North of Toronto Family Fun Calendar for May 31 - June 2

Big welcome to the month of June this weekend. Wow, it's hard to believe. When you have kids, people tell you time goes by quickly and they sure weren't kidding!

If you haven't already, now is the time to book your kids into summer day camps. We have plenty of options on our site packed with fun activities and there is definitely a range of interests to suit every child. We also encourage you to consider this option even if you're at the cottage. Kids will enjoy the activities, make new friends and parents can enjoy some quiet cottage time to read and relax...or do that work at cottage that doesn't seem to get done by itself!

Lots Going on for Dads and Fam!

It's also time to start thinking about Father's Day. We had no problem compiling an extensive list of events, activities and weekend getaway offers for not only the family to do together, but also some suggestions if you wanted to send Dad on his own or with his friends. Check out our Father's Day page and continue to check in as we update it with new ideas.

KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:
These events are within 1-3 hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip, or stay at any family friendly accommodation and extend the fun.

~ONTARIO~

FREE YMCA DAY: YMCA Health and Fitness Centres across Ontario will be open free to the community. Join in on the fun activities including dance classes, obstacle courses, crafts and much more.

~BARRIE~   

For Kids Too!

GEORGIAN COLLEGE AUTO SHOW: The Georgian college Auto Show Committee is proud to present the 2013 Georgian College Auto Show crest. The theme of this year's show is "Aspire, Believe, Succeed." This flagship event of the Automotive Business School of Canada is proudly the largest outdoor, student-run auto show in North America. There will also be a kids zone.

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: Family Sunday Workshop - Regional artist Kirsty Wilson leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials. Sign up early on the day of the workshop. Space is limited. 

CELEBRATE BARRIE: 

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online   

~COLLINGWOOD~

VILLAGE ACTIVITIES AT BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT: Scavenger hunts and other kids and family fun happening daily in Blue Mountain Village.

DOORS OPEN: The more than 12 sites selected for Doors Open Collingwood will showcase a varied and colourful history. Several child appropriate and fun stops for kids. See list and choose appropriately what will interest your children.

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS
Book Collingwood Hotels Online  

~HALIBURTON~

HALIBURTON HOME AND COTTAGE SHOW: The 35th annual Haliburton Home and Cottage Show. Over 150 exhibitors. Help for any home or cottage project. Talk to the Experts. Friday May 31st 4:00pm to 9:00pm Saturday June 1st 10:00am to 5:00pm Sunday June 2nd 10:00am to 4:00pm Location: Haliburton Curling Club and Dysart Arena.

Hit the Trails!

RIDE THE OCUP RACE COURSE: Sir Sam's Ski and Bike: Preride the race course this Saturday, June 1, & Sunday, June 2, 2013. Join us for Mountain Biking & Food Service on June 1 & 2, 2013. During days & hours that we are not formally open you can ride our X-country trails by using our honour box system. Sign the compulsory waiver & deposit $10.00 in the honour box.

See Ontario's Highlands Tourism Region 

~MIDLAND~

Dock & Waterfront Fun!

JUST FOR KIDS FISHING DERBY & BIKE RODEO: Midland Town Dock, Midland. Free Boat Rides, Free hot dogs & soft drinks, Early Bird Draw and meet Sparky the Fire Dog! Pre-registration required. *See our tips for fishing with kids.

DOWNTOWN SHOPS AND DOCKS: Check out the shops and docks in beautiful Midland! Walk about and strolling fun for kids and check out one of the largest outdoor mural collections in North America.

GEORGIAN BAY CRUISE: Experience the sparkling water, the windswept pines and rocky grandeur of Muskoka / Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands on a cruise aboard the 300-passenger Miss Midland - Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction. Kids will love the big boat, with covered and wide open spaces to explore. 

GUIDED CANOE OR KAYAK TOURS | GUIDED WALKS | REPTILE SHOW | BIRDS OF PREY SHOW: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Check their website for details and times.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online    

See Midland Tourism Region 

~OWEN SOUND~

DOORS OPEN: Doors Open Ontario is a province-wide celebration of community heritage designed to create access, awareness and excitement about our heritage. Doors Open provides residents and visitors alike with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy sometimes hidden and always interesting places within our community - all free of charge.

