By Francesca Brunsden, Social Media Manager & Mom

It’s finally nice weather and you're itching to get outside, soak up some sunshine, and make the most of our short Canadian summer. If you're anything like me, you want to maximize your time outside while keeping the kiddos busy (and hopefully worn out enough for an extra long nap).

Here are my favorite summer activities for the whole family.

TORONTO ISLANDS

This is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. Centre Island’s Centreville Amusement Park has rides galore, with everything from the classic teacups and vintage car rides, to bumper cars and bumper boats. You’ll easily keep the littles entertained all day! There are plenty of food options to make sure you're well fed too. Get the ferry over to the islands or a water taxi from Spadina or York Street.

Little tip: If you take a water taxi to the island, not only will you save time lining up for the ferry in the morning but you can get the ferry back for free in the afternoon!

If amusement parks aren't your thing, don’t worry. Take the ferry to Wards Island instead and enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch at Wards Island Cafe. Better still, order takeaway picnics for the family to enjoy in a spot of your choice.

If that's not enough to keep you busy, you can rent everything from a bike to a boat, canoe, kayak and even a paddle board from the boathouse. You might even be lucky enough to see herons, nesting swans, and turtles as you paddle!

EVERGREEN BRICKWORKS SCAVENGER HUNT

Turn up any time! No need to make renovations. The Evergreen Brickworks Scavenger Hunt is an activity you can do any time with your kids. It's free and donations are welcomed. You can enjoy learning about the history of the Don Valley and exploring the former quarry where bricks were made for many of Toronto’s famous landmarks, such as Casa Loma. There are often food trucks parked on site and you can also check Cafe Belong, not to mention the farmers market.

WHEN: All summer
WHERE: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto ON, M4W 3X8 
MORE INFO: www.evergreen.ca

TORONTO ZOO

Hang out with nature and your family at the Toronto Zoo. It's fun, educational, and perfect for families with kids of different ages. Pick up an “Explorers Booklet” and fill out the activities for the chance to win a free souvenir. This year, there are lots of baby animals to have a look at, including a polar bear cub and lion cubs. How cute is that?

WHEN: All summer
WHERE: 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto, ON, M1B 5K7
MORE INFO:  www.torontozoo.com

RIVERDALE FARM

Get yourself a little taste of life at Riverdale's working farm in Toronto's Cabbagetown neighborhood. Riverdale Farm allows you to get an up close and personal look at pigs, chicken, cows, goats, and sheep. The grounds span 7.5 acres that are connected to the city ravine system, with wooded areas, ponds and plenty of nature for your littles to run wild in. Who said you had to travel out of town to visit a real farm?

WHEN: All summer
WHERE: 201 Winchester Street, Toronto, ON M4X 1B8
MORE INFO: riverdalefarmtoronto.ca

JUNIOR JAY’S SUNDAYS

Take me out to the ballgame and take the kids along too. Junior Jays Sundays are held at every home game played on a Sunday in Toronto. Kids can participate in fun games and activities on the 100, 200 and 500 levels, so parents can relax and enjoy the game. Little fans (aged 14 and under who are accompanied by a parent) can run the bases like the pros after the game.

Your Jr. Jay may also be randomly selected to participate in activities, like being the Jr. Jays Announcer for the bottom half of an inning. Lucky fans can also win prizes, be seen on the jumbo screen, and meet the Jays mascot. 

WHEN: Every Sunday home game
WHERE: The Rogers Centre
MORE INFO: www.mlb.com/bluejays/tickets/theme-days/jr-jays-sundays-weekends

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