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Top 10 Places to Visit in Toronto with Baby! By: Toronto4Kids Toronto has many great attractions and places to visit with Baby! Though Baby may be a bit young to fully participate, you can spend some quality time with your wee one exploring, learning, playing, and even relaxing!
1.Ontario Science Center
770 Don Mills Road, North York, ON
General Info: 416-696-1000
Website: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
KidSpark is a relatively new learn-through-play space at the Ontario Science Centre, specifically designed for children from toddlers to eight years of age. This space fosters creativity, problem solving abilities and early innovation skills in younger children. More than 40 experiences encourage children to explore the fundamentals of science in a fun, hands-on fashion. Young visitors can experiment with a water table and bubble station, sing in a mini-music studio, pretend shop in a kid-sized supermarket, build a house using a four-meter crane, and much more! Due to its tremendous popularity KidSpark has now more than doubled in size with many new fascinating experiences for the wee ones.
What's in it for Baby? It's a place where adults and toddlers/babies can play, create and discover together. There is water to play in, bubbles to blow, colour and shapes to look at, musical instruments to jam with, wacky mirrors to see yourself from various angles and more! It's never too early to stimulate young minds!
Baby Friendly? Programs are designed for young children. There are baby/toddler friendly washrooms (everything is miniaturized!) and a rest area for babies. Strollers are accepted.
Cost: Children under 4 are admitted Free!
2.The Toronto Zoo
361A Old Finch Avenue, Scarborough
Phone: 416-392-5900
Website: www.torontozoo.com
The Toronto Zoo is set in the beautiful Rouge Valley. The Zoo has over 5,000 animals representing over 460 species. There are over 10 km (6 miles) of walking trails - perfect for strollers and a great workout for you! Explore "Zellers Discovery Zone", featuring the NEW "Kids Zoo", a dynamic, interactive children's wildlife experience, "Splash Island", an exciting 2 acre water play area and the 750 seat "Waterside Theatre", home of the "Amazing Animal Show".
What's in it for Baby? It's not everyday that you can meet face-to-face with animals for the first time, so treasure that look on your baby's face when he sees his first monkey, lion or giraffe! They do look entirely different than the soft cuddly kind in Baby's room! The Zoo is a great place to take babies as they take in all the excitement live animals have to offer!
Baby Friendly? Strollers are accepted.
Cost: Children under 3 are admitted Free!
3.Indoor Playlands or Playgrounds
Visit our Playground Section for a comprehensive listing of Indoor Playgrounds by region.
Most Indoor Playlands/Playgrounds claim they cater to age groups 0 to 8 … so there's got to be something there for babies! In fact, you will find that most are extremely baby friendly with all the amenities for wee ones. A growing number of indoor playgrounds are also starting to offer structured daily/weekly activities and playgroups. And what better to place to celebrate baby's first birthday? Most Playlands and Party Centres offer birthday packages starting from 1! It's a great place to meet with family and friends; and it keeps the mess right out of your house. This is something you will come to adopt for many birthdays to come!
What's in it for Baby? Look for baby/toddler specific areas or separate rooms with lots of mats and padding, and age-appropriate toys for the little ones. Some Playlands can get a little crazy with children wildly jumping into ball-pits and climbing structures so these designated areas really protect babies and toddlers from the other children. And best of all, you can hang out with other moms.
Baby Friendly? Yes! Many will feature change stations, and offer age appropriate activities/toys.
Cost: It's the reverse! The Wee-ones pay a "daily play" fee ranging from $5 to $8. Some have a special rate of about $3 for kids under the age of 3. However in most cases, adults get in Free of Charge. It's best to check ahead with each establishment to see what their policy is regarding babies, and to find out if there are special activities designed just for baby!
4.Visit a Pool at your local Recreation Centre
Visit this link on www.toronto4kids.com for a comprehensive listing of Indoor Pools by region.