~WASAGA BEACH~

ANNUAL SOAPBOX DERBY: 11th Annual Soapbox Derby. 2nd Wasaga Beach Scouts Soap Box Derby. Location: Beach Area 1. Event starts at 9 a.m. Bring out your loudest cheering voice!  

Browse Wasaga Beach accommodations and attractions

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Great Offers for families!

Parents looking for last minute getaways, can find them too. Spring and last minute vacation offers are available with lots of includes that give your family a lot of value and a lot of fun and memories. 

You can find more FAMILY ACTIVITIES on our website! 

Have a fun and safe weekend!  Did we miss posting an event? Please fill free to CONTACT US and let us know what's happening!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news     
 

North of Toronto Family Fun Calendar for May 24-26

Wow, May was a blur - a fun and sunny blur! If this is any indication as to how summer will go, we're in for some good stuff.

Right now, parents are thinking about summer and so are we. On top on the priority list is summer child care. Fun summer day camps are being held at the resorts and attractions and offer some really neat programming that children will love. Camp activities include, golf and sports, art, museum fun, adventure and fun, horses and ranch fun, swimming, biking and more!

*We also recommend parents consider day camps even if you are cottaging the in these areas. It's not just for local kids. Summer day camp a great way to keep your child entertained in times of bad weather and it's a great way for them to make new friends while parents enjoy some quiet time as well.

Good times. New friends!

SUMMER DAY CAMPS AT:

Blue Mountain Village (Collingwood)
Cranberry Golf Resort (Collingwood)
Nottawasaga Resort (Alliston)
Huronia Museum (Midland)
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre (Midland)
Rounds Ranch (Elmvale)
Santa's Village (Bracebridge)
MacLaren Art Centre (Barrie)
Horseshoe Resort (Barrie)
Hardwood Ski and Bike (Barrie)
Sir Sam's Ski and Bike (Haliburton)

KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:
These events are within 1-3 hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip, or stay at any family friendly accommodation and extend the fun.

~BARRIE~

BARRIE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL: The 2013 9th Annual Waterfront Festival is set to kick off the summer season on Saturday May 25th 2013 - Sunday May 26th 2013. A great FREE entertainment line up will surely draw a large crowd as we welcome the warm sun and clear skies. 

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online 

~BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

BRITISH CAR SHOW: See what’s under the bonnets as the local British car club rolls into the Village for an afternoon of automobile history and appreciation. Enjoy live music and kids activities.

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS
Book Collingwood Hotels Online 

~EGANVILLE~

KATIEBEAR FAMILY FUN DAY: Activities include KatieBear Idol - 2 Divisions Kids & Adults
KatieBear Craft Show - Up to 50 Vendors, Ottawa Valley Rc Addicts - Remote vehicle display
Balloon Artist, Display by OPP and Bonnechere Valley Fire Dept., Games and prizes for kids and adults
Shave you Head for KatieBears, Frisco's - Great food and drinks :), Fresh Popcorn & Cotton Candy
Silent Auction, Crown & Anchor, Dunk Tank, Photo Booth, MyFM Onsite 

~HUNTSVILLE~ 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT:  Parents let us entertain your children while you take a few personal hours. Your children will enjoy pizza or hot dogs, movie and a swim! Pre-registration required by Thursday, May 23.

~KINCARDINE~

ANNUAL FISH DERBY: Through contests, events and of course fishing we guarantee that will be something for everyone! Tickets are just $25 or $55 for the family, with this you get a bracelet, show your
bracelet throughout the Derby and get in on the savings and the fun! Tickets available at Lake Huron Rod & Gun in Underwood, Kincardine Canadian Tire or online at kincardinechamber.com.

DOORS OPEN: Our doors are opening once again as Doors Open Kincardine gears up for this year’s event, with 20 locations set to welcome the public Saturday and Sunday May 25-26, 2013. A few stops are kids and family appropriate.. 

~MIDLAND~

All Board for Kids Fun!

