You’re Invited: Family Day Activities in Toronto Feb.20, 2012

Toronto (Ontario, Canada) invites you to enjoy Family Day as part of Toronto’s Family FUNdays which were launched this winter.

Did you know that Family FUNdays…..?

include P.A. Day Fridays (with the exception of Gibson House), Family Sundays (up to March 4) as well as the official Family Day holiday

require Toronto museums to provide tours and activities for children and their families

admission is pay-what-you-can (except P.A. day camps at Scarborough Museum)

For Monday, February 20, 2012, here is a list of FREE activities, Pay-What-You-Can events, and even doubling ticket times for certain sports:

FREE

Skating
- Weather permitting, outdoor rinks are open for public skating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with scheduled times for leisure skating.
- CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for children under six years of age, and are recommended for skaters of all ages.
- Please click here for Family Day schedules for outdoor rinks and select indoor rinks
- Contact for info by calling 311.

Shinny hockey
- Supervised shinny hockey is available free of charge for a variety of ages and skill levels
- Some programs are gender-specific
- Please click here for Family Day schedules
- Contact for info by calling 311
- CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for all shinny hockey participants
  - Full face masks are also mandatory for all participants under the age of 19
  - Neck and mouth guards are strongly recommended as well as other protective equipment
  - Participants must have their own gloves and stick

Riverdale Farm
- This Family Day, residents are encouraged to visit the cows, horses, donkey, sheep, goats, geese, rabbits and farm cats at Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.).
- Families can also play board games, enjoy a sewing craft with the Cabbagetown Quilters Guild, or visit the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum.
- Hot chocolate and other treats will also be available.
- Drop-in activities run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
- The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5.p.m.
- Admission and programs are free.
- For more information, call 416-392-6794 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

High Park Zoo
- Located on Deer Pen Road, the High Park Zoo offers visitors an opportunity to see both domestic and exotic animals including bison, llamas, peacocks, deer, highland cattle and sheep.
- The zoo is open daily year round to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk.
- For more information, call 311 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

Discover the Shared Path
- The Shared Path, which is the newest of the Discovery Walks, includes 15 kilometres of trails through a series of park areas along the banks of the Humber River.
- Visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm.
- The Discovery Walks program is a series of 10 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods. Ranging from 1.5 to 18 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features, and cultural and historical attractions.
- Maps are available to download at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm.

Pay-What-You-Can: City Museums and Historic Sites

Colborne Lodge (11 Colborne Lodge Dr., just north of The Queensway)
- Families can learn whether or not British soldiers fell through the ice on Grenadier Pond during the Battle of York in 1813, as well as other connections to the War of 1812 and High Park.
- For children, shakos (soldier’s hats) will be available for purchase.
- Family Day opening hours: noon to 4 p.m. (tours at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:15 p.m.)

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Bld.)
- Children can try an authentic War of 1812 soldiers’ drill, learn how officers trained with the sword and experience a game that the soldiers’ children might have played during that time.
- Families can take a tour of the site, including the Officers’ Mess and 1826 kitchen.
- Hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire will also be on offer.
- Family Day opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with activities scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gibson House (5172 Yonge St., north of the North York Centre Subway station)
- Gibson House is located behind the construction site.
- Take the laneway north of the construction to get to the museum)
- Visitors to Gibson House will be able to listen to fascinating stories about the family that helped found the town of York.
- Children are also invited to help prepare traditional 1850s treats and hot cider will be available in the historic kitchen.
- Family Day opening hours: noon to 5 p.m.

Mackenzie House (82 Bond St.)
- In celebration of Black History Month, visitors to Mackenzie House this Family Day will have the opportunity to learn about the early Black community in Toronto, including its newspaper publishers.
- Visitors will also be able to print a souvenir copy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, in a re-created 1850s printshop.
- Family Day opening hours: noon to 5 p.m.

Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W. at Islington Avenue)
- For Family Day, Montgomery’s Inn will hold an Irish Ceilidh (a traditional Gaelic social gathering) from 1 to 5 p.m.
- Learn Irish dancing by Maureen O’Leary of Maureen’s Reel Irish Dancing.
- The lesson will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a dance at 4 p.m.
- Visitors will also be given the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Irish treats.
- Resident storyteller Nan Brien will share stories that will also feature puppetry at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
- Family Day opening hours: 1 to 5 p.m.
- No pre-registration required.

Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd., north of Lawrence Avenue in Thomson Memorial Park)
- This Family Day, visit the Scarborough Museum for fun activities for the whole family.
- Activities include pioneer crafts, snow painting, scavenger hunts and woodstove baking.
- Hot chocolate will also be available.
- Family Day opening hours: noon to 4 p.m.

Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens (285 Spadina Rd next door to Casa Loma)
- Families are invited to discover the Austin family through a tour and a scavenger hunt at the Spadina Museum this Family Day.
- Decorate cupcakes in the museum’s historic 1930s kitchen.
- Family Day opening hours: noon to 5 p.m.

Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Rd)
- Todmorden Mills will present tours and visitors will be able to prepare traditional treats in the museum’s 19th century open hearth.
- Children will also be able to make homemade crafts.
- Family Day opening hours: noon to 4 p.m.

Doubling Ticket Times for Skiing and Snowboarding

On Family Day, the Toronto Ski and Snowboard Centres will be doubling ticket times to provide even better value.

Family Day snow pass rates are as follows:
- Adults (19-59)
  Two hours – $15
  Four hours – $19
  All day pass – $25
  - Age 18 and under and 60+
    Two hours – $12
    Four hours – $15
    All day pass – $22

Regular rental rates apply.

The use of a recognized ski or snowboard helmet for all participants is strongly recommended.

For information about the Toronto Ski and Snowboard Centres, call 311 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/skiing.

What Toronto Facilities & Services are Open on Family Day?

The Toronto Ski & Snowboard Centres

will be open on Family Day from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre is located at 4169 Bathurst St., inside Earl Bales Park.
Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre is located at 256 Centennial Park Rd., inside Centennial Park.
both centres will be open for public skiing and snowboarding as well as offering “discovery” lessons learning how to ski and snowboard and private lessons.
Regularly scheduled lessons will not be running.

Swimming

Ten City-run indoor pools are open between 2 to 5 p.m.
Regular admission fees apply: child $1, adult $2 and family $5.
A list of locations is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/swimming

Toronto Zoo

will be open on Family Day
more information is available at http://www.torontozoo.com

All City Emergency Services

and 24-hour operations will continue to be provided

The TTC

will provide holiday service on most of its routes on February 20
more information is available at http://www.ttc.ca

What Toronto Facilities & Services Will Be Closed on Family Day?

City of Toronto offices

Municipal childcare centres

Toronto Public Library and all its local branches

City of Toronto Contact Info

Phone within Toronto city limits: 311

Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311)

TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca

If your matter is urgent, please call City of Toronto. They are open 24/7.

Always call 911 for emergencies.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

NEWS RELEASE

February 17, 2012

Family Day fun at the City of Toronto’s recreation and historic sites

The City of Toronto encourages local residents to make the most of Family Day on Monday, February 20 by taking advantage of the City’s attractions and recreational activities. Many recreation and heritage facilities will be open. Details follow.

Skating
Weather permitting, outdoor rinks are open for public skating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with scheduled times for leisure skating. CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for children under six years of age, and are recommended for skaters of all ages. Family Day schedules for outdoor rinks and select indoor rinks are available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311.

There is no charge for public skating at indoor or outdoor rinks.

Shinny hockey
Supervised shinny hockey is available free of charge for a variety of ages and skill levels. Some programs are gender-specific. Family Day schedules vary and can be found at http://www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311.

CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for all shinny hockey participants. Full face masks are also mandatory for all participants under the age of 19. Neck and mouth guards are strongly recommended as well as other protective equipment. Participants must have their own gloves and stick.

Swimming
Ten City-run indoor pools are open between 2 to 5 p.m. Regular admission fees apply: child $1, adult $2 and family $5. A list of locations is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/swimming

Skiing and Snowboarding
The Toronto Ski & Snowboard Centres will be open on Family Day from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre is located at 4169 Bathurst St., inside Earl Bales Park. The Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre is located at 256 Centennial Park Rd., inside Centennial Park.

Both centres will be open for public skiing and snowboarding as well as offering “discovery” lessons learning how to ski and snowboard and private lessons. Regularly scheduled lessons will not be running.

On Family Day, the Toronto Ski and Snowboard Centres will be doubling ticket times to provide even better value.

Family Day snow pass rates are as follows:

Age 18 and under and 60+
Two hours – $12
Four hours – $15
All day pass – $22

Adults (19-59)
Two hours – $15
Four hours – $19
All day pass – $25

Regular rental rates apply.

The use of a recognized ski or snowboard helmet for all participants is strongly recommended.

Note: Centennial has a beginner run that is serviced by a carpet lift. Lift ticket sales for the carpet lift are limited to reflect lower hill area capacity.

For information about the Toronto Ski and Snowboard Centres, call 311 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/skiing.

Riverdale Farm
This Family Day, residents are encouraged to visit the cows, horses, donkey, sheep, goats, geese, rabbits and farm cats at Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.).

Families can also play board games, enjoy a sewing craft with the Cabbagetown Quilters Guild, or visit the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. Hot chocolate and other treats will also be available.

