lilaki

hi fodorites,

i'm a torontonian but in need of specific help... my dear friend (DF) is coming to visit toronto for six days at the begining of september. her, her hubby, and her 10 month old are staying with DH and myself in the west end. DF's primary objective is to visit with family - one aunt, one grandfather (maternal) and one grandmother (paternal). none of these relatives live in a space that's big enough to house DF/hubby/baby - hence, they're staying with us. DH and i will be at work and going about our daily lives ... DF is pretty much just using our place as a hotel. DF's relatives are all located in the west-end (very convenient). DF is renting a car.

baby is still stroller bound (he may be walking by the time they visit but he won't be sure-footed) and grandparents are not uber-active. in fact, DF isn't sure either grandparent can walk for long distances. not sure if the zoo would be a good idea.

i'm trying to think of things that DF can do with BOTH the baby and the grandparents. so far, i've come up with a list of parks (i.e. high park, humber arboretum, etc.) and various malls. but that's all i can think of (i don't have kids or grandparents!!)

can you please suggest some things that might be suitable for both a baby and grandparents in this situation? DF is concerned that spending the WHOLE day at aunt/grandmother/grandfather's respective 1 bedroom apartment might result in utter stir-craziness for everyone involved! (no one has easy access to a backyard!)

DF used to live in toronto but now lives in los angeles. tourist attractions (i.e. CN tower, museums, etc) are not required for this visit.

if all else fails, i've already told DF that her relatives can come over to OUR house (we're at work anyway!) and spend the day there -- they'll have access to the backyard with patio seats for the grandparents and enough room to roam for the baby.

TYVM!!!

lilaki

goddesstogo

The baby might be too young to appreciate the zoo anyway but what about Riverdale Farms. I've never been there myself but I hear it's fun. Here's a website with info:

http://toronto.about.com/od/eventsat...erdalefarm.htm

Also, I think both junior and seniors might enjoy a ferry ride to Centre Island. The baby is too young for the rides at Centreville might might enjoy the atmosphere.

lilaki

hi gtg,

tks for the tips ... riverdale farm may be small enough to be manageable for the grandparents. i'm not sure about centre island ... are there lots of sitting areas once you get off the ferry?

goddesstogo

I'm not sure about that, lilaki, but there's probably a food place with tables and chairs where they could sit with a cold drink and there are probably benches. Maybe you could call Centreville and they can be more specific.

BAK

The baby does not care about anything other than the tiny kids swings in a park, or teeter totters, while being held.

That stuff is just inside the Bloor Street entrance to High Park.

The hidden favorite of tiny kids is Fantasy Fair, inside of the Woodbine Centre on Highway 27, north of the racetrack.
How infirm are the geezers?

There are lots of little kids rides, and places where a baby could go for rides held in the arms of an adult.

And, lots of seats for geezers. And air conditioned. Little babies and geezers don't like being outside in the heat.

Info at www.fantasyfair.ca

Since they live in Toronto, they should have a pretty good idea where they want to go.

Inthe world of killing a few hours and being out an about, I would not rule out a guided bus tour, ecven on the top deck of a double decker, if the grandparents can get up the steps OK. It's a special event, it takes hours, it does not necessitate a lot of walking, and it shows lots on non-LA stuff to people.

BAK

goddesstogo

The bus tour is a great idea, BAK. In fact, when my mom was too infirm to get out and about, I took that bus tour with her a couple of times and she loved it.

garyt22

There are also a couple of boat tours around the Queens Quay area and the Toronto Hippo Tour... babies like fresh air and old people like water... even if they ride the ferry, its fun to be on the water...

lilaki

hi all,

thanks so much for the suggestions! i'm gathering a list and will send to my friend for her to go through.

i'm not sure how infirm the grandparents are ... but i don't get the sense that they're super active/able. they both live in assisted living apartments and don't get out very often so i think my friend is trying to find things to do with both baby and 'geezers'.

Jaysfan

I second the suggestion for bus tours, parks and playgrounds. There are places to sit when you get off the ferries (at Centre island at least, I haven't been to the other docks recently). If the weather is nice, they can bring a picnic, the baby can play with an adult on the playground, the others can socialise.

I also think having the elderly family visit your house is a great idea. Or, your Df and family may be able to go to her relatives' place. We have grandparents living in assisted living, retirement homes and nursing homes - all of these have common areas and recreation spaces where families / guests can visit. It may work out nicely to have your DF drive there with her family, visit briefly and if the older folks are up to it, go to a local park or restaurant.

I hope that helps and that your friend and her relatives have a wonderful time. I'm sure just *seeing* the baby will be a treat for the older relatives - it seems to cheer up every older person in our family(but maybe that's just my 101 yo grandmother's reason for nagging us to visit more often?!;-) )

LJ

You already know Toronto, so you will know about Swiss Chalet Restaurants...it was our go-to best selection when trying to sevice the needs of both babies and elderly (and get the sandwich generation a much needed beer or glass of wine!). If you have a meal out, direct the gang to Swiss Chalet.

lilaki

hi LJ,

thanks for the post. DF is absolutely in LOVE with swiss chalet. she's already got all the meals planned (they'll likely go out with grandparents + baby for lunches and dinner b/c i don't think anyone is up for cooking) ... every time DF visits (or i visit her), she stocks up on swiss chalet packaged sauces/marinades!