Wonderland, Mother's Day Prep and other Family Events in Vaughan, May 1-7
Looking for activities to do with your kids over the next seven days? We have you covered.
This week’s edition of Little Vaughan coincides with an annual milestone that every kid in town looked forward to when I was growing up; Wonderland’s opening weekend! This issue is also heavy on arts-and-crafts activities, particularly those where your little ones can make a Mother’s Day gift (with your help, of course).
Don’t forget to fill out the poll at the end of the email to tell us what you’d like to see more of in Little Vaughan. Enjoy!
Wonderland Opening Weekend
Wonderland officially opens for the season this Sunday, May 3rd!
Growing up, Wonderland’s opening weekend always marked the official end of winter and the long-awaited beginning of spring. Having spent many a day waiting in line to ride Behemoth and wading through the unmistakeable aroma of funnel cakes, this felt like the perfect weekend to bring Little Vaughan to you for the first time.
Price: Online tickets start at $45 plus taxes whereas gate prices are usually higher. Season passes start at $89 plus taxes. Entry prices don’t include the cost of food.
Age Range: Age 3+. Note that you CAN do this with younger kids, but it’s harder to plan around nap schedules and potty training when Wonderland is often a full-day activity.
Pro Tips: Wear walking shoes and bring the wagon for when the kiddos get tired.
Reptilia
This week’s local spotlight is a personal favourite of mine and my 2.5-year-old son. Reptilia has been a mainstay in Vaughan since I was a kid, but I recently visited with my toddler and my now 4-month-old, and I was reminded of how lucky we are to have such a great attraction nearby.
For starters, did you know that they have several huge crocodiles, rattlesnakes, giant turtles and more for your kiddos to gawk at? My toddler particularly enjoyed an exhibit where several little turtles were able to swim right up to the glass where he was standing.
In addition to exotic animals, which are always a hit with kids, Reptilia’s staff host several mini shows per day where kids have the opportunity to meet (and pet!) the animals. If that weren’t enough, the entire exhibit is walkable, which is great for moms with newborns who will only sleep while in motion (I see you, I am you).
To top it all off, there’s a slide and play area in the middle of the exhibit where my son was able to burn some energy while I took a break from walking. 10/10, would recommend.
This weekend is also the weekend before Mother’s Day! If Wonderland isn’t your cup this week, here are some options that might better suit your low-effort weekend vibe.
Crock A Doodle Kid’s Night Out
What: Head over to Crock A Doodle Maple for their Make it for Mom Kids Night Out! Kids will paint something special, decorate a gift bag, have pizza for dinner, and play games! The listed project is Balloon Flowers for Mom Plate.
Where: Maple Location
Date/Time: Friday, May 1, @ 6 PM - 8 PM
I used to attend paint nights in Vaughan all the time as a kid. Certified wholesome, creative fun. The listing says to drop your kids for two hours if you like, however I’m sure you have the option to stick around if you prefer.
The Village Market at Waldorf
What: This weekend also marks the season opener for The Village Market at Waldorf, where you can get local, organic vegetables and meat direct from farmers.
Where: Waldorf School, 9100 Bathurst St
Time: Saturday, May 2 @ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Village Market is a staple in the city of Vaughan and a favourite for families looking for a relaxing Saturday outing (and some locally-grown, organic food!).
Family Portraits
What: A free, drop-in program where families can get simple portraits taken - usually by library staff or a local volunteer photographer.
Where: Various Vaughan Public Library Locations
Time: Saturday and Sunday (May 2-3) @ 1 PM - 3 PM
I’ve never attended this personally, so I don’t know how the photos will turn out. This event will take place multiple times throughout the year so if you do go, feel free to give us your take!
Connect, Create, Collaborate — McMichael Family Accessible Program
What: A family-friendly art program designed for children on the autism spectrum. Expect hands-on creative activities, sensory-friendly elements, and a flexible, welcoming environment.
Where: McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Time: Sunday May 3 @ 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
This is a great option if you’re looking for something a little more structured but still low-pressure to do with your children who have diverse learning needs. McMichael tends to do a really thoughtful job with their programming, especially for families who may need a more flexible environment.
The Mom Mart at the Promenade Mall
What: A pop-up market geared toward moms and families featuring local vendors, handmade goods, and small businesses.
Where: Promenade Shopping Centre
Time: Sunday May 3 @ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
This is an easy, low-effort outing, especially if you just want to get out of the house without overcommitting. You can browse, grab a snack, and leave whenever you want. It’s also a good chance to pick up a last-minute Mother’s Day gift (or just treat yourself and call it even).
Mother’s Day Arts and Crafts at the Community Centre!
What: Mother’s Day-themed workshops at various community centres around Vaughan. Events range from arts and crafts for preschoolers to preteens. Note that these require registration ahead of time. The below sessions are taking place at a number of community centres on May 2-3:
I Love You Mom: Make a craft for mom! Multiple locations and dates.
Paint Your Own Pottery: Mother’s Day Gifts: All ages, Mother’s Day Themed pottery painting. Multiple locations and dates.
Seasonal Sweets: Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea: Mom and daughter tea intended for moms and their pre-teen daughters (7-12).
Where: Vaughan Community Centres
Time: Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 @ multiple Vaughan Community Centres.
