Guest Post: Ronit Sorosky, Founder of League of Moms
Woop woop summer is just around the corner! Though a small fortune, I’ve got my 4 year old signed up for a summer camp for most of the summer, but I did skip signing him for two weeks so that he and I could make some amazing summer memories together. I should note that two weeks is 4 more days that I can really handle with a 4 year old so we’ll see how this goes. So if you are like me and want to create a fun inducing, memory filled, budget friendly DIY summer camp then read along. Note these ideas can enjoyed for weekdays or weekends.
Pre Camp
Every camp has a calendar of events! Make one together, have your kid decorate it and post it on the fridge or in their room so they can get excited about the fun that awaits them! You should also name your camp of course. Many camps give out t-shirts so if you want to take it to the next level get some matching t-shirts, depending on your kid it could be a big hit. My kid likes to match with me (and I don’t mind it too much either).
Camp Activities
Museum & Attraction Passes
Did you know that with a city of Toronto library card you can get your hands on some free museum passes? Check out your local branch to find out what day they distribute their passes. Keep in mind they do go fast! If you are coveting something like the zoo, ROM or Science Centre then you’ll need to arrive early to get one of the limited pass. These passes are also great if you are on mat leave!
Ride the Rocket Adventure: You’ll be surprised at how much kids love riding the subway. Grab a day pass, hit the subway and watch them light up! BUT don’t stop there, use your pass to hit up some special city spots that will make your kid think it’s the most amazing day of the year!
Here is an example of a Queen Streetcar Adventure:
Stop 1: Glory Hole Donuts for a delicious donut
Stop 2: Dollar store to pick one fun item
Stop 3: Fresh for a smoothie
Stop 4: Le Gourmand for the best cookie in the city
Stope 5: Much Music HQ to see the car sticking out the building
Splash Pads Tour
We are lucky to have some great splash pads across the city! Kids Town in Scarborough is pretty epic and one that is on our DIY summer camp calendar for this summer. However, if you don’t want to venture far, you can find splash pads that are closer to you using this city of Toronto website guide. Make a list of different splash pads to check on hot days, bring a picnic lunch and your day is made!
High Park Field Trip:
Honestly High Park has it all thus making it a must on the summer camp schedule. At the High Park Zoo you can feed Llamas on certain dates and times. There is an epic playground and even a splash pad. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and bring a picnic lunch so you don’t have to go hunting for food. Also, bring some cash for the train and inevitable ice cream truck that will show up!
Centreville on Centre Island
Here is another classic summer field trip, but it is just so great for the 3 and up crowd that it is another must! It’s a little bit pricey but buy a play all day pass so your child can ride with no limits and get a few tickets for yourself as some of the rides require adult accompaniment. The journey is also part of the fun as your kid gets to go on a boat and on the island beyond the rides there is farm, wadding pools and lots of green space – it’s a great mini escape! Save some money by bringing your own lunch and snacks (the food options are of the less healthy variety). My son still talks about our trip last summer to Centreville so we’ll definitely be going back this year.
Crafting
Every good summer camp has some crafting! If you yourself are not a Pinterest mom, then head over to Michael’s, during the summer they host daily craft activities for kids of all ages at a minimal cost. Or if you are feeling creative and want to come up with your own projects, you’ll find some really great and inexpensive options at the dollar store.
Get Baking!
Get your little one a little apron and get baking! I will admit that this can be stress inducing if you like to keep things very neat and clean, but the messy memories will be worth it! I suggest you prep, cute and premeasure all the ingredients in advance to help limit the mess. Easy recipes to make with your little baker include muffins, cookies and smoothies. If you prefer someone else do all prep work (which I would totally understand), then check out Loblaws cooking classes for ages 2 and up, important to note that these classes mostly run on weekends.
Ikea
I know this seems more like an adult playground, but Ikea has such a great kids’ area with kid sized furniture, toys and of course don’t forget the inexpensive lunch followed by very inexpensive but delicious ice cream. Only watch out, when we did this last year, they weren’t too happy with us rearranging all the stuffed animals so make sure you let the employees know you’ll be happy to put them all back when you are done.
Scavenger Hunt
This one requires some prework, but the reward will be great! Put a random checklist together of all the things you need to find from fire hydrants, birds, specific letters of the alphabet (or all of them) to a coffee for mommy at local coffee shop.
Library Programs
The Toronto libraries have lots of great classes through the summer (and all year long). Storytime for babies, toddlers, family movie showings and some branches even have some special plays. Last year we enjoyed the Tales of Peter Rabbit. While you are there, grab some books or just spend some time reading in a new different space feels so special to your little one!
Post Camp
I hope you took lots of pictures of your summer fun, because now it’s time to make a little memory book. Print up your favourite pictures, grab a dollar store album (do they still sell albums?) and get your kid decorating and putting all the pictures into the album. I promise it will be a treasured book.
Ronit Soroksky is the Founder of League of Moms; a directory of services for moms and moms to be with reviews! It’s like YELP for moms. League of Moms currently services the GTA with over 300 business listed and growing. Follow League of Moms onInstagram and Facebook to enjoy giveaways and expert takeovers.