Fun Things to Do with Kids in Toronto in July

Fill up those water bottles, slip on your comfortable shoes and slather your kids and yourself in sunscreen because Toronto in July is a busy month! Street festivals and other outdoor celebrations are back in full force, ready to keep your kids busy, as well as supply some fun (and delicious food) into your life. Below we round up over a dozen things to do with your family this July in Toronto, including some of our favourite street festivals and park parties. But since we know the weather won’t always cooperate, we’ve thrown in a few other events and experiences, including plays and of course Wonderland’s annual kids fest.

Fun Things to Do with Kids in Toronto in July

Roller Skating at the Bentway

250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
All Summer Long

This summer, SUSO, the company that brings roller skating to under the Gardiner, is expanding to offer skates for kids! Now everyone ages five and up can rent a pair of skates and take a spin along the Bentway’s smooth, looping track (anyone under 16 also gets a complimentary protective gear bundle). Rentals start at $18 for one hour and lessons for kids are coming soon
while they’re already available for adults.

While your family is down at the Bentway, check out the space’s many art displays and installations, including the recently installed Boom Town (https://thebentway.ca/event/waterfront-reconnect-boom-town/ ), which brings some colourful whimsy to the urban environment.

Downsview Park’s Canada Day Celebrations

Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave., Toronto
July 1

One of the city’s biggest Canada Day parties takes place in the city’s north end, at Downsview Park’s Festival Terrace. There you’ll find kid-friendly inflatables and games, live entertainment, and a vendor’s market. There will also be lots of yummy things to eat, thanks to the visiting food trucks. The party wraps up with a firework show, which will likely start after 10pm.
Admittance into the festival is free.

East York Canada Day Parade & Party

Parade runs from Dieppe Park to Stan Wadlow Park
Party takes place at Stan Wadlow Park, 375 Cedarvale Ave., Toronto
July 1

Celebrate Canada’s birthday with a parade that departs Dieppe Park at 10:30am and winds its way through East York’s streets to Stan Wadlow Park. Then starting at around 11am, party in Stan Wadlow Park where there will be an artisan market, a full day of live entertainment and an extensive kids’ section that includes midway-style rides and games. And for the adults, there’s the Muddy York beer garden. All this action is located just steps away from an outdoor pool and splash pad, so bring your swimsuits. The day caps off with fireworks; those will brighten the sky at around 10pm. Access to this event is free but the midway rides are extra.

Other Canada Day Events & Firework Displays

Various locations
July 1

East York and Downsview Park aren’t the spots in Toronto where your family can wish Canada a happy birthday. The City of Toronto has arranged for celebrations at several locations across the city, including Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W.) and Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St.). Expect bouncy castles, food vendors, live performers and more. Then starting at 10pm, you can catch fireworks at Milliken District Park (5555 Steeles Ave. E.), Centennial Park (256 Centennial Park Rd.) and Ashbridges Bay Park (1561 Lake Shore Blvd.)

Volvo Midsummer

Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St., Toronto
Friday July 7 & Saturday July 8

Sponsored by Volvo, this all-ages event features, “multi-sensory experiences rooted in local flora, sustainability and community.” This means and you and your kids can participate in short workshops that will let everyone get their hands dirty gardening or building a beautiful bouquet. Other activities include shopping at a local vendors’ market and posing for cute photos in front of flower-based installations. And both kids and adults can take some of Volvo’s electric cars out for a test drive (the kid cars are appropriately sized). Access to this attraction is free.

Midsummer is hardly the only family-friendly event happening at the STACKT Market this July. Be sure to browse its calendar to what else is scheduled for this unique space. Other activities include a cluster of colourful, floating umbrellas and The Sheba Hope Grows Experience, “an immersive multisensory exhibit designed to take guests deep below the ocean.”

Afrofest

Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St. E., Toronto
Friday July 7 – Sunday July 9

It’s time to party in the park with this event that is, “celebrating 35 years of presenting the best of African culture in Toronto.” This year’s lineup is packed with events including a marketplace, a fashion show and loads of food vendors. And of course, there will be a ton of live music and other performances that will let your little ones show off their dance moves. Entrance into the festival is free.

