The Toronto Zoo Offers $5 Admission to Say Thank You To The Community!
The Toronto Zoo is hosting a special community weekend on Saturday, November 24th and Sunday, November 25th and you and your family are invited! They are thanking the community for all their support over the past year with up to 75% savings on admissions, 20% off all purchases at the Zootique Gift Shop, special Membership offers, daily chances to win fabulous zoo prizes, up close animal encounters throughout the site, entertainment and more!
*$10 parking fee applies. Special admission offer valid only on Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25, 2012.
Holiday time is approaching, and we have some fabulous gift ideas and savings to make your preparations easier. Avoid the lines and parking headaches … browse online and shop from the comfort of your computer for everyone on your list.
Eko Bear Sponsored Listing Shop for top eco-friendly toys of 2011 and more all made with your children and the environment in mind! We offer free local pick-up (Kanata, ON) and low flat rate shipping within Canada. Save 10% with discount code KidsCan until Dec 31/11.
Petite Posh Sponsored Listing Spoiling even the smallest member of your family couldn’t get easier when shopping at petiteposh.com. Shop for personalized gifts, big kid toys and everyday essentials Great gifts, warms smiles and big hug! Use coupon code kids at check out for 15% off your entire order (over $30 & valid until Dec 15/11) and don’t forget, free shipping on orders over $99.
Applause! Toy Store Sponsored Listing Applause! Toy Store is a magical place filled with toys, games, puzzles and crafts for kids of all ages. Find award winning toys like the Spooner Boards pictured here, Perplexus and Green Toys. You’ll also find a full range of Play & Hape Wooden Toys, the latest baby gear, and lots fun-filled stocking stuffers! Coupon Code KIDSCANADA for 15% off until Dec 31, 2011
Exceptional Coffee Sponsored Listing: Jump start your Christmas morning this year with better tasting coffee! Planetary Design French Presses leave in the tasty aromatic essential oils unlike your average filtered coffee machine. Pick from a variety of sizes, styles and colours of Planetary Design at the Polka Dot Pond Shop! Offer: Save 15% on all products with code KACHGG15. Expiry: December 31st, 2011
Citrus Silver Sponsored Listing: Citrus Silver designs meaningful jewellery that is stamped with names, words or dates. All of our stamped pieces are sterling silver and made in Canada. Affordable, personal, and beautiful. Order online and we will ship within 1 week.
Name Your Tune Personalized CDs Sponsored Listing Celebrate the special little ones in your life this holiday season with a music collection that celebrates them! Name Your Tune Personalized CDs feature your child’s name throughout their favourite songs including Old MacDonald, If You’re Happy and You Know It and 5 Little Monkeys. Available in 2 Volumes. Coupon Code: KidsAround for $5 off your order of Name Your Tune CDs.
The Clay Room Sponsored Listing Paint a handmade gift while spending quality time with family or friends. Put children’s prints on a piece for a treasured keepsake. WALK-IN CUSTOMERS are welcome. Gift certificates available. Private parties for both adults and kids to celebrate any occasion. Over 300+ items to paint. 279 Danforth Avenue, Toronto.
“Adopt” an Animal from Toronto Zoo Sponsored Listing “Adopt” an animal from Toronto Zoo and give a unique gift. How about a bear for Baby or a penguin for Papa? “Adoption” packages begin at just $25. Our Holiday Special packages feature “Waddles” the plush penguin and a DVD that takes you behind-the-scenes where you’ll meet zoo keepers and amazing animals. Each purchase helps with conservation efforts at Toronto Zoo.
The Second City ’s Miracle on Mercer St. Sponsored Listing The Second City’s Miracle on Mercer St.. Adorable puppets and their funny human friends tell a delightful musical tale that The Toronto Star calls “the best holiday present of all”. Matinee performances until Jan 1. Ages 4+. Tickets $12.
Second City Winter Camps & Intensives Sponsored Listing: Comedy comes in many different packages! Campers learn how to define their own voice and point of view through the exploration of improvisation. Full day camps for grades 5-8, half day intensives for grades 9-12! December 27 -30 and January 2-6.
