About the author: How it all started!

First, I lost my babysitter...
When I suddenly lost my babysitter, my son was two. I chose to quit my job in communication at TFO (the French side of TVO) and started to explore the Greater Toronto Area, kid in tow. 

Having just moved to Toronto from Montreal three years ago, I still had a tourist mentality and was thrilled to discover so many fun things to do and see  with my son.

I soon realized that all the Toronto guides were written for tourists, not really useful for local parents. My marketing background kicked in (I've got an MBA in marketing from McGill University). I decided to fill the need for a guide for local parents and launched into a major exploration of Toronto and its surroundings. My daughter was born 4 years later and joined the club.

The resulting guide, Toronto Fun Places... for families, was self-published under Word-of-Mouth Production. It is currently in its 5th edition and has sold over 40,000 copies in the GTA. (I now hook up with moms of younger children to continue my research.)

It was followed by two guides Toronto Urban Strolls... for girlfriends 1 & 2. But that's another story.

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Tell-all sign

These are the feet of...

... a summer camper!

When my friend's son took off his shoes to hop on the paddle boat (which we had rented at Chinguacousy Park last weekend), it was quite a sight! I realized that these were the feet of a camper. With a kind of tan we did not see often at the cottage of my childhood where most kids spent the day barefoot.

Chinguacousy Park: Family outing for weekends of September 8 and 15

This week, I went to check out what millions of dollars injected into a municipal park can do. Turns out... a lot!!! Weather permitting, it will be open until mid-September.

Chinguacousy Park in Brampton used to have a little water section with a fee. It now offers a grandiose top of the line splash pad and it's free. Check out the photos. The whole park has changed A LOT!

We also did a paddle boat ride (approx. $5 for two-seater fro 30 minutes, plenty of time to enjoy the two ponds). And one of us (not me!) brought a skateboard to try the new skate park, another fab addition to this great park, also free. You can also see some animals and take a $3 ride on a small motorized train.

To get there, from Hwy 401, take Hwy 410 north, exit at Queen Street East in Brampton and turn left at Bramalea Road.

Huge splash pad at Petticoat Creek Pickering (and a cliff trail)

Last weekend, I revisited Petticoat Creek C.A. in Pickering to have a look at their new pool and splash section before it closes for the season (September 3). I also took the time to explore the surroundings and found out the park includes a fantastic cliff trail.

Last time I was there was probably 15 years ago! Gone is the huge wading pool of my kids' childhood (but don't cry, you can still enjoy the one in Bronte Creek Provincial Park).

It's been replaced by three very big wading pools (which I'm sure feel like three big lakes to explore from a toddler's point of view) and a shallow pool with one beach-like access. Next to these four pools, they've added a huge splash pad, not unlike any good splash pad you'd find in a municipal park but bigger (which must look like a "rain forest" to the young kids).

With older kids, I suggest you explore the cliff trail before heading to the pool. As you walk towards the lake from the parking lot, you'll meet the paved bike trail. To your left, you'll notice a dirt trail getting closer to the edge. Follow it to access a gorgeous trail under the shadow of trees with great panorama overlooking... the Pickering Nuclear Generating Centre. It reaches the paved trail again further east.

If you walk 30-minutes (2 kms) eastbound, you'll reach the secluded and great beach of Frenchman's Bay Park.

We were there on a gorgeous Saturday and there was plenty of FREE parking spaces in a parking lot off Beachpoint Promenade just before the beach as well as along the dirt road between the bay and the lake. Next time, we will park there, do the cliff trail, grab an ice cream cone at the truck in front of the pool area in Petticoat Creek, and return for a dip into the lake. (A sign specifies the waters are not to be trusted within two days following a rainfall.)

