Your kids can enjoy the benefits of learning an instrument with some of these great Richmond Hill music classes.

One of the best extracurricular activities that you can encourage your children to try is learning a musical instrument. Playing an instrument can benefit kids in a number of surprising ways. It’s been shown to improve academic performance — with music’s emphasis on keeping the beat and counting particularly helping with math skills. Learning an instrument can also help with motor skills, developing discipline and practice habits, improving social skills and more. With so many great benefits, it really does seem worth having your kids give it a try. There are a number of great music classes and schools in the Richlands neighbourhood, you can see some of our top picks below:

The Royal Academy of Music and Arts
126 Tower Hill Rd.

The Royal Academy of Music and Arts offers a comprehensive range of music and fine arts programming that can help put your kids on the road to true prodigy status. There are courses for everything from piano to woodwinds to stringed instruments and more, with both private and ensemble classes available.

Click here to learn more

Arcadia Academy of Music
10909 Yonge St.

With over 20 years of providing exceptional music instruction to students in the Richmond Hill area, your child can’t go wrong with the programs available here. Arcadia boasts one of the largest band programs in the region — featuring 9 plus bands comprised of 60 students. This unique format gives your kids the opportunity to get live performance experience at a number of local competitions and events, including Canada Day celebrations, the Santa Claus Parade and the local Farmer’s Market. They offer lessons in all the standard instruments, so check them out today to start rocking out.

Click here to learn more

88 Keys
70 East Beaver Creek Rd.

88 Keys also offers all the standard instruments, and can help your child progress through the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum with a great team of highly trained instructors. What really sets 88 Keys apart is their special programs for infants and toddlers. These special parent and tot kindermusic programs let your little ones discover a variety of different instruments, while learning about rhythms, sounds and patterns. These stimulating and fun classes are the perfect way to help even your youngest children tap into the amazing benefits of music.

Click here to learn more

Cosmo Music
10 Via Renzo Drive

Of course, the first step to becoming a great musician is actually buying (or renting!) your instrument. In Richmond Hill, there’s no better choice for all your instrument and music needs than Cosmo Music. This music superstore sells all kinds of instruments, does repairs, and even has excellent monthly rental options for those trying out new instruments for the first time. Plus, Cosmo even has its own school of music.

Click here to learn more

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
10268 Yonge St.

One of the best ways to encourage your child’s own interest and drive in music is to give them a first-hand look at how the professionals do it. With a great calendar of events year-round, Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts is the perfect place to give your family a first-hand look at true musical excellence.

Click here to learn more

Enriching family living starts with exceptional community design.

At Richlands, we’re building a more enriching way to live from the ground up. An important first step for us was to create a truly inspired community design. A place that helps families enjoy a complete, satisfying lifestyle — and a prestige neighbourhood feel that would really embody the essence of the Richlands community concept. This was the thinking that informed our community design, and you can see some of the most exciting elements reflected in this first look at our community site plan. Here are a few of the most exciting highlights:

Proposed Public Elementary School
Being able to walk your children to school every day is at the core of enriching family living. A proposed elementary school right within the Richlands community lets you enjoy a more pedestrian-friendly lifestyle close to home. We see this school as a real community hub — a place where parents, kids and neighbours will gather for school concerts, team sports, fundraisers and more.

Community Path
Nature walking is well known to be good for your heart, and your soul! At Richlands, you can enjoy peaceful evening strolls along our beautifully landscaped community path!

Forest Enclave Design
When we created the Richlands community plan, we made sure to preserve a natural barrier of mature forest surrounding the community. This gives Richlands a distinctive forest enclave feel, reduces noise from the surrounding area and creates a more peaceful and natural atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Proposed Parkland
Adding to the forest enclave feel is an expansive proposed park, which will bring a huge amount of greenspace right into the heart of this new community. It’s the ideal place for picnics, play, team sports and community events.

Traffic Calming Street Design
All of the homes at Richlands are situated on quiet streets and crescents with no thoroughfare traffic. This makes the streets of Richlands safer, less congested places for kids to play, ride bikes and explore in a safe and welcoming community environment.

