Immersive Klimt! A Revolution: 1 Yonge Street, Toronto Star Building. From the producers of the wildly popular Immersive Van Gogh Experience comes another larger than life digital production, this time featuring the works of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. Considered a rebel of his time, expect to be immersed into his world filled with symbolism, colours and shapes. From Imperial Vienna to vibrant blooms and mermaids. It’s not just about seeing his work come to life but also to feel.

ByBlacks Restaurant Week: November 15 to 21. Various locations. The Fall edition of this food lovers’ event is coming up! Support Black-owned restaurants, chefs, and caterers with exclusive prix fix menu offerings. Meals range from $16 to $22. Each restaurant will offer a considerable collection of delectable dishes from across the diaspora that exhibit the authentic tastes of African and Caribbean cuisine. Full list of participating restaurants can be found here.

The Spectators’ Odyssey – o dell’Inferno: Dopolavoro Teatrale & TO Live. November 2 to 14.  is an immersive, contemporary multimedia theatrical experience that takes the audience behind the scenes of two of Toronto’s most iconic buildings, making the audience the central character in the narrative they experience. Inspired by Homer’s The Odyssey and Dante’s Inferno, the terms ‘Odyssey’ and ‘Inferno’ are used as metaphors and re-imagined to be two distinct epic journeys for the audience: BLUE and RED. In BLUE, audiences voyage through the remote parts of the backstage areas of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, rediscovering what it means to be a “spectator”. In RED, audiences venture through the streets of the surrounding neighbourhood, finding themselves inside the St. Lawrence Market after-hours – a place of exchange where worlds meet through stories. Check our feature interview with Artist Director, Daniele Bartolini to learn more.

Older & Reckless — now more than ever: MOonhORsE Dance Theatre. November 5 to 14 (online event). The 2021 edition of the dance theatre’s acclaimed series celebrates mature dance artists. Curated by Artistic Director Claudia Moore, will feature innovative new dance films created and performed by notable dance artists Peter Chin and Christine Friday, Julia Aplin and Kim Farris-Manning, and William Yong.

Eternals: The IMAX Experience at The Cinesphere, Ontario Place: beginning November 5. The highly anticipated film will give movie lovers the opportunity to see this film on the largest possible screen, creating a truly immersive experience. Filmmaker Chloé Zhao had full creative control in the production to ensure her personal vision for the IMAX version was done right. Captured with high-resolution IMAX certified digital cameras, the Eternals will provide the IMAX viewing audience 26% more picture in the Cinesphere. You’ll fee like you’re IN the movie!

Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the ROM: opens November 13. The popular exhibition of winning nature photography will feature prestigious winners across nine main categories. The ROM is the international photo competition’s exclusive Canadian venue and North American debut host. The competition is organized and presenter by the Natural History Museum in London.

No Change in the Weather: CAA Theatre. November 19 to 27 (in-person). Direct from Newfoundland, this hit musical from Terra Bruce Productions celebrates the rich musical heritage of Newfoundland whilst telling a story about the personal and political shenanigans of Canada’s youngest province. The plot is built around the death of family matriarch Peggy O’Brien. Her family and friends sneak her corpse out of the funeral home (and tanning salon) and back across the water to her family home on the unsettled island of God’s Back Pocket. As this brood of body snatchers wake Peggy into the light, a wandering American and a newly stationed RCMP Constable from Quebec find themselves in the middle of a family racket that exposes decades of pettiness, secrets, and enough familial bad blood to ruin every Christmas for eternity. 

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival: November 10 to 19. The 25th annual Festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and works from the Asian diaspora. A hybrid on in person and online screenings will happen at this year’s Festival including 18 feature presentations as well as shorts, industry conference, and more. Opening night in-person screening is Islands by Martin Edralin. Tickets and passes are now on sale. Our top picks here.

Shorts That Are Not Pants Film Festival: November 19 to 28.  The fourth edition of this Festival of Short Film will once again be virtual this year. This year will feature 70 films from 32 countries and will include narratives, documentaries, animated films Canadian films and more. The festival is a blend of new work and festival award-winners.