It’s already October, and Halloween is quickly approaching. Shop for all your Halloween needs online, and plan fun Halloween outings, to create special and lasting holiday memories.
Craft Caravan Sponsored Listing Planning a Halloween party? You’ll need party crafts! Visit Craft Caravan for party crafts or subscribe to our Kids Craft Club. Use code ‘Halloween’ for a bonus Halloween craft package with your party crafts or with a 3 month or monthly craft club subscription.
Lollipop Art Sponsored Listing We turn your photos into works of art. In a Warhol inspired style, plus our own flare, we create modern day masterpieces. Each piece is custom crafted allowing complete control of colour and style. Choose people or pets and make the ordinary fun and funky!
Pumpkin Mania - Rounds Ranch Sponsored Listing It’s Pumpkin Mania season! Fun for the whole family! Enjoy loads of pumpkin fun playing pumpkin games. Have a blast in the western playground, visiting the farm animals, riding a pony, and GETTING LOST in the huge cornfield maze. Pumpkin Mania runs from Sept. 24th to Oct. 30th on Sat & Sun and holiday Monday 11am - 5pm. Only $9.95 + HST per person - includes a FREE pumpkin. (pony rides extra)
Minute Maid® Presents Boo at the Zoo
Tundra Trek 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sponsored Listing: Follow the Zoo’s “Pumpkin Trail” to discover trick-or-treat activity stations throughout the Tundra Trek. Take part in our “Critters and Costumes Parade” at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm daily. Explore our Hay Maze. Best of all, up to two kids in costume (12 and under) get in free when accompanied by an adult. Events are subject to change without notice.
Minute Maid® Presents Boo at the Zoo
Tundra Trek 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland
Saturdays & Sundays in October, 10am-5pm Sponsored Listing: Enjoy a boo-riffic Halloween event just for families this fall! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang for Camp Spooky - a fun Halloween event for the whole family! With children’s rides, spooky mazes, a treasure hunt, Charlie Brown’s Trick or Treat Show; Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland will make your kids scream for more!
Too Sweet Sisters Sponsored Listing Too Sweet Sisters - Specializing in custom made cake pops and chocolate covered sweet treats for all occasions! Some of our chocolate covered goodies include: marshmallows sticks & pops, lollipops, pretzel rods, liquorice, popcorn, sour keys and more! Perfect for your Halloween party or special treat that everyone will be talking about!
It’s already October, and Halloween is quickly approaching. Shop for all your Halloween needs online, and plan fun Halloween outings below in the GTA, Elmvale and Ottawa, to create special and lasting holiday memories.
Halloween Costumes Canada Sponsored Listing We carry a huge selection of Halloween costumes & accessories for the entire family. Order online from the convenience of home. Your order will be shipped right to your door. Save 10% off your order with couponcode 9192 at checkout. Hurry for best selection!! Contact: 306-547-2260, LittleLadybug@sasktel.net or www.greatcostumes.ca
Green your Halloween & Be Spook-Free Sponsored Listing Avoid the real spooks (harmful toxins, etc.) this Halloween and make safe, healthy choices for your kids and the planet too. Choose lead-free non-toxic face paint pencils, PVC-free reusable treat bags, non-toxic window crayons and for alternative treats, what about recycled star crayons or scented newspaper pencils? Take 10% OFF any order with codeKACSPOOKS through October 25th. Contact: 1-877-216-LIME (5463), customerservice@lavishandlime.com or www.lavishandlime.com.
Creative Play Annual Halloween Party Sponsored Listing Creative Play Indoor Playground Halloween Party! Pirate Captain Black Eyes will park his haunted ship. October 31st 11:00 am to 2:000 pm. Adult and child prizes will be awarded for best costume. Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.creativeplay.ca Contact: www.creativeplay.ca or call 905-231-1900.