With Richmond Hill’s Top Brunch Destinations

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but on the weekend, everybody knows that it’s brunch that really reigns supreme. After all, who wouldn’t rather soak in a few extra hours of much needed sleep and then meet with friends and family at the crack of 11:15 to enjoy a delicious, creative meal — and one that is cooked by somebody else for a change! This of course is what brunch is all about. So where are the best places to get your brunch on in the Richlands’ neighbourhood? We’ve assembled a list of our favourites below.

Symposium Café, Restaurant & Lounge
1327 Yonge St.

If you’re looking for a classic brunch/breakfast menu in a hip, stylish restaurant environment, then you’ll want to put Symposium Café at the top of your list. Symposium’s breakfast menu has all your favourites, including Eggs Benny, delicious omelettes, waffles and more. For something a bit out of the ordinary try their Salmon Pesto or Chicken Souvlaki gourmet breakfasts, served with 3 eggs, breakfast potatoes and grilled pita. If breakfast isn’t your thing. Symposium also has a great lunch menu for you to enjoy.

Learn more at: symposiumcafe.com/menu

Alchemy Coffee
4361 Highway 7 E.

For au courant brunch delights in a slick contemporary atmosphere, Alchemy Coffee is well worth the 15 minute drive from Richlands. Their unique open-faced omelettes feature ingredients such as braised pork belly, corn, goat cheese, and pan fried shrimp. Alchemy is also known for its delicious chicken and waffles, and world-class coffee, espresso and cappuccino.

Learn more at: alchemycoffee.ca.

Aroma Espresso Bar
9320 Bathurst St.

Aroma Espresso Bar is more than just your average coffee house. They also boast a delicious breakfast menu and a Mediterranean-inspired lunch menu, making this an excellent choice for your next brunch outing. For an interesting Mediterranean take on breakfast, try the Skaksuka, which features two sunny-side up eggs in a warm tomato and red pepper sauce, served with tahini sauce and freshly baked bread.

Learn more at: aroma.ca

Yang’s Fine Chinese Cuisine
9665 Bayview Ave.

Yang’s Fine Chinese Cuisine focuses more on lunch and dinner offerings, but they are open at 10 am all weekend long so they are also a great choice for brunch! At Yang’s all dishes are served “family style” , in big serving dishes in the middle of your table. With this format it’s best to order as a group and have everyone try a bit of all the delicious fine Chinese cuisine that Yang’s has to offer. Featuring a delicious selection of pork, beef, duck, chicken and seafood dishes, as well as a dim sum special, fresh vegetables, noodles, rice and more — Yang’s offers a great range of dishes for your whole family to enjoy.

Learn more at: yangsfinechinesecuisine.ca

With over a dozen amazing golf courses within easy driving distance, Richmond Hill is known throughout the region as one of the GTA’s best hotspots for golf lovers. But what a lot of golfers might not be aware of is the fact that there are also a number of great indoor golf facilities that can help you stay at the top of your game all winter long. Check out our top picks below.

Tee Times Indoor Golf
225 McNaughton Rd.

Virtual indoor golf lets golfers use real clubs and balls to hit into a giant video screen, offering a surprisingly fun simulation of a real life golf experience. At Tee Times Indoor Golf, golfers can pick from 26 world famous courses, all beautifully simulated in stunning HD graphics.

Book your tee off time today! teetimesindoorgolf.com

The Golf Lounge
115 York Blvd.

Another indoor virtual golf option, The Golf Lounge also offers private lessons, food and drinks and a wide selection of high quality courses to choose from.

Learn more at thegolflounge.ca

Markham Golf Dome
150 Burncrest Rd.

Those preferring a more low-tech winter golfing experience will enjoy Markham Golf Dome, located just a 15 minute drive from Richlands. Featuring an indoor 2-deck driving range, sand trap and putting practice areas, you can either practice your game solo or get a lesson from a local pro here.

Learn more at markhamgolfdome.com

Putting Edge
9625 Yonge St.

This family friendly option might not be the best place to perfect your short game, but it is still a heck of a lot of fun. Putting Edge offers glow in the dark mini-golf and an arcade.

Learn more at Puttingedge.com/richmond-hill

Skating on the Richmond Green Ice Skating Trail & Mill Pond

Some of Richmond Hill’s top winter amenities can be found right next door at Richmond Green Sports Park. One great example is the Richmond Green Skate Trail, which takes visitors on a pleasant loop through 250 metres of natural space. The Skate Trail features lights for evening skating, heated washrooms, change rooms and parking. Elsewhere in Richmond Hill, you can also enjoy skating on natural ice at Mill Pond.