Snow Magic at Ontario Place: November 12 to January 16. Take a mythical drive through in this immersive 1.7 km wonderful filled experience. Unlike any other drive thru experience in the city, Snow Magic offers a world of fire, ice and fantastical sights. Eighteen incredible art installations created by some of Canada’s most acclaimed artists come together in this winter wonderland brimming with larger than life mythical creatures, crystal caverns, and a forest of light. Timed entry. Tickets available directly form DriveThruFunCo.com. Price ranges from $45 to $65 per vehicle (prices depend on peak and off peak times).

The Canadian Tire Christmas Trail: November 13 to December 23. The multi-sensory drive-thru experience returns this year with a 1.5 km trail located near Black Creek Pioneer Village brings the magic of the holidays. Twinkling lights, festive sets, live entertainers, merry elves and a special guest delight all visitors. Admission per vehicle $25 and must be booked ahead of time on their site. Tickets go on sale November 8. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to benefit child and youth sports programs across Canada.

Candlelight Concerts: Vivaldi Four Seasons: November 5, 9, 10, and 24. Listeso String Quartet performs an intimate concert at the Metropolitan Community Church as part of the Candlelight series of concerts featuring well known composers in classical music. The quartet is surrounded by warm candlelight offering a stunning setting ideal for a quiet and inspiring evening out. Read more about the concert series here.

Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle!: 1 Yonge Street, Toronto Star Building. November 20 to December 24. From the producers of Immersive Van Gogh comes a new way to experience a holiday tradition. Enter the winter wonderland and experience the larger than life digital projections The March of the Toys and The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy like never before in this 500,000 cubic feet space.  Great for all ages.

Lessons in Temperament: Outside The March Immersive Theatrical Experience. November 13 to November 27. This theatrical and streaming tour of the cinematic adaptions of James Smith’s award-winning play Lessons in Temperament will have it’s World Premiere with an in person screening at The Meridian Arts Centre presented by TO Live – followed by a series of in-person and virtual screenings. This cinematic escape into the art and science of piano tuning and the precarious landscapes of the mind. An instrument goes out of tune water or not anyone plays it — something that musician and theatremaker James Smith knows all too well. So after months of being lockdown visit shuttered theatres and doing what he can to keep pianos in tune This ritual soon knocks James’ own search for blanche, growing up as one of four brothers living with obessesive-compulsive disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

POLAR Winter Festival:  Bandshell Park, Exhibition Grounds. November 25 to December 26.The magical holiday experience presented by The Concierge Club returns this year but this time it will be an outdoor walk through! Tons of photo ops with later than life decorations from giant teddy bears to a breathtaking Play Ice Tunnel filled with thousands of crystals.  The Bandshell stage will be transformed into Santa’s living room filled with festive decor for the perfect photo with Santa. A holiday market will feature local shops to get to your gift list. Expect a few rides as well on the Christmas train, classic carousel anymore.  Fill your bellies with holiday east from the food trucks or cuddle around the fire pits with cocktails at the Hotel X’s X-Lounge. Tickets start from $14.99 (rides and Santa photo packages are additional).

Looking ahead..

Hometown Holidays with the Barenaked Ladies: CAA Theatre. Looking ahead to December but tickets will go on sale November 1 to the public. BNL will have a run of holiday concerts that are not to be missed! These special performances offer fans a rare chance to see one of Canada’s most cherished musicians in an intimate setting. The show will consist of “Hits for the Holidays” and some of their greatest hits. “Snacktime” matinee concerts will offer family fun sized version suitable for all ages.

The post The Best of What to See & Do in Toronto this November appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Winnie The Pooh: Exploring a Classic Exhibition: Royal Ontario Museum: March 7 to August 3. Celebrate the magical world of one of the most loved literary characters of all time. The exhibition will explore the origins, creation and enduring legacy of the classic stories by A.A. Milne and illustrations by E. H. Shepard.

Winter Stations at Woodbine Beach: until March 30. The international design competition is designed to get locals and tourists out to Toronto’s “Beaches” area during the winter season and explore art installations that spot the water’s edge. Now in its sixth year, the exhibition draws all ages to this free event. This year’s theme “Beyond the Five Senses” with four installations constructed on existing lifeguard stations along the beach. Take note of the installation titled “Noodle Feed” where visitors are also invited to explore the structure with Augmented Reality.