MODEL TRAIN SHOW: One of the biggest model railroad shows in all Ontario, kids can see many setups and even be conductor on a table or two!

ART EXHIBIT HURONIA MUSEUM: Huronia Museum is pleased to host Elisabeth Bacque’s newest art exhibit from May 11 to June 28, 2013. 

DOWNTOWN SHOPS AND DOCKS: Check out the shops and docks in beautiful Midland! Walk about and strolling fun for kids and check out one of the largest outdoor mural collections in North America.

GEORGIAN BAY CRUISE: Experience the sparkling water, the windswept pines and rocky grandeur of Muskoka / Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands on a cruise aboard the 300-passenger Miss Midland - Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction. Kids will love the big boat, with covered and wide open spaces to explore. 

GUIDED CANOE OR KAYAK TOURS | GUIDED WALKS | REPTILE SHOW | BIRDS OF PREY SHOW: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Check their website for details and times.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online  

~ORILLIA~

Tons of family fun planned!

SIDEWALK SALE AND STREET FESTIVAL: Two days of fun & fantastic savings from Downtown merchants! Live entertainment, children's activities, great dining & more! Downtown Orillia, 325-3261 (Fri: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm / Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm / Free parking in Downtown lots). 

DOORS OPEN: Many good stops for kids here. This year, Doors open Orillia is partnering with the Downtown Management Board and Peter Street Arts District with events that include a sidewalk sale, live music, art markets, dance, vendors, food and family games. 

See ORILLIA HOTELS & ATTRACTIONS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parents looking for last minute getaways, can find them too. Spring and last minute vacation offers are available with lots of includes that give your family a lot of value and a lot of fun and memories. 

You can find more FAMILY ACTIVITIES on our website! 

Have a fun and safe weekend!  Did we miss posting an event? Please fill free to CONTACT US and let us know what's happening!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news    

North of Toronto Family Fun Calendar for May 17-20, Victoria Day Long Weekend

Another long weekend is here - Victoria Day Long Weekend - May 24 Weekend in Ontario!

Beautiful things are growing, the forrests and lawns are green again and bays, rivers, lakes and other swimming holes are started to warm up for summer. Wildlife is everywhere and these are the times where ideal family memories are made with that perfect getaway. Resorts and accommodations are offering great promos for long weekend stays with reduced rates, even free nights or meals included and activities like campfires, canoeing, kayaking, crafts or games.

CLICK HERE for VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Well, less chat here today and right into listing the events because there alot of them!

As a true sign of spring and kick even to summer a few activities are open for business starting this weekend.

Midland 30,000 Islands Boat Cruise

Muskoka-Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands Season starts May 18 Victoria Day Long Weekend
Experience the sparkling water, the windswept pines and rocky grandeur of Muskoka / Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands on a cruise aboard the 300-passenger Miss Midland. Family Rate of $66 for 2 adults and 3 children. Rates include applicable taxes.

Sir Sam's Ski & Bike-Haliburton

Opening Day Victoria Day Weekend. May 18-19.
Cash for Care Lottery Bash. May 18. Music, Entertainment, Dancing, Appetizers by Rhubarb,Silent Auction Items Fun! Fun! FUN! and LOTS of Excitement as Final Lottery Draws take place. $50 per person.

River Run Rafting and Wilderness Resort Opening Weekend

May 18-20. Experience the incredible thrill of whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River. This family style raft trip is great fun for adults as well as a wonderful experience for children. With gentle whitewater on the middle channel, the famous Rocher Fendu section of the Ottawa River, offering 12-kilometers of gentle rapids, isolated islands and spectacular waterfalls. A riverside picnic lunch is just one of the stops along the way including plenty of time to view spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Horseshoe Resort Adventure Park
Join us for a day of adventure! Test your skills and work on your team building at the Horseshoe Adventure Park.  Enjoy the zip line, the rock climbing wall, Aqua Ogo and much more! Opens May 18th.