Take your baby to your local indoor pool and have fun working out and splashing around with Baby. It's great exercise for you and it gets Baby acclimatized to water … for when those "real swimming lessons" will start!
What's in it for Baby? Most Pools at local Recreation Centers have a special "wading" area with warmer water (and toys!) for Babies (separate from the larger pool). Check also if they offer Baby & Mom swimming programs or hours. Many do!
Baby Friendly? Newer Rec Centres are better geared towards babies and most have amenities such as change stations. Older Rec Centres may not have these facilities and you should check with the Information Desk as you register for their Baby/Toddler programs.
Cost: Some are Free and some charge a nominal free ranging from $2 to $3. Check with your local Recreation Centre for more details. Special programs may cost a fee.
5.Movies for New Moms/Parents
Over the past few years, many theatres have started offering special screenings for new parents. Imagine having the entire theatre to yourself, along with other new moms, and of course lots of babies. If they cry well, that's the good part - because nobody really cares! You can enjoy the latest and greatest from Hollywood - no waiting the six-month period for the video to come out. Enjoy the "BIG" screen and all the baby amenities that come along with it! Most allow Dads, Grandparents and siblings to come along, but check with the theatre first.
What's in it for Baby? Theatre temperatures are warmer; speakers and sounds are lowered. Parents can walk the aisles to sooth babies and mothers can nurse. Changing stations are offered (some with Free diapers). Many organize special events with speakers and offer great door prizes for parents and babies. If you're tired and you've been on the "go" with Baby, the movie theatre is a great place to "crash".
Baby Friendly? Yes since programs are completely designed for Babies.
Cost: Average of $8 per movie.
6.Ontario Early Years Centres
Locations throughout the GTA
Website: www.ontarioearlyyears.ca
A place for parents and their children! Ontario Early Years Centres are places where parents and caregivers can take part with their children in a range of programs and activities, get answers to questions, get information about programs and services that are available for young children, talk to early years professionals, as well as other parents and caregivers in the community. All locations offer early learning activities, parent workshops, parenting and children's programs, information about children's services, pre- and postnatal programs, and other early years services in the community. It's a great place to network with other moms! Programs are available for families with children ages 0-6. Check their calendar of events per location for details on activities.
What's in it for Baby? Great programs such as "Discovering Me @ Kids Place" - for kids 0 to 6 with an opportunity to promote their self-esteem through art, sensory, storybooks, rhymes, and finger plays. "Family Time" is a program for parents, caregivers and their children to meet others and play interactively in an early learning environment. Great educational and support programs for new parents. Happy Parents = Happy Babies!
Baby Friendly? Yes since programs are completely designed for Babies.
Cost? Free
7.Petting Zoos and Farms
Visit www.toronto4kids.com a comprehensive listing of Petting Zoos and Farms in the GTA.
This time, it's up close and personal with the animals! Petting Zoos and Farms are great because babies and toddlers can get really close to observe the animals. They will also see more familiar animals than at the zoo, such as cows, sheep, horses, bunnies, exotic birds, chickens, etc. Most allow you to feed the animals. How cool is that for baby to see!
What's in it for Baby? A great place to discover animals and nature, as baby's inquisitive mind starts to develop!
Baby Friendly? Most allow strollers.
Cost: Free or nominal admission charge.
Our personal favourite is Lionel's Pony Farm and Petting Zoo in Stouffville. It's very clean, spacious and the petting zoo has a large variety of wonderful animals and exotic birds to gaze at. And, it's a great place for Toddlers' birthday parties. They are located at 11714 McCowan (on McCowan Rd, 2.5 miles north of Major Mackenzie just north of 19th Avenue. The farm is on the left hand side - west side.) Phone: 905-640-7669. Admission is Free though they would appreciate a donation.
