I badly needed to update my photos of Bowmanville Zoo so last weekend, I decided to do something very daring… I took three teens to the small zoo, with a friend of mine. (Actually, it wasn’t that daring. One of them had expressed the desire to visit a zoo to take animal shots.)
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It is worth describing Bowmanville Zoo at this time of the year since it will be open daily throughout September and on weekends until Thanksgiving Weekend (including Thanksgiving Monday).
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Perfect stroll in the fall
We all loved it! After an incredibly hot summer, the cooler sun of September was more than welcome and the animals were quite lively.
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The site is filled with mature trees so it is always nice to stroll around this zoo. (We saw many three-generation families enjoying the premises.) They provide shadow in the summer and the colours are gorgeous in the fall.
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What makes it even better is the catwalk Bowmanville Zoo has added over a little forest near the Animatheatre. It is an upraised boardwalk allowing us to look at two wolves and one lion down below (not in the same pen). Weather allowing, after the shows in the Animatheatre, people can tour the enclosed pens under the catwalk in a bus dressed up as a vintage trolley while a zoo keeper interacts with the animals.
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Something fishy!
September is the perfect time to watch salmon swim up the river in the north side of the zoo. We could see (and hear) them from the catwalk. They’re quite big and strong!
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Close-up opportunities
One of the reasons it is a great place for young photographers is that we can buy $2 bags of biscuits to feed the animals. They look yummy, in their greasy brown paper bags. (Watch out for your little ones, they probably will be tempted to eat some!)
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As soon as the animals see people approaching the fences, they greedily run towards the visitors. (Even at the end of the season, they still haven’t tired of the treats.) All the animals seemed healthy and fit so I’m assuming the biscuits sort of “go through” (if you know what I mean).
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The parrots located near the entrance are very colourful and fun to watch. Since they can’t fly, there was no need to put them in a cage, which makes them more interesting to photograph.
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Animals, activities and extras
The zoo hosts around 300 animals including: elephant, lions, tapir, all kinds of horned animals, emus, camels, parrots and monkeys.
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Activities offered daily during the summer, are still on on the weekends during the fall, such as the shows in the Animatheatre (look for the show schedule at the entrance). They last longer in the summer but we could still enjoy a half-hour performance involving a lemur, a miniature horse and a humongous Asian elephant.
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There’s a carrousel and two other little kiddie rides in the Funland by the entrance (staff members operate them one at a time). In the summer, kids can enjoy a large splash pad conveniently equipped with a line of benches for the parents and enjoy more animal encounters.
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All these activities are included with the admission. You can pay $6 extra for a ride on the elephant or on a camel near the camel enclosure.
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IMPORTANT TIPS:
• Their end-of-the-season admission fees don’t show on their website. It is now $17/adults and $12/children (tax included).
• Go to their website to print a coupon for a free kid admission with a paying adult.
• There’s a Wimpy’s Diner less than one km west of Bowmanville Zoo at 219 King Street East in Bowmanville.
•   To get to the zoo, take exit 432 off Hwy 401to Liberty Street, then turn right on King East. The zoo will be on your left.
•   For additional pictures, you may check my blog Toronto Fun Places.
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Nathalie Prezeau has played the tourist in and around the city since she moved to Toronto from Montreal 20 years ago. She’s the author of Toronto Fun Places… for families, 5th ed. and the blog Toronto Fun Places. Her new guide, Toronto Urban Strolls… for girlfriends (1) made the Globe & Mail’s bestsellers list this summer. Both guides are sold in major bookstores and on torontofunplaces.com
Less than 6 days left to sign up for Burlington Fall KidsPlay Sports programs, plus GTA wide $99 Birthday Special…
Coach David is proud to announce his first official season of multi-sport programs focused on kids 2-10 years of age. This Fall/Winter parents and kids can enjoy parent and toddler programs, multi-sport classes as well as after school indoor soccer, basketball, parent vs. kids floor hockey and dodgeball! Classes start September 17th at Brant Hills and Tansley Woods so register here at www.kidsplaysports.ca.