Pumpkin Mania - Rounds Ranch Sponsored Listing Pumpkin fun for the whole family. Western playground, pedal cart racetrack, barrel train ride, huge cornfield maze, petting zoo, pony rides and more. Pie eating contest, pumpkin bowling and more fun pumpkin games. Wagon rides to the pumpkin patch to pick your own FREE pumpkin! Contact: 705-322-6293, ger@roundsranch.com or www.roundsranch.com
Family Halloween Day at the DX Sponsored Listing: Join us for a fun-filled day of Halloween inspired design activities for the whole family! Activities include Spooky Architecture, Ghoulish Fashion Design, Monster Making Factory, Trick or Treat Cookie Design, Haunted House and Tours of the Historic Trading Floor. Contact: Laura Brewer at 416-216-2114, laura@dx.org or www.dx.org.
Fun for Halloween-ies at TIFF Bell Lightbox Sponsored Listing Get freaked out at TIFF Bell Lightbox on Halloween, as we present screenings, activities, and workshops on the spookiest weekend of the year! Come in costume to enjoy a scary movie or get in the picture by starring in a scary scene yourself.
For more information visit tiff.net.
Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland Sponsored Listing: Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang for Camp Spooky. Located in Kidzville, there will be rides, spooky kid-sized mazes, a vampire treasure hunt, Charlie Brown’s Trick or Treat live show, and so much more! Free with Park admission! Contact: 905-832-7000 or campspooky.canadaswonderland.com.
Halloween Howl & Boo at the Zoo Sponsored Listing: Two spooktacular Halloween events at one exciting place - The Toronto Zoo. Halloween Howl, happening outdoors from 6:30 pm to 8 pm on October 23 and 30, will have you truly howling with excitement (pre-registration is required). Boo at the Zoo takes place on October 23, 24, 30 and 31 from 10 am to 4 pm and features a great array of entertainment, Critters and Costumes Parade and Boo Brew. Visittorontozoo.com for more information and to register.
Halloween at the Canadian Museum of Nature Sponsored Listing Something for everyone at the “castle” in October. Thursday evenings: Haunted Tours (tickets at www.hauntedwalk.com), a scary movie, and wine bar. October 30 and 31: live animal presentations, creature myths and facts, face-painting, crafts, tattoos, and a costume contest (31st). Visit nature.ca for more information. Contact: 613-566-4700/1-800-263-4433, questions@mus-nature.ca or www.nature.ca.
Glow In The Dark Mini Putt puts on Scary Tournament for CHEO Sponsored Listing: Putting Edge takes the fear out of Halloween for children at CHEO. Tournaments start October 12th. Entry is under $20 to the Champs for Children Mini Putt Championship, supporting CHEO. Entrants get a prize package worth $50, including golf, t-shirt and a coupon to Spirit Halloween Superstore. Contact: 613-224-4887, nepean@puttingedge.com, www.puttingedge.com, or the Putting Edge Nepean Facebook page.
Zoos provide the opportunity to introduce children to animals from all different corners of the earth in just one day. The outing can also be a great source of exercise and fresh air!
The photos below were taken ‘on safari’ and ‘on a Tundra trek’ today at the Toronto Zoo.
Letting his nose be the guide, Western Lowland gorilla Dad Charles was able, this morning, to choose a name for his baby son, born on September 2nd, 2009. Faced with five stations, each containing an equally favoured treat such as banana leaves and a sign with one of the five finalist names, Charles, after some consideration, made a beeline for the container bearing the name “Nassir” and, incidentally, some choice apples. pears, and oranges. Ngozi, who came to the Toronto Zoo from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle on March 4th, 2008, specifically to breed with Charles, is the baby’s mother. Nassir is the 18th of this critically endangered species to be born at the Toronto Zoo and the birth is genetically highly significant for the North American Western Lowland gorilla population.
The contest to name this newest baby ran from September 30th to October 27th. The only stipulation was that the name must begin with the letter “N”, which is also the first letter of Mom Ngozi’s name. Over 11,000 votes were cast and 5,000 name suggestions were submitted. A panel of Zoo Animal Care staff and enthusiastic Zoo kids whittled these down to 10 names. The public voted on these to arrive at the final five name possibilities - Nassir, Neo, Nico, Nigel and Nsambu - for Dad Charles to ponder.