8.Drop-in Programs - Metro Association of Family Resources Programs
Phone: 416-463-7974
Locations all over Toronto
These drop-in programs are fun for kids 0 to 5, and are offered at various locations throughout Toronto. It's a great place for you and your child to create a valuable network of friends! The Centres offer creative activities, painting, puzzles, blocks, and baby and toddler age-appropriate toys. There is a circle time where adults and baby/toddlers can sing or listen to a story. Parents/Caregivers and their preschoolers can meet other children and grown-ups and enjoy informal playtime.
What's in it for Baby? Most have a Baby section with age-appropriate toys and activities.
Baby Friendly? Yes since programs are completely designed for Babies.
Cost: Free.
9.Toronto Public Library + Branches
Phone: 416-393-7131
Locations all over Toronto and the GTA
Click on this link at www.toronto4kids.com for a complete listing of Libraries.
In addition to accessing over 15 million resources (books, CDs, Videos, DVDs, Cassettes, Newspapers and Magazines) for Free, Toronto libraries also offer great activities and programs just for Baby! Check with your local library as most offer "Babytime" programs for infants 0 to 18 months, with bouncing, tickling, rhymes, songs and stories for babies and their parents or caregivers.
What's in it for Baby? Baby-friendly and age-appropriate activities.
Baby Friendly? Strollers allowed on premises.
Cost: Library use is Free. Most programs are Free but some may have a nominal charge.
10.Kindermusik Village Programs
Website: www.kindermusikcanada.com
Main information: 1-800-721-0078
Locations all over Toronto and the GTA
Register your Baby in a Kindermusik class near you! Kindermusik Village for children newborn to 1½ years of age incorporates the most current research on early childhood development and provides families a special place for learning and connecting with other parents and babies through music and movement. Features: Singing, vocal play, object play, exercise, infant massage, literature, movement to music, exploring simple and age appropriate instruments and parent education. To extend learning at home, all Kindermusik curricula include the highest quality home materials including music CDs, instruments, and interactive activities, so you can continue the program at home with Baby!
What's in it for Baby? Classes are designed just for Baby! Incorporates the most current research on early childhood development and provides families a special place for learning and connecting with other parents and babies through music and movement.
Baby Friendly? Yes since programs are completely designed for Babies.
Cost: Cost will vary depending on which class/educator you sign up with but an average is: 8 weeks $145 and 16 weeks $ 275. Check their website for a class/educator locator to inquire about specific costs and schedules.
We're sneaking in one more…
11.Gymboree Play & Music
Main Office: 905-542-7529
Website: www.gymboree.com
Locations in Toronto and the GTA
Gymboree Play and Music Centres offer a program specifically designed for Babies 0 to 6 months. These classes focus on developing your baby's interest in the world through sensory exploration. Stimulating age-appropriate activities such as tummy time, flashlight play and infant massage help to build trust and security and emotional connections with others. Parent discussion time at the end of each class helps you to connect with other parents and learn more about your child's development. Last fall, Gymboree also introduced some new programming for babies in the 0 to 6 month group, which includes Baby & Mommy Fitness, and Baby Signing, a new popular way for Babies to learn how to communicate before they can speak! Gymboree offers many different levels of programming by 6-month intervals, all the way up to 5 years of age. You can also celebrate your Baby's birthday in play and song with activities geared specifically for a 1st through 5th birthday.
What's in it for Baby? Programs are specifically designed for Babies 0 to 6 months. It's a fun educational environment to bond with mom!
Baby Friendly? Yes since programs are completely designed for Babies.
Cost: Information not available so check with a local Gymboree Centre near you. Locations are listed on their Website. Gymboree also offers a Free trial class so you can always try one out before you sign up!
About Toronto4Kids: Toronto4Kids is the leading directory for Parents and Kids living in the Greater Toronto Area.
© Toronto4Kids - November 2005. This article may not be reproduced in part or in its entirety without the expressed written permission from Toronto4Kids. This information in this article was accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. Please check with individual companies for up-to-date information. |
