in the large greenhouse to the left of the entrance.

Drag this game on your desktop and print before leaving home. Don't tell your children about the birds. Only give them the game once they've spotted a few birds!

You liked this game?
Please

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