Things to do this Family Day
[attach]3456[/attach]Even the most well-behaved children may at times act like barbarians if left to their own devices. That’s why February, which includes Family Day weekend (Feb. 19-21) is the perfect month to inject some culture into your video game-obsessed offspring. Maybe they’re not quite ready for the five-course fundraisers and fine dining. However, you’d be surprised at how even a tiny taste of the cultured life can turn your high-energy rough-housers into civilized intellectuals. And hey, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two. Reporter Tristan Carter gives you the lowdown on where to find culture in our grand city.
Life before video games
Learning about the history of Toronto is key to understanding the city’s cultural heritage. On Feb. 19 and 20 Colborne Lodge (Colborne Lodge Drive at the Queensway) will be hosting a Family Day Weekend from 12 to 4 p.m. The historic museum was built in 1837 by the Howard family, the founders of High Park. It features artifacts and paintings depicting early Toronto. Kids can learn about a time before video games when they get to play with 19th century toys. There will also be an opportunity to decorate cookies. All guests are invited to dress in period costume. Girdles not provided. Admission for adults is $5.71 and $2.38 for children. For more information, call 416-392-6916. To find an events schedule for Toronto’s other historic homes and museums, visit toronto.ca/culture/museums.
A cultural renaissance, mais oui?
A play and a classical music concert in one — could you get more cultured? Yes you can, because the entire production is en francais. The story of La tête dans les nuages (Head in the clouds) is at the Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West) on Feb. 21. Showtime 1 p.m. It’s about a young girl who begins to sprout wings. Even if you or your child do not speak French, the music alone will make the experience worthwhile. In addition, the portrayal onstage makes the story easy to follow for even the most unilingual of Anglophones. Tickets are free. Call 416-973-4000 or visit harbourfrontcentre.com for more info.
If you’re looking to learn about Haitian culture, bring your kids to Voices of the Diaspora … Haitian Voices, a concert highlighting the poetic and musical traditions of Haiti. Showing at the Glenn Gould Studio at 250 Front Street West, your family can experience the culture of a country undergoing tremendous hardships at the moment. This celebration of Creole language and spirituality will feature the works of Haitian composer Sydney Guillaume who has commissioned two separate pieces. They will be premiered during the event on Feb. 23 and 26. For more information, visit td.com/thenandnow/ or call 416-340-7000.
Pinky Fingers Up
What better way to immerse yourself in British culture than with an afternoon enjoying high tea? The King Edward Hotel at 37 King Street East offers a delightful high tea experience as guests are able to view fine artwork as they sit and sip. Also served at tea time are English scones, butter tarts, and other common tea time fare, but you can call 416-863-9700 for the full menu. The cost is $30 per person. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and picturesque scenes offered at the Old Mill Inn and Spa. Located just outside of the Old Mill subway station right beside the Humber River, the Old Mill Inn serves afternoon tea along with scones and finger sandwiches from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays with a slightly altered schedule on weekends. Visit oldmilltoronto.com or call 1-866-653-6455 for more details.
An evening at the opera
A night at the opera is no longer an activity exclusive to high society folk. People of all ages are encouraged to catch a show and soak in the music. The Canadian Opera Company, housed at the gleaming new Four Seasons Centre at Queen Street and University Avenue, will be showing 12 performances of The Magic Flute, a fairytale about a young prince who must rescue his love interest from the forces of evil. The production was first performed in 1791 and features some of Mozart’s best work. The final show is on Feb. 26. For ticket information and show times visit coc.ca or call 416-363-8231.
Art gallery crawl
A stroll through an art gallery could inspire your child to be more creative. Good thing admission to the Art Gallery of Ontario is free for those 25 and younger for the entire month of February. Located at 317 Dundas Street West, the gallery will be featuring the Maharaja exhibit, displaying some of the artistic artifacts of Indian culture. On Family Day, employees will be handing out guide kits for families full of fun activities and challenges for the family to engage in during their visit. Call 416-979-6648 for further information or visit ago.net.
Meanwhile, the Bata Shoe Museum is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit in February as part of their tribute to Chinese culture. All visitors born in the year of the rabbit will be granted free admission to view the featured artifacts. The Bata Shoe Museum is located at the corner of Bloor Street West and St. George Street. Visit batashoemuseum.ca or call 416-979-7799.
