Today's topic is keeping kids entertained during the summer.
Last month I posted about planning for summer camps and holidays. I feel fortunate that E gets to go to day camps for a lot of the time so that when he is at home for a week or so I really appreciate the time we have to explore the city and have fun together. The cliché about dreading the summer because you have to deal with your kids does not apply here.
So when we do have a few days together and we aren't travelling anywhere, E is easily entertained with a playground and if there is a coffee shop nearby, then I am also happy. If you're in the West End of Toronto, these are our favourite playgrounds:
High Park - We spend a lot of time here, and there are a lot of fun things to see and do, but the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground is a frequent stop for us. I will say that it can get a little crazy since it is so popular and because it is made of wood, it can be hard to keep your eye on your little ones at all times. The last time we went E was wearing a white t-shirt and a Blue Jays hat so he looked like everyone else, big mistake, but I trust him more than I used to that he won't run away or go off with a stranger.
Dufferin Grove - The playground isn't even the best part, it's the muddy ditch that the kids get to dig in with a variety of provided tools and materials.
Budapest Park - This has some fun equipment but also great views of the city and lake, and usually an ice cream truck parked nearby.
We also love a good splash pad and pool. We usually go to the Sunnyside Gus Ryder outdoor pool but have also gone to the High Park one. The splash pad at High Park is the most convenient for us, but we also like the one at Marie Curtis Park and on the Toronto Islands (unfortunately the Toronto Islands will be closed to the public until at least July 31 because of flooding).
Since E is at a camp all day, or we spend a lot of time outside, when we are at home, we don't mind if E watches some TV to take a break. He never stops moving when we are outside so the TV time allows him to rest. We also get him to help us out with stuff around the yard or in the kitchen. Husking corn is always a good task for kids.
Looking forward to the final bell of school!
So looking forward to school being done! I didn't k ow to island was closed! Boo!
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