10 "Must Do” Experiences at Weekends at YZD

Since mid-September, we have welcomed over 1,500 attendees to Weekends at YZD on Sundays. It has been inspiring to see people of all ages gathering to explore and play, and to see the big smiles as people discover the site. Designed with families in mind, our team set out to create more than just a destination; we aimed to curate a place where connections flourish, curiosity is sparked, and joy is found in both the extraordinary and the everyday. Every swing, every artwork, every program is a carefully crafted piece of an evolving story, intentionally designed to inspire and bring people together.?

Whether you’re here for a couple of hours or planning a full day out, here are ten ways to dive into the experience and make your visit unforgettable.?

1.Start at the Experience Centre

Kick off your visit at the Experience Centre, a perfect blend of history and future vision. Here, you and your family can explore interactive exhibits that tell the story of YZD’s transformation. It’s a great way to give context to everything you’ll see and do, sparking curiosity in children and adults alike. Plus, it’s always nice to start with a little learning before the day’s adventures unfold.

[Fun Fact: There are complimentary drinks and snacks inside The Experience Centre if you need to refuel.]?

2. Take a Class in the Community Room

Every weekend, we host a lineup of exciting programs, from circus arts performances that mesmerize to hands-on workshops with North York Arts. Whether your kids are aspiring artists or just love to try new things, these activities offer the perfect chance to tap into their creativity while you enjoy seeing them light up with inspiration.

[Fun Fact: Participation fees go directly to the North York Food Bank supporting families across the community. It’s a win-win—enriching your weekend while giving back.]?

3. See YZD Through a Photographer’s Lens

Omar Hassan’s photography exhibition offers a profound and striking perspective on YZD, showcasing the evolving spirit of the surrounding communities through his lens. As a gifted photographer, Omar captures the beauty and transformation of the Downsview area, documenting the seamless intersection of its storied past and visionary future. For parents, his work provides a moment to pause and reflect on the layers of history and progress embedded in the landscape. For kids, it’s an invitation to explore the world of photography and storytelling, sparking curiosity and inspiring new ways of seeing their surroundings.

[Fun Fact: For those who live nearby, see how many of the landmarks and people you can identify from your own community.]?

4. Get Immersive at Bubble Planet and Dinos Alive

Looking for an immersive experience that captivates both young minds and grown-up imaginations? Bubble Planet and Dinos Alive deliver on all fronts. At Bubble Planet, larger-than-life bubbles and kaleidoscopic colours create a whimsical, sensory playground where kids and parents alike can lose themselves in the sheer magic of play. Just a few steps away, Dinos Alive transports you into a prehistoric world filled with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move, roar, and bring ancient history vividly to life. Whether your little ones are chasing bubbles or standing in awe of a towering T. rex, these two installations offer unforgettable moments of wonder and excitement.

[Fun Fact: Make sure to have your cameras ready as the Instagrammable moments are plentiful!]?

5. Explore Art in the Open at Winter Stations

Who says art belongs only in galleries? We believe in giving art a second life. Originally crafted as part of Toronto’s annual public art event, Winter Stations, these installations once transformed lifeguard stations along the Beaches into striking, interactive sculptures. Now, they’ve found a new home at YZD, where their imaginative designs continue to captivate fresh audiences. Each piece, repurposed and reimagined for this unique space, sparks conversations about creativity, sustainability, and community connection. Walk through with your family and let your kids’ imaginations soar as they experience art in a whole new environment.

[Fun Fact: While most of the Winter Station creators are Canadian, “We Caught A UFO” comes from a design team in Croatia and Australia, making it a truly international experience.]?

6. Tee Off at the Mini-Greens

Mini-golf at YZD brings together art, play, and community in a truly unique way. Each of the nine holes was originally created for Tee Up at Downsview, an art and play installation curated by Northcrest Developments in partnership with STEPS Public Art. Designed by talented local artists, these imaginative mini-golf holes were custom-built to celebrate creativity and playfulness. Now brought back to YZD, they invite families to immerse themselves in a dynamic and engaging experience. It’s an opportunity to connect, laugh, and enjoy the timeless fun of mini-golf in a setting designed with intention and care.

[Fun Fact: The installation was originally commissioned for International Minigolf Day, which is celebrated every year on September 21.]?

7. Discover the Art Walk

Take a stroll along YZD’s Art Walk, where vibrant, larger-than-life artworks transform the site’s walls into stories waiting to be uncovered. Each artwork offers something new—a burst of color, a hidden detail, or a unique perspective. Parents will appreciate the artistry, while kids can let their imaginations run free, turning each piece into part of their own adventure.

[Fun Fact: Bareket Kezwer’s “Cultivating Our Future” mural features images of mushrooms that are actually grown inside the shipping container behind the mural as part of a hyper-local farming initiative by Heartee Foods.]?

8. Swing into Pure Joy

There’s a reason swings never go out of style. At YZD, our swings invite everyone—from toddlers to adults—to experience that simple, timeless thrill of soaring through the air. It’s a perfect moment to pause, play, and let go, even for just a few minutes. And yes, parents, you deserve a turn too.

[Fun Fact: The canopy that holds the swings can be reconfigured for different types of activities. Stay tuned for all different types of hanging installations in the future!]?

9. Let Loose at the Playscape

Designed with exploration in mind, the Playscape is where your kids can climb, jump, and imagine their way through an afternoon. Every element is crafted to encourage movement and creativity. While the kids burn off energy, you can enjoy watching their imaginations take flight in a space that’s as safe as it is adventurous.

[Fun Fact: The Playscape can be taken apart and reconfigured in dozens of different ways. Come back this winter to see it take on a whole new shape.]?

10. Compete In Lawn Games

Lawn games like bean bag toss and giant Jenga create instant family fun. These classic games are scattered throughout YZD, making it easy to stop, play, and enjoy a little friendly competition. They’re great for kids and parents alike, turning casual moments into lasting memories.

[Fun Fact: There are red squares painted across the ground in the area around the Lawn Games. It’s a perfect spot to create a life-sized version of your favourite square-based games like Tic-Tac-Toe or Connect Four with your own creativity.]?

Weekends at YZD are the heartbeat of our community, a weekly gathering where creativity, connection, and play come to life. Join us every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until December 15 and be part of the energy that makes this place so special.?

We look forward to seeing you.?

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