GTA Wide Birthday Party Special Offer - Coach David charges $99 for the first hour at any venue of your choice. Rent out a facility or hold it in you backyard, basements or a nearby park! Coach David will help to customize the party around a theme (superheroes, starwars, etc) and any sports or games of your child’s choosing. Just let him know the date and any other questions you might have.
P.S. Enjoy a special FREE Open House session with Coach David for kids of all ages. Stay and mingle with other Moms and Dads or drop off you kids for an hour or two. Where? Tansley Woods Community Centre September 15th 10am-12noon. Please RSVP in advance here http://www.kidsplaysports.ca/open-house.php.    Â
Young people can find themselves part of the criminal justice system in Canada from the age of twelve. Until the age of seventeen their charges fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, legislation created to reflect their particular circumstances and needs. Youth custodial facilities separate alleged young offenders from adults. And yet, the reality can still be a very scary place for both parents or caregivers and the youths charged.
Understanding the criminal procedure flowing from an arrest is essential to achieving the best possible result. A criminal defence lawyer can help families navigate through the system, understand the charges faced, and determine which rights may have been infringed.
Steps in the legal system requiring preparation can include:
• Bail Hearing Court
• Set Date Court
• Disclosure of the alleged offence
• Pre-trial meeting(s)
• Judicial pre-trial meeting(s)
• Trial
At each stage, decisions may need to be made which will effect the outcome of the proceedings. It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of all complex issues before making those important decisions.
If families do not have the funds to hire a lawyer by private means, they can apply to the provincial Legal Aid program. In that case, a certificate to retain a lawyer will be issued if the applicant qualifies (payment terms may apply).
The court system is not the time to abandon a troubled youth, especially when she or he may have a defence. A family’s support can make the difference in ensuring that any lessons learned are positive ones.
Here is my story about a modern day super hero for parents, Five Star Rug and Carpet Cleaning, in a true action-packed adventure in the life of a family.
I came home this afternoon to find five of the stairs of my home had grease spots on the carpet runner going upstairs. I am not sure how it happened, but there it was. I called my husband, and we realized that we had to act fast before it set.Â
Where was a mom to go? The internet of course. I visited HomeStars.com, a site I like to visit because it gives me reviews for home improvement stars before I call. I looked for carpet cleaners in my area, who could visit within the next few hours.Â
I was fortunate to speak with Bob Geran of Five Star Rug & Carpet Cleaning (www.5starcleaning.ca) who arrived within an hour. He was very professional and easy to talk to. He told me his carpet cleaning is chemical free. And most importantly, he helped make our carpet runner look as good as new.
In addition to rug and carpet cleaning, Five Star Rug & Carpet Cleaning offers 24/7 Emergency Services for flood and water damage. I hope that I will never have to use this service, but if I do, I know who I will call.
A home disaster was diverted, and a great carpet cleaner is in my book for future visits. This day definitely had a happy ending.
Five Star Rug & Carpet Cleaning can be contacted at either 416-315-7562 or at www.5starcleaning.ca.
March Break is quickly approaching, and we are pleased to bring you camp and event ideas, to help you plan a memorable holiday for your family.
PLAYDIUM THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO PLAY! Sponsored Listing Celebrate March Break at Playdium with over 200 of today’s newest Games, Rides & Simulators. Win prizes at our Redemption & Prize Zone. New! - Spin Zone Bumper Cars & MaxFlight Roller Coaster Simulator. Visit www.playdium.com for our Great Value March Break Specials. ULTIMATE FUN!
 Be a Rock Star - March Break Madness at the Bata Shoe Museum Sponsored Listing ‘Rock on’ at the Bata Shoe Museum with your Backstage Pass for exclusive access to all the rockin’ good activities, including cardboard guitar-making, decorating cookies, tattoos, try-on costumes, funky footwear, treasure hunts and more! Special Musical Tribute to Justin Bieber on March 14. Daily iPod Shuffle draws !