Sugar Shack TO: Sugar Beach. March 14 & 15, 11 am to 5 pm daily. The sixth annual all things maple sugar fest returns to Toronto’s Waterfront at this weekend-long event. Sample maple sugar demonstrations, samples, infused foods, enjoy entertainment including the Great Canadian Fiddle Show, Lumberjack show, and ice activities. Warm-up at the fire pits. Furry friends welcomed on leash. Free admission.

Sweet Water Season: Crawford Lake Conservation Park (Milton). Weekends, March Break from February 29 to April 5. Visit the reconstructed 15th-century Longhouse Village and learn how maple sugar was discovered and made by the Indigenous people of the land 600 years ago. Enjoy sweet samples and take in a nature walk.

Illusions: The Art of Magic: Art Gallery of Ontario until May 18, 2020. Curious about the world of magicians? This unique cleverly reveals the “art” behind the mysterious and very curious world. This collection of posters and magic items takes a look at not only the magicians of the Golden Era but also how they marketed themselves to draw the crowds. March Break will include pop activities throughout the AGO. Lots to explore including Yayoi Kusama’s permanent installation worthy of a selfie (be sure to reserve your time slot when you arrive) Don’t forget there’s free admission to the AGO for visitors under 25 years old.

Winter Light Festival: Ontario Place (West Island) until March 29. Free admission. The third annual night festival lights up the shoreline at Ontario Place. This year’s theme “Cocoon” features outdoor installations by Ontario creators. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will offer up community bonfires and paint classes. Need to warm up? Check out what’s showing at the iconic Cinesphere theatre (entry fee applies).

March Break Activities at the Ontario Science Centre: March 14 to 22. Exhibitions, films, demonstrations and live shows are planned for this week off for all ages. Check out the Mind-bending Magic: The Science of Perception with magician Jay Sankey. AMD Gaming Showcase (March 17 to 21)features over 40 gaming PCs and two VR stations at this ultimate gaming experience. Keep your eye on the skies and learn about the stars, planets, and moons through song. And much more.

Get creative! at Apple’s Video Lab: Small Screen Magic Co-created with Zach King: Apple Store (various dates/times). Tweens and teens may have heard of Zach King from his amazing YouTube videos. He’s created some pretty amazing videos using his iPhone. Register for a free “Today at Apple” hands-on learning session at your nearest Apple Store to learn a few of his video content tricks that will impress friends and family. Other free workshops worth exploring include photography walks and making movie trailers (great for kids!)

Dino Dana The Movie stomps into Cineplex Theatres March 21 for a one-day-only prehistoric event. This family-friendly screening and interactive Dino Dana experience is based on the popular kids’ series. The movie follows a 10-year-old paleontologist in training Dana on an epic action-packed dinosaur adventure. Young fans will become certified Dino Dana paleontologists in training at the event. Tickets go on sale on February 21 at Cineplex.

Toronto ComiCon: Metro Toronto Convention Centre March 20-23. There’s always something for everyone at this fun fest! Meet your favourite superheroes, princesses, voice actors, comic book creators, and artists. There are meet and greets with celebrities including Brian Herring (Star Wars), Craig Parker (Lord of the Rings), Austin St. John (Power Rangers), and others. Visit the Family Zone. Feel free to dress up in costume.

Skate The Bentway: until March 22. In partnership with CBC Sports, this popular outdoor figure-8 skating rink located near Fort York will remain open all the way until March 22. CBC will be installing screens around the ice and will live broadcast the World Figure Skating Championships under this innovative public space. Bring your own skates or rentals available. Check the site for times and other activities planned.

March Break at Ontario’s Legislative Building: March 16 to 20

This free two-hour program invites families to explore this historic Ontario’s Legislative Building through a scavenger hunt activity. Make arts and crafts, dress up in traditional robes worn in Parliament, and learn about the history. Pre-registration is required, Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WANT A QUICK GETAWAY?

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto: If a mini getaway exploring the city is on your family’s radar, this luxury hotel is centrally located within walking distance to several great attractions including the ROM. But what caught our attention is the hotel’s in-house experiences created for families. “Mini Master Chefs” invite kids into the kitchen and learn how to recreate one of the Hotel’s signature desserts. We loved our family movie night complete with popcorn and treat buffet, and swimming of course!

