it's birthday party central. they've got lots of staff who know their stuff and can recommend gifts for kids of all ages at just about any price range. great gift wrapping service is included in the price and a points system that rewards you with money off when you get to a certain amount.

is fun to read, has lots of amazing ideas and recipes, and makes you feel good about not being "perfect" parent.

the place is staffed by runners who know what they're talking about, but are not at all pretentious. Let them find your next running shoe. It will be a guaranteed success.

Centreville is the greatest little amusement park for families with young kids. They can do almost everything - and lots of it on their own without adults. The place is almost completely frozen in time from when we were kids. And the ferry ride over is an adventure of its own.

on Saturday mornings you can get fresh, local produce and amazing bread, cookies, cheese, honey and more, and take your kids to a great playground at the same time.

the Kidsworks exhibit area is amazing for small kids, and there's lots more to explore all around the centre - caves, rainforest, sports exhibit... There's lots of space to run around and let off steam. It's never too busy if you go in the morning.

they make the yummiest comfort food ever and have an incredible selection of beer.

they've got lots of classic housewares - glassware, dishes, serving stuff great pictures frames - at amazing prices. And they're got a customer rewards program that gives you cash back.

their shows are geared perfectly to young children and the prices are very reasonable. Be prepared to sit on the ground!

it's not too crowded, it's big enough to get some good speed, but small enough that you can send your kids down on their own (and they can walk up it on their own as well)

the food is always excellent and authentic, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is relaxed.

holy smokes, it's amazing! costs a little more than your average take out sushi joint, but the quality is worth the splurge.

you can book a manicure (which is fabulous) and spend as long as you want experiencing the full spa experience - relaxing and pampering yourself - for not much dough.

it has the most incredible children's playground I've ever seen (informally called Castle Park) plus gardens, that wacky High Park Zoo, water play, ice cream ... and it's so big that you can easily feel like you've left the city altogether.

down to the Beaches or up towards Sunnybrook Park is great for running. You can go for a long or short run, it's quiet & car free and not too hilly either.

it's awesome - tasty, good value - and it's been there forever!

they've got awesome food & a really easy going atmosphere (& they don't mind if we bring our kids!)

it's the perfect size for small kids. they can run around on their own, and easily see everything. it's never too crowded on weekend mornings. and it's free!

it's awesome for take out as well. you can get amazing pastries and other great stuff for hosting brunch at home. easy. keep in mind that they only accept cash