February might be the shortest month of the year but it’s not light on fun things to do with your family. And given that this month has an extra-long weekend for most students, thanks to a PD day on Friday February 17, and then Family Day on Monday February 20, we know you need ideas for fun things to do in Toronto in February!
Below we round up a dozen activities and attractions that we think your family and you will enjoy. The vast majority of these suggestions take place in Toronto but this time around we’ve also included a few suburban events that we think are worthy of your time and money.
Fun for Families in Toronto in February
Tobogganing
Various Toronto parks
January was a little light on snow; does that mean we’re about to get a big dump in February? If we do receive mountains of snow, we’ll finally have the makings for terrific tobogganing conditions. Once there’s an appropriate amount of snow on the ground, the City of Toronto operates over a dozen sites that are deemed safe for speeding down on a sled. See which ones are near you or see which hills we recommend in our roundup of the city’s top hills. But before you head out, be sure to also check out these safety tips. Access to City-run tobogganing hills is free.
Fireside Munsch
Wychwood Theatre, 176-76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
Saturday February 4 & Sunday, February 5
This always popular live show is back for another short run that is likely to sellout. Featuring M. John Kennedy’s “high-energy performance,” this iteration brings to life four beloved Robert Munsch books: Andrew’s Loose Tooth, Alligator Baby, Put Me in a Book! and Swamp Water. While these hour-long performances can be enjoyed by all ages, Fireside Munsch is best for children who are ages four and up. Seating is general admission and starts at around $23 per ticket.
Sweet City Fest
Stackt Marketplace, 28 Bathurst St., Toronto
February 1-26
How does a festival “for the love of all things sweet” sound? Maybe…delicious? Details for this new event haven’t been fully released yet but expect to find bake sales, art exhibits, live music, and more including, “family funday Sunday” and “parent socials.” Access into the marketplace is free but special events may have a charge.
Disney on Ice Presents Find Your Heroes
Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St., Toronto
Friday February 3 – Sunday February 5
Disney On Ice brings its latest show to the Scotiabank Arena. Expect to see your favourite characters, including Moana, Mickey and Minnie and — of course — Elsa, jump, spin, and twirl their way through new routines. This show has an intermission but it’s still a bit on the long side so it’s best for kids ages four and up. Seven performances are scheduled over the course of Disney on Ice’s three-day visit to Toronto with showtimes at 7pm, 11am, and 3pm. Tickets start at $25 before fees.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Meadowvale Theatre, 6315 Montevideo Rd., Mississauga
Friday February 3 – Sunday February 12
Downtown Toronto’s not the only place where you can take your kids to an afternoon (or evening) of live theatre. This month one of Roald Dahl’s best loved books, Matilda, gets the musical treatment at Mississauga’s Meadowvale Theatre. This story’s handful of tense moments and its length, with intermission the whole show runs two hours, adds up to an experience that is best for kids ages seven and up. Eight shows are currently scheduled, and performances take place at 2pm or 8pm. Grab a seat for as little as $32.
The Hockey Sweater — Young People’s Concert
Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St., Toronto
Sunday February 5
The classic Canadian children’s book gets the musical treatment at this Toronto Symphony Orchestra concert designed for kids ages five to 12. Book author Roch Carrier reads his tale out loud while the TSO’s musical talents add a whole new dimension to this likely familiar story. Attendees are encouraged to wear their hockey jersey to the show and to arrive an hour early to check the various pre-show activities in the lobby, including the opportunity to play real instruments or buy a copy of The Hockey Sweater. Two performances are scheduled, one at 1:30pm and one at 4pm, and tickets start at $29.
Paddington Gets into a Jam
The Rose Brampton, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton, ON
Tuesday February 7
Need a reason to visit Brampton? How about to treat the kids to an evening of “original slapstick comedy” featuring one of the world’s favourite bears? This “live” production (featuring a puppet Paddington) starts at the kid-friendly time of 6:30pm and tickets start available at the wallet-friendly price of $24.
Canadian International Auto Show
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W, Toronto,
Friday February 17 – Sunday February 26
Do your kids love cars, trucks, and other vehicles? Then a trip to the annual Auto Show might be an ideal outing for your family. See exotic cars, electric cars, classic cars, even a full-size car made entirely out of LEGO! Admission is free for kids ages six and under while tickets start at $6.75 if you buy them online before Friday, February 17. A $45 family pack (good for two kids and two adults) is also available, as are certain date/time specific special offers.
BloorYorkville IceFest
Bloor-Yorkville Area
Saturday February 18 & Sunday February 19
Over 40 “ice creations,” made from over 60,000 pounds of ice, are transforming Yorkville into a scene out of Frozen during this frosty, but picturesque, festival. After your family takes a self-guided tour along the ice sculpture trail, head to The Village of Yorkville Park where there are live ice carving demonstrations, an ice wall with projections, and even an ice lounge, where you can treat yourself to a delicious drink (hot or cold). IceFest is free to explore.
Winter Stations
Woodbine Beach, Toronto & 1381 Lakeshore Rd. E, Mississauga
February 18 – April 3
Yes, February isn’t exactly beach weather, but the annual Winter Stations outdoors art exhibit gives us a good reason to bundle and head down to the lake. This year’s displays are full of whimsy and creativity, and some are even interactive. They also make for memorable photo backgrounds, especially our favourite, Conrad the racoon. Access to the exhibits is free and note that while the Mississauga show starts on Saturday February 18, the Woodbine Beach show doesn’t start until Monday February 20 (Family Day).
Westfall’s World: Family Day Magic Show
Wychwood Theatre, 176-76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
Monday February 20
Celebrate Family Day with acclaimed family-friendly magician Chris Westfall. Packed with eye-popping magic tricks and illusions, as well as lots of humour, this show will have your whole family oohing, ahhing and laughing. There’s also lots of audience participation, so be forewarned about that. Four shows are scheduled for this Family Day show at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2.30pm, and 4:30pm and each performance runs for around 50 minutes. Tickets start at $25.
The Darkest Dark
Ada Slaight Stage, 165 Front St. E., Toronto
February 20 – April 2
On Family Day, Astronaut Chris Hadfield’s bestselling children’s book, The Darkest Dark, gets its world debut as a stage show. Described as a “ground-breaking, magic-filled adaptation,” this unique production promises to wow both adults and kids with its story based around a certain space-loving, nine-year-old boy. With its run time of 80 minutes, this show is best suited for kids ages six to 12. Show times vary, with both afternoon and evening performances available, and tickets are available for as low as $10 a seat.
Tagged under: Things to do in February,toronto in february,february fun in toronto,february in toronto
Category: events,attractions,outdoor-play