For a full list of winter skating visit richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/Outdoor-Skating.aspx

Indoor Soccer at Richmond Green

Keeping active in the winter doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to brace the cold outside. There are also a number of great indoor recreation activities that can get you moving in a more climate controlled environment. One great option is indoor soccer at Richmond Green Sports Dome. With pick up soccer for adults, teens and families, not to mention recreational leagues for lacrosse, flag football, ultimate Frisbee and more, you can enjoy some great activities here this winter.

Learn more at: richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/richmond-green-sports-dome.aspx

Skiing at Uplands Ski Club

Beginner skiers and snowboarders in your family can hit the slopes closer to home than you may realize at Uplands Ski Centre. Located at 46 Uplands Ave., just 15 minutes south of Richlands, Uplands Ski Centre is the perfect place for beginners to test their downhill skiing and snowboarding skills. Group lessons for kids as young as 3 years old and equipment rentals are available!

Learn more at uplandsgolfandski.com/skihome2.html.

Shinny Hockey

There’s probably nothing more Canadian than playing a little pick up shinny hockey on your local rink this winter. There are a number of rinks throughout Richmond Hill that offer shinny times for children, teens and adults, check the listing at the link below to find a time and location that works for you.

Learn more at richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/Pickup-Shinny.aspx.

Russian Sauna

If you’re looking to beat the winter blues in a somewhat unconventional way, you might just enjoy Richmond Hill’s Steamul Sauna. This traditional Russian Banya is a wood burning sauna that offers a great way to relax and soak in a little bit of heat on a cold winter day. There are also cold water swimming pools, steam rooms and a food and snack bar to enjoy a traditional homestyle Russian meal after your sauna.

Learn more at steamulsauna.com.

With New Year’s Resolutions for the Whole Family

Every year, so many of us make bold New Year’s resolutions that we never end up keeping. But did you know that many experts agree that having a group to talk about and support you in your resolutions can increase your likelihood of sticking to them? Now think about it — what better support group do you have than your own family? By committing to New Year’s resolutions together, you can enjoy a wonderful bonding experience that enriches your lives and your connection to one another all year long. Here are a few of our favourite suggestions for family New Year’s resolutions for 2017!

Limit Your Screen Time

With tablets, smart phones and laptops taking up ever-greater space in our daily lives, it’s nice to schedule some time away from the screen as well — after you’ve finished reading the Richlands blog, of course 😉 . But in all seriousness, it will certainly do your family some good to schedule a little window of screen-free time every week to do something together. Whether it’s going for a nature walk, playing a board game or anything else you can think of, this is one resolution that can really change your family dynamic, and teach your kids to appreciate that there is more to life than catching the next Pokémon. Maybe check out some of the great outdoor amenities right next door at Richmond Green Sports Park!

Learn more at richlands.ca/richmond-green-sports-complex

Cook More Meals Together

Cooking with your kids is a great way to teach them about healthy food, help them learn a valuable life skill, and enjoy some real quality time. If your own cooking skills could use a little brushing up as well, consider taking a cooking class as a family. Petits Chefs Academy is located just a 20 minute drive from Richlands at 9661 Jane Street and offers some wonderful classes for adults and kids aged 3-14.

Learn more at petitschefsacademy.com

Give Back to Your Community

Finding ways to give back to your community can be an excellent way to teach your kids the value of service, and to be appreciative of what they have. In Richmond Hill, there are a number of great charities to volunteer for, such as the local Daily Bread Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, your place of worship and more.

Learn more at richmondhillcommunityfoodbank.ca

Plant a Tree

As far as New Year’s resolutions go, planting a tree might be the easiest and the most memorable. You’ll have to wait until the ground thaws in spring, but planting a tree is a wonderful opportunity to get outside and teach your kids about the importance of environmental stewardship. Plus, since it only takes one afternoon, it’s a resolution you can be sure that you’ll actually keep! A great place to buy a tree in Richmond Hill is Oak Hill Garden Centre, at 12345 Yonge St.

Learn more at oakhillgardencenter.blogspot.ca.

