Ever walked by a building, structure or church and wondered why it was built or what it looks like on the inside?

There is a festival designed solely just for that. The 16^th annual Doors Open Toronto festival offers people free and rare access to more than 155 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city.

The two-day event takes place this year on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday May 24. This year’s theme of Sports, Recreation and Leisure pays tribute to this summer’s Pan-Am Games and features private and public recreational sites ranging from aquatic centres to athletics stadiums.

Doors will be open at buildings from the lake to the 407 and as far west as Islington to the eastern reaches of Military Trail. In and around the Freeman Real Estate office at 988 Bathurst, there are several notable buildings worth visiting:

Artscape Wychwood Barns 

This 100-year-old former streetcar repair facility is today a hub for arts, culture, food security, urban agriculture, environmental and other community activities and initiatives. Opened in 2008, this multi-faceted complex has become the social heart of the neighbourhood.

City of Toronto Archives 

Opened in 1992, the City of Toronto Archives was designed with a sky lit Research Hall where researchers can access the City’s documentary heritage. Doors Open guests will be given behind-the-scenes treatment as they view artworks based on archival images that have been created by students from the TDSB especially for the Pan-Am Games.

Denegri Bessai Studio 

This modest two-storey commercial and residential brick building situated on Bathurst Street, south of Dupont, will take visitors through the studio’s office space. View live prototyping and 3D printing demonstrations in addition to engaging in discussions with office staff.

First Church of Christ, Scientist – Toronto 

 This neo-classic building was commissioned to accommodate the growing Toronto congregation and has served its members since its completion in 1916. The interior spatial style mimics ancient Greece. The auditorium is arranged to seat just under 1,000 people in traditional pews and also holds an outstanding organ.

High Level Pumping Station 

High Level is located at the site of the long-buried Castle Frank Brook. This stream is the original source of raw water for the former Yorkville Waterworks. While Torontonians now rely on Lake Ontario for their tap water, the station’s core function of pumping water to higher elevations in Toronto remains unchanged for more than a century. High Level is the oldest pumping station in Toronto’s water supply system. The building has expanded over time to feature several additions that reflect different architectural styles such as Second Empire, Edwardian Classical and Style Moderne.

Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens

Built in 1866, the Spadina Museum was built by Toronto financier James Austin. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the remarkable restoration of this site with the support of stationed site staff that will be on-hand to offer background information on the site and answer questions.

Doors Open is presented by Great Gulf and produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.

For more information about the event visit http://bit.ly/1dZbpeI.

If ever there was a city designed for aligning its collective sensibilities, building a sense of community, and articulating its likes and dislikes, Toronto would clearly be at the top of the list.

With dozens of residents associations and neighbourhood groups, Torontonians, it seems, have lots to say. Originally established in 1957, the ABC Residents’ Association, which serves those living in the Yorkville/North Midtown area between Yonge and Avenue Road, is committed to being actively involved in municipal issues. But even older is the South Rosedale Residents’ Association, which was formed in 1931.

Throw a stone in and around the Freeman neighbourhood and you’re sure to hit a good number of community/neighbourhood groups. The Seaton Village Residents’ Association was formed to improve living conditions and to promote and express the interests of residents through municipal representation.

The Christie Pits Residents’ Association began in 2006. The Palmerston Area Residents’ Association is dedicated to preserving the distinctive character of its neighbourhood. The Annex Residents’ Association is a volunteer organization with roots dating back over 80 years.

Toronto journalist David Topping keeps track of the city’s residents’ groups at http://bit.ly/1csQRdy. His list numbers 167 neighbourhood groups, while a Toronto Star story from last September cited 500 such groups as being registered with the city.

But if these groups don’t tickle you, think about starting your own. Think your neighbourhood falls victim to too much crime? Perhaps a crime prevention group is in order. Want to ensure your community’s elderly are safe and cared for? There’s an idea that could spawn a group of caring residents.

Essentially a neighbourhood group speaks up about issues of concern to those living in the community. Its goals should be realistic and achievable, no pie-in-the sky notions as that may tend to discourage pragmatists and can take too long to accomplish.

Neighbourhood groups can be about:

• crime prevention and community safety ideas
• neighbourhood clean-ups or other improvement projects
• parks and playgrounds
• social and recreational activities and special events
• traffic
• volunteer activities
• zoning and development issues

A neighbourhood association should have some structure to ensure that things get done. A more formal group could include a board of directors with members who are elected at an annual general meeting. Typically, board meetings take place monthly and a board follows written bylaws to guide its operations.