Hockley Valley Resort is a pretty and quick drive out of the city and offers outdoor activities. The ski hill is mere steps away from your hotel room. March Break is full of family activities from family movie screenings, bonfire & s’mores, cookie decorating, craft rooms, a magician and more. Buffet breakfasts offer up something for everyone. A quick drive down the country road leads you to the Adamo Winery with a cafe and restaurant. Shuttle service also available.

Hotel X Toronto: located on the CNE grounds is a mini-escape located at the waterfront (within walking distance to Ontario Place) with family-friendly programming including family movie screenings at the hotel’s cinema, complimentary 60-minute family pass to 10xTO’s Golf Swing Suite, complimentary 2 hours of professional caregiver services (for up to two kids), and complimentary Library Club Lounge Access that includes daily continental breakfast, afternoon wine & cheese reception, and all-day refreshments. Families can also enjoy the heated, year-round rooftop pool. From March 11 to March 26 you can also book your family in for the “ultimate night in” at the NINTENDO SWITCH SUITE — all proceeds from the booking will be donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Nintendo will transform the luxury hotel’s Presidential Suite for a fun and immersive gaming stay for Nintendo fans! The suite will be complete with Nintendo “touches”. Can’t wait!

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Situated near the waterfront on the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) grounds, Hotel X Toronto is just ever so slightly removed from the core — far enough away that will make you detach from the hustle and bustle of the city, but close enough to walk to explore what the city has to offer. At a recent stay, we had a chance to check out what’s happening.

Book yourself in for a stay over the holiday season and be treated to a fun-filled Improv Showdown! (included with your stay) with the comedic talents of Second City Toronto. Here you’ll find two teams of improvisers go head-to-head in a family-friendly face-off at the hotel’s very own 250-seat theatre. The audience of all ages is encouraged to participate in making each one hour-long show unique. The talented improv performers ask out questions like “where was the last place you visited?” and at our show, there were shout-outs to Mexico and Sudbury. Building the skits based on the answers were hilarious! Not to be missed!

Bundle up and walk across the bridge to experience the magical nights at the CNE’s Aurora Winter Festival. Located at the West Park Ontario Place walk through the mesmerizing light tunnel and enter through four “Mystical Worlds”. Walk through the Whimsical Forest where you will find Fairy Hollow and a Gnome Village. All eyes light up at the sight of larger than life creatures all made of lights throughout the grounds. Meet Father Christmas, a beautiful Ice Queen, and the Abominable Snowman.  An outdoor skating rink is an opportunity to lace up your skates (rentals available) and enjoy hot chocolate and other goodies under the starry skies. Plenty of food trucks to fill your belly. A mini-holiday market is great for picking up a new tree ornament, retro posters, and even bubble tea (hot chocolate with torched marshmallows was a real crowd please when we visited). Enjoy rides and games of skill at the mini-midway carnival.  Truly a beautiful experience for everyone. The Aurora Winter Festival runs until January 5, 2020.

If you were raised as a kid in Toronto you’ll want to revisit the iconic Ontario Place Cinesphere landmark dome movie theatre. This theatre was actually the world’s first permanent IMAX movie theatre. Today, the theatre continues to show all-time family favourite movies on the incredibly awe-inspiring screens including The Polar Express, E.T. and Gremlins. Check out the Holiday Packages here.

Want to connect with nature? Just across the road from Hotel X Toronto  is the start of the William G. Davis Trail and Trillium Park. An easy path that offers a spectacular view of the lake and the city’s skyline. Explore the 7.5 acres of public green space. The 1.3 kilometre paved walking trail is surrounded by thousands of native trees, plants, boulders, and rocks. The gateway features beautiful stone walls with Moccasin Identifier engraved in the stone, a visual reminder and celebration of First Nations’ heritage and culture – developed in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. Also, look for the marker trees. Indigenous People of the land historically used marker trees for navigation. There are three along the trail to learn about.

More outdoor skating can be found at The Bentway. About a 10-minute walk over to Strachan Avenue is the entranceway to this public space located under the Gardiner Expressway and near Fort York and Garrison Common. The skating rink offers rentals and even lessons at designated dates/times.

When it comes to food, you don’t really have to step outside of the hotel. Here you’ll find several options including Maxx’s Kitchen a sit-down casual restaurant for all meals. The Nespresso Cafe is perfect for your daily dose of caffeine and counter service quick snacks of pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Pétros 82 offers fine dining. Also, be sure to inquire about the Library Club Lounge with access to daily wine and cheese receptions and continental breakfast options.

