Still a month of summer left, and the kids are already chanting the familiar refrain 'I'm bored!' Here's what to do.

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• Fun, but frugal, family adventures
• Touring Toronto's top attractions
• Bringing summer home to Toronto

MULTIMEDIA

• My Summer Vacation

Brothers Marlon and Marco flocked to the flashing lights, the ferris wheel, and the fluffy candy floss.

And, let's face it, what kid wouldn't?

Still two weeks away from the summer opening of the iconic Canadian National Exhibition, the boys, eight and three, recently got their fun fair fix at Fantasy Fair at Woodbine Shopping Centre, Ontario's largest indoor amusement park.

"We come here a few times each summer," says their mom Marietta Dolfo.

Cycling lakeside tops the Weston family's hot summer fun picks, along with a cool swim at their neighbourhood city community centre.

"For us, we really enjoy the lake. We can go bike riding. It's safe, and away from the hustle bustle. We do take in The Ex, Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre, but only once a year because it's more expensive."

Toronto is a fanciful playground for families in search of summer fun.

If you're looking for some engaging and entertaining family fun for both you and the kids this summer, check out the following child-friendly activities right here in the city.

 
Interactive:

• Casa Loma

Toronto's most famous castle invites kids aged seven and up to draw back, take aim, and hit the bullseye with archery lessons every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Labour Day. Sir Shawn Adams will demonstrate and teach the history and use of the bow in the Carriage Room of the Casa Loma Stables to both newcomers and those wishing to hone their skills.

On Aug. 23, Sir William the Younger will teach potential young squires the art of one-on-one battle, regale them with riveting tales of the middle ages and challenge them to design their very own family coat of arms - all as a test to see if they have what it takes to be a knight or a dame. Successful squires will be knighted on bended knee by Sir William and receive a certificate of knighthood.

Visit www.casaloma.org.

• Ontario Science Centre

Kids can let their imaginations take flight in the newly renovated Space Hall on Level C, as they launch a spacecraft to Saturn, watch cosmic rays make tracks in a cloud chamber, gaze up at the first galaxies that formed after the big bang, explore the sun, moon and the planets of the solar system, and journey through the night sky in Toronto's only planetarium.

Survivor Mars pits two teams of audience members against each other in a challenging interactive game show to see who can outwit, outlast and outplay who in outer space. Running daily in the Imperial Oil Auditorium until Sept. 1, this 35-minute game explores the science of space exploration and survival.

The Centre's Creative Science program offers families the opportunity to bring imagination to life by participating in a series of hands-on workshops every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Weston Family Innovation Centre. From making videos and sound-effects to creating beautiful jewellery, these creative workshops are ideal experiences for anyone 14 years of age or older.

Visit www.ontariosciencecentre.ca or call 416-696-1000.

• ROMkids Weekends

Darwin Long Weekend - Aug. 2 to 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Featuring live animals and animal touch tables, this is a last chance to see Darwin: The Evolution Revolution before it closes. Check out the Darwin children's activity area to make your very own Galapagos tortoise to take home.

Out of this World Weekend - Aug. 9 to 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Explore the ROM's inflatable Starlab to see planets, solar systems and more. Make your own star finder and participate in a scavenger hunt of space related objects throughout the museum.

India Weekend - Aug. 16 - 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Henna tattoos for the kids, South Asian crafts, and dance performances, will ensure a day of family fun.

Archaeology Weekend - Aug. 23 to 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Featuring the ROM's very own Crystal Skull. Dig for ancient artifacts in a mock archaeological dig, decipher some Mayan text and make a turquoise mosaic mask to take home.

Egypt Long Weekend - Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Kids can write their names in hieroglyphs, and discover the mysteries of ancient Egypt by deciphering ancient Egyptian messages. Make your very own scarab amulet.

Visit www.rom.on.ca.

Outdoors:

• Black Creek Pioneer Village

Let your curiosity be your guide as you travel back in time and explore the landscapes, buildings and the lifestyles of 150 years ago. Everyday Black Creek offers demonstrations and activities that showcase rural Ontario life in the mid 1800s. Come and explore on your own, or for those looking for a structured visit, knowledgeable tour guides are available to take groups on planned tours through the Village.

Kids can enjoy the outdoors, discover, interact and just plain have fun. The Hands-On History Centre was created especially for kids where they can try traditional trades and pioneer survival skills like building a log cabin, fashioning a bucket and weaving cloth. The green landscapes, farm animals, historic gardens and slower pace, combine to create a country serenity in the middle of the city. It's a great place to escape the concrete jungle and savour the seasons.

Visit www.blackcreek.ca or call 416-667-6295.

• Riverdale Farm

A Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division facility, Riverdale Farm is located in a park setting in the heart of Cabbagetown. Tour the farm's scenic 7.5 acres along pathways through wooded areas, around ponds and into butterfly-herb-flower-vegetable gardens. Cows, horses, donkey, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits and farm cats may be seen along the way in the barns and outdoor paddocks.

Chat with the farmer during daily chores that include animal hay feedings, egg collection, cow milking (daily at 10:30 a.m.), goat milking, horse grooming, mucking out the stalls-pens-paddocks, and laying straw beds.

Visit the Simpson House wood-fired brick oven on Tuesday mornings to watch volunteers preparing and baking bread. Enjoy hot and cold refreshments and homemade goodies at the Farm Kitchen.

Visit www.friendsofriverdalefarm.com or call 416-392-6794.

• High Park

Dream in High Park presents A Midsummer Night's Dream every evening from Tuesday till Sunday at 8 p.m. until Aug. 31.

One of the best-loved Shakespearean comedies of all time, this year CanStage's Midsummer Night's Dream is a hip, urban interpretation featuring a multi-racial cast and colourful hip-hop influenced costumes and rhythms. Tickets are pay-what-you can, with a suggested minimum donation of $20, but children 14 and under free.

Visit www.canstage.com or call 416-367-1652.

Events/Festivals:

• Canadian National Exhibition

From Aug. 15 to Sept. 1 at Exhibition Place, the annual fair will bring back thrilling and chilling midway rides, an International Marketplace with goods spanning the globe along with innovative products at the National Trade Centre, horse and dog shows to entertain both young and old, and an annual Air Show filling the sky with a broad range of aircrafts and planes.

Visit www.TheEx.com.

• Disney Music Block Party Tour at Downsview Park

Featuring performances by Disney's favourite recording artists and special guests, including Ralph's World, Imagination Movers, Choo Choo Soul and Raven-Symone, this three day (Aug. 15 - 17) party will feature fun-filled activity zones where kids can try out the latest Playskool toys, create arts and crafts, make their own music, move and shake on the dance floor and more.

At the PLAYSKOOL Play Experience tent, an amazing hands-on play environment, kids can try out new toys sure to delight both them and parents alike. The Arts 'N Crafts area will be a place for children to showcase their creativity in a sit down environment, while the interactive area will feature coloring sheets, PLAY-DOH modeling compound, new CLIPO toys and NOODLEBORO games.

In the Musical Instrument Area children can participate in an organized drum circle, an instrument petting zoo with musical instruments available for children to experiment and play, plus an interactive exhibit to experience and explore the evolution of music.

At Playhouse Disney, kids can try out games from Disney Online, take advantage of a screening area where they can watch their favorite Playhouse Disney programs, and participate in an activities and coloring area.

Visit www.downsviewpark.ca or call 416-952-2222.