Hi! I'm the Arts and Entertainment editor and I'm doing a live chat this afternoon, and I've got tons of information about things to do with the family this month. There is A LOT to do. My top pick for this weekend coming up would definately be the Festive Lights and Decorations workshop going on a Harbourfront on Saturday morning (9-12). It's all about doing holiday (not just Chrismas) crafts, and doing games, activities and storytelling as well. The cost is $15 per person. Skip your shopping plans and just make something for your gift list! If you're looking for other activities this weekend or farther into December, just ask away. Diane

My little girl is 2.5 and I was trying to think of some new things to do on the weekends in Toronto. We’ve hit the Toronto zoo once a month, been Riverdale zoo a couple of times and the ROM, local parks, and the library. The Science Centre is fairly close to us, but its a bit too advanced with the exception of a few sections that aren’t terribly exciting. Any suggestions for preschoolers particularly for rainy days?

I agree, many of the big places to visit in the city are not quite right for young toddlers. Take a look for indoor playgrounds in your area. Some do birthday parties, but a lot also have open hours on weekends and for a fee your young one can go down slides, put on costumes, drive around in toy cars. I found some listed here http://www.toronto.com/searchResults?q=playground&r=category%3A%22Theme%20Parks%20%20Entertainment%20Centres%22. Some community centres also run open gyms (kindergym, they often call it) on the weekend, and kids can really be active in these venues. Another place to visit is Solar Stage http://www.solarstage.on.ca/, which runs plays for kids as young as 3. I'm personally a big fan of recreational and family swims at community centres as well, those can knock off an afternoon (but times can often conflict with naps). Diane

Many thank!

Will check those out. Actually found Playground Paradise. My daughter has fun there and its only a $1 and hour. We went to Casa Loma on Saturday. There was a power outage but even in the upper floors we had some fun exploring. We’re going to check out a pool I think. Still, with this hockey-strike/celeb fad inspired baby-boom I’m surprised at the slow the response has been for major attractions to accommodate kids.

Thanks again!