There’s Plenty to Be Merry About in Richmond Hill This Holiday Season!

The holidays are upon us again, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season than to enjoy some great holiday events with friends and family. Richmond Hill is lucky to have some of the best selection of holiday events anywhere in the GTA. Here are a few of our favourites for you to discover this year!

Cut your Own Christmas Tree
Horton Tree Farms — 5924 Slater Rd.
Until December 24th

Many families have happy holiday memories of selecting and cutting down their very own Christmas tree every year. Now, your family can enjoy this time-honoured tradition as well. Located just 20 minutes east of Richlands, Horton Tree Farms is one of the area’s most convenient locations to enjoy this classic Canadian activity. Just remember to bring cash, as they do not accept credit or debit cards.

www.hortontreefarms.com/info.php

The Nutcracker Ballet
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts — 10268 Yonge St.
Multiple shows from Friday December 16th to Sunday December 18th

The Nutcracker is a holiday favourite the world over. Now in its 8th season at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts the Nutcracker Ballet by Victoria Ballet Company lets your whole family enjoy this time-honoured classic close to home.

www.yorkregion.com/events/6917188–the-nutcracker-ballet/

A Little Mo Christmas Magic
The Falcon and Firkin Pub — 10300 Yonge St.
Monday December 19th

MoMondays is an innovative live storytelling experience that happens regularly on Mondays throughout the year. Hear 6 storytellers share funny, motivating and thought-provoking personal stories about the holiday season. For this special holiday MoMonday, you can also bring an unwrapped toy and donate to their Toy Drive for a chance to win some really wonderful prizes. Tickets cost $15, you can order them online.

www.momondays.com/aurora/

Ensemble Vivant Christmas Tidings
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts — 10268 Yonge St.
Wednesday, December 21st

See the group that The Toronto Star described as “Canada’s Chamber Music Treasure” perform a selection of classic and contemporary instrumental holiday music that ranges from classical to Latin, jazz and more!

www.ensemblevivant.com/

Richmond Green First Night
Richmond Green Sports Centre — 1300 Elgin Mills Road East (Large Hall)
Saturday, December 31st

Ring in the New Year just steps from Richlands with First Night at Richmond Green Sports Centre. This family-friendly celebration has been specially planned for younger families to offer an opportunity to ring in the New Year a little early. The festivities include free public skating, live entertainment, games, arts and crafts, a teen lounge and more. This free event goes from 6pm – 9 pm on New Years Eve!

www.yorkregion.com/events/6503816–first-night/

Try These Creative Snacks and Meals That Are Super Healthy and Delicious!

These days, it seems like you can’t open your web browser without reading about the latest exotic super food that you just have to try. Well some super foods are great, many of us are still trying to figure out how to get our kids to eat their recommended daily intake of nature’s original super foods — good old fashioned fruits and vegetables. Here are some simple, healthy recipes that will help your kids get the nutrition they need with the flavours they love. The best thing is, you won’t need to make any trips to a fancy health food store — you can find everything you need for these right at your local supermarket!

Garden Fresh Pizza
Crust Ingredients: 100g each strong white and strong whole wheat flour; 1 tsp or 7g sachet easy-blend dried yeast; 125ml warm water
Toppings: 200g can chopped tomato, juice drained; handful cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 large zucchini thinly sliced; 25 grams shredded mozzarella; half a cup of spinach, chopped; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil.

Making your own pizza crust might seem intimidating at first, but with this simple recipe you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get it done —with a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes.

First make the crust by mixing the flours and yeast with a pinch of salt into your food processor. Pour in the water and mix until the dough is soft, then continue mixing for 1 minute. Then remove the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured counter until it is about 12 inches across. Finally, slide onto an oiled baking sheet.

After you’ve made the dough, simply spread the canned tomatoes on top, then place the toppings however you’d like. You can even get the kids to help with this part! Finally, drizzle evenly with oil and leave the dough to rise for 20 minutes. In the meantime you can preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the dough has risen, put the pizza into the preheated oven and cook for just 12 minutes. Then let stand for a few minutes and you are ready for your super healthy family pizza party!

