This week we face more Covid-19 challenges as the province shuts down more in-person activities. But we do have some online events for kids and adults at home and a heads up for a skating trail that is opening up not too far away in mid-January. Apologies for the short list this week – we hope that things will open up again soon!
Life of a Tree Webinar – Jan 6th – 6.30pm

Trees are all around us, but we can overlook the amazing things they do for us every day. Learn about the life cycle of trees and what features can help you decipher a tree’s identity. We will also introduce you to keystone and interesting species that you can find in your neighbourhood!
For more details click here. Price: FREE
10th Annual Kids Write 4 Kids Creative Writing Challenge – up to March 31st

National youth education charity, Ripple Foundation’s, 10th annual Kids Write 4 Kids contest is open for entries. Budding young authors and creative minds in grades 4-8 Canada-wide are encouraged to enter their literary creations to be in with a chance of becoming a published author. Judged by a panel of editors, authors, previous contest winners and faces from the publishing world, the winning authors will see their masterpieces published in paperback and ebook editions available for purchase on Amazon, Google Play, iBookstore and Overdrive.
100% of proceeds from book sales will be donated to the winners’ charity of choice.
Open for entries up to Thursday, March 31, 2022.
The contest is open for entries from children in grades 4-8 nationwide in Canada. The contest is free to enter and submissions can be entered online. Ripple also offers free virtual creative writing workshops to provide a foundation for young authors!
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Winged Canvas Online Art School Courses and Workshops – ongoing dates

We have featured this school before but we thought we would re-visit again as they have a LOT going on virtually for kids to adults from beginners to people wanting art mentorship and to developing portfolios. Prices depend on the class and they cover all mediums – whatever you love to draw or paint they’ve got something for you! Digital, cartooning, fine art, portraits – the list goes on! They have art camps for school vacations to private classes and birthday parties.
Check out their website here. Price: Varying prices.
Digital Doors Open Aurora – 11th Jan – 12.00am – 11.59pm

Explore some traditional Doors Open Aurora sites without having to leave home. The following sites offer tours, videos and activities that will engage people of all ages. From a Star Trek-themed dental office to Hillary House and Koffer Museum of Medicine, this tour is an eclectic mix!
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Markham Arts Council – Art Spotlight presents Veronica Meloche – 7th Jan

This spotlight focuses on talented artist Veronica Meloche who specialises in acrylics and ceramics.
For more details click here. Price: FREE
Heads Up for:
Spray Lake Ice Trail – booking now for 22nd Jan onwards

This amazing trail is less than a 40min drive from Markham! The lake hosts a 2km skating loop around a snow-covered lake surrounded by trees. There are also cleared ice rinks on the lake where you can practice your moves or play hockey with your friends. You need to bring your own equipment.
For more details click here. Price: $25 per person