Hello Mayhem families!

Mother's Day is this Sunday, and we've got a fantastic lineup of markets, activities, and events to help you celebrate! This weekend is all about showing appreciation for the amazing moms in our lives. From flower markets to special events, we've rounded up the best ways to celebrate together in the GTA. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift, a special outing with mom, or just fun ways to enjoy the spring weather, there's something for everyone this week.

In today's newsletter:

• 👩‍👧 Mother's Day markets and celebrations across the GTA

• 🌸 Asian Heritage Month celebration

• 🌷 Seasonal attractions including tulip festivals

• 🏫 Free activities at local libraries and stores

• 👯‍♀️ Mom Meetups - connect with other parents

• 👀 Preview of next week's exciting events

Let's make some spring memories together!

👇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.

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND (MAY 10-11)

🌸 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

🏛️ Doors Open Richmond Hill - Kid-Friendly Locations

Saturday, May 10, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Explore Richmond Hill's cultural sites during this FREE event! Here are some of the most kid-friendly locations to visit:

• Richmond Hill Public Library (Central Branch)
  Located at 1 Atkinson Street, the library features the Mary-Lou Griffin Local History Room with special exhibits and demonstrations. Kids can enjoy guided tours and interactive displays about local history.

• Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club
  Built in the early 1920s, this historic club welcomes visitors of all ages. Kids can try the sport and learn about this traditional game in a hands-on environment.

• Phyllis Rawlinson Park
  This historical property features a preserved log home and barn where outdoor recreational programs are hosted. It's a perfect blend of history and nature for families.

• Richmond Hill Studio Tour
  Running in conjunction with Doors Open, local artists open their creative spaces, allowing kids to see art being made and even participate in some hands-on activities. Participating Sites.

🔥 HOT TIP: Pick up a MAKERS' MARKS passport at your first stop and collect stamps at each location you visit for a chance to win prizes! The more places you visit, the greater your chances to win.

More information

🎬 Movie Day: Paw Patrol the Mighty Movie

Saturday, May 10, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Aurora Public Library

FREE event!

Enjoy a screening of Paw Patrol the Mighty Movie at the library! Popcorn will be served.

Event Link

🔍 Nature Bingo at Aurora Public Library

Sunday, May 11, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Aurora Public Library

FREE event, all ages welcome.

Enjoy the great outdoors by playing Nature Bingo! Pick up your Bingo Sheet from the Library Living Room and venture out to Town Park. Check off things you see in nature, and return to the library for a prize!

Event Link

📚 Circle Time with Dar

Sunday, May 10, 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

🐦 TRCA Spring Bird Festival

Saturday, May 10, All Day | 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

🎨 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

🔨 Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Birdy Buffet

Saturday, May 10, 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM | Home Depot locations

FREE event, registration required

If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, Home Depot has a great workshop where kids can learn how to build their very own Birdy Buffet. Registration opens Monday, April 14 at 10:30 AM ET.

More information

👶 Parents' Night Off at Tiny Town Vaughan

Friday, May 9, 5:00-9:00 PM | 5875 Hwy 7 Unit 12, Woodbridge

$35 per child, $25 for siblings (plus HST)

Enjoy a night out while the kids have a blast! This kids-only evening includes free play in their magical mini town, fun games & activities, music & dancing, and a delicious pizza dinner + sweet dessert treat. Safe, supervised, and seriously fun—all you have to do is drop them off and enjoy your evening, worry-free. Spaces are limited, call, email, or visit their website to book.

More information

🎡 Centreville Amusement Park - Moms Ride FREE

Sunday, May 11, 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

🎢 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.

MOTHER’S DAY MARKETS

🌷 Tulip Days at Pingles 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

💐 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 | Multiple Locations

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

• 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

Event Link

🚜 Niemi Family Farm: Mother's Day Market

Saturday, May 10 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

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

🧩 Mastermind Toys Challenge with Magna-Tiles

May 12-16 | All Mastermind Toys locations

FREE event, all ages

Visit any Mastermind Toys store to participate in a MAGNA-TILES® Master Builders challenge! This week's theme will be available in-store to inspire kids on what to build. Complete the challenge and photograph your build for your chance to win one of two $50 prizes!

More information

🍖 Vaughan Ribfest

May 16-19 | Assembly Park, Vaughan

Friday-Sunday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Monday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
$5 admission, children 10 & under FREE

Vaughan Ribfest returns for Victoria Day Long Weekend! Featuring 5 of North America's Best Rib Teams serving award-winning BBQ smoked ribs, tender pulled pork, juicy smoked brisket, BBQ chicken, smoked sausage and huge beef "Dino" ribs. Enjoy a variety of festival foods, live music all weekend featuring amazing tribute bands, midway rides, and carnival games for all ages. Free parking, pet-friendly, free concerts with admission.

www.vaughanribfest.com

👑 Once Upon a Time at Black Creek Pioneer Village

Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Black Creek Pioneer Village

Experience fairy tales and folklore come to life in the historic village! More details coming soon.

Register Here | Black Creek Website

🍦 Chapman's Ice Cream Festival at Casa Loma

Saturday, May 17 | Casa Loma, Toronto

Perfectly timed to kick off ice cream season, Toronto's historic landmark Casa Loma will host the first-ever Chapman's Ice Cream Festival! The festival will feature many fun activities, games and contests for people of all ages. Live music, creative ice cream dishes and a variety of delectable ice cream flavours will delight your senses. All included with general admission. Casa Loma is open daily for general admission touring from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Purchase Tickets

🏰 Decorate the Castle at Mastermind Toys

May 17-18, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | All Mastermind Toys locations

FREE event, ages 3+

Fancy yourself an artist? Here's your chance to decorate and color a castle!

More information

🖼️ International Museum Day at Markham Museum

Sunday, May 18 | Markham Museum

FREE admission

Celebrate International Museum Day with hands-on family activities, explore cutting-edge tech in the Transportation Hall, see live weaving and printing demos, play a round of historic mini putt, and dive into exhibitions including Everyday Superheroes, Markham Community Makers, and The Art of Pat Wheeler. Claim your free ticket online. A limited number of walk in tickets will also be available.

Claim Free Tickets | @markhammuseum

💦 Cirque Italia Water Circus

May 23-26 | Promenade Mall, Thornhill

Experience the magic of Cirque Italia's Water Circus - a European-style circus featuring a 35,000-gallon water stage! This year's show "Aquatic Spectacular" presents mermaids, pirates, and sailors in an epic voyage. Enjoy aerialists, hand balancers, contortionists, and the Wheel of Death—all enhanced by dancing fountains and dramatic lighting effects.

Show Times:

• Thursday, May 23: 7:30 PM

• Friday, May 24: 7:30 PM

• Saturday, May 25: 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM

• Sunday, May 26: 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM

🔥 HOT TIP: Use code FACEFREE when booking online for ONE FREE CHILD per paid adult in levels 2 and 3! Tickets start at $46.

Eventbrite Tickets

🏛️ Doors Open Toronto

May 24 & 25 | Various locations across Toronto

The annual Doors Open Toronto event is coming! Look for our special feature newsletter on our favorite kid-friendly spots to visit, from airports to fire stations. This popular annual event gives you the rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes at some of Toronto's most interesting buildings and spaces not typically open to the public.

More information

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