Toronto Launches First-Ever Children’s Spring Poetry Contest

TORONTO – Budding young poets in Toronto are being encouraged to put their creativity to paper as the City launches its first-ever Children’s Spring Poetry Contest today. Open to children aged six to 14, the contest invites participants to craft a poem about what they love most about Toronto’s parks.

Young poets can submit their work online in any style, drawing inspiration from nature, splash pads, or cherished memories at local parks. The competition aims to foster appreciation for Toronto’s green spaces and their role in building vibrant communities.

Calling all young poets! City of Toronto launches Children’s Spring Poetry Contest

Read the full news release: https://t.co/s3LBwaElqw pic.twitter.com/qI64l5f1qS

— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) March 24, 2025

Toronto’s Poet Laureate, Lillian Allen, will be selecting the winning poems across three age categories:

• Ages 6-8

• Ages 9-11

• Ages 12-14

“This contest is an opportunity for kids to get creative and explore what parks in spring mean to them,” said Mayor Olivia Chow, highlighting the initiative’s role in encouraging artistic expression and a love for nature.

Contest Guidelines

• Participants must be Toronto residents (with postal codes starting with “M”).

• Poems should be no longer than 300 words and include a title.

• Entries must be original and heartfelt.

• Submission deadline: Monday, May 5, at noon.

Winners will have their poems recognized and celebrated, showcasing the next generation of Toronto’s literary talent.

For more details and submission information, visit: www.Toronto.ca/PoetryContest.

SOURCE City of Toronto