Ridge View Park, located at 126 Dog Wood Blvd, Holland Landing has very good, brand-new play equipment and a gorgeous view. The playground has a nature theme and there are a lot of different things to do. It’s close to Frank Kelly Dr, Pearl Blossom Way, Crimson King Way and Charlotte Abby Drive.
This is beautiful Samuel Lount Park in Holland Landing, part of East Gwillimbury. The closest bus station to Samuel Lount Park is Toll Rd/Bradford St, which is 765 meters away, a 10 minute walk. Alternatively, you can walk to the park by Crimson King Way. You can also drive there and park at Prairie Grass Crescent or on Samuel Lount Rd.
Christmas is fast approaching. There are many pretty scenes on the streets of East Gwillimbury. So many lights! So much spirit! We are enveloped in a beautiful blanket of snow for utmost Christmas readiness.
“Treetops glisten and children listen” – for it looks like it really will be a white Christmas this year.
I remember when going to McDonald’s was the biggest treat in the world. Growing up in the suburbs of Montreal, a trip to McDonald’s meant “thrills.”
People always seemed to get really thick vanilla or chocolate milkshakes, then, with their meal. The thickness of the milkshake through a yellow McDonald’s straw was such that it would take a kid at least half an hour to finish his or her drink. We never minded.
The last day of school was often an occasion to go to McDonald’s.
Another day (for me) was Christmas Eve. Well maybe that happened only once or twice. But the memory stays in my heart. With parents busy wrapping presents at home, my older sister and I walked to McDonald’s in a wintry wonderland. It was quiet and peaceful.
I don’t know the lore surrounding McDonald’s Restaurants in Newmarket and area in the 80’s, 90’s. Did McDonald’s here also serve pizza in small, square boxes for a while (a novelty that didn’t last)? Probably. Did kids ever enjoy a wintry adventure on Christmas Eve at the Yonge location? Surely they did.
I do know that McDonald’s coming to East Gwillimbury is a big deal.
As can be be expected, the restaurant facility at Green Lane (near Lowe’s) is pristine and fun. There are cool-coloured stools. An automated system to order before you even reach the counter. The usual Happy Meals. While we were there, Christmas songs spilled softly out of the sound system – including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Maybe your childhood memories played out in another town or country. You’re new to East Gwillimbury and your arrival is timed with the rise of developments and change. Maybe you’re coming “home” to EG after a long time for the holidays. Whatever your story, McDonald’s has been a cultural fixture for a long time, weaving into our lives, making the restaurant chain part of the personal tapestry of many. Now it’s here.
In East Gwillimbury, there is a place where great minds meet. It’s the Lego Club at the East Gwillimbury Public Library.
Where a bin of lego is a portal into a world of imagination. For those who venture into this drop-in world, creativity soars, building endeavours are undertaken and friendships formed.
Don’t forget Lego Club. It’s one of the best, free-est things you can do in East Gwillimbury. See the Library’s website for times for both the Mount Albert and Holland Landing Branch.
__________ Fall is in full force at Strawberry Creek Farm.
Hard to say what is most fun: picking a pumpkin, the pumpkin canon, hay ride, meeting the friendly animals,
or trying out the games at the Amazing Acres. Maybe it’s buying a fresh-baked pie!
There are so many things for the preschooler to do in East Gwillimbury. Here is our list of top programs and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers in East Gwillimbury.
Ontario Early Years
Free provincial programs regularly run in East Gwillimbury (currently at Park Avenue School, Robert Munsch School, EGPL and in the summers, at Anchor Park. (See calendars here @ Ontario Early Years, York North, through York Child Development & Family Services Inc.) The EG locations are listed as “Outreach & Satellite Programming.” Crafts, sensory activities, a chance to talk with other parents and caregivers are all part of the experience.
The Storybook House (A.O.K. Program)
A free drop-in program for caregiver or parent and child at Holland Landing Public School. Water table, plenty of toys, crafts, a chance to socialize, circle time, lots of fun. On warm days, the children sometimes ride trikes and cars outside. The AOK (All Our Kids) Program is run by York Professional Care and Education through York Region. Currently on Mondays and Wednesday mornings for children 6 and under.
Family Place
Located in the lower level of the Mount Albert Community Centre. A not-for-profit organization offers Learning Library, Parent & Baby Boot Camp and other programs.
Library Storytime
Come listen and sing along at the EGPL (East Gwillimbury Public Library). Not only do the Holland Landing Branch and Mount Albert Branch Libraries offer family, baby, ones & twos and preschool storytime,(early literacy, songs, riddles), additional programs like Bebop & Dance, Drama Kids and special events are part of the regular season. A special time. Where memories, learning and connections are made. Check here for dates and schedules.
Preschool and Daycare
Preschool/daycares for preschoolers include Holland Landing Children’s Academy, Mount Albert Children’s Academy, Good Shepherd Child Care Centre, Gwillimbury Hills, Queensville Montessori and many home daycares across EG. Preschools include Kinder School Explorers by the Town of East Gwillimbury and Noah’s Ark.
Town of East Gwillimbury
A roundup of fun activities for the baby, toddler and preschool set includes Music for Toddlers, Tennis for Tots, Kindergym, Kindersports, ballet, Wee Chefs, swimming, and other exciting programs. Register here!
Activities
Kicks Dance Studio, EG Soccer Club , East Gwillimbury Minor Softball Association, and Can Skate through the East Gwillimbury Skating Club offer programs starting at preschool age in East Gwillimbury.
Outdoors Fun
The ultimate place to be for the preschooler remains the playgrounds of East Gwillimbury. Here is a list of parks, playgrounds and amenities.
Splash pads are found at the Ross Family Complex, Holland Landing Community Centre, Harvest Hills Park & Spray Pad at Parkway Park.
Nature trails await the eager toddler, preschooler or baby in a stroller. Tobogganing is fun at Sharon Hills Park. Tots enjoy public skating with the Town of East Gwillimbury at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex (see Parent & Tot skate).
Other
While you work out, preschoolers can enjoy playtime at LA Fitness Kids Klub. Or at Fit 4 Less at GreenLane. Checking out the toys and train table at Mastermind is also fun. So is the free cookie at Superstore or free Build & Grow clinics for children aged 2 to 5 at Lowe’s.
Photo credits: CDeep, TDeep