Information
• You have UNTIL SEPTEMBER 3 to enjoy the water attraction. The park itself is open until October 8, 2012.
• The park admission is $6.50/adults, $5.50/seniors and it's free for kids 15 years and under. Pool access is $4.75 per person ($2.75 if you're a TRCA Parks member) and it's free for kids 2 years and under.
• To get to Frenchman's Bay Park, follow Petticoat Creek's cliff trail eastbound. You'll come across a steal bridge which runs over the stream of Petticoat Creek. Then walk through the private trail at the foot of Marksbury Road (everybody does) and take the first street on your right out of the private trail (called Beachpoint Promenade). You'll see many entrances to the beach. Parking spaces are at the end of this road.

Beachway Park: Family outing for August 20-26

Feeling guilty because the summer is winding down and you haven't found the time to take the kids to the beach? The family outing suggestion this week on torontofunplaces.com is the long beach with narrow water of Beachway Park in Burlington.

Wild Waterworks: Family outing for end of July

This week, on www.torontofunplaces.com, I recommend a visit to Wild Waterworks in Hamilton, taking advantage of the reduced rates after 4 pm. One visit to the waterpark is what makes summer!

8 TIPS: Toronto Islands with teenagers (also good for girlfriends)

Toronto Islands with teenagers 

Here's the outing I'd recommend if you're visiting Toronto Islands with kids.

My TIPS for a great visit with TEENAGERS

1) Check the Centre Island ferry schedule and arrive at the ferry docks (at the foot of Bay Street) 45 minutes prior to departure, with snacks and water. Note the schedule for your ride back at WARD's DOCK!!!

2) Walk straight to the south shore of the Islands (Centre Island Beach), past the bridge and the fountains to get to the Bike Rental outlet. And treat your teens with the rental of a quadracycle (2-seat or 4-seat) for an hour. (Don't hop on with them, rent yourself a normal bike.) Meet in an hour at the outlet. It was totally worth the $17/hour cost, according to my 15-year old companions. BRING CASH for the rental ($30 deposit).

3) They won't be too keen on the 20-min walk along the boardwalk towards Ward's Island (east of the rental outlet) but they'll appreciate what comes next (and so will you).

4) Have lunch at the Rectory Café just off the boardwalk. Their patio is a real treat. Their $15 burgers are scrumptious. (Their cocktail list is impressive, I had a natural Ginger Ale and vodka cocktail.)

5) Have a swim at Ward's Beach. I prefer Gibraltar Beach, west of Centre Island Beach, but Ward's Beach is the youth's hub.

6) Head north towards Ward's dock and check one of the carless street east of the park. What a feeling!
7) Have an ice-cream at the very funky Island Café (you can see it from Ward's dock).

8) Catch a ride back to Toronto on the Ward's ferry, seriously less busy than Centre Island's.

If your teens are not starving by the time you reach the Rectory Café, go straight to the beach for a swim and eat later at the Island Café, offering less expensive and still yummy options.

Also read 5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with younger kids

Also read 5 TIPS: Toronto islands with older kids

5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with older kids

Toronto Islands with older kids
This is what I would recommend if you're visiting this attraction with kids 7 years and older.

My TIPS for a great visit with OLDER KIDS

1) Check the Centre Island ferry schedule and arrive at the ferry docks (at the foot of Bay Street) 45 minutes prior to departure, with snacks and water (and maybe chalks for them to draw on the pavement while they wait). DON'T FORGET TO NOTE THE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR RIDE BACK!

2) If your family has the inclination, bring everyone's bike, with locks. There are no cars on Toronto Islands! It's cyclists haven! Then, it doesn't matter on which ferry you hop on.

3) Try to catch the Lagoon Theatre play on your way in or out of your visit to Centre Island. (Their 30-min. play is great for 3-12 years old with double-entendre for the adults (2013 update: performed by Frolick Wednesday to Sunday at 11:15, 12:15, 1:15 and 2:20 until September 2); with potential shows later on the weekends. Bring cash, its pay-what-you-can, suggested admission price of $10 but they're cool about it.) 

4) Walk straight to the other end of Centre Island, past the fountains, and turn right to reach Gibraltar Beach (skip busy centre Island Beach). You'll find many beach entrances walking 10-15 minutes along the paved path. The sand is fantastic! There are less people. It feels like the ocean.