Mock Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower, chopped; 1 tbsp reduced fat cream cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 clove garlic, smashed; 1/8-teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

For a more nutrient dense alterative to traditional mashed potatoes, try this delicious recipe that uses cauliflower instead — ready in just 25 minutes! First steam the cauliflower for 10 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add garlic and cook for about two minutes. Then transfer half the steamed cauliflower to a food processor and blend on high. Once it is fully blended, add in the rest of the cauliflower slowly while blending until you have a mashed-potato like creamy texture. Then add in the rest of the ingredients and blend briefly, and you are ready to serve!

Wow Butter, Banana Spirals
Ingredients: ½ Wow Butter or all natural peanut butter; 1/3 cup raspberry yogurt; 2 sliced bananas; 4 whole grain flour tortillas; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon.

You can also use peanut butter for this recipe, but a soy based peanut butter alterative like Wow Butter may be a better choice for many parents whose children have peanut allergies.

For this quick after school snack, simply take your Wow Butter, yogurt, and cinnamon and mix it together. Spread the mixture evenly over the tortillas, then spread the sliced bananas evenly over top. Finally, just roll the tortillas up and cut the rolls into small, bite-sized bits. Yum.

The next time you hit the town, why not try something a little different?

Whether you’ve been married for 20 years or you’re in a newer relationship, a fun-filled night out is a great way to keep the energy and excitement going strong for years to come. While heading out for dinner and a movie is always a nice time, there are also a number of other interesting activities that you may not have considered for your next night out. Here are a few of our favourites.

Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts
10268 Yonge St.
There’s nothing like getting out and enjoying some real live entertainment for the evening, and Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts has no shortage of exceptional events to choose from. Whether you’re looking to see live music, theatrical performances, opera, or even stand-up comedy, you’re sure to find something that will make your next date night a truly memorable one here.

www.rhcentre.ca

Arthur Murray Dance Studio
13311 Yonge St. Unit 111
If you really want to shake things up for your next night on the town, why not try an introductory dance class at Arthur Murray Dance Studio. With a special introductory offer for new students, this is an affordable and fun way to get out of the house and brush up on your dance moves at the same time!

arthurmurray.com

Richmond Hill Crossfit & Athletics
475 Edward Ave. #1
Crossfit is a great way to have fun and stay in shape together as a couple, by trying a local Crossfit class. These creative and challenging workouts are completed in a group setting, so there will be plenty of opportunities to move together on your big night out. Plus Richmond Hill Crossfit & Athletics offers a free trial class to all new visitors, so this is another great way to get out on the town without breaking the bank!

rh-cf.com

Laser Quest
9625 Yonge St.
Honestly, you might think this one is just for kids, but Laser Quest can be loads of fun for people of all ages. If you are that type of couple who loves to play video games together, you can bet that this date night idea will be perfect for you. Laser Quest Richmond Hill now also has an Escape Room Challenge. Instead of laser guns, this challenge lets you use your wits to solve puzzles and escape from a locked room before your time runs out. It’s a great way for couples to work on their co-operation and communication skills — and it’s also a ton of fun!

www.laserquest.com

Chit-Chat Play Board Game Café
34 Cathedral High St.
Enjoy a delicious selection of coffees, lattes, waffles, pie and more at this real gem of a spot just a few minutes south west of Richlands. The main attraction here is the collection of over 400 board games that you can enjoy on your visit. Who knows, if date night goes well, maybe you can even bring the whole family next time!

chitchatplaycafe.com

Take a Drive to See Our New Signs & The Future Site of Richmond Hill’s Most Enriching New Family Community

As we progress towards our Preview Opening event in early 2017, we’re excited to announce that two beautiful new signs have been installed at the future home of Richlands.

Located along the east side of Leslie St. just north of Elgin Mills, you can use these signs as an identifier if you want to take an early drive to preview Richlands. When you visit the site, you’re sure to be impressed by the stunning mature forest and greenbelt that will be preserved around the perimeter of the Richlands community, creating that signature natural enclave feel.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, we’d also suggest that you take the time to tour the beautiful grounds of Richmond Green Sports Centre & Park. Located right across the street from Richlands, this spectacular neighbourhood amenity has a wealth of impressive features available for your family to enjoy. To learn more about the greenspace at Richlands, click on the community section of our website in the navigation bar at the top of the page. You can also learn more about Richmond Green by clicking the link to its feature section at the top of this page!