The Little Paper

For this double issue of the Little Paper, we’ve changed things up a bit. In the front of the paper you’ll still find camps and special events, including Father’s Day and Canada Day as well as a comprehensive guide to local attractions and festivals.

Don’t miss the back of the book, though, with its handy primer to swimming and wading pools and splash pads, profiles of particularly noteworthy parks and a listing of events happening in parks all over the city. I hope you’ll forgive a change in format in this space too because, with two full months to introduce, it seems best to simply highlight a few family activities that seem particularly special.

So, first off... Luminato and, in particular, Dan Zanes. Our family first saw him perform at Harbourfront about 3 years ago and have been die hard fans ever since. He’ll be performing two shows at The Music Hall on Father’s Day and throughout the city for the week of the festival at libraries and at The Science Centre. Find out more in our festivals section on page 12 and at www.luminato.com The Fringe Festival Kidsvenue... the Fringe has been introducing us to great new performances for 20 years and their Kidsvenue at the Palmerston Library offers families a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live theatre at an affordable price. www.fringefestival.com or our listings on page 10.

The Ferry... Whether your destination is Ward’s, Hanlan’s or Centre Island, the trip across the water is one of Toronto’s best summer diversions and a picnic supper tucked in your bicycle basket can turn summer nights into magic. While you are there, don’t miss Franklin’s Children’s Garden and the Lagoon Theatre. www.toronto.ca/parks/island The Saturday Farmer’s Market at Brick Works (and the market in your own neighbourhood.) After a few zillion nights of eating penne with parmesan and green peas, you might be able to inspire a change of menu if your four year old gets to pick out his own yellow tomato and purple carrots – not to mention organic ice cream. www.evergreen.ca/rethinkspace and page 15

However you spend the next sixty days, I hope you’ll be inspired by what you find in the next fifty pages and we’ll see you in August. (We’ve got a lot to do!) – Vicki