We know it’s been one cold winter out there. But don’t let the frosty temperatures deter you from getting the most out of the jam-packed Family Day weekend. From plays to bouncy castles to outdoor fun, there’s something for everyone. So layer up and get out there and make some memories.
In Downtown Toronto
The Wizard of Oz with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Feb 17 & 18: Roy Thomson Hall
Watch one of the most beloved films of all time accompanied by a live orchestra. This two-hour long concert—featuring a 20-minute intermission—is a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of the symphony. The Sunday, February 18, show will be at 3pm, which might work better for those with early bedtimes.
Cost: From $56
https://www.tso.ca/concert/wizard-oz-live-orchestra
The Wizard of Oz: Feb 17 & 18: Lower Ossington Theatre
Prefer your kids see a theatrical performance of The Wizard of Oz? Then head over to the LOT and catch “a faithful adaptation of the classic family film.” Featuring all the classic songs from the film, this performance is suitable for kids age four and up. It runs two-and-a-half hours with an intermission and two time slots are available: 3:30pm and 7:30pm on February 17 and noon and 4pm on February 18.
Cost: Starting at $55 (though discount codes are often available)
https://tickets.ticketwise.com/event/the-wizard-of-oz-toronto
The Misfit League: Feb 17-19: Second City
Looking for laughs and an inspirational story? Check out Second City’s brand new play. It’s a tale about a young heroine who is finding herself and her super hero powers. While this performance is suitable for all ages, it was especially created for kids 4-12.
Cost: Starts at $12
http://www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/the-misfit-league/
digiPlaySpace: Feb 17-19: TIFF Lightbox
Family Day weekend sees the launch of digiPlaySpace, which lets families explore art and technology through interactive games and activities. It features 21 installations that let kids do everything from become part of classical artwork to controlling a flamingo through dance. TIFF recommends that you dedicate at least 90 minutes to exploring the exhibits, which are suitable for kids age 3-13. If your Family Day weekend is already packed, note that digiPlaySpace runs until April 22.
Cost: Starting at $11
https://www.tiff.net/digiplayspace/
Colour!: Feb. 19: Art Gallery of Ontario
Celebrate colour and express your creativity at the AGO. This daylong, all-ages event features a dance party, the chance to play with light and shadow and fun in the bubble wrap room. And of course there will be plenty of art-oriented activities including emoji facemask making and painting… without paint! Need some downtime? A slew of kid-friendly films will also be shown.
Cost: From $11, $49 for a family pass
https://ago.ca/events/family-day-2018
One World: Feb 17-Feb 19: Royal Ontario Museum
This year’s Family Day celebrations at the ROM will take you around the world and even to outer space. Touching meteorites, sampling traditional Chinese teas and trying out henna are just a few of the many activities the museum will be offering.
Cost: Starts at $14
https://www.rom.on.ca/en/node/17948
Family Day at the Hockey Hall of Fame: Feb 19
Spending Family Day with the grandparents? Then you might want to stop by the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is offering free admission to everyone 65 plus. All guests will also receive a free pack of hockey cards.
Cost: Starts at $13
http://www.hhof.com/htmlNewsPromo/promo.shtml#FamilyDay
Family Day at Fort York: Feb 19
Work some Canadian history into your Family Day with a visit to Fork York and its Visitor Centre. Kids can participate in an 1812 drill, old-fashion games and try out something a little more modern—a selfie booth. You’ll also be able to sample baking from the Fort’s historic kitchen and enjoy a hot chocolate around a roaring fire.
Cost: Free
https://www.fortyork.ca/news-a-events/events/438-family-day-at-fort-york-free-admission.html
Free Skating: Feb 19: The Bentway
Toronto’s newest winter attraction is skating on The Bentway. Located under the Gardiner Expressway near Fort York, this figure eight-shaped trail is great way to burn off some energy. On Family Day, it will be offering free skate rentals between 6pm and 9pm. Worried about getting cold? Warm up with a hot drink or something hot from the snack bar.