Whether you adopt a formal or informal group, here are a few tips and suggestions to help you along the way:

• Consider inviting a community police officer to your first meeting if your group is being established to address a specific problem.
• Try to include all age groups within your community. Each has its set of particular strengths.
• Establish clear and simple communication channels, invite feedback and encourage attendance and participation at meetings.
• Remember that not everyone is comfortable speaking out or talking in public. Offer other ways to get feedback such as suggestion boxes, confidential voicemail line, email address, social media platforms or one-on-one conversations.
• Make sure that everyone feels involved and that the whole community is represented, not just the opinions of those who sit on the board.

With spring fast upon us dog owners will be more inclined to brave the elements offered by our great outdoors. Besides, what’s a little rain and wind when compared to the snow, ice and freezing cold temperatures we’ve just endured?

There is nothing more exhilarating than watching your canine tear up the earth as he bounds through the air. And there’s no better way to let hounds fly than by setting them free. The city appreciates this, too, and allows for space in certain parks where dogs can roam off leash. Be warned, however, that dogs in city parks must be licensed and wearing a tag.

If you’re a little rusty in the dog-walking department or you’re new to the city, here’s our unofficial guide to some of the area’s best parks for strolling off-leash with your pooch.

Bickford Park

Located south of Bloor and Christie Pits is this 2.8-hectare green space in the heart of Little Italy. In addition to its off-leash area, the park also features two ball diamonds and two bocce courts.

Cedarvale Park

At 1611 Bathurst Street is a huge urban green space that cuts a diagonal swath through the Cedarvale neighbourhood which is located west of Bathurst Street between St. Clair Avenue and Eglinton Avenue. The park features an enclosed off-leash area for dogs in addition to tennis courts, a skating rink and an innovative environmental education program.

Clarence Square Park

Is a small, shady park located at Spadina and Wellington that offer dogs and their masters a decent size area to run or stroll leash free.

High Park

As the city’s crown jewel of green spaces, High Park is not only Toronto’s biggest park but one of its most scenic. Its off-leash section is known as Dog Hill and it boasts lots of seating, washrooms and pet drinking fountains. While there check out the High Park Zoo, Grenadier Café and some of the park’s historical landmarks. Don’t forget to enjoy the views.

Pawsway

The PawsWay at 245 Queens Quay West is Canada’s first pets-allowed indoor eatery. Dogs can dine and then meander about indoors and unencumbered in their very own 3,700 square feet of space. Now that’s doggy heaven.

Sir Winston Churchill Park

Sir Winston Churchill Park is an enormous park north of the Annex, where the off-leash area is part of a nice nature walk between the north and south ends.

Soaureren Avenue Park

Soaureren Avenue Park in Toronto’s Roncesvalles neighbourhood is situated on a former bus garage that was slated to become a storage facility for city vehicles. Thanks to vocal residents, who objected to the plan, the park is home to an off-leash area for dogs as well as a farmer’s market and a field house for community gatherings.

Trinity Bellwoods Park

     Trinity Bellwoods Park’s off-leash area, which is known as         the Dog Bowl, is secluded in a ravine in the middle of the park. The bowl offers a sort of separation from the rest of this large urban    park and good sight lines to keep an eye on your pets.

Vermont Square Park

Vermont Square Park at 819 Palmerston Ave. offers Annex dog owners a little piece of unfenced grass tucked away from busy street traffic.

Wychwood Barns Park

Wychwood Barns Park provides a safe fenced area to protect pups from busy traffic. The small, off-leash area offers picnic tables and a drinking fountain. Bring your dogs on weekends and enjoy the farmer’s market.

Revive Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Whether you’re thinking of selling your house or staying put, creating curb appeal is something every home owner seems to aspire to. Having an admiration worthy home is something many of us yearn for and some of us spend serious time and money trying to achieve.

There’s no better time than now to dust off the cobwebs, pack up winter gear and roll out springtime. Here is our must-do checklist for adding a bit of curb appeal:

The Front Door

As the home’s focal point, your front door should be inviting and attractive. It should say, ‘You’re welcome here.’ Make sure it’s clean for starters. Paint it a pretty, eye-catching colour. Think of changing the hardware or adding an attractive door knocker. Finally, consider adorning it with an attractive spring wreath or door decoration.

What’s Your Number?