The Toronto Zoo currently has eight gorillas, of which four, Charles, Samantha, Josephine and Ngozi are adults, and four, Johari (female, born 2001), Shalia (female, born 2002), Sadiki (male, born 2005) and the new baby are youngsters.
A critically endangered species, Western Lowland Gorillas are found in the rainforests of Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. An adult male can weigh 200kg, with adult females weighing around 100kg. Females mature at approximately 8 years but typically don’t breed until 10 years of age. The average gestation period is 265 days with a single young being born.
“We’re just thrilled with Nassir and the success of our captive breeding program for this species, especially in this, the Year of the Gorilla,” says Toronto Zoo Executive Director of Conservation, Education, and Research, Dr. William Rapley,” and we invite everyone to come out and see him in the African Rainforest Pavilion.”
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Zoo Hours – 9:30am to 4:30 pm. Last admissions one hour before closing. General Admission 13-64 incl. is $21, Children 3 and under are free, Children 4-12 are $13 and Seniors 65+ are $15. Parking is free until March 1st. Events subject to change without notice. The Zoo is located at Meadowvale Road and Hwy. 401, Exit 389 east and west bound. For general information, call (416) 392-5929. The Toronto Zoo is open year round (except December 25th).
THE TORONTO ZOO CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY
Saturday, August15th & Sunday, August16th
What: A WILD and FUN two-day celebration of our 35th Anniversary. The Zoo-Za-Pa-Looza event offers visitors:
• FREE family fun entertainment all weekend long at the Zoo’s Waterside Theatre from 1pm to 6pm daily, including a sing-a-long with Soli and Rob, the Poynter Family Magic Show, Musical Rhythm, Special Animal Shows, Njacko Backo and much more.
• The first 1,400 visitors each day will receive a FREE set of 35th Anniversary reindeer antlers!
• Chances to visit the animals, like Charles the Gorilla, Puppe the Orangutan, and Percy the Royal Python, who’ve been residents since the Zoo opened in 1974.
• Opportunity to take in special Keeper Talks and expanded Volunteer Touch Tables.
• Don’t forget to check out the African Cultural Arts Festival in the African Savanna. Weekends until Labour Day.
When: Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th, 2009.
Zoo-Za-Pa-Looza – 1pm to 6pm
Where: Toronto Zoo-Main Entrance
Take Hwy 401 to Meadowvale Rd (exit #389 both directions) in Scarborough.
North on Meadowvale to Main Parking.
Zoo Hours - 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. Last admissions one hour before closing. General Admission 13-64 incl. is $21, Children 3 and under are free, Children 4-12 are $13 and Seniors 65+ are $15. Parking is $8/vehicle. Event schedule subject to change without notice. The Zoo is located at Meadowvale Road and Hwy. 401, Exit 389 east and west bound. For general information, call (416) 392-5929. The Toronto Zoo is open year round (except December 25th).
So let’s say you live somewhere that claims to have four seasons but actually only has 2 – Winter & Construction… and let’s say you have family that actually lives somewhere that lots of people travel to for fun in the sun… any guesses as to who does the most traveling? Exactly! And such were our plans to take off somewhere in the summer and visit the fam down South once the weather turns bad. But guess what? They actually want to come North – and visit us! So it looks like we’ll be doing the hosting for a change and it’s time to try this staycation thing that everyone keeps talking about.
I’m determined to NOT spend the entire week thinking about chores and odds and sods that need doing around the house, so we’ve set aside day #1 to get our usual roster of stuff done. And as anal as it sounds, we’ve pretty much plotted out our whole week’s activities and meals (weather permitting for the activities) so we don’t have a chance to laze about a bit too much in the mornings and end up not doing much all day.
The nice thing about hosting family from out of town, is that they’ll be seeing things with new eyes. Even though the agenda is our usual haunts, we know that satisfaction is guaranteed and few surprises mean we can enjoy our outing AND our time with family. We would have loved to book a cottage for a few nights to give them a taste of our beautiful cottage country, but that will have to be another summer.