Free to Be You and Me, The Lower Ossington Theatre Sponsored Listing A unique combination of hilarious skits and great music, Free to Be… features many charming messages of growth, change and self-esteem that are as relevant today as they were when this cherished musical was first released in the 1970s. A bona fide children’s classic!
 Make a March Break Masterpiece Sponsored Listing Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending quality time with family or friends.  WALK IN WELCOME.   March Break Camp (14th-18th; week long/ half day) great for crafty kids: ceramics, creative clay, beading, papier mache, multi-media, fabric fun +more - registration required. Birthday Parties too! 279 Danforth Avenue, Toronto.
 March Break Toy Design Camp Sponsored Listing In partnership with Spin Master Toys, this hands-on design based camp for young designers aged 7 to 10 will explore the world of toy design from concept to prototype. Projects include Toys with Wheels, Stuffed Creatures and Things that Fly.
 Bring Your Kids for A Meal Assembly Session During March Break (ages 8 and up) Sponsored Listing Just Add Heat is a busy family’s best friend. Come to our professional style kitchen and assemble freezer friendly meals in record time. Choose from 16 delicious new meals each month, select a session time, then fill your freezer with nutritious homemade dinners! Or try our Done Like Dinner® service where we assemble your meals for pick up - at no extra charge.Â
Contact: (905) 338-9816, info@justaddheat.ca or www.justaddheat.ca
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 March Break “GAME SHOW MANIA” Adventure Camp Sponsored Listing Adventure Camp March 14-18th. Activities based on popular shows like Minute to Win It & Fear Factor. Kids Age 4-12 can do Soccer, Basketball, Fitness, Karate, Dance, Art, Computers, Science Experiments, Music & More. 20% Bring a Friend Event. If you bring a friend, you both get 20% off your fees! (*see website or call for details)
 Real People. Real Stories. Real March Break Adventure! Sponsored Listing Discover unique learning adventures for the whole family at the quality cultural sites owned and operated by the City of Hamilton! Experience hands-on activities, crafts, games, dress-up, digital photography and videography, art and science, and much more.
Contact: museums@hamilton.ca or www.hamilton.ca/museums
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 March Break Camp at Kids Time Sponsored Listing Kidstime March Break Camp ages 4-10 years. Book early and save $20/full week 9am -5pm. Camp includes arts/crafts, mini golf, arcade and play ground fun. Weekly, full-day, half-day, early drop-off and late pick options available. Visit our website www.kidstime.ca or call 905-820-2525 to book.Â
 March Break Dance Camp Sponsored Listing Tandem Studios is excited to host another year of Dance Camp. Campers will experience a wide variety of styles; jazz, hip hop, musical theatre and more! 9-4pm March 14th-18th and a weekly showcase. Contact us to register as spaces are limited!Â
Sleeping Beauty & Robin Hood, Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts Sponsored Listing Join us this March Break for Sleepy Beauty and Robin Hood! Just when the audience becomes enthralled by the story - a twist is created! Before your very eyes, members of the audience are asked to come up on stage and join in the action. Tickets only $15, Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre. 5040 Yonge Street.
Steeles West Gymnastics March Break Camp Sponsored Listing: Come to Steeles West Gymnastics for a fun gymnastics and fitness experience over the March Break. Active games, trampoline, bars, beam, vault, floor and tumbling all taught by certified, friendly and experienced coaches. For ages 4 and up.Â
With the holiday season coming up we wanted to let you know that our wonderful Delicious Dishes columnist, Nadine Hughes, now has a 2010 Winter Catering Menu available (see The Cook’s Companion) for Toronto and the GTA.
Specializing in intimate events, Nadine can take the stress out of your next party.
March Break is quickly approaching, and we are pleased to bring you exciting camps and events in Toronto and the GTA, to help you plan a memorable holiday for your child(ren).