If you’re looking to wind down the day head up to the Falcon Bar’s The Nest located on the 27th floor or The Perch located on the 28th floor that has epic views. Great night time vibe to enjoy (psst…book the little ones into the supervised on-site Kids Play Centre for a couple of hours).  Of course, you can order in-room service and enjoy a movie night right in your pyjamas too! That’s been a favourite of ours when the kids were really young.

What else is there to do here? Don’t forget your swimwear to enjoy the pool located on the 28th floor. There are also holiday movies in the theatre, Guerlain Spa for the adults, a state of the art 10XTO Fitness Centre including group classes, cycle studio, yoga studio, a complete gym, tennis and squash courts and golf simulator. If relaxing with a book is what you want, there are TONS of books to borrow while you enjoy your stay. Also, check out the Kandy Gallery for stunning back-lit photography work.

If you cannot imagine leaving your pet at home, Hotel X Toronto is also pet friendly. There are designated suites for those who wish to bring their pets along. Your best furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on the family fun and will be pampered with their very own luxurious bed in the room. Bowls and water are provided. Lots of green space just outside of the hotel and Trillium Park is great for nature walks. You can also book a pet sitter with the hotel when needed. Stays are available for well-behaved pets under 25 lbs.

A variety of Family Holiday Packages are now available and worth exploring for your next escape within the city. Check out www.hotelxtoronto.com.

The post Experience the magic of the holidays at Hotel X Toronto with your family appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

There are two main venues that house numerous international and Canadian artists and great for exploring: 259 Lakeshore Blvd East and the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga. However, there are many other venues participating. A complete list of venues and participating artists available on the official website.

Organizers also made it a mission to make art accessible to everyone –including families. Here are some installations and programs you and your kids may find interesting to check out:

VENUE:  259 Lakeshore Blvd. East (multiple installations)

The New Red Order (NRO) by artists Adam Khalil, Zack Khalil (Ojibway artists now living in New York City) and Jackson Polys (Tlingit artist now living in New York City). This multi-part project that includes a public recruitment campaign and participatory installation invites prospective recruits to undergo an initiation.

Tocihuapapalutzin (Our revered lady butterfly) by artist Fernando Palma Rodriguez (Mexico City, Mexico). 104 Monarch butterflies are electronically controlled, PIR sensors and electronic software are created with aluminum, soft drink, and beer tin cans. Their movements are programmed to respond to seismic data. Monarchs are the only species to migrate between Mexico and Canada annually however rapidly declining. His installation questions technology and the perception it will save us from catastrophic climate change.

Lo’bat by artists Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh (Dubai, UAE) and Hesam Rahmanian (Knoxville, US). This jellyfish-like robot with narratives of fear embroidered across its belly. Its eyes are positioned on the opposite wall, the robot comes alive when people enter the space.

R.I.S.E. (Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere) short film by experimental documentary filmmakers Barbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca (Recife, Brazil) features young poets, rappers, and musicians (mostly first or second-generation immigrants) perform in Toronto’s underground locations.

Interstellar Sleep by artist Caecilia Tripp (New York, Paris) an immersive installation produced in collaboration with astrophysicists from York University Observatory, cosmologist Dr. Renee Hlozek and composer Mani Mazinani. The installation comprises of a film, soundscape, and a series of performances that question who we are in the grand scheme of life and the universe.

Sinaaqpagiaqtuut/The Long-Cut by Embassy of Imagination + PA System artists Alexa Hatanaka (Toronto), Patrick Thompson (Toronto), with participation of Kinngait youth artists: Iqaluk Ainalik, Kevin Allooloo, Oosloosie Ashevak, Salomonie Ashoona, Parr Josephee, Moe Kelly, Janine Manning, Leah Mersky, Saaki Nuna, Mathew Nuqingaq, David Pudlat, Kunu Pudlat, Taqialu Pudlat, Cie Taqiasuk,Embassy of Imagination 2019 participants, and Oasis Skateboard Factory 2019 Fall Cohort. Sinaaqpagiaqtuut/The Long-Cut is a two-part procession that begins in Kinngait, Cape Dorset and continues in Toronto starting at The Bentway (Sept. 21) and moves to 259 Lakeshore Blvd E where works by youth artists explore Kinngait-Toronto connections and how these distance places are tethered.

