School’s out: ‘Out of the box’ ideas offered by City of Toronto

The day elementary and high school students in Toronto have been waiting for has finally arrived, as students celebrate the last day of school on Friday.

If your child is looking for fun things to do over the summer break, the City of Toronto is offering some unique activities and programs to keep your busy bee inspired. Below is a list.

Please note: space for these programs is filling up quickly.

Learn to breakdance

Learn the steps of this urban street dance, which originated in the 1970s. The drop-in class is designed for ages 13 to 24.

Click here for more information.

Watch a video below of ’80s breakdancing style:

Click here to watch this on your mobile device.

Music production

If your 16-year-old is looking to produce the next great album, he or she might want to check out this music course.

Click here for more information.

Island Explorer camp

Set on the Toronto Islands, campers will learn environmental skills in the outdoors, such as the high ropes course, organic gardening in the Franklin Children’s Garden, as well as boating skills, nature exploration, and more.

Click here for more information.

Drama camp

Pre-teens between 11-13 years old can learn drama skills and boost their confidence. The day camp, located in the Claireville Conservation Area, also includes archery, cooking and hiking.

Click here for more information.

Yoga for children

Designed for 8-15 year olds, the course teaches flexibility, breathing and relaxation techniques. It costs $51 for residents.

Click here or more information.

Time travel

What was life like in Willowdale in 1851? Children aged 8-10 can travel back in time at the Gibson House to find out! The Stitch in Time: A Time Travel Adventure program features role-play, cooking, arts and crafts, and more.

Click here for more information on this and other programs. All camps are $160 per week.

Hip-hop dancing

Do you have a Beyonce or Justin Timberlake in your household? The class will teach those aged 6-14 the energetic style of dance often depicted in music videos. It costs $39.

Click here for more information.

Watch video below of 11-year-old hip-hop music dance routine:

Click here to watch this on your mobile device.

Exploring world art

Is your child an art enthusiast? The Art Trekkers: Around the World in Art programs, offered by Todmorden Mills, allows 8-11 year olds to create rock paintings, shadow puppets, and more.

Click here for more information on this and other programs at Todmorden Mills. All camps are $250.

Magical fun

If your child is into the Harry Potter book or movie series, the Scarborough Museum’s Spellbound camp for children ages 5-12 offers spells, potions and other fun games for your little witch or wizard.

Click here for more information on this and other programs at Scarborough Museum. The camp costs $102-171 depending on the program’s length.

Guitar pro

Does your child play air guitar at home? Then, why not sign him or her up for a guitar course. In a group setting, they will learn chords, strumming and picking techniques.

Click here fore more information.

Watch a video below of a child guitar prodigy on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Click here to watch this on your mobile device.

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For information on free programs in Toronto over the summer break, watch this episode of Rogers TV’s T.O.’s #1.