Perfect timing for Franklin Children's Garden

Another gem on Toronto Islands

The young kids I've visited Toronto Islands with were always so content with Centreville Amusement Park that I never could drag them beyond. A few weeks ago, I finally had the chance to visit Franklin Children's Garden and I loved it!

As it turns out, Friday and Saturday August 16 & 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be a very good time to visit the place thanks to the first Teddy Bear Picnic to be held at Centreville Amusement Park. Following free activities at the amusement park (you still need to pay if you want to do the rides), Franklin and Beasley Bear will lead a parade over to the Children's Garden for storytelling and giveaways.

To Franklin Children's Garden
To get to the Garden, you have to walk past Centreville Amusement Park (near Centre Island ferry) and cross the bridge to go towards the fountains. To your right, you will eventually notice the cute splash pad (beyond the reflecting pool with fountains). 

I suggest you walk by it and reach the lovely entrance to the Children's Garden further west (promising the kids you'll return to enjoy the water fun once you've explored the Garden).

The site is peppered with bronze statues of characters from Franklin the Turtle (Kids Can Press beloved books for 6 to 7-year-old readers). They're part of the decor, enjoying the place as we do. Expect Franklin, Bear, Rabbit, a goose, a snail and a beaver.

 

 

I was impressed by the attention to landscaping and detail. The microcosm of Franklin Children's Garden encompasses a pine grove, a storytelling stage, a wetland with turtles, frogs and birds, a treehouse, a vine tunnel, the elevated Unilever Snail Trail and a cute hands-on gardening section (offering craft activities and watering opportunities daily from 1 to 5 p.m.). 

Kids 8 years and under were having a ball when I visited. The treehouse was very popular, and so was the elevated trail, from which we can see the beach. 

Water fun
Centre Beach, the beach just south of the Garden, is protected from the waves by a wall and perfect for young kids. Gibraltar Beach, less than 5 minutes west, on the right, is more secluded and, on a windy day, offers fun waves bigger kids will appreciate.

The pretty splash pad is located right by the playground structure just east of the Garden.

Facing Centre Beach

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Cool playgrounds: Jamie Bell Adventure Park in High Park

Firing up imaginations

By the entrance of the large playground with wooden castle structure in Jamie Bell Adventure Park, in High Park, you'll see Arthur's sword in a stone! 

It was added by Mike Holmes after the popular contractor volunteered to restore the burned section of the beloved wooden castle in 2012.

Almost time to see the cherry trees in full bloom. Check this blog. (From the playground, walk through the little zoo to Grenadier Pond and go down the cherry tree lane by Grenadier Pond.)

More about the playground on www.torontofunplaces.com.

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Mike Holmes was here: Jamie Bell Playground

This week, I had the chance to see for myself the section of Jamie Bell Adventure Playground Mike Holmes rebuilt this summer, following an act of vandalism which burned part of the great wooden castle originally on the premises. The community pitched in money. The man delivered. Great job! (See the clip and article published in the Toronto Sun). 

Holmes is the star of Holmes on Homes, a series on construction. Of course, his work on Jamie Bell Playground was filmed to be shown on TV later on. Of course, it's good publicity for him. First thing you notice upon arrival is the large boulder with his logo on it (not there before).

But you've got to love the guy! He turned this boulder into something magical by adding... a sword in the stone! Bring on your camera for a great shot of your little Arthur trying to extract Excalibur from the rock.

The wood of the new castle hasn't darken yet but it blends nicely with the remaining old structure. It offers plenty of nooks and crannies and multi levels giving the impression of being in a labyrinth. 

Once again, the community can be very proud of what it has achieved in tis part of town.

Note that there are still animals in the High Park Zoo along Deer Pen Road, nearby. The little train is not in function at this time of the year but Grenadier Restaurant is open.

(You might want to read my related blog Fun walk in High Park.)