Infinity Series by artist Curtis Talwst Santiago (Edmonton). Featuring 48 works which consist of miniature dioramas housed in reclaimed jewellery boxes. Each reflecting a layered historical reference decontextualized.

VENUE: Small Arms Inspection Centre (Mississauga) Multiple installations

You Are A Good Apple by artist Diane Borsato. Come together to taste and learn about apples and community orchards. ORCHARD is a living sculpture made up of old and eccentric varietals of apple trees that will be planted by the artist at this location. The work expands the ideas of the public at and seeks to connect the land, plants food and one another.

Talk: Anastacia Marx de Salcedo, author of Combat-Ready Kitchen: How the U.S. Military Shapes the Way You Eat, discusses the military’s role in the technological developments of processed foods and the distribution, commercialization, and effects of packaged goods within society. The talk happens Nov. 10.

VENUE: Ontario Place (two exhibits) also ideal grounds for biking and exploring.

The Drowned World: multiple exhibiting artists. The Cinesphere becomes a world within a world, merging film and sound art with scents and changing atmospheric conditions. Every Saturday during the Biennial dates.

Wigwam Chi-chemung (Big House Canoe) with artist, poet, and teacher Elder Duke Redbird:  a floating art installation and Indigenous interpretive learning centre. Includes open studio sessions with an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the perspectives of Indigenous Elders (see sight for dates/times). The installation is docked at the Marina and tells the story fo Indigenous presence on Toronto’s waterfront. the Forty-foot pontoon houseboat has been covered with artwork by Redbird and Philip Cote, a painter and muralist from Moose Deer Point First Nation.

VENUE: Riverdale Park West also ideal area for nature walk/bike rides near Evergreen Brick Works

Phantom Pain by artist Maria Thereza Alves (born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Currently lives in Naples, Italy and Berlin, Germany). Alves’s sculpture traces the former curving path of the Don River. This installation makes visible the complicated and often buried histories of Toronto’s watersheds. There is a guided walk and workshop led by poets, storytellers that investigate Toronto’s lost rivers and forgotten network of water that runs beneath our feet. See site for updates.

VENUE: Old Mill Community

Walk and workshop: Mushroom Foray with Outdoor School and Alan Gan (October 13) Artist Diane Borsato and Amish Morrell of Outdoor School, with Gan of the Mycological Society of Toronto, invite visitors to a community mycological foray an informal event that offers participants the opportunity to collect fungi and learn about the culture of mushrooming.

For a complete list of participating artists, descriptions, locations, and up-to-date information visit torontobiennial.org

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MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS: (132 Front Street East) Unlike any other museum in the city, this mind-twisting spot holds 80+ exhibits that are not only photo-worthy but encourages curiosity in science, math, art and psychology. Trick your brain with immersive installations while having fun learning. Strongly advised to book tickets in advance online.

THOMAS & FRIENDS at the Toronto Zoo

(2000 Meadowvale Rd) children and families are invited to go on the ultimate adventure to Tidmouth Sheds at The Toronto Zoo. Throughout the week, guests will have the opportunity to get their very own Thomas & Friends™ Passport from the Tidmouth Sheds (Special Events Centre) that will take them on a scavenger hunt through six different destinations in the zoo on the lookout for Thomas’ new friends. In addition to the travel adventure, Tidmouth Sheds will have Thomas & Friends™ fun like colouring sheets, animal visitors and a live screening area featuring the latest season of Thomas & Friends™ that airs on Treehouse TV. *From March 16th and 17th only, there will be an extension of the scavenger hunt featuring a Thomas Playzone in Tidmouth Sheds where Sir Topham Hatt will be making a guest appearance! The first 2,000 children on March 16th and 17th will receive a free Thomas & Friends™ mini engine. Tickets are available at the Toronto Zoo’s website, http://www.torontozoo.com/, or onsite. The Toronto Zoo March Break hours are: March 9-17: 9:30am-6:00pm

MARLIES GAME AT SCOTIABANK ARENA

The Toronto Marlies will host the Belleville Senators on Monday, March 11th in an afternoon game at Scotiabank Arena. The puck drops at 1:30 p.m. Come watch the Calder Cup Champions take on the Ottawa Affiliate team for this special March Break game. Be sure to get your tickets soon as they will sell out quick!