5) At the end of the day, you must check the weird contraption of the Synthecycletron by Barry Prophet, an interactive machine generating noise as you ride it. it is part of the New Adventures in Sound Art. You'll find it on your left if you walk east, past the bike rental place near Centre Island Beach.

Note that the Carousel Café by the large bridge is pretty, with a large patio overlooking the canal, and it offers a vast menu, not too expensive (I'd make two kids share a club sandwich). 

When my companions walked by the hilarious large character by the entrance of the Lagoon Theatre, he called them: "Come closer! I want to smell your conditioner!"

Also read 5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with younger kids

Also read 8 TIPS: Toronto Islands with teenagers

5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with younger kids

Toronto Islands with younger kids
Last time I visited Toronto Islands, it had been a while since my last summer visit. I was impressed!!!

There were more people than when my kids were young, but everything was really well organized to maximize everyone's experience to the Islands.

I was with two teens (I will later post tips to better enjoy the place with teens) but had a good look at what would appeal to me, were I to return with younger kids.

My TIPS for a great visit WITH YOUNG KIDS:

1) Prior to your visit, go online to buy Centreville Amusement Park tickets (you save money and will avoid the crowd at the gate. It is absolutely perfect for kids 8 years and under.
2) Check the Centre Island ferry schedule and arrive at the ferry docks (at the foot of Bay Street) 45 minutes prior to departure, with snacks and water (and maybe chalks so the kids can draw on the asphalt while you wait). DON'T FORGET TO NOTE THE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR RIDE BACK!
3) Bring cash to pay for the ferry ride! (Last time I checked, it was cash only.)
4) Once on the other side, go directly to the amusement park, a short walk off the Centre Island dock.

5) When the kids are ready to cool down, go to the great spray pad outside of the amusement park. To reach it, cross the big bridge to your left as you exit of the amusement park. Walk until you reach the fountains on each side of the alley, and go to your right. The spray pad is hidden from the sight because of the trees but it's there! And it is very pretty.

Of the ferry, you'll see signs (and probably some of their wacky characters) for the Lagoon Theatre 30-minute pay-what-you-can performances. I'd save this attraction for kids 7 and older, simply because the amusement park and the spray pad is already a full plate for younger kids but the show is suitable for 3 to 12 years old.

On the way to the amusement park, you might also catch one of the 10 Minute Drum Circle (when we visited, they offered free playshops and they supply the drums, not sure it's still going on).

Also read 5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with older kids
Also read 8 TIPS: Toronto Islands with teenagers

Summer camp: getting out of our kids' way

On my way to the car, after helping my 15-year old and her friend with their luggages to their summer camp dorm at the Zoo Camp, in Jungle Cat World, Orono, I heard a mom trying to sound detached as she said "OK, bye", to her son, who didn't even look back. She couldn't resist adding a feeble "Have fun!", to no avail.

Our eyes met, and a moment of instant connection, which often happens between mothers, took place. With a smile, the teary-eyed mom (who felt she had a good audience) launched in a tirade about how you make all the search for the perfect camp, pay the big bucks, spend the week preparing everything on the camp's list, drive them, to watch our ungrateful offspring turn their back on us without even a goodbye.

She then said, nodding toward her younger daughter: "I'm gonna head home and hug this one."
Makes you forget why you so badly wanted them to go to camp in the first place, doesn't it?

The reality is, whatever their attitude is prior to camp, they will have a chance to live something out of their ordinary. Something our daily routine could not provide.

To help parents who are a bit anxious about the whole experience, read the great articles by Joanne Kates. Yes, the Joanne Kates who was the food critic for the GLobe for all these years. She's also been the director of Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park since 1989 and she knows a thing or two about camp life and how to help the parents.

Read her articles: Battling the bullies: How I helped curb bullying at my childhood camp and How to cure the homesick summer camper

Check this link for photos of the drop off at Jungle Cat World's Zoo Camp in Orono, from my French version of this blog.