The Wye Marsh opens for guided canoe and kayak tours
Want to try something different this summer? Enjoy a guided paddle via canoe or kayak through the Marsh with a Naturalist who can interpret points of interest along the way. See portions of the Marsh not accessed by land. (Subject to availability and this item is an additional cost)  

KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:
These events are within 1-3 hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip, or stay at any family friendly accommodation and extend the fun.

~ONTARIO~

FARMER'S MARKETS: Opening weekend for many of Ontario finest places to get locally grown food, hand made sweet and savoury treats and hand crafted works of art. Tons of fun for the whole family. Support Ontario farmers and artisans!

~BARRIE~

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: Family Sunday Workshop - Regional artist Kirsty Wilson leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials. Sign up early on the day of the workshop. Space is limited.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online

~COLLINGWOOD | THE BLUE MOUNTAINS ~

MAY LONG WEEKEND & FIREWORKS: Set summer in motion at the Blue Mountain Village with Face painting, Scavenger hunts, Hiking, Gondola, Mountain Coaster, NEW Low & High ropes course, Aquatic Centre and FIREWORKS! 

SPRING AT SCENIC CAVES: We’re offering lots of springtime specials. Given the cool spring weather, there is still snow in the caves. So, please give us a call to verify the availability of all activities. 

STUDIO TOUR: Artists in Craigleith, Kimberley, Thornbury and Clarksburg invite you to enjoy our free selfguided studio tour on the Thanksgiving weekend. In its 18th year, local well established artists open their studios to the public and will be there to answer questions about their work, what inspires them and in some cases, demonstrate their craft. Iron and glass worker, textile art and jewellery, pottery and sculpture, painting and photographya wide range of fabulous talent. This is a great opportunity to add a piece of original art to your collection!

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

~GEORGIAN BAY~

DOORS OPEN: Celebrate spring and join Doors Open Georgian Bay as we open our doors and show you our community. In 2013, we will showcase two National Historic Sites. Locks 44 and 45 will be open for the public and in full operation. These landmark icons serve as a waterway and bring boaters to our community from around the world. Watch as the boats are cradled at Lock 44 and catch them again at Lock 45 as they start heading out to Georgian Bay.

Browse Port Severn area accommodations or 
Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online  

~KINCARDINE~

ANNUAL FISH DERBY: Through contests, events and of course fishing we guarantee that will be something for everyone! Tickets are just $25 or $55 for the family, with this you get a bracelet, show your
bracelet throughout the Derby and get in on the savings and the fun! Tickets available at Lake Huron Rod & Gun in Underwood, Kincardine Canadian Tire or online at kincardinechamber.com.

~MIDLAND~

ART EXHIBIT HURONIA MUSEUM: Huronia Museum is pleased to host Elisabeth Bacque’s newest art exhibit from May 11 to June 28, 2013. 

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY: May 18th, visit Huronia Museum!

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING & FUN: Check out the shops and docks in beautiful Midland! 

GUIDED CANOE OR KAYAK TOURS | GUIDED WALKS | REPTILE SHOW | BIRDS OF PREY SHOW: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Check their website for details and times.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online

~OWEN SOUND~

WORLD FIDDLE DAY: Queen's Park Bandshell. Local string musicians create Owen Sound’s World Fiddle Day event.

Browse OS Accommodations & Attractions

~PORT McNICOLL~

PORTORAMA: The 2013 Portarama Committee invites and welcomes residents and visitors to this year’s 29th Annual Portarama Family Festival and to join in our theme of: “COME TOGETHER”

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online

See ORILLIA HOTELS & ATTRACTIONS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can find more FAMILY ACTIVITIES on our website! 

Have a fun and safe weekend!  Did we miss posting an event? Please fill free to CONTACT US and let us know what's happening!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news 
 

 

North of Toronto Weekend Family Fun Calendar - May 10-12 - and in case you forgot (which I'm sure you haven't) it's Mother's Day!

HELLO SPRING!

What a spring! Sure it took awhile to get here, but no complaints with how gorgeous it's been since it finally arrived! This warm sunshine and temperature has been ideal for hiking, biking and being outside playing and checking things out. If you haven't shaken those winter cobwebs yet - what are you waiting for?