Drop-in activities run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5.p.m. Admission and programs are free. For more information, call 416-392-6794 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

High Park Zoo
Located on Deer Pen Road, the High Park Zoo offers visitors an opportunity to see both domestic and exotic animals including bison, llamas, peacocks, deer, highland cattle and sheep. The zoo is open daily year round to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk. For more information, call 311 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

Discover the Shared Path
The Shared Path, which is the newest of the Discovery Walks, includes 15 kilometres of trails through a series of park areas along the banks of the Humber River. Visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm.

The Discovery Walks program is a series of 10 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods. Ranging from 1.5 to 18 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features, and cultural and historical attractions. Maps are available to download at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm.

City Museums and historic sites

Colborne Lodge (11 Colborne Lodge Dr., just north of The Queensway)
Families can learn whether or not British soldiers fell through the ice on Grenadier Pond during the Battle of York in 1813, as well as other connections to the War of 1812 and High Park. For children, shakos (soldier’s hats) will be available for purchase. Family Day opening hours: noon to 4 p.m. (tours at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:15 p.m.) Admission on Family Day: pay what you can. Regular opening hours: Friday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Bld.)
Children can try an authentic War of 1812 soldiers’ drill, learn how officers trained with the sword and experience a game that the soldiers’ children might have played during that time. Families can take a tour of the site, including the Officers’ Mess and 1826 kitchen. Hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire will also be on offer. Family Day opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with activities scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission on Family Day: pay what you can. Regular opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gibson House (5172 Yonge St., north of the North York Centre Subway station. Gibson House is located behind the construction site. Take the laneway north of the construction to get to the museum)
Visitors to Gibson House will be able to listen to fascinating stories about the family that helped found the town of York. Children are also invited to help prepare traditional 1850s treats and hot cider will be available in the historic kitchen. Family Day opening hours: noon to 5 p.m. Admission on Family Day: pay what you can. Regular opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Mackenzie House (82 Bond St.)
In celebration of Black History Month, visitors to Mackenzie House this Family Day will have the opportunity to learn about the early Black community in Toronto, including its newspaper publishers. Visitors will also be able to print a souvenir copy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, in a re-created 1850s printshop. Family Day opening hours: noon to 5 p.m. Admission on Family Day: pay what you can. Regular opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W. at Islington Avenue)
For Family Day, Montgomery’s Inn will hold an Irish Ceilidh (a traditional Gaelic social gathering) from 1 to 5 p.m. Learn Irish dancing by Maureen O’Leary of Maureen’s Reel Irish Dancing. The lesson will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a dance at 4 p.m. Visitors will also be given the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Irish treats. Resident storyteller Nan Brien will share stories that will also feature puppetry at 1:30 and 3 p.m. Family Day opening hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Admission on Family Day: pay what you can and no pre-registration required. Regular opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m

Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd., north of Lawrence Avenue in Thomson Memorial Park)
This Family Day, visit the Scarborough Museum for fun activities for the whole family. Activities include pioneer crafts, snow painting, scavenger hunts and woodstove baking. Hot chocolate will also be available. Family Day opening hours: noon to 4 p.m. Admission on Family Day: pay what you can. Regular opening hours: Tuesdays, noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday to Friday., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday., noon to 4 p.m.

Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens (285 Spadina Rd next door to Casa Loma)
Families are invited to discover the Austin family through a tour and a scavenger hunt at the Spadina Museum this Family Day. Decorate cupcakes in the museum’s historic 1930s kitchen. Family Day opening hours: noon to 5 p.m. Admission on Family Day: pay what you can. Regular opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Rd)
Todmorden Mills will present tours and visitors will be able to prepare traditional treats in the museum’s 19th century open hearth. Children will also be able to make homemade crafts. Family Day opening hours: noon to 4 p.m. Admission on Family Day: pay what you can.

City of Toronto Museums accept group bookings seven days a week- morning, afternoon, and evening all year round.

There are more opportunities to enjoy an afternoon with your family at the City of Toronto Museums. Launching this winter are Family FUNdays. They include P.A. Days (with the exception of Gibson House), Sundays (up to March 4) as well as the official Family Day holiday. On these occasions the museums provide tours and activities for children and their families. Admission is pay what you can (except P.A. day camps at Scarborough Museum). More information is available at www.toronto.ca/fundays.

Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo will be open on Family Day. More information is available at http://www.torontozoo.com.

Other municipal services and facilities
City of Toronto offices will be closed on Family Day. All City emergency services and 24-hour operations will continue to be provided.

Municipal childcare centres will be closed on Family Day.

The Toronto Public Library and all its local branches will also be closed on Family Day.

The TTC will provide holiday service on most of its routes on February 20. More information is available at http://www.ttc.ca.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

—————————————–