June is a wacky time for kids, especially if they’re in school. Vacation and summer camp time is so close and with the weather warming, it can be hard for them to do anything but bounce off the walls. So, we’ve rounded up over a dozen ways for you to get the kids out of the house and into the city where they can have fun and burn off all that energy.
While many of these suggestions will give your family the opportunity to enjoy the sunnier weather, we’ve also included a few indoor ideas, for those rainy or too-hot days (you know they are coming).
And don’t forget that June is fun fair season at your local schools. Attending a fun fair is an easy way to support your community while providing your kids with some affordable fun (and maybe providing you with an easy solution for lunch or dinner). If your kids aren’t in school yet, you can likely find out about any nearby fairs in your local Facebook groups, on community bulletin boards or at the schools (most display a giant sign or banner with fair details).
Fun Family Events & Attractions in Toronto in June
Stranger Things Experience
Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio, 8 Unwin Ave., Toronto
Now open until early July
Take your family on a trip to the Hawkins Lab where you’ll find yourselves immersed into an interactive experience that will have you meeting your favourite Stranger Things characters as well as a few of the show’s creepier cast members. We know that some of these themed “experiences” can be a bit disappointing but this one is consistently receiving rave reviews from participants who love how engaging it is. The actual experience lasts around 45 minutes and ends at the ‘80s themed Mix-Tape, where you can hangout for as long as you want and take photos and enjoy food and drinks, including of course ice cream! Given the subject matter, which includes mature language and graphic imagery, kids under five are not allowed but if your school-aged kids are already watching and enjoying the show, they’ll be okay with this experience. Tickets start at around $49.
Splash Island at the Toronto Zoo
2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto
Now open until September
One of the Toronto Zoo’s best features, its Splash Island splash pad and wading pool, re-opened in late May and is now ready to cool off your family (at least on the weekends; it’s not open daily until July 1). It’s filled with colourful, animal-themed water features and a few small water slides. There’s even a limited number of chairs ringing the pool, for the comfort of us parents. Admission to Splash Island is included with your entrance fee to the zoo, which starts at around $20 for kids.
Kid’s Marketplace
Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., Toronto
Saturday June 3
Support budding young entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers at a special marketplace where all the sellers will be kids! Over 40 children will be selling everything from birdhouses to artwork to all kinds of yummy treats, including snow cones and cotton candy. There will also be live music, a silent auction from local businesses and “a relaxing adult lounge.” Entry to this event, which will be set up inside the rec centre as well as outside (weather permitting), is free but be sure to bring cash in case your family spots something you like.
NBS Block Party
National Ballet School, 400 Jarvis St., Toronto
Saturday June 3
Peek behind the curtains of one of the country’s premier dance