Families have many choices when it comes to this weekend. They can truly have it all with a family weekend getaway and take advantage of some really cool mother's day weekend getaway promos.  It is not being exagerated that cottage country and smaller cities North of Toronto are enjoying beautiful spring weather. Areas who had flooding like Muskoka, Kawarthas, Bancroft, Magnetawan are out of danger and working hard to fix up whatever needs it. Resorts, cottages or cabins and other accommodators are all offering great lodgings, delicious food and a ton, or a little, family fun activities - all in the some of the most beautiful areas of Ontario.

Happy Mother's Day

Family day trippers can head north for traditional brunches or find great mother's day specials and discounted rates at attractions. Attractions with specials for moms include Wye Marsh, Scenic Caves and MacLaren Art Centre. Saturday May 11 is the Land of the Voyageurs Rubber Boot Festival celebrating maple syrup, First Nations, Francophone, Métis, and Anglophone Music. See below for a full list of events or activities suggestion taking place this weekend.

KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:
These events are within 1-3 hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip, or stay at any family friendly accommodation and extend the fun.

~ ALL ONTARIO ~

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCHES: Drool-worthy, made with love by some of the province's best chefs, mother's day brunch is not only a meal with no work for mom but it's big, it's delicious and it's a real treat. Locally grown foods are starting to make their way to the table and are a great way to 'taste' spring in Ontario. 

Making something together = special

~BARRIE~

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: Family Sunday Workshop - Regional artist Kirsty Wilson leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials. Sign up early on the day of the workshop. Space is limited.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online

~COLDWATER | PORT McNICOLL~

TRAIL OPENING: This section of the trail from Coldwater to Waubaushene was completed in 2012 and will connect it with the Tay Shore Trail. The ceremony takes place at the Trail Head in Coldwater on Sturgeon Bay Road.

Pride of History

OPENING OF SS KEEWATIN: The SS KEEWATIN is a historic passenger liner that is 5 years older than the Titanic and she was built in Scotland in 1905 for CP Railroad. It has recently returned to her home in Port McNicoll Ontario, fully restored and full of historic treasures and beauty. Saturday afternoon at 2:00 it is the Opening Ceremony for the S.S. Keewatin at the Keewatin Park 310 Talbot Street in Port McNicoll.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online 

OR 

See ORILLIA HOTELS & ATTRACTIONS

 

~COLLINGWOOD~

SCENIC CAVES SPECIAL: Mothers receive FREE park admission with paid child admission (ages 3-17) for caves/suspension bridge/mini-golf package. On Mother's Day (May 12 only), mothers AND each member of the family receive $30-off an Eco Adventure Tour (guided treetop walking and zip cable gliding). Add the new Thunderbird Twin Zip ride for even more adrenaline-pumping excitement. Youths must be 10 years of age or older; height/weight restrictions apply. Reservations are required for the Eco Tour.


Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

~MIDLAND~

Impressive Birds of Prey Show

WYE MARSH: Mother's Get in Free and Birds of Prey show at 1pm.

HURONIA MUSEUM: (for older children or tweens with an appreciation for art) Huronia Museum is pleased to host Elisabeth Bacque’s newest art exhibit from May 11 to June 28, 2013. A reception will be held on May 11, 2013 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Additionally, Elisabeth Bacque herself will be available for an artist’s talk on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online

~NOELVILLE~

Canadian Culture

RUBBER BOOTS FESTIVAL: Land of the Voyageurs Rubber Boots Festival Noelville, ON A foot-stompin’ fun maple syrup & music spring celebration! May 11, 2013 • 1 pm – 1 am • Noëlville arena First Nations – Francophone – Métis – Anglophone Music Rubber Boots Market – Magic – Mediums – Games & Activities: Grub & Pub Rubber Boots Walk Off—prizes for Best, Ugliest & Goofiest Raffle—Win Voyageurs chairs painted by local artists! Early Bird Prize! 

~ORILLIA~

ANNUAL PERCH FESTIVAL: One of Canada's Largest Registered Fishing Derbies! Over Sixty Tagged Perch worth $500 Each! Plus ... Thousands of Dollars in Daily, Weekly and Grand Prize Draws! Closing Ceremonies on May 1, 7:00pm, ODAS Park, Fairgrounds Road.