Cost: $0
http://www.thebentway.ca/
The North End
Memorable Munsch & Princess Knight: Feb 17-19: Solar Stage at the Artscape Wychwood Barns
Two different plays take to the stage at the Artscape Wychwood Barns this Family Day weekend. Featuring improv, physical comedy and plenty of audience interaction, Memorable Munsch is perfect for those four and up. Princess Knight is aimed at slightly older kids and is a laugh-filled, coming-of-age tale that stars human actors and puppets.
Cost: $20
http://artscapewychwoodbarns.ca/event/memorable-munsch/2018-02-17/
https://solarstage.on.ca/princess-knight/
Family Fun Fest: Feb 17-19: Downsview Park
The first of the three fun fests on this list, this one provides 30,000 square feet of entertainment for kids two-12. While the dozens of inflatables will likely be the stars of the show, there will also be animals from Hands On Exotic and performances by The Trevor Show and DooDoo the International Clown of Fun. Oh, and there’s free parking!
Cost: starts at $8, family pass for $60
https://www.familydayfest.ca/
Family Day Open House: Feb 19: Kortright Centre for Conservation, Vaughan
Need to get back to nature? Then take the kids up to the Kortright Centre for hiking, snowshoeing and outdoor learning. There will also be warm snacks around a fire.
Cost: Free
http://www.kortright.org/whats-on/#event|family-day-open-house|2836
Kidapalooza: Feb 17-19: Markham Fair Grounds
Taking place both indoors and outdoors, this fun fest has it all, including a special play area just for toddlers. In addition to inflatables, there are stage shows, a petting zoo and a crafting zone. Your kids can also meet their favourite characters from Paw Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And for the parents, there’s free coffee and hot chocolate provided by Tim Hortons.
Cost: Starts at $8; family pass for $60
http://kidapalooza.ca/index.html#2018
The West End
Winter Family Games: Feb. 17-19: Casa Loma
It’s the inaugural Winter Family Games at Casa Loma – and the timing is perfect, with our Olympic athletes representing Canada and thrilling us with their athletic endeavours. Participants can have fun with the interactive sports-themed activities, meet some famous athletes, and watch demonstrations of amazing skill. It’s going to be a winter family game blast!
Cost: From $22
http://casaloma.ca/events_feature2.html
Kids Fest: Feb 17-19: International Centre, Hall 6, Mississauga
At 80,000 square feet, this is the GTA’s biggest Family Day fun fest. It features more than 30 inflatables that will let kids two-10 slide, climb and of course bounce. But wait, there’s more! Also on-site will be exotic animals, carnival games, science experiments and even indoor mini-putt.
Cost: starts at $8, family pass for $60
http://www.kidsfestto.com/#2018
Family Day at PAMA: Feb 19: Peel Art Gallery Museum + Archives, Mississauga
Hands-on fun will be the focus at PAMA. In addition to crafts, the centre will be offering yoga for kids and a special programming focused on getting in touch with nature. And at 10:30am and 1:30pm there will be a sing-a-long with Brampton’s Bayani Liagas.
Cost: Starts at $4
https://www.pama.peelregion.ca/en/programseventsandschoolresources/pamakids.asp#familyday
The East End
Family Day at the Brickworks: Feb 19
Build crafts, hear a story and help make (and eat) soup at the Brickworks’ annual Family Day celebration. Not into soup? Plenty of other food vendors will be on site. For the parents, there will also be Brewer’s Backyard, an indoor beer-fest.
Cost: Free
https://www.evergreen.ca/whats-on/event/nature-play-childrens-garden/
WinterRouge: Feb. 18: Rouge National Urban Park
Here’s a chance to explore the amazing Rouge National Urban Park with some fabulous outdoor activities. Learn more about our fine feathered friends with the Great Backyard Bird Count. Take in some snowga (yoga in the snow), or make some s’mores as part of the learn-to-camp program. There’s even curling and snowshoeing for some winter sport fun.
Cost: Free, but non-perishable food donations are accepted and most welcome.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/rouge/activ/evenements-events-2018/20180218-winter-hiver
For even more great Toronto kids’ events, check out Help! We’ve Got Kids.
Tagged under: Toronto,Family Day,family day events toronto,family friendly things to do in Toronto,Family Day 2018
Category: events
