Suggestions for Toronto Mamas who are begining to go stircrazy?!?

[Mama_dukes]

Hello Mamas!

I'm a new mama to a beautiful little boy who just hit 4 months. Now that winter is finally here, going out for long walks just isn't as practical as it once was. So, what do you and your little ones do during the winter?

Bonus points if it is free (or, cheap, cheap CHEAP)

[npl]

Ontario Early Years Centres!
The one I went to (N of the City, not TO proper) was a fabulous way to get out of the house, stay warm, and meet other moms. Also a great place to try out new toys. I usually go for the older kids (toddlers/preschoolers) but found that taking the baby siblings along was good, too! Nice to try out different kinds of toys, and also to be able to share and talk about the mothering experience. Great for avoiding winter isolation!
Another idea - see if the local library has a "Born to Read" programme.

[Piglet68]

Move to Vancouver!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. It was 11 degrees here today.

[npl]

BTW - those suggestions I made are both free programmes and drop-in, so no need to sign up, and you can go whenever it suits you.
I wonder if the City of Toronto has paid programmes, too? Probably through the recreation dept. I know Vaughan runs parenting classes, and classes for toddlers, so there might be something for moms of younger babies.
I saw an advertisement for a store that has babywearing meetings. I think it's called Evymama? Found it when googling nursing bras. Might be a good way to meet up with like-minded mamas.
If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. I well remember the feeling of isolation when my first was born in the middle of winter in a snowy climate!

[sweetiebird]

I'm not sure where in Toronto you are, but check meetup.com. I belong to a couple of groups in the West End that get together all through the week. They organize playdates, walks, talks, all sorts. It's great fun. I can give you more info if you're interested

[Cujobunny]

Movies for Mommies! I used to go every week when my ds was little, til he turned 1.

There's also Stars and Strollers at the Cineplex theatres.

And I can't say enough about Allan Gardens. It's downtown, accessible by transit, warm, indoors, full of plants & flowers and free!

[marsipan]

there's this cafe called lil bean n' green in leslieville which has a great gated indoor play area in the back which is only $3/hr. the coffee is fair trade and organic, and the snacks are yummy too.
i haven't been yet, but there's this indoor playground called amazon downtown and the drop-in play for kids under two is $5. i'm going next week so i'll let you know how it goes!

[caiesmommy]

Originally Posted by Piglet68

Move to Vancouver!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. It was 11 degrees here today.

Dude, I'm feeling that! My bff lives in delta and just informed me that it was plus 7 and she was eating kale out of her greenhouse...I really HATE Ontario!

I second the ontario early years program. Check out your local library, mine has storytime/music time ect. We have been trying to get out the past couple of days since its been between -2-+2..but sadly not for as long as I would like