Spring is in full bloom and Earth Day celebrations are happening across the GTA this weekend! Whether you're looking to connect with nature, dance with your little ones, or enjoy a festival atmosphere, there's something for every family. We've also included a preview of exciting Mother's Day events coming up in May. Time to get outside and enjoy the season!

In Today’s Newsletter

• 🌎 Earth Day celebrations across the GTA

• 💃 Family dance party and kids festival

• 🌸 Cherry blossom viewing spots

• 🗳️ Election Day information

• 🎨 Preview of May events (including Mother’s Day festivities)

As always, check event websites for changes to time/dates & details. This post is not an endorsement of the activities listed.

WEEKEND EVENTS (APRIL 26-27)

🌎 Earth Day at Evergreen Brickworks

Sunday, April 27, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Evergreen Brickworks, Toronto 

All ages, family-friendly, registration not required.

Connect with nature and learn about the local environment with experts from the Ontario Science Centre through fun activities, experiments and games! Explore the food web of aquatic animals, test pH levels in water samples and try a recycling challenge. While you are here, be sure to stop by the Evergreen Garden Market open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

See website for full event details.

🌎 Earth Day at Downsview Park

Sunday, April 27, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Avenue, Toronto 

All ages, family-friendly. General admission is free; some activities require registration.

Celebrate our planet with a variety of eco-friendly activities! Highlights include:

• Tree planting sessions (11:30 AM & 1:30 PM)

• Invasive species management activities (12:30 PM & 2:30 PM)

• Guided nature walks by Toronto Field Naturalists

• Trishaw rides around the Circuit Path

• Story time with author Cylita Guy (2:30 PM) with FREE books

• Drop-in seed ball making and greenhouse activities

• Campfire with free roasted marshmallows

• Market and food vendors

• Bicycle repairs, Bird of Prey demonstrations, scavenger hunt

Note: Event will take place rain or shine! See website for full event details.

🚶‍♀️ Free Guided Walks - Rouge National Urban Park

Sunday, April 27, 1:00 PM | 10725 Reesor Road, Markham

All ages. Registration not required

It's Arbour Week in Ontario! Join walk leader Marilyn to learn about reforestation, wetland rehabilitation and how we can all be a part of land stewardship for the future. The walk is 3-5 km, easy difficulty (flat/paved or gently uneven), moderate pace, 2-hour duration, and dog friendly.

Additional parking: 7445 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham; 7535 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham

Meeting spot: oTENTik (A-frame cabin)

💃 Family Dance Rave at Dovercourt House

Sunday, April 27, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 805 Dovercourt Road, Toronto 

All ages, pay what you can.

Get ready to dance with the whole family! This afternoon dance party features live acts by I Love GT (aka The Goodtimes) and Peanut Butter and the Jams, plus a DJ to keep everyone moving. A perfect chance for parents to enjoy dancing without needing a babysitter or staying up late!

Note: Ticket prices are flexible - pay what you can afford, with all funds going toward the space rental and artists. Community tickets available for those unable to contribute. Register here.

🎭 Kids Fest Toronto 2025

Sunday, April 27, 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Royal Event Centre, 181 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke 

Under 18 with parent or legal guardian. $20 for kids, $10 for parents.

Kids Fest is back with lots of fun and games for children! This exciting event features a TikTok Funday, Bouncy Castle Village, and a Huge Talent Dance Show. A perfect weekend activity for families looking for indoor entertainment. Note: Free venue parking available. Tickets and further info here.

CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

🌸Tracking Peak Bloom

Cherry blossom (sakura) season is happening now! These delicate pink flowers create magical photo opportunities that last just 4-10 days. Based on current patterns, peak bloom is expected during the last days of April through the first week of May.

Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Locations:

• High Park (1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto) - Most famous spot with over 2,000 trees

• Trinity Bellwoods Park (790 Queen Street West, Toronto) - Less crowded alternative

• Kariya Park (3620 Kariya Drive, Mississauga) - Japanese-inspired garden

• Centennial Park (256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke) - Growing collection of trees

• Edwards Gardens/Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto)

Tip: Check bloom forecasts before visiting or call the Cherry Blossom Hotline at 647-946-2547 for additional information about bloom predictions. Visit on weekdays if possible to avoid weekend crowds!

