Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gift Ideas For East End Big Kids
This gift guide highlights thoughtful picks for bigger kids—from engaging games and hands-on activities to books and toys that encourage imagination, independence, and learning through play. These are the kinds of gifts that grow with your child, stand up to years of use, and don’t end up forgotten at the bottom of a toy bin by New Year’s Day.
Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gift Ideas For East End Toddlers & Preschoolers
From beautifully made wooden toys and open-ended play sets to beloved picture books and screen-free entertainment that will last them well into the big kid years, local East End Toronto shops offer thoughtful alternatives to mass-produced gifts from big-box retailers.
Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gift Ideas For East End Babies
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, auntie, uncle, or friend hunting for something sweet for the tiniest person on your list, this guide brings together thoughtful finds from the East End’s own stores. These are the kinds of gifts that feel good to give: beautiful, well-made pieces that support the small businesses that make our community feel like home.
Holiday Gift Guide: Kids Secondhand and Consignment Shops in Toronto’s East End
This holiday season, why not give gifts that are kind on both your wallet and the planet? For East End Toronto parents, there’s a truly wonderful ecosystem of secondhand, thrift, and consignment shops focused on children’s clothing, toys, books, and gear. Shopping at these local spots doesn’t just save money — it supports small business owners, reduces textile waste, and fosters a more sustainable, circular economy in our own community.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 October 20-26
Halloween fun fills the east end this week with parties, crafts, haunted tours, and trick-or-treat trails. Don’t miss Tots & Taps Halloween Party, Boo at the Zoo, Riverdale Farm’s Boo Barn, and Hallo-WEE Spookfest—plus festive EarlyON and library activities for little ones.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 October 13-19
This week features Thanksgiving closures, pumpkin-themed family events, and fall community celebrations across the east end. Highlights include Tots & Taps at Red Tape Brewery, Diwali Mela, and Evergreen Brick Works’ Family Wander. Families can join EarlyON yoga, dance, and literacy programs, plus library Halloween crafts and family movies. A 25% discount is available for first-time treatments at Carlton Cosmetic Clinic.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 October 6-12
This week brings PA Day fun, Thanksgiving celebrations, and a packed lineup of family-friendly events across Toronto’s east end. Families can join EarlyON outings, yoga, and holiday activities, explore library storytimes, crafts, and robotics, and register for Nov–Dec playgroups. Plus, enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on The Wild Symphony children’s orchestra.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 29-October 5
Toronto families mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous events across the city. Highlights include winter playgroup sign-ups, EarlyON yoga and farm outings, library crafts and puppet shows, free indoor play at Warden Hilltop, and a Carousel Costumes Halloween discount.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 22-28
Highlights this week include PA Day activities at libraries, Yoga With Baby classes at community centres, and exclusive discounts for small businesses run by hard-working local EEMF families. Please support your pals if you can. Enjoy!
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 15-21
Toronto families can dive into fall rec registration with a new step-by-step guide. Highlights this week include Tots & Taps at Reid’s Distillery, a work clothing swap, Danforth East Arts Fair, Pape Village Block Party, and Southeast Scarborough Pow Wow. Plus, EarlyON classes, library programs, and a self-care series for moms round out a busy East End week.
How to Register for Free and Low-Cost Recreation Programs in Toronto
This guide walks East End parents through the City of Toronto recreation registration process, from setting up an online account and building a wish list to knowing the exact registration dates and strategies for securing spots. It also highlights where to find free programs at City of Toronto Free Centres so families can make the most of fall activities like swimming, skating, and arts classes.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 8-14
Park hangs, coffee breaks, and new fall playgroups join a full lineup of farmers’ markets, EarlyON workshops, library programs, recreation centre activities, and exclusive discounts on kids’ classes and mommy & me fitness.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 1-7
This newsletter highlights community-hosted end of summer picnics at local parks, offering casual meetups with no registration required. Families can also take advantage of an exclusive discount at Kinisi Kids dance and yoga classes, plus the return of City of Toronto community centre programs.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 August 25-31
Enjoy the last few days of the CNE, join the Block Party & Outdoor Movie at Evergreen Brickworks, and explore the Scarborough Multicultural Festival. Don’t forget to use the exclusive codes for discounts on fall programs like playgroups, music classes, Mighty Mom workouts, and dance/yoga classes at Kinisi Kids.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 August 18-24
This week, explore the Butterfly Festival at Tommy Thompson Park, enjoy a Block Party & Outdoor Movie at Evergreen Brickworks, and take part in a Dino Run at Woodbine Beach Park. There's also Tots ‘n Taps at Beaches Brewing Co. and a variety of fun library events, including puppet shows, crafting workshops, and hands-on fossil activities.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 August 11-17
This week brings new fall playgroup openings, a baby yoga class at Blantyre Park, the Block Party and outdoor movie at Brickworks, plus a fun Afraspektion event in Riverside Common Park. There’s also a variety of library programs, including a Teddy Bear Picnic, crafting workshops, and a Mad Science session on fire and ice.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 August 4-10
This week’s roundup includes fall playgroup registration, a coffee break for working moms, and family-friendly events like the Toronto Food Truck Festival, Block Party at Brickworks, and Tots & Taps with free mini photo sessions. Plus, check out the EarlyON programs, library workshops, and more!
East End Family Explorer 🧭 July 28-August 3
This week, get ready for community dinners, summer movie nights, and fun family events like the Block Party at Brickworks and a trip to Toronto Island with EarlyON. Plus, fall playgroup waitlists are now open—be the first to know when registration opens!
East End Family Explorer 🧭 July 21-27
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, creative workshops, or local festivals, this week in the East End has something for everyone! From yoga in the park to a family block party and unique library programs, there's plenty to keep the whole crew entertained.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 July 7-13
Summer is in full swing, and so is family fun in the East End! This week’s newsletter is your go-to guide for making the most of the sunny days with playgroups, outdoor movies, farmers' markets, and more.