The Little Paper

There are certainly lots of adventures to be had in your own backyard… trying every flavour of ice-cream at your local parlour, chasing kids through the sprinker and enjoying long un-structured mornings with a coffee, a sippy cup and a sand box, but we’ve scoured the city and found some noteworthy events and neighbourhoods so good you might just want to leave home. (And they’re good for you too!)

TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS
Few things inspire a longing for nature more than a lovely summer’s day so here are our picks to get you started on the right path…
We were introduced to the P.I.N.E. Project this spring when a couple of the Little Paper Kids’ attended an afterschool nature club designed to connect kids to the urban wilderness. Run by outdoor-enthusiast Andrew Martin, P.I.N.E. is a vital addition to Toronto’s green education movement. Head down to Sunnyside Beach on August 13th from 5:30-8pm, for a session on Animal Tracking. The event is PWYC, call or email to register.
Nature walks at the High Park Nature Centreare the perfect introduction to the wonders of the woods. There are four hikes coming up: Moth Night on the 6th from 8 to 10pm; a Fairy Hike on the 18th from 1-3pm and A Delicious Hike on September 1st from 1 to 3pm. The hikes are offered on a donate-what-you-can basis but a toonie is the suggested minimum. No registration is required, just pull on some stout shoes and show up.
If you are thinking about heading out on your own, why not get a little advice from an expert? We found a wonderful little book at Type Books (locations in Forest Hill, on the Danforth and Queen West) that will definitely inspire and inform us this summer. It’s called Great Country Walks Around Toronto, was written by Elliott Katz, and is a very straightforward and useful guide to the Toronto’s best and most scenic (urban) country trails.

EAT IN SEASON
Growing for Green is spearheading some extraordinary community initiatives, perfect for families looking for a wee patch of green to call their own. Their Sharing Backyards program partners people looking for yard space to grow a garden with those who have green space they wish to share. Growing for Green also worked with Not Far from the Tree on the development of Toronto’s first community Orchard.
The Orchard, located in Ben Nobleman Park across from Eglinton West Subway station, is definitely worth a visit. Cared for by volunteers, it’s currently planted with nine fruit trees (the projected total is 14). The goal is to transform the park into a vibrant community hub, providing fruit for volunteers and local agencies.
Another neighbourhood enjoying an overhaul is Danforth East. There’s been a baby boom in the area as of late. Plan your trip for a Thursday and stop by The East Lynn Farmer’s Market, which runs from 3-7pm. The market is a lively meeting point with an extraordinary level of community involvement including volunteers who cook the farmers hot meals, “So they drive home full and happy!” Don’t miss Peach Party movie night on August 20th. And, if you need help figuring out what to do with an excess of peaches, stop by the Danforth Mennonite Church on 17 August for the 7:30pm canning workshop. (RSVP to Mary-Margaret McMahon at 416-693-9276 or spargy@rogers.com. The suggested donation is $5.

GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT
Across from the park, Carter’s Ice Cream, which sells Kawartha dairy with candy toppings, is most certainly worth a stop and Coxwell Parkette (SW corner of Coxwell and Danforth) hosts a Jazz in the Park series every Wednesday from 5-8pm.
If August sends us a rainy day or two, take advantage of a burgeoning trend – the coffeehouse/enclosed playspace. In the Junction try Gingerbread House Family Café, 2790 Dundas St W, Designed for families, the café has a dedicated play area which children can enjoy while grown-ups sip their lattés in peace. In the east, visit Small World Café at1775B Danforth Ave, There’s a play area at the back, fair trade coffee, baked goods and yummy food (including a kids menu). Staff playlist jazz, contemporary and latin music and host a Song Circle on Sunday afternoons.

HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS
It isn’t just our children who need company. What’s summer without a couple of good friends to help get the stroller onto the TTC, trade advice, share snack boxes and just enjoy the warm weather? If you’re feeling a bit deserted by cottage bound pals this season or just haven’t met anyone in your new neighbourhood yet, give MeetUp a try. It’s a great resource for hooking up with other mums. Who knows, they might even want to go for a walk!