Fun-Filled Gymnastics Camp at Gymalaya Sponsored Listing Gymalaya camp is designed to build physical, mental and social skills in a fun and non-competitive environment. Activities include: gymnastics, games, dance, crafts, story time and much more fun. State-of-the-art clean and bright facilities. Register early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited for each camp day! Contact: Gymalaya Vaughan: (905)760-5655, Gymalaya Newmarket: (905)868-8200, www.gymalaya.com.
 Creation Recreation Sponsored Listing It’s a Mixed Bag of March Break Creations! Register for our half day or full day workshops that include clay, ceramic and glass. Don’t want to commit to a workshop, no problem just drop in anytime between 10am - 6pm and create something unique. Contact: 1-888-909-TIJA or www.tijaceramicstudio.com.
 March Break Camp at Steeles-West Gymnastics Sponsored Listing The March Break program runs March 15-19 half- days or full days, for 7 -14 year olds. You may register for any single day(s) or for the full week. The program includes gymnastics activities, active games, crafts, and snack time(s). 601 Magnetic Dr., Unit 21, North York. Contact: 416-736-8759, swgymnastics@on.aibn.com or www.steeleswestgymnastics.com.
 PLAYDIUM THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO PLAY! Sponsored Listing Playdium is the ultimate interactive, virtual and physical Family Entertainment Centre. Our 40,000 Sq. Ft Game floor features over 200 of today’s most exciting attractions, rides and simulators. Play to win in our exciting Redemption & Prize Zones! Your ultimate choice for interactive fun! Contact: 905-273-9000, info@playdium.com or www.playdium.com.
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Real People. Real Stories. Real March Break Adventure! Sponsored Listing MARCH BREAK MADNESS at the Children’s Museum IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR at Dundurn Castle SQUEAKY CLEAN at the Steam Museum A MONUMENTAL MARCH BREAK at Battlefield House WONDERLAND at Whitehern VIDEO CAMP at Fieldcote Contact: www.hamilton.ca/museums
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 Active Kids Zone March Break Camp Sponsored Listing March Break Camp will be action packed each day with tons of sports and games, crafts and ceramics, cooking and karaoke, time in our amazing Fun Zone and even a few half day field trips! A lunch option, extended hours and daily or weekly registration is available. Contact: 416-650-5060 or register online at www.activekidszone.com. Â
 The Clay Room: March Break Masterpieces Sponsored Listing Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending quality time with family or friends.  WALK INS WELCOME.   March Break Camp (15th-19th; week long, full or half day) great for crafty kids: ceramics, creative clay, beading, papier mache, multi-media, fabric fun +more - registration required. Birthday Parties too! 279 Danforth Avenue, Toronto. Contact: 416-466-8474, contact@theclayroom.ca or www.theclayroom.ca.Â
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Wizard World Sponsored Listing Toronto’s favorite family March Break destination. Thrilling stage shows, petting zoo, crafts, rides and inflatable bounce zone will keep kids 2 - 12 running, bouncing, laughing and playing for hours! Admission only $8.50+gst. Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, March 14 - 21 10am - 5pm. Free lootbags. Contact: 416.585.WAND (9263), info@wizardworld.ca, www.wizardworld.ca.
 March Break at Toronto’s Historic Sites Sponsored Listing Toronto’s Historic Sites present several great pre-registered day camps as well as family drop-ins for young people to enjoy during March Break. Have a blast exploring life in the city over a hundred years ago! Hands-on fun, cooking, dress up, crafts, making toys, and more! Contact: www.toronto.ca/camps or call 311.
 March Break at the CN Tower Sponsored Listing Special Admission - March 13-21, 2010 Total Tower Ticket for only $25 (including taxes) - save 30%.
Explore the CN Tower: world’s #1 elevator ride, three observation levels, famous Glass Floor, Himalamazon ride, movie, March Break week activities - Nickelodeon character visits with Doraâ„¢ , SpongeBobâ„¢, Battle Strikers, and more. Contact: 416-868-6937 or www.cntower.ca.Â
WRITTEN BY
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