K-Pop Tribute: Sing-a-Long & Dance Party
What: What: For the little (or big) K-Pop fans in your house, this sing-a-long and dance party is pure energy. Bring your best moves and join in for a lively, music-filled afternoon.
Where: Dave & Buster’s (120 Interchange Way), Vaughan
Time: Sunday, May 3 @ 2:30 PM
I’m too old to comprehend the K-Pop craze but I know that it’s all the rage with the kids (she said as she spit her dentures into a jar and turned in for an afternoon nap at 11 AM).
Baby Prints on Pottery: Mother’s Day
What: A perfect Mother’s Day keepsake! Kids can create adorable pottery prints of their little hands or feet while you relax and enjoy the creative chaos.
Where: Crock A Doodle Vaughan-Maple Studio, Vaughan
Time: Saturday, May 2 @ 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Link: Event Link
Looking for a way to get creative with your baby while preserving those wittle fingers and toes? Look no further (just kidding - the will totally be this small forever).
Little Kitchen Time
What: Enjoy food- and cooking-themed stories and songs in VMC’s play kitchen! Kids from toddlerhood to kindergarten age can practice counting, measuring, and recognizing ingredients at food-inspired activity stations.
Where: VMC Library
Date/Time: Thursday May 7 @ 10 AM - 10:45 AM
I’ve never attended this library event specifically but it looks interesting. Bonus points because it’s so hard to find activities for toddlers that deviate from your typical sing-along (though we love those too!).
EarlyON Spring Sensory Fair
What: A hands-on, outdoor sensory experience designed for little ones to explore nature through play.
Where: Veterans’ Park, Woodbridge Ave, Vaughan, Ontario
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 5 @ 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Hosted by: EarlyON Child and Family Centres
This event stands out from EarlyON’s typical indoor programming. It leans heavily into sensory play (think mud kitchens and nature bins), which is amazing for toddlers.
My kids and I love the library. There’s usually a great program running, and even when there isn’t, we love picking out new books every week. Here’s what’s on at Vaughan’s network of public libraries over the next seven days!
Friday, May 1
Baby Adventures Storytime
• Woodbridge Library — 2:00–2:45 PM
Saturday, May 2
Little Explorers Storytime
• Pierre Berton Resource Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Civic Centre Resource Library — 10:00–10:45 AMChess Club
• Vellore Village Library — 1:00–2:30 PMFamily Portraits
• VMC Library — 1:00–2:00 PM
Sunday, May 3
Little Explorers Storytime
• Bathurst Clark Resource Library — 10:00–10:45 AMFrench Storytime / L’Heure du conte
• Civic Centre Resource Library — 10:00–10:45 AMLet’s Help Busy Bees!
• Pleasant Ridge Library — 10:30–11:30 AM
• Mackenzie Health Vaughan Library — 2:00–3:00 PMFamily Portraits
• Maple Library — 2:00–4:00 PMMay the 4th Be With You
• Vellore Village Library — 2:00–4:00 PM
Monday, May 4
Baby Adventures Storytime
• Ansley Grove Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Pleasant Ridge Library — 10:00–10:45 AMLittle Explorers Storytime
• Dufferin Clark Library — 10:00–10:45 AMZumbini
• Maple Library — 1:30–3:00 PMPlaisir de lire / Fun with French
• Pierre Berton Resource Library — 6:30–7:30 PM
• Pleasant Ridge Library — 7:00–8:00 PMMay the 4th Be With You
• Dufferin Clark Library — 6:30–7:30 PMPlatforming with Pixicade
• Bathurst Clark Resource Library — 7:00–8:00 PM
Tuesday, May 5
Baby Adventures Storytime
• Bathurst Clark Resource Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Pierre Berton Resource Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Vellore Village Library — 10:00–10:45 AMLittle Explorers Storytime
• Carrville Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Woodbridge Library — 10:00–10:45 AMSensory Social
• Mackenzie Health Vaughan Library — 10:00–11:00 AMSTEAM Club for Homeschoolers
• Bathurst Clark Resource Library — 2:00–3:00 PMPlaisir de lire / Fun with French
• Vellore Village Library — 6:00–7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 6
Baby Adventures Storytime
• Carrville Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• VMC Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Civic Centre Resource Library — 2:00–2:45 PMLittle Explorers Storytime
• Maple Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Pierre Berton Resource Library — 10:00–10:45 AMBaby Music and Movement
• Kleinburg Library — 1:30–3:00 PMSensory Social
• Dufferin Clark Library — 2:00–3:00 PMCoding Buddies
• Ansley Grove Library — 6:30–7:30 PM
Thursday, May 7
Baby Adventures Storytime
• Dufferin Clark Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Maple Library — 10:00–10:45 AMLittle Explorers Storytime
• Ansley Grove Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Kleinburg Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Pleasant Ridge Library — 10:00–10:45 AM
• Vellore Village Library — 10:00–10:45 AMLittle Kitchen Time
• VMC Library — 10:00–10:45 AMMake & Take: Personalized Tote Bag
• Pierre Berton Resource Library — 6:30–8:00 PM
Want your event featured in Little Vaughan or just want to make sure we don’t miss anything? Click HERE to submit an event!
Little Vaughan In the Community
Part of the reason I launched this newsletter was to make taking my own children out into the community a non-negotiable. See where we went last week on our Instagram page!