Is your house number clear and easy to read? Walk across the street to see yours. You don’t want the numbers blocked by shrubs or trees and it’s best if they’re placed near an outside light so the pizza delivery person can find you in the dark. Also, try to position the numbers horizontally because they are easier to read than if laid out vertically.

Garden in a Pot

Adding to that welcoming feeling is a grouping of spring plants near your front door. Depending on your space place one great big pot or three various sized ones on your porch or the walkway near your front door. Providing your steps are wide enough, you can also use the sides of your front stairs to arrange pots bursting with spring blooms. Hanging pots of plants also lend curb appeal.

Pretty Up Your Porch

Many older city houses have a front porch ideal for watching the world go by or just being a nosy neighbour. Regardless, your porch can be an extension of your summertime living space so throw down an outdoor rug, a table and some patio furniture. Decorate your space with favourite colours and tchotchkes such as lanterns, pillows and candles. You’ll never want to go indoors.

Grass & Flower Beds

Is your lawn looking a little tired after winter’s abuse? You may need to reseed your grass or replace patches of it. Cover your flower beds with natural mulch such as leaves, sawdust or shredded bark so they retain moisture longer and look even and finished.

Wash Windows & Siding

There’s nothing like clean windows and spotless siding to draw the eye. Try using a power washer or simply a regular hose with a washing attachment.

Look Up

Your roof should get a once over. Curling shingles or those that are crumbling should be looked at by a professional.

Come the warmer temperatures, our longing for renewal, shine, even a little spit and polish grows stronger with each passing day.

Spring cleaning is somehow more tolerable than regular cleaning simply because, well, it’s springtime. Add to that ways to clean that don’t pollute or waste valuable resources and you have an activity that’s practically heaven-sent.  So let’s get to it. 

Start by opening up your windows and letting all that fresh air inside your home. You’ll likely need to clean your windows so using a mixture of water and vinegar is a good green way to start. Wipe them clean with newspaper for a lint-free shine. Wash curtains and sheers. Dust shades and blinds. If yours are really grimy you may want to soak them in the bathtub or laundry sink. As the eyes of a home, the windows play an important role in maintaining its appeal. Don’t forget to clean your interior windows and window ledges as well.

The entryway or hallway of your home suffers a fair bit of abuse with the comings and goings of family members, friends and pets. Use an all-natural all-purpose cleaner to wipe away mud, salt stains and grime. Vacuum out your closet and de-clutter. Hang something fresh and spring like on the outside of your door.

Vinegar is a great cleaner for most floors. Mix it with some rubbing alcohol and a few drops of dishwashing detergent. Area rugs will need a good going over after winter’s assault. Sprinkle baking soda on your rugs to eliminate odors. Be sure to vacuum both side of your rug.

Use old athletic socks turned inside out to dust your home. Just cover your hand with the sock and start dusting.

Springtime is the right time to get rid of clothes you haven’t worn and other household items that have been left to collect dust. Consider donating gently used items to charity, where they can get another life. Opt for tearing up old absorbent articles of clothing and towels to add to your rag bag. Think of the money you’ll save on paper towels. 

Remember to go easy on the toxic chemicals. Many household cleaning supplies, while safe in small doses, may have longer term side effects. Volatile organic compounds, phosphates, petrochemicals and chlorine bleach have been linked to various health concerns. Instead, stock up on kitchen essentials that with a little finesse on your part do a beautiful job of making your home sparkle. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, borax and essential oils either on their own or in various combinations make great eco-friendly cleaners that easily match or exceed store-bought products.

There’s no need to choke back noxious fumes or waste gobs of paper and water when spring cleaning. And while old habits die hard, it’s not a bad idea to stop and think can I clean in a way that’s safer, less toxic and generally kinder to the planet.

Come celebrate spring by taking part in an historic walking tour of the West Annex on Sunday, April 26.
Freeman Real Estate is again hosting one of its free neighbourhood tours that will take participants on a trip down memory lane thanks to local history buff and retired school teacher Marilyn Spearin. As a resident of the West Annex, Marilyn will point out significant historic sites and buildings in addition to noting the homes of illustrious historic figures and the origins of the neighbourhood’s street names.

The walk begins at 1 p.m. and participants are asked to meet outside of Freeman Real Estate at 988 Bathurst St. just before that time. It runs about one hour and explores the area between Bloor Street West to the CPR tracks north of Dupont Street and from Bathurst on the west to Kendal/Dalton to the east.

The historic homes in Toronto’s Annex were built largely from the 1880s to early 1900s and they are great examples of a wide assortment of architectural styles including Victorian, Queen Anne, Edwardian, Georgian, English cottage and Romanesque.