ELECTION DAY

🗳️ Canada’s Next Election

Monday, April 28, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Your assigned polling station in your riding 

A record 7.3 million Canadians voted during advance polls! But not to worry if you weren’t one of them. While there are no specific activities planned, taking your family to vote can be a meaningful learning experience! Children are welcome at polling stations and can witness democracy in action. This is a perfect opportunity to:

• Teach children about civic responsibility and the voting process

• Let them see how a polling station works

• Discuss why voting matters in age-appropriate ways

• Create a family tradition of participating in elections together

Visit Elections Canada for your guide to the federal election.

MAY PREVIEW EVENTS

💐 HER MARKET: Mother's Day Pop Up

Friday, May 9 - Sunday, May 11, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Hillcrest Mall, 9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill 

Celebrate Mother's Day at this special pop-up market featuring local vendors with unique gifts. A perfect opportunity to treat mom to a shopping experience, enjoy delicious treats, and participate in special activities. Support local women-owned businesses while finding the perfect gift!

🍷 The Mom Market at Holland Marsh Wineries

Sunday, May 4, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 18270 Keele St, Newmarket

Browse through a curated selection of vendors at this special Mother's Day market held at a beautiful winery setting. Find unique gifts while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Note: This event repeats on June 8, August 17, September 28, October 26, and November 23. Click here for full event details.

🛍️ Spring Kids' Market

Saturday, May 3, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Don Valley Bible Chapel, North York

All ages, no admission fee.

A special Mother's Day themed market where children sell their homemade or other items. A wonderful opportunity for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and business skills while finding the perfect handmade gift for Mom.

Note: Vendor spaces still available for children who want to participate. Contact Mayhem for further info.

🎬 Movies for Mommies at Cineplex Fairview Mall

Wednesday, April 30, 1:00 PM | 1800 Sheppard Ave East, North York

Ages: Parents with infants (children under 3 free)

Cost: Regular admission (no charge for children under 3). Tickets available online (look for Stars & Strollers icon) or at the door. Movie selection TBC.

Finally new parents can have their popcorn and eat it too! Enjoy movies in a comfortable, baby-friendly cinema with reduced sound levels and a change table in theater so you don't miss the best part of the movie!

Note: Free lot parking available; accessible via TTC Subway (Don Mills Station)

📚 Circle Time with Dar

Sunday, May 3, sessions at 1:00, 2:30 & 4:00 PM | YZD Experience Centre, 34 Hanover Road, North York

Ages 0-6 years with caregivers. This is a FREE

Join these fun, interactive community playdates featuring stories, songs, and activities designed to inspire young minds and bring caregivers and little learners together. Children can sing, dance, and connect in a warm, welcoming environment that fosters a love for music and storytelling while sparking imagination. Registration required (register children only, adults don't need tickets). Can’t make this day? Not to worry. This event is running every Sunday in the month of May.

🎨 Henna Workshop

Saturday, May 10, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street 

Ages 6-12 years. This is a FREE event!

Learn about the history and traditions behind Henna art with Hina Yasir! Kids will get a chance to practice Henna techniques and also have it applied to their hands. A wonderful opportunity to learn about cultural traditions and create beautiful art.

Registration required - opens Monday, April 28 at 9:00 AM (register in-branch or online).

🏃‍♀️ Let's Move Willowdale Move-a-thon & BBQ

Saturday, May 3, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM | Hendon Park (Finch Hydro Corridor) 

All ages, family-friendly. Various rates for individuals, groups and families (includes meal and tax receipt)

Join this community fitness event starting with a warm-up by The Passionate Physio, followed by a walk, run, or ride along the Finch Hydro Corridor. After the Move-a-thon, enjoy a family BBQ featuring live music, a magic show, dance workshops, kids activities by Sunnyside Up Camp, aerial hammock demonstrations, science experiments, caricature artists, prizes and more!

Required via neighbourlink.org/letsmove.

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