Spring is fully blooming and there's so much happening around the GTA this week! From cherry blossoms to storytelling festivals, Mother's Day markets to amusement park openings, we've rounded up the best activities to enjoy with your little ones no matter what the weather brings.

In today's newsletter:

• 🌸 Peak cherry blossom viewing information

• 📖 Toronto Storytelling Festival - free family events

• 🏋️‍♀️ Stroller fitness options for parents and babies

• 🎡 Seasonal openings - Centreville and Wonderland

• 🐦 Bird festivals and nature activities

• 💐 Mother's Day markets across the GTA

• 🌱 Garden and seedling sales

So grab your calendar and let's plan some adventures!

👇Follow our new account for day-of event updates, weather changes, and last-minute tips! We share real-time info about conditions and "wish I had known before arriving" details to make your family outings smoother @mayhemadventure.

THIS WEEKEND (MAY 3-4)

📖 Toronto Storytelling Festival

Sunday, May 4 | The Wellington Event Venue, The Well

FREE family-friendly events

Join the closing day of this festival featuring special storytelling sessions for all ages:

• 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: A Blessing and Stories with Otsistokwi

• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Teddy Bears Picnic (perfect for little ones!)

• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Nature Songs and Stories with Pete Moss 

• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Parent-Child Mother Goose session

• 2:00 PM: Festival Closing with Celia Lottridge

All events take place at The Wellington Event Venue at The Well. These free, family-friendly storytelling events are perfect for a Sunday morning adventure!

Full Festival Details

🔥 HOT TIP: Bring your child's favorite teddy bear for the Teddy Bears Picnic session!🧸

🌸 Cherry Blossom Season - Peak Bloom!

Cherry blossom 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)

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

🌱 Black Creek Organic Farm Seedling Sale

Saturday, May 3, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 4929 Jane Street, York

Spring is here, and it's the perfect time to get your garden growing! Join Black Creek Community Farm every Saturday in May for their Seedling Sale. They offer organic veggie & herb starts, pollinator-friendly flowers, heirloom & hard-to-find varieties, and wood chips for the garden (bring your own pail). Everything is grown with love right at the farm!

🔥 HOT TIP: Arrive early for best selection! Popular varieties sell out quickly.

📚 Circle Time with Dar

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

Ages 0-6 years with caregivers. FREE event!

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.

Note: Registration required (register children only, adults don't need tickets). This event runs every Sunday in May with free-play available from 12:00 to 5:00 PM.

Register Here | @circletimewithdar

🍷 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. @themommarket_yorkregion

🔥 HOT TIP: Parents can enjoy wine tastings while shopping!

⚾ Jr. Jays Sundays

Sunday, May 4, 1:37 PM | Rogers Centre, Toronto

Jr. Jays Sundays program offers activities in Jr. Jays Zones located on the 100, 200 and 500 outfield levels, including Park Social. Kids 14 and under can run the bases after the game on Jr. Jays Sunday games only!

🔥 HOT TIP: Join the free Jr. Jays Club to receive 50% off tickets to Jr. Jays Tickets for all Saturday and Sunday home games, access to run the bases and the Club Hub, and more!

More Information

🎡 Centreville Amusement Park - OPENING WEEKEND!

Saturday, May 3, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM | 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto

Located a short ferry ride across the Toronto Harbour on Centre Island, Centreville Amusement Park opens for the season! With over 30 rides & attractions and 14 mouth-watering food outlets across 20+ acres, this is the ultimate destination for families with young children. Tickets start at $35.18.

🔥 HOT TIP: Celebrate Mother’s Day at Centreville! Moms ride free with the purchase of an All Day Ride Pass for their child!

Visit Website | @centrevillefun

🛍️ Spring Kids' Market

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

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.

🐦 Richmond Hill Bird Friendly Festival: Sharing Spaces

Saturday, May 3, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 1 Atkinson Street, Richmond Hill

Free, drop-in event. No registration required. All ages welcome!