Expect to learn about the former Cathedral of St. Alban-the-Martyr on Howland Ave. The construction of this magnificent Neo Gothic structure began in 1884 but certain events such as the death of its architect, the Boer War, WW I and the depression slowed enthusiasm and fundraising efforts. Today the church is home to St. George’s College, a private boys’ school.

Marilyn will share information about the Walmer Road Baptist Church. Built in 1889, the church at one time was the largest Baptist congregation in Canada.

We’ll see the house in which Timothy Eaton, the founder of Canada’s largest privately owned department store, lived. It’s at the corner of Lowther Ave. and Spadina.

And we’ll view the site of a gruesome murder that took place in 1915, when Charles Bert Massey was shot to death by a domestic servant, Carrie Davies. The scandal involving one of Canada’s most powerful families made international news. Davies was found not guilty of the murder.

Jane Jacobs was also a resident of the West Annex. A journalist, author and activist who influenced urban planning, she was a leader in the fight against the planned construction of the Spadina Expressway. Jacobs died in 2006 at the age of 89, but her sway on matters affecting how cities are planned and built still lives on.

The tour ends at Jean Sibelius Square at 50 Kendal Ave., where participants are invited to sit down, rest a bit and ask questions about the neighbourhood.

Those interested in taking the tour should register with Freeman Real Estate at 416-535-3103 or email us at frontdesk@freemanrealty.com.

One of the things people most love about Toronto is the ridiculous amount of fun the city has for all ages. From activities, events and museums to galleries, theatre and sports, the city offers up a wide range of family friendly things to do.  With the March Break fast approaching we thought we’d look at a few can’t-miss activities.

Wizard World Fun Park, March 15 – 22, at the Better Living Centre. This outdoor fun park includes over 20 mechanical and inflatable rides, a little tots area for children under five, arts and crafts, a large exotic petting zoo, daily shows, pony rides and more. See http://www.wizardworld.ca/ for more information.

March Break at Ontario’s Legislative Building, March 16 – 20. This free event is for families with children aged 6 – 10. Explore the historic building through a scavenger hunt, dress-up in the traditional black robes worn by Parliament and enjoy some craft time. Pre-registration is required. See http://educationportal.ontla.on.ca/en/visit-us/programs/march-break-program.

Toronto ComicCon, March 20 – 22, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Celebrating all things pop culture, ComicCon is your place if you love comic books, anime, science fiction, gaming and horror. Meet your favourite celebrities, artist and writers. Enjoy panels and workshops. And, showcase your costumes and cosplay. Get more info at http://www.comicontoronto.com/2012/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KIDS-PROGRAMMING.pdf

Pinocchio, March 3 – 21, at Young People’s Theatre. This children’s classic comes to life in a wildly inventive new production. Recommended for kids six and up. See http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/pinocchio/ for more details.

Disney presents Frozen, March 18 – 22, at Rogers Centre. Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and his reindeer, Sven, hosts Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and many more of your favourite Disney characters. See more at: http://www.toronto-theatre.com/theaters/rogers-centre/disney-on-ice-frozen.php#sthash.vJtNAiak.dpuf

Sing-a-Long-a Grease Friday, March 20, at the Living Arts Centre. Have you ever been to a musical and had the uncontrollable urge to burst into song? Well, now is your chance to don those pink jackets, grease up those quiffs and let your inhibitions go for an evening where you are the stars. For more info seehttp://www.singalonga.net/worldwide/canada/grease/

AGO: Art Gallery of Ontario, March 14 – 22. Enjoy nine fun-filled days of creative exploration. Enjoy beat box and drumming performances, see the amazing SOAR Rope Skipping and Brampton Acro Ropers and learn how to ‘double dutch.’ Create your own graffiti name “tags” for our tag wall, watch kid-friendly films in Jackman Hall, take a guided tour, visit the brand new Kids Gallery exhibition Pets & Me, and enjoy Drop-In creative playtime for young children. Visit http://www.ago.net/march-break-2015-drop-in-family-fun.