See ORILLIA HOTELS & ATTRACTIONS 

Featured Accommodation in Noelville: The Lodge At Pine Cove

Have an event you'd like help to promote? Please contact us for future event posting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FEATURED FAMILY DESTINATION AREA:

BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE:  There is ALWAYS something to do at BLUE!

The Blue Mountain Village is located in the Town of the Blue Mountains, nestled between the charming communities of Collingwood and Thornbury, at the foot of Ontario’s largest mountain resort, Blue Mountain. The Village offers a vibrant social and cultural scene combining unique attractions, dining and shopping experiences. There is ALWAYS something to do at BLUE including five hotels, 38 retailers, 20 cafes & restaurants, year round award winning Festivals and Events plus Activity Central to book your hiking, biking, caving, climbing, spa, Apple Pie Trail adventures and more!

Planning ahead - so are we! See our website for:

VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND EVENTS AND GETAWAYS

Have a fun and safe weekend and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news  

Sweet Prize for Dad this Father's Day in Midland - the Buttertart Festival needs a judge!

What better gift can a child give Dad than to win him a seat on the 'best buttertart' judging panel!

The Writing Contest, hosted by The Midland Mirror, is a 100-word article about why their father, grandfather, uncle, step-father or father-figure in your life should be a Buttertart Tasting Judge. 

Written entries are to be sent to The Mirror where they will be published on www.midlandmirror.com and readers will be asked to vote ("like").  The winner (story to receive the most "likes") will join the panel of Buttertart Tasting judges at the Midland Cultural Centre between noon and 2pm to taste and score the buttertart entries.

WRITING CONTEST IS NOW OPEN -- get your stories ready and submit to The Midland Mirror by May 23, then get ready to vote for the best story.  Watch in the May 9 edition of The Mirror for all the details.  YOUR Dad (or Dad-figure) could win a spot as a buttertart tasting judge. Entrants don't have to be from Midland! Surrounding area kid are welcome to enter and win their family a fun day in Midland.

The festival is Father’s Day weekend. Everybody has a male figure in their life who is buttertart crazy. The Mirror is looking for stories about the lengths that some men have gone to get that last buttertart. The writing contest, hosted by The Mirror, will require a child or youth write a 100-word story about why their father, grandfather, uncle, stepfather or male guardian deserves to be a Buttertart Judge. Written entries are to be sent to The Mirror (please put "buttertart festival" in the subject line) and readers will be asked to vote on their favourite stories. The winner will join the panel of judges to taste and score the buttertarts that are entered into the Buttertart Baking Contest on June 15 starting at noon at the Midland Cultural Centre.  Judges will need to be available from noon until 3:30pm.

It's also not too late to enter the baking contest - ENTER HERE

THE COMMUNITY BAKE SALE & ARTISAN MARKET

A portion of King Street ,Midland, will be turned into a Community Bake Sale & Artisan Market.  Charities, Not-for-Profits and BIA Members are invited to set up tables and/or tents between Dominion and Bay on King Street between 7:30am and 4pm to sell baked goods (no meat, no dairy).  Also, Artisans Vendors will be setting up tables.  Applications to reserve a spot will also be available on this page.  To help digest and wear off all that baking, the public will be able to dance to some great tunes by Blind Mary!

THE SIDEWALK SALE

Shoppers can take advantage of the 1st Annual Buttertart Festival Sidewalk Sale. The merchants of Downtown Midland will be bringing out their goods and marking down their prices.  Simply Country has already indicated that they will be setting up a Sidewalk Sale table.  You won't want to miss that!