Get Tickets!

MARCH BREAK AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

(100 Queen’s Park) March 9 to 17. Meet researchers, scientists, and curators of the ROM. Discover the museum’s collections through immersive activities, hands-on learning, and interactive games led by ROM experts. Learn what it’s like to be part of a research expedition at Field Camp ROM. Get up close to the Museum’s star ankylosaur at the Zuul Photo Booth. Take in ROM Storytimes. Engage in some friendly competition at the ROM GameZone with games of strategy from around the world. Test your knowledge of Canada’s biodiversity.

ONTARIO PLACE

Until March 17. The West Island at Ontario Place is the city’s destination for many favourite winter activities including the YMCA Winter Pop Up with campfire sing-a-longs and broomball, and DJ Fawn Big Canoe and DJ Shane Mackinnon will hold down the decks at the outdoor Skate Parties. When it’s time to warm up, get cozy at the bonfire with some hot chocolate, or grab a s’mores pack at the Snack Shop for a sweet treat. Enjoy the fairy lights and the Winter Light Exhibition and be sure to bring your camera! Admission to the park is free. Add on a movie at Cinesphere (60 ft by 80 ft curved screen) with family-friendly screenings of Harry Potter IMAX Edition during March Break.

TIFF PICTURE PALACE

TIFF Bell Lightbox 350 King Street West. March 2 to July 28. Suitable for all ages. Uncover the magic behind the movies at this new exhibition – an immersive experience of moving pictures and sound with the charm of a beloved bygone era. Learn how camerawork, visual effects, lighting and sound combine to create powerful stories.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

Royal Alexandra Theatre March 5 to June 30. Canadian Premiere. Winner of Six Tony Awards including Best Musical and 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, Dear Evan Hansen  is one of the most highly anticipated stage productions of the year. The musical is about life of a high school teen and a chance to fit in, even if it’s through a lie that was never meant to be told. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

March 19 to 24. Ed Mirvish Theatre. This action-packed theatrical adventure is a musical adaptation of the wildly popular book series by Rick Riordan (Disney-Hyperion)and  will only be in Toronto for a very limited one-week engagement! As a son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and is on a quest to find Zeus’ lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods.

TORONTO COMICON

(Metro Toronto Convention Centre) This popular event draws fans of all ages. Explore the expanded Family Zone to explore over 10,000 sq. ft., of fun and immersive programming such as learning about the seafaring life in Pirate School; enjoying the full Hogwarts treatment with a Sorting Hat Ceremony and Quidditch Matches organized by Quidditch Canada; getting up close and personal with the world’s newly discovered dinosaur, Zuul Presented by the ROM; building their very own Lightsabers, Slime, Crafts, storytimes and singalongs with Princesses and much more.

PAW PATROL AND CINEPLEX

(Various locations) Attention all Paw Patrol fans (and we know there are many!) Cineplex Events is offering Family Favourite screenings during March Break. At only $2.99 per screening, Family Favourites are a great opportunity to introduce new movie-goers to the theatre experience, catch a blockbuster hit that was missed the first time around or simply escape the cold for an afternoon of fun and affordable entertainment. From March 11-15, 2019, participating theatres will host daily matinee screenings of some of the year’s hottest films including PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Smallfoot, and Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch. Full schedule here.

TORONTO KIDS DIGITAL FESTIVAL

Open Space Gallery, 49 McCaul. March 12 to 14. Admission $10 – $65 for Festival passes. This digital “sandbox” includes interactive installations and daily workshops to inspire kids of all ages to think creatively. Featuring kid-focused projects in STEAM activity and toys, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Robotics, Coding, Sensors, Digital Painting, 3D Food Printer and more.

ALSO worth mentioning …

WAHLBURGERS

(46 Blue Jays Way) Calling all young burger chefs! Leading up to March Break, kids (12 years old and under) are invited to submit their own burger recipe for a chance to claim the title of the very first Wahl Chef Junior! Submit your recipe idea by March 3. Three finalists will be selected and invited to Wahlburgers in Toronto to meet with Chef Paul Wahlberg to have their recipe judged during March Break. One winner will go home with a $500 Wahlburgers’ gift card and an overnight stay in Toronto (March 10) and much more! Great spot to stop in for lunch within walking distance to theatres, TIFF, and Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Full details here.

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