So where will we be “going” on our staycation? Certainly The Toronto Zoo. We can’t wait to check out the new Tundra exhibit – and we’ve missed the polar bears! Next stop – Centre Island. The city’s been on strike for the past 6 weeks, and a highlight from last summer has had to be put off until now since the ferries weren’t running. I LOVED Centre Island as a kid (something about that ferry ride makes you feel like you’re really going places) and I’m so glad my daughter loves it too. I think it’s just charming enough for kids from the land of the Amusement Park to enjoy as well.
Last thing on the agenda is a farm. We haven’t decided which one just yet, but there are a couple near to the city that we can explore. It’s cute how this was on their wish list of places to visit when they come, a real-life farm is hard to come by when you live where most people go on holiday.
Am I a bit disappointed that we’re not going away? A little – but I haven’t got the baby’s passport yet so we couldn’t go far anyway. What I’m most looking forward to is spending time with my family, and my extended family.
Corinne McDermott is the founder of Have Baby Will Travel, your online guide for travel with babies and toddlers. For more information please visit www.havebabywilltravel.com or send a message to info@havebabywilltravel.com
We have to admit, we think babies are adorable … big, small, fat, skinny, and in this case FURRY.
The Toronto Zoo agrees. They want to share an exciting announcement about their new Cheetah Cubs (on display this weekend). See their photo below, along with more details:
Rare Cheetah Cubs on Display at Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo’s new cheetah cubs are cute, cuddly and ready to meet you! Born on July 25th, 2008 to Mom ‘Mya’ and Dad ‘Luke’ the cubs have been carefully watched and nurtured by Zoo staff in the cheetah’s Outdoor Holding while awaiting their official public debut this weekend. The Zoo now has a total of ten cheetahs with six cheetahs out on breeding loan to other zoos.
A member of the Species Survival Program (SSP), the Toronto Zoo actively takes part in various measures ensuring this species, currently deemed as threatened, continues to genetically grow stronger. The Zoo is involved in Reproductive Physiology, Behavioural Studies and Nutritional Research to enhance breeding techniques in cheetahs. The decline of the cheetah population overall has created a need for new breeding animals. The Toronto Zoo’s cheetah breeding program has been highly successful, with over 44 cubs born to date.
“The cubs”, says Keeper Kim Meehan, “are very active. They love to play, chasing each other and jumping on each other”. “Bomani” (male) and “Mahala” (female), will be on display this weekend in the Zoo’s African Savanna and then periodically until they become accustomed to their exhibit.
Please use the Contact Us link at the top of the page to share your press releases from across Canada. We love to share local happenings, fun facts and news with parents.
I had never been at the zoo just before feeding time, until this past weekend.
In the African section at approximately 4 pm the animals were ready to eat dinner. I had never seen them so active. The rhino, elephants, tigers and hippos were all pacing before their respective gates (and some were a little cranky) … the elephants being the most patient.
I took this photo of the hippos for you, as both hippos were out of the water.
I have heard many a parent complain that the hour before dinner is often the zaniest in their household due to exhaustion and hunger. You are not alone (and at least your crew won’t bite)!
Citrus Silver
The Second City’s Miracle on Mercer St.
Planning a Halloween party? You’ll need party crafts! Visit 
We turn your photos into works of art. In a Warhol inspired style, plus our own flare, we create 
It’s 
Follow the Zoo’s “Pumpkin Trail” to discover trick-or-treat activity stations throughout the Tundra Trek. Take part in our “Critters and Costumes Parade” at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm daily. Explore our Hay Maze. Best of all, up to two kids in costume (12 and under) get in free when accompanied by an adult. Events are subject to change without notice.
Enjoy a boo-riffic Halloween event just for families this fall! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang for 
We carry a huge selection of 
Avoid the real spooks (harmful toxins, etc.) this Halloween and make 
Join us for a fun-filled day of 
Get freaked out at 
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang for 
Two spooktacular Halloween events at one exciting place - The Toronto Zoo. 
Something for everyone at 
Rare Cheetah Cubs on Display at Toronto Zoo
I had never been at the zoo just before feeding time, until this past weekend.