Toronto Islands: Family outing for July 23-29

The outing of the week as of July 23 featured on my website is Toronto Islands.

This weekend, I did the unthinkable: I decided to take two teens to Toronto Islands... at 1 p.m., on a Saturday, on a bright summer day.

Well, the wait wasn't so bad, 30 minutes. We reached Centre island, walked to Centre island Beach, rented a 2-seater quadricycle, checked Gibraltar Beach, walked to Ward's Island, had a bite at the Rectory Café, a dip at Ward's Beach and an ice cream at the super cool Island Café before catching the Ward's ferry. All in all, six hours of great summer fun.

Cobourg Beach: Family outing for July 16-22

Every week on my website, I select a family outing of the week for my website torontofunplaces.com.

This week, I chose Cobourg Beach. Enjoy! And don't forget the beach toys! (By the way, it's a good time to empty your cupboards of all the lidless tupperware containers. They will help create great castles.)

Money saving tips for summer trips

Happy campers
The Globe & Mail has a Saving Money section in which it recently published tips to same money on a summer trip.

As I searched for a link to the article, I came across the online questionnaire they use to gather information. The article was a summary of the 23 comments they got from experienced parents. Check it out! It seems like camping is a favourite.

If you're new at camping, I recommend you try Oastler Lake Provincial Park near Parry Sound. The 3-hour ride from Toronto is very pretty in its last third. The park is small and easy to manage for young families (preferably with kids 5 years and older).

Professor's Lake in Brampton: Family outing of the week for end of June

This week's family fun suggestion on torontofunplaces.com: Professor's Lake in Brampton

Why I don't do ratings

I don't do ratings
I just read a review (good review) recently posted on amazon.ca about my guide Toronto Fun Places... for families. In it, the reviewer comments that ratings would have been nice.

I wanted to give some ratings at the beginning. But as I got further into the research for the first edition, dragging along friends and families, I came to realize that some outings I would have rated very high, considering my son's enthusiasm for the place, were not a big hit with some other kids. For example, when we visited an indoor rock climbing place, my son's experience (an outgoing little guy) was totally different from his best friend's, who was really shy and hated having all eyes glued on him as he was trying to reach the bell at the top of the climb. How do you rate this?

It made me realize that ratings are quite arbitrary and that it could actually mislead parents. I chose instead to describe the places in my guides in such a way that parents could figure out if it's suitable for their own children.

I'm hoping parents will add their own ratings to my descriptions in my new website torontofunplaces.com!

The ABC of strolling

Love letters
Two weeks ago, I noticed a large ornate letter "R" painted on the sidewalk in front of Red Rocket Coffee (1364 Danforth). I asked the owner if he had hired someone to do this.

Turns out an artist, Victor Fraser, has taken on him to paint the alphabet over 2 kms along the north side of Danforth, between Woodycrest and Woodmount Avenues. He calls them "Love Letters", hence the little hearts on some of the letters. According to the artist, the painted letters should last at least a year.

Here's your chance to take the kids on a fun I-Spy game which will make them walk 5-K without even realizing it as you walk your way up and down the alphabet.

Letter "A" sits in front of Magic Oven (798 Danforth) and you'll find "X" by Wheels and Wings Hobbies (1880 Danforth), with all the other letters in between. (I could not find "Y" and "Z" beyond Woodmount.)

To complement the alphabet theme, don't miss the Alphabet Mural at the south corner of Danforth and Monarch Park Avenue, by Patisserie Cigogne (1419 Danforth).

At 3 Woodmount, just north of Danforth past the letter "X", is a favourite among the locals: Carter's Ice Cream. Just south of Danforth, you'll find East Lynn Park, the cutest little park nested in a pit, with original playground structure and a lovely wading pool.

If the kids are too tired to stroll back to your starting point, Woodbine Subway Station is a short walk west of the park, just north of Danforth on Woodbine.