Join this afternoon of education, activities and fun celebrating World Migratory Bird Day. Learn how we can safely share spaces with our feathered friends, connect with local organizations, and enjoy kid-friendly activities. Richmond Hill is recognized by Nature Canada as a Bird Friendly City!

Event Link | Contact: [email protected]

🏃‍♀️ 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!

Registration required via neighbourlink.org/letsmove

UPCOMING EVENTS

🌷 Tulip Days at Pringles Farm Market

Thursday, May 8 - Sunday, May 18 | 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton

Tickets: $10-$19.95 (required for everyone ages 2 & up, 23 months & under are free)

Explore the Greater Toronto Area's largest tulip festival, featuring over 500,000 stunning blooms, pick-your-own flower bouquets, photo prop stops, live music, farm-to-fork food & drink, wagon rides, & more. Admission includes access to tulip field, live music, playland and wagon rides, market and bakery.

🔥 HOT TIP: Weekday visits tend to be less crowded than weekends! Hampton is approximately a 75-minute drive east of Toronto, making it a perfect day trip adventure.

Visit Website | @pinglesfarm

🎢 Canada's Wonderland Opening Day

Thursday, May 8, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM | 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan

Canada's Wonderland kicks off its 2025 season! The park will be open weekends in May following opening day.

🎨 Henna Workshop at North York Central Library

Saturday, May 10, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 5120 Yonge Street

Ages 6-12 years. 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.

🔥 HOT TIP: registration opens Monday, April 28 at 9:00 AM (register in-branch or online).

Register Here

🌸 Asian Heritage Month Celebration: Asian-Owned Market

Saturday, May 10, 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street

Free admission, all ages welcome

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, this one-day celebration will feature 60+ Asian-owned small businesses, from food and drink to artisan goods, vintage, wellness, and more. Attendees can enjoy live performances, creative installations, and a community-focused atmosphere spotlighting AAPI culture.

@the.welcome.market

🐦 TRCA Spring Bird Festival

Saturday, May 10, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie Street, Toronto

Join the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) at Tommy Thompson Park for the free Spring Bird Festival. Families can learn about the amazing phenomenon of migration and the importance of bird conservation. Go on a bird walk with a knowledgeable guide, take part in kid-friendly bird-themed games and activities, participate in a community planting, and more!

Visit Website

MOTHER’S DAY MARKETS

💐 HER MARKET: Mother's Day Pop Up at Hillcrest Mall

Friday, May 9 - Sunday, May 11, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | 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!

Event Link

👩‍👧 The Mom Market (Saturday, May 10)

Find unique gifts for Mom while supporting local vendors at these three convenient locations:

• Yonge Eglinton Centre
  10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | 2300 Yonge Street, Toronto
  

• Toronto Botanical Garden
  11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 777 Lawrence Ave. East, Toronto
  

• Promenade Mall: Pre-Mother's Day Shopping
  11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | 1 Promenade Circle, Thornhill
  

🔥 HOT TIP: Visit multiple locations in one day! The Mom Market has three spots across the GTA, making it easy to check out more than one market.

Event Link

🚜 Niemi Family Farm: Mother's Day Market

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert

Celebrate Mother's Day with a trip to this charming farm market featuring lots of local vendors, beautiful hanging baskets, and both indoor and outdoor shopping areas. Visit their bakery and café where they're offering complimentary coffee and cake for all moms! A perfect countryside destination to find unique gifts while enjoying delicious treats.

Event Link | @niemi_family_farm

🌻 Toronto Flower Market at CAMH

Saturday, May 10, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 1001 Queen St. West, Toronto 

This beloved market celebrates and supports Ontario-grown flowers & plants, connecting local growers and florists directly with the city. Browse beautiful seasonal blooms, meet the people who grow them, and find the perfect Mother's Day bouquet or plant. The market runs rain or shine. Parking available in CAMH underground lots off Stokes and Ossington (paid), or try street parking in the area.

🔥 HOT TIP: Bring your own vase or container to transport your flowers home safely, and arrive early for best selection!

Event Link | @torontoflowermarket

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