We've officially arrived at the final week of school!

If your house is anything like mine, emotions are running high. The kids seem completely tapped out and ready for a change of routine.

We've got both a Pre-K and an SK graduation in our house this week. My 4-year-old was upset that I wouldn't let him wear his Catboy costume to graduation. His argument? "All the girls are dressed like princesses." He was convinced it was a costume party. 😂 Gosh, I love this age.

Whether you're celebrating a graduation or surviving the last few days of lunches, I hope you take a moment to appreciate everything you've accomplished this year.

Canada Day falls on a Wednesday this year, which makes for a bit of an unusual week. I've included a roundup of Canada Day events in this issue for those planning ahead. I'll also be sending another newsletter on Monday with even more Canada Day activities, plus events happening over the July 4th weekend.

Here's to summer adventures and slower mornings!

P.S. I’m looking for a York parent to join the Mayhem team! If you're active in local Facebook parenting groups and looking for flexible part-time work (4-6 hours a week), reply to this email — we'd love to hear from you!

P.P.S. I’m co-hosting an event with a paedicatric therapy clinic in Richmond Hill. It’s an intimate, relaxed session with a Naturopathic Doctor where you can finally ask those 2am Google questions out loud — gut health, eczema, allergies, mommy brain, poor sleep — all of it. Kids & babies welcome. FREE event but registration required. 5 spots remaining!

🎭 $10 Off Theatre Camp — Great Big Theatre Company
Great Big Theatre Company is offering $10 off camp registration for the first 30 families — use code MAYHEM-2026 at checkout! Acting, drama, and musical theatre programs for kids ages 6–14, with outdoor activities, games, and every program wrapping up with a real public performance.

🍓 Strawberry Picking Season is Here!
York Region has great pick-your-own options this season. Check out Reesor's in Markham, Robintide Farms in King City, or Applewood Farm in Stouffville!

🎬 Watch the World Cup on the Big Screen — Cineplex x TSN
Cineplex has partnered with TSN to bring select FIFA World Cup 2026 matches to movie theatres across Canada. Tickets start at $9.99 CAD plus fees — may be released day-of. Check your local Cineplex regularly. 🍁

🏊 Markham FREE Summer Rec Swim Pass — Ages 10–13
Youth ages 10 to 13 can enjoy FREE, unlimited recreational swims at all City of Markham pools from June 26 to September 7, 2026. Register now!

A Toronto-born theatre camp that's been building little performers' confidence since 1994

I don't usually sign up for things this fast, but Great Big Theatre Company had me at "end-of-week performance for parents." We just registered my kids and honestly, I'm as excited as they are.

GBTC runs weekly summer theatre day camps for kids ages 6–14 across Toronto, Peel, Durham, and York Region. Each week is packed with improv, musical theatre, mime, theatre games, and costume creation — all building toward a Friday afternoon show that kids perform for family. The vibe is warm, non-competitive, and designed so every single kid gets to shine.

They've been doing this since 1994, and it shows. Spots are filling up — check schedules and register below!

👉 Use code MAYHEM-2026 at checkout ($10 off for first 30 registrants)

16 free Canada Day events in York on Wednesday, July 1

Friday, June 26 · ⛅ 22°C

Saturday, June 27 · ⛅ 22°C

Sunday, June 28 · ☀️ 25°C

Monday, June 29 · ⛅ 25°C

Thanks for reading! See you back here, next Wednesday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local parents? Email us at [email protected] or reply to this newsletter.