Destination Fun: Toronto's Centre Island #Centreville4Fun

One of the coolest things about raising your child where you grew up is that you get to revisit fun places and experience them again as if it were your first time.

As a child growing up in Toronto, summer means taking the ferry to Centre Island. There’s nothing quite like leaving the city behind for green, lush parkland. And, of course, some really fun rides.

Recently Hannah, Chris and I spent a fun-filled day at Centreville. Hannah was glued to the window our entire ferry trip across. She pointed at other boats, birds and even saw a Porter airplane take-off. When we arrived at the Island, she actually cried when we had to disembark!

Toronto's New Nerd Girl Fitness (Giveaway)

Every summer my brother and I went to day camp. I wanted gymnastics, art and drama. My brother wanted sports, sports, sports. He didn't hate art camp, but he had a strong dislike for gymnastics. I had a strong dislike for sports. In the years where the Toronto Parks and Recreation light shone on us, my Mom was able to drop us at camps within walking distance so we were both happy.

Some years we were not so lucky. Some years I had to endure Sports camp aka a week of torture. My brother is three years younger than me, so I was never in his group. I was stuck with a bunch of kids my own age who could actually kick a soccer ball, catch a baseball and hit a tennis ball with a racket. I was not so lucky. One morning we were playing baseball  and I actually hit the ball right down the foul line - but staying inside the white line. That one move made the rest of the week a little more bearable - for I had finally proved I had some worth to my group.

I don't even want to talk about gym class during school. I dropped it right after grade nine (but swam with the swim team and taught gymnastics).

Team sports are not for me. And if you're like me, then Nerd Girl Fitness might be for you.

Happily Ever After: A Benefit Concert Featuring the Music of Disney!

Now that it's March, March Break is officially on our doorstep. If you're spending any (or all) of the break in the GTA you should check out this great event!

Free Kidzfest returns to Yonge-Dundas Square

The best (free!) children’s event in the city, Kidzfest, returns for its sixth year. The event, which runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Yonge-Dundas Square offers stage shows, activities and meet and greets with favourite kids characters. If I wasn't moving, Hannah and I would definitely be in attendance!

The jam-packed schedule of events includes meet and greets with Strawberry Shortcake, Puss In Boots, as well as Moshi Monsters and the minions from Despicable Me 2.

Direct from Lower Ossington Theatre, the casts of Pinkalicious and Freckleface Strawberry will be entertaining audiences with excerpts from each play throughout the day. Other live entertainment includes magician, Rick Rossini and performers from Wonderful World of Circus.

Additionally, children will have the opportunity to play at the Chuggington Activity Area, based on the popular television series, enjoy free rides, holiday crafts, face painting and more.

For more information on Kidzfest, and other events running as part of Winter Magic by Downtown Yonge, please visit http://www.wintermagic.ca.

 © 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Playful Grounds

Yesterday Hannah, Chris and I met my friend Dave for lunch on College Street. It was Hannah's first "downtown" experience, but it was catered mainly to her.

Dave was nice enough to let me know of a place called Playful Grounds (605 College Street (near Clinton)) - it's a great cafe that welcomes babies and children with open arms. There's a nice big play area, lots of high chairs and booster seats and thankfully OTHER BABIES! When Hannah cried no one stared at us. When other babies cried we didn't stare at them. It was so nice to go out and be in a pro-baby environment. On my birthday we went to Red Lobster and after we were seated, a couple actually asked to be moved so they wouldn't be near us. That's fine, it's their night out too, but they didn't need to give us the death stare. Hannah wasn't even crying! Therefore at Playful Grounds it was so nice to sit in a comfy cafe and not feel ostracised, but welcomed, by other patrons.

Everyone was really friendly (owners and fellow parents/caregivers alike) and there were babies at different ages and stages. It's nice to see how far Hannah has come by looking at the brand new babies, and it's exciting to see where headed by looking at toddlers who could run around.

The cafe offers sandwiches, salads, pizzas and more. I had the Grilled Cheese and Playful Grounds salad for $6. The sandwich was cheesy, toasted to perfection and the salad was delicious (and I'm not a fan of salads). You can view the menu here.

They also host numerous free workshops for parents. I signed up for the Baby Massage later this month!

To learn more about Playful Grounds, check out their website at www.playfulgrounds.com.