Day's Schedule:

11am to noon - Charles Pachter booking signing opportunity - limited number of books available for purchase (cash only)
noon to 3pm - Charles Pachter Painting Exhibition - Atrium of the MCC and the Midland Public Library
9am to 5pm - King Street SideWalk Sales and music by Blind Mary
11am to 3pm - Assembly Room of the Midland Public Library - Drop around throughout the day to MAKE YOUR OWN BUTTER! 
8:00am to 4pm - Community Bake Sale & Artisan Market - King Street (in Midland) from Dominion to Bay.
noon to 2pm - Ontario's Best Buttertart Contest judging - Atrium of the Midland Cultural Centre
2:30pm - unveiling of Charles Pachter's newest painting
2:30pm - Presentation of winners of Buttertart Contest - Atrium of the Midland Cultural Centre

You can learn MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL on their website:  http://www.downtownmidland.ca/index.php/buttertart-festival

If you're visiting Midland for this tasty and fun weekend, here are some featured accommodations:

Comfort Inn Midland
Best Western Highland Inn and Conference Centre
Little Lake Inn, B&B
Midland Inn & Suites
Sugar Ridge Retreat

Or see: more information about the TOWN OF MIDLAND.

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news    

Ontario Family Travel North of Toronto Weekend Family Fun Calendar - Bring on the May flowers and fun times!

Parents should wear helmets too!

Outdoor activity weather is here! Families are playing outside, boats and bikes are being cleaned, familiar wildlife like robins, geese and their friends are all returning to areas north of Toronto.

The Orillia Perch Festival continues with special OPP Kids Day on Saturday. The festival continues through until May 11. Visit the OPF website for details on how to participate. And if you're fishing with kids, read our family fishing tips. We also encourage you to check out the Orillia Perch Festival Package at Comfort Inn Orillia or at the Best Western Mariposa Inn Conference Centre.

Spring Family Getaways are a-plenty with ontario resorts with offers you can't refuse, and there are some fun family activities included!

As a new portion to this blog we will be posting our FEATURED DESTINATION AREA of the week: this week we feature the association Resorts of North Muskoka, a group of resorts and inns in renown Muskoka. Muskoka is the most well known cottage country area in Ontario and it's only 90 minutes by car from Toronto. Thirty minutes farther you enter North Muskoka and the gateway to Algonquin Park.  


KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:
These events are within 1-3 hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip, or stay at any family friendly accommodation and extent the fun.

~BARRIE~

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.

DEMO DAY HARDWOOD SKI AND BIKE: From: 9 am to 3 pm Trail pass required.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online

~BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

VILLAGE ACTIVITIES AT BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT: Scavenger hunts and other kids and family fun happening daily in Blue Mountain Village.

JAZZMANIA: Jazzmania Weekend Thornbury, The Blue Mountains Four days of music and dancing featuring Jazz, Big Bands, Blues, and Rock ‘n Roll.
 

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

~INNISFIL~

DOORS OPEN: Family and Kid friendly stops including a free day access to the YMCA at the Innifil Recreation complex.
Places to Stay: Kempenfelt B and B on Lake Simcoe, or Nottawasaga Inn Resort, Alliston Ontario, or head north to Barrie area for hotels, resorts, and inns.

~ORILLIA~

*KIDS OPP DAY* ANNUAL PERCH FESTIVAL: One of Canada's Largest Registered Fishing Derbies! Over Sixty Tagged Perch worth $500 Each! Plus ... Thousands of Dollars in Daily, Weekly and Grand Prize Draws!

See ORILLIA HOTELS & ATTRACTIONS

~PARRY SOUND~

GEORGIAN BAY AIRWAYS: Now open for business! Sightseeing Air Tours, Our Signature "Fly & Dine" to World Famous Henry's Fish Restaurant, Charters, and Flying Adventures are just a sample of the Georgian Bay Airways experience.

See Parry Sound area accommodations and attractions

~PETERBOROUGH~

DOORS OPEN: Doors open Peterborough features a Canadian Icon-- the Canadian Canoe Museum. This in itself is worth the visit especially for new Canadians and enthusiasts wanting to explore Ontario water travel history. Some family and kids fun stops, like the firestation! Book best deal Peterborough Hotels or stay at area resorts, inns and cottages.


Planning ahead - so are we! See our website for:

MOTHER'S DAY EVENTS AND GETAWAYS
VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND EVENTS AND GETAWAYS

Have a fun and safe weekend!  Did we miss posting an event? Please fill free to CONTACT US and let us know what's happening!

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