The Toronto Zoo, March 14 – 22. Find out how the Toronto Zoo uses Enrichment to engage animals including polar bears, otters and meerkats. Join in on the daily featured animal enrichment activity in the Education Auditorium and make an enrichment item for one of the animals. The Zoo will also host a craft area, special Keeper Talks, Enrichment demonstrations, animal encounters and more. See http://www.torontozoo.com/events/

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, March 16 – 20.  Immerse your family in a world of 16,000 aquatic animals and discover your own underwater adventure. The Aquarium features North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel with more than 5.7 million litres of water and over 100 interactive opportunities. Get up close and personal with three touch exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks, and rays as well as daily dive shows every 2 hours. Doors open at 8am. Arrive before 9am and receive free coffee and a snack. Visit https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/marchbreak/

Kings Court at Casa Loma March 14 – 22. Discover your inner hero! Challenging gallant games, solving princely puzzles, experiencing interactive medieval theatre, making creative crafts and more. Complete the Hero’s Quest and receive your regal reward from the King’s Court. Go to http://www.libertygroup.com/casaloma/casafeature1.html for more info.

Aga Khan Museum March 14 – 22. Pick up your Family Exploration Kit at the front desk and launch your own expedition of the galleries. Go on a creature hunt, complete a pattern, or write your own adventure story (designed for children 5-12). And, don’t miss Sunday Family Days. Drop into the classrooms to participate in art games, solve puzzles, or make a fantastic animal mask. For more info see https://www.facebook.com/agakhanmuseumtoronto.

In real estate the mantra of location, location, location exists because it’s pretty much dead on. The same rule also applies to businesses. Locating in a family-friendly neighbourhood marked by ethnic and religious diversity, amazing arts and culture institutions, brisk commerce, great restaurants and lively coffee shops doesn’t automatically earn your company a formula for success. But let’s face it, given the ballyhoo a neighbourhood like that can generate, it certainly can’t hurt. 

Of course, we’re talking about the Freeman Real Estate neighbourhood, known more broadly as the Annex but more specifically as Seaton Village or the West Annex. Toronto is known as the City of Neighbourhoods with good reason. It has 140 of them. Those are official. The unofficial number of Toronto neighbourhoods is in the neighbourhood of about 240.

Award-winning Canadian novelist, playwright, actor and broadcaster Ann-Marie MacDonald uses the Annex neighbourhood as the backdrop to a number of scenes in her latest book Adult Onset. We’re proud to point out that Freeman Real Estate gets a mention twice in her latest novel as the main characters wend their way in and around Bathurst and Bloor streets.

MacDonald’s book is peppered with references to familiar haunts near our location at 988 Bathurst, which is on the west side between Bloor and Dupont. Honest Ed’s, Fiesta Farms, Secrets From Your Sister, Stephen’s Groceries (cited as Archie’s Variety in the book) and coffee shops all rate a mention.

MacDonald tells Canadian Press recently why she decided to name real-life businesses in her latest work:

“I thought: ‘Gee I’m going for it here. I’m really going to set it here, here’s Bathurst and Bloor and this may or may not fly with people,”‘  she said. “Because everyone likes to kick Toronto around. Like, internationally we’re known for some very important things but we’re not known for our neighbourhoods. And the rest of Canada likes to resent us for some fantasy of what they think Toronto is.”

We like Ann-Marie’s explanation. Thanks for giving our neighbourhood the attention it deserves.

When people invariably exaggerate that they’ve been working their whole life, rarely do they mean since childhood.

Not so for Sam Ehsani, a 41-year-old Iranian-born realtor who’s been working since he was a wee gaffer. As the newest real estate agent to join the Freeman team, Sam is something of an anomaly in his family of doctors and teachers. A strong independent streak is what provoked him to begin wheeling and dealing at the unbelievably young age of five.

“I used to raise chickens,” says Sam, who with his wife immigrated to Canada nearly six years ago. “I would take care of them, watch them grow and then sell them on the market in Tehran.” 

At eight, Sam rented retail space during the summertime when school was closed to open a small grocery store that specialized in fruit juices. His parents were supportive of his endeavors but questioned his motivation. At 10, Sam starting buying bicycles, fixing them up and selling them. By 14 he started doing that with motorcycles and would later graduate to cars.

“Nobody told me to do this,” says Sam. “It’s inside me. My father would ask me why I am doing this. He thought it was better if I pursued my education but during the summers and with my free time, I liked making money and being independent.”

A realtor for over a year now, Sam knows his entrepreneurial chops will serve him well in Toronto’s housing market. He also believes that his abiding honesty, integrity and trustworthiness will go a long way toward career success. Those traits and one other important one:

“I’m a workaholic,” he says simply. “I like to work hard.”

In Tehran, as Sam was obtaining his master’s degree in marketing, he began dabbling in housing developments, namely a low-rise condo building that he had to work hard at to gain his father’s trust and support. His hard work paid off and Sam would subsequently build a six-unit condo that many of his family members invested in.

Sam misses his family and friends and the beauty of Iran, but he and his wife decided to immigrate to Canada because it is a country that holds much opportunity.  He also misses teaching, a job he did at Azad University where he lectured students about marketing. He hopes to one day teach in Canada on a part time basis.

“When I was a kid my mother was a teacher and my father, a general practitioner, and most of my family are medical doctors or teachers. I inherited these things from my parents and relatives and I feel more comfortable doing this. Regardless of the money, teaching makes me feel useful in my community and the world. For me, working is about improving the world and humanity and making ourselves useful that way.”

As a nation, we’re still growing accustomed to that mid-February national holiday known as Family Day. It sort of sneaks up on us and suddenly here we are waist-deep in snow and freezing temperatures wondering what to do with an extra day off.

From the Toronto Zoo and the Ontario Science Centre to the AGO and the many great tobogganing hills in and around the city, you need not look far for exciting and interesting things to do in a city the size of Toronto. So without further delay, here are some suggestions of fun activities and events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend.

Stay Indoors

Had enough of the white stuff? If you have teen film buffs in your household suggest The Next Wave, a TIFF festival for young movie fans. The best in film from around the globe, this festival includes special guests, interactive workshops and a film challenge for young filmmakers.

If live theatre is more your thing, there is plenty to choose from. Try introducing your little ones to the delights of Snow Angel, a play for young audiences presented on the YPT Mainstage from February 10 to 19 with a special Family Day performance on February 16. Or perhaps The Heart of Robin Hood, an inventive retelling of this classic story, may be more to your liking.

If your family enjoys engines and sleek automobiles, you will want to head on down to the Canadian International AutoShow this weekend. Ooh and aah as you admire must-see vehicles on display at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. 

 Casa Loma is hosting a family-day-weekend event that honours the Pan Am Games. Team Canada athletes will be on hand to meet and greet in addition to spearheading fun activities such as gymnastics demonstrations and boxing workshops. Join in the cultural activities that include mask making, cultural dance workshops, face painting and appearances by the official Pan Am mascot Pachi.

Kids are free at the Hockey Hall of Fame this Family Day. Play simulation games, check out theatres, the greatest collection of hockey artifacts anywhere in the world, and as the crowning glory, hands-on access to the Stanley Cup. New this year is a game in which you can face-off against life-size, animated versions of today’s top players in this revitalized model rink.

History Beckons

For those who enjoy examining our past, there are a number of activities in and around the city. History buffs will thrill to participate in baking workshops in the historic kitchen at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Or sample some baking from Fort York’s historic kitchen. Children are also encouraged to try an 1812 drill class, Officers’ Sword Drill and old-fashioned games. Mackenzie House celebrates Black History Month. Learn about the Black Victorians and their publishers and newspaper journalists. Or you can experience the life of the Austin family at the Spadina Museum, where you learn what life was like in the 1920s and 1930s through music, toys and games.

Outdoorsy Family Events

Whether you’re there for a brisk free skate or nature play in the children’s garden, a clay-making workshop or to design your own bird feeder, the Evergreen Brick Works is an awesome spot that inspires sustainability and love of community for the whole family.

East enders will celebrate their eighth annual Family Day in the Beach on February 15 from noon to 4 pm. Snow and ice might rule this weekend but that makes this event all the more fun and helps to accommodate a life-size snow globe, exciting lumberjack shows, figure skating performers, live ice carving demonstrations, music and so much more. The event is free.

Another awesome free event is the HabourKIDS Skating Festival at Harbourfront. From free skating to building snow structures to cozying up with little ones during story time, this two-day festival is a must for all.

If a drive doesn’t bother you, you may want to check out the Vanishing Ice Festival at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, about 45 kilometres north of Toronto. The Vanishing Ice Festival offers a series of school and community events focused on the importance of winter and ice to the environment. Participate in snowshoe hikes led by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, see live animal presentations and view the Melting Ice Sculpture.

The Danforth turns up the volume with the Winterfolk XIII Blues and Roots Festival, a combination of paid and free concerts for all ages. More than 150 artists will be performing at four venues and five stages over three days of the long Family Day weekend.

For those hearty folks who love braving the cold don’t forget the abundance of places where you can tube sled, ice skate, snowshoe, ski and snowmobile to your heart’s content.

Happy Family Day!