Family Fest

Guild Park & Gardens, 201 Guildwood Parkway, Toronto
Friday July 7 – Saturday July 9

After a successful inaugural event last year, the Guild Festival Theatre is bringing back its Family Fest. This all-ages event features, “a diverse lineup of performances, including theatre, storytelling, live music and more.” Performers include Scarborough Uke Jam, Charlie Petch and Fay and Fluffy. There’s also an all-day craft corner. Performances and workshops will take place on the beautiful Greek Theatre mainstage as well as throughout the Guild Park and Gardens. Admission is free but donations will be accepted.

Small World Music Festival

Trillium Park, Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.,
Friday July 7 – Sunday July 9

Introduce your kids to sounds and talents from around the world at this family-friendly music festival. Besides plenty of live music, this event also features “a creative kids’ program” that will include crafts and maybe a dance lesson or two. This festival also features plenty of delicious food and best of all, admission is free.

Caribana

Various Locations
Launches Tuesday July 11

Caribana is one of Toronto’s essential summer events for good reason: It’s packed with music, movement, food, and a great time! While the Grand Parade isn’t until Saturday, August 5, one of the city’s biggest parties is back and promises to be more colourful and festive than ever before. The Grande Parade takes place at Exhibition Place and along Lakeshore Boulevard on July 30 but before then numerous other family-friendly events are scheduled, including Junior Carnival and Family Day, scheduled for Saturday July 22 at Neilson Park (1555 Neilson Rd.) from 11am-8pm. This free event is a great way to experience Caribana in a slightly less crowded environment.

A Year with Frog and Toad

Wychwood Theatre, Studio 176, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
July 15-August 20; Saturday & Sundays only

This classic tale of friendship and fun is sure to delight the whole family, in part thanks to a “…jazzy, upbeat score (that) bubbles with melody and wit.” The show runs for 60 minutes in length and is suitable for kids ages four and up. But if you want to catch this cute tale, order your tickets ASAP as some dates have already sold out! All seating is general admission and starts at $35.

Bloor West StreetFest

Bloor West Village, Between Runnymede Rd. and Jane St., Toronto
Saturday July 15

Sure, this street festival may only last one day, but it’s packed with things to do. This year’s edition features a rock-climbing wall, a slime making station, a canine circus, midway rides, and lots of other fun. Parents, you’ll want to set aside some time to explore the West Toronto Artists Market as well as the various sidewalk sales that local businesses will be hosting.

And the whole family will want to check out the BIG on Bloor Festival of Arts & Culture on Bloor St. between Dufferin Ave. and Lansdowne Ave. Saturday and Sunday July 15 & 16. Happy 16 years to the BIG on Bloor festival, which is celebrating this milestone with interactive stations that encourage creativity; live music; extended patios, and more. Your kids will likely be particularly interested in the youth market, “Trade, barter or sell anything your kid can imagine!” This event aims to feature fresh ideas so expect it to deliver more than a few surprises.

KidZfest at Wonderland

1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Saturday July 15 – Sunday July 30

How do you make somewhere like Wonderland even more fun? By adding in interactive shows and character meet and greets that star some of TV’s biggest names (if you’re a kid). Depending on the day and time, your family can catch Thomas the Train, Peppa Pig, various Marvel superheroes and even Bluey and her sister Bingo. There will also be lots of other fun including magic shows, dance parties and of course Doo Doo the clown will be making his regular appearance. KidZfest is included with your Wonderland ticket, which starts at around $50.

Rainbow Fish the Musical

July 22-Aug 20, Saturdays & Sundays only
Wychwood Theatre, Studio 176, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto

Starring the prettiest fish in this sea, this live show also features original music, an eye-catching set, and a story with an important moral lesson. The production is designed for kids ages three and up and has a run time of 50 minutes. On show days, two performances are scheduled, one at 10am and one at noon. Admittance starts at $25 per general admission ticket.

Ossfest

Ossington Ave. between Dundas St. and Queen St
Saturday July 22

The always busy street of Ossington takes things up a notch at its annual street festival, which sees the strip between Dundas and Queen closed to cars. And while the extended patios, live music and food might be the stars of this event, there will be plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. More details on this giant party will be shared soon.

The TD Festival of South Asia

Gerrard St. E. from Greenwood Ave. to Coxwell Ave.
Saturday July 29 – Sunday July 30

If your family loves food, then this celebration of South Asian culture featuring a wide range of food vendors is a must-visit. A lengthy stretch of Gerrard Street East will be closed to cars and turned over to people, patios, and dozens of vendors and sidewalk sales. The street will also be packed with live music and colourful dance performances.

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