Hey there, Toronto families! 👋

This week, we're hunting for last-minute activities to give you a break from the summer heat! Whether it's cool air-conditioned libraries or shaded park events, these are perfect for when the backyard gets too hot and you need to get out of the house.

Speaking of which, don't forget to check out our Top-rated 32 Splash Pads in the GTA guide 🌊

Here's what's happening this week around Toronto:

🏎️ Honda Indy Free Fan Friday – Etobicoke
🦖 Free Jurassic World screening with popcorn – Etobicoke
🎪 BIG on Bloor Festival – West Toronto
🎬 Free outdoor movies: Minecraft Movie & Moana – North York & East Toronto
🎉 Unity Fest at Harbourfront – East Toronto
🎭 Junior Carnival at Neilson Park – Scarborough

THURSDAY, JULY 17

🧪 Mad Science: Fantastic Flyers | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Date: Thursday, July 17 | Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - New Toronto Branch
Cost: FREE | Age: 6-12 years
🔗 Event Details
Interactive science workshop exploring the principles of flight! Registration required.

✍️ Creative Writing Workshop | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Date: Thursday, July 17 | Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - Maria A. Shchuka Branch
Cost: FREE | Age: 3-8 years
🔗 Event Details
Fun creative writing activities designed for young writers! Registration required.

🎬 Willowdale Movie Night & Block Party: Captain America Brave New World | NORTH YORK
Date: Thursday, July 17 | Time: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Goulding Community Centre
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Community block party with activities all afternoon, followed by movie night! Don't forget to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and water.

🎬 Movies Under the Stars: A Minecraft Movie | NORTH YORK
Date: Thursday, July 17 | Time: 9:00 PM (arrive at 8:00 PM)
Location: Downsview Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
The show starts at dusk (approximately 9:00 PM), but arrive an hour early to get a good spot. Parking available in the Orchard parking lot (P2). Also runs August 7th.

🎬 Evergreen Brick Works Movie Night: Moana | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Thursday, July 17 | Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Evergreen Brick Works
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Every Thursday from 3:30-7:30 PM, they transform the Brick Works into a neighbourhood block party with fun and games for the whole family! Movie starts at 7:30 PM. Runs every Thursday through August 28th.

FRIDAY, JULY 18

🏎️ Honda Indy: Free Fan Friday | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Date: Friday, July 18 | Time: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Location: Exhibition Place Enercare Centre
Cost: FREE (voluntary donations accepted for Make-A-Wish Canada) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Seating is first come, first served. Children 12 and under receive free general admission for Saturday and Sunday when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

🎬 Films on Shortt: A Minecraft Movie | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Date: Friday, July 18 | Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Fairbank BIA
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Free popcorn! BYO chair/blanket. Also runs August 15th.

🎬 Freezie Friday Film: IF | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Friday, July 18 | Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - Danforth/Coxwell Branch
Cost: FREE | Age: Recommended for ages 6+
🔗 Event Details
Free movie screening with freezies given out first come, first served! No registration required.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

🎨 Arts Etobicoke: Community Arts Celebration 2025 | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Date: Saturday, July 19 | Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Michael Power Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Community arts celebration with activities for all ages! Paid parking available in the lane off Royalavon Crescent or along Dundas Street.

🥕 Black Creek - 13th Annual Farm Festival | NORTH-YORK
Date: Saturday, July 19 | Time: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Black Creek Community Farm
Cost: FREE admission | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Join for an afternoon of games, crafts, activities, food, face painting, live performances, and much more! No on-site parking - check website for additional parking locations and bus schedule. Oh, and free ice cream! 🍦 

🦋 Butterflies and Books | SCARBOROUGH
Date: Saturday, July 19 | Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Children's Book Bank Morningside
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Interactive storytelling and butterfly-themed activities! Also runs July 26 and August 2.

🎪 Junior Carnival and Family Day | SCARBOROUGH
Date: Saturday, July 19 | Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Neilson Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Caribbean carnival celebration with family-friendly activities, music, and cultural performances!

🇧🇷 Brazil Fest (Day 1/2) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Saturday, July 19 | Time: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Earscourt Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Brazilian cultural festival with music, food, and family activities! Also runs Sunday.

🎉 Unity Fest | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Saturday, July 19 | Time: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Harbourfront Centre
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
All-day cultural celebration featuring diverse performances, activities, and family fun right on the waterfront!

🎪 BIG on Bloor (Day 1/2) | TORONTO-WEST YORK
Date: Saturday, July 19 | Time: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Location: Bloordale Village
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Street festival with live music, food vendors, family activities, and entertainment! Also runs Sunday.

SUNDAY, JULY 20

🇧🇷 Brazil Fest (Day 2/2) | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Sunday, July 20 | Time: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Earscourt Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of Brazilian cultural festival with music, food, and family activities!

🎪 BIG on Bloor (Day 2/2) | TORONTO-WEST YORK
Date: Sunday, July 20 | Time: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Bloordale Village
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of the street festival with live music, food vendors, family activities, and entertainment!

MONDAY, JULY 21

🐍 Hands on Exotics! | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Monday, July 21 | Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - Queen/Saulter Branch
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Interactive presentation featuring exotic animals! No registration required.

🏹 Build a Catapult | TORONTO-EAST YORK
Date: Monday, July 21 | Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - S. Walter Stewart Branch
Cost: FREE | Age: 8-12 years
🔗 Event Details
Hands-on engineering workshop! No registration required.

TUESDAY, JULY 22

🍣 Sushi Making with Chef Sang Kim | SCARBOROUGH
Date: Tuesday, July 22 | Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Toronto Public Library - Eglinton Square
Cost: FREE | Age: 6-12 years
🔗 Event Details
Learn to make sushi with a professional chef! Registration required.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

🎬 Heaps Estrin Movie Night: Jurassic World Rebirth | ETOBICOKE-YORK
Date: Wednesday, July 23 | Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Cineplex Cinemas Queensway & VIP
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Reserve Your Seats
Free movie screening with popcorn included! Use the Google form link to reserve your seats.

🎥 Movies for Mommies: TBA | NORTH YORK
Date: Wednesday, July 23 | Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Cineplex Cinemas Fairview
Cost: Regular movie ticket rates (no charge for children under 3) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Mom-friendly movie screenings! Runs alternating Wednesdays.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

• 🎬 Evergreen Brick Works Movie Night: Strange World – Toronto-East York (Thursday, July 24)

• ✏️ Create a Supervillain with Howard Wong – North York (Thursday, July 24)

• 🎪 St. Clair Gardens Summerfest – Toronto-West York (Saturday, July 26)

• 🎵 Scarborough Folk Fest – Scarborough (Saturday, July 26)

• 🛍️ Woodside Square Summer Market – Scarborough (Saturday & Sunday, July 26-27)

Have a wonderful week exploring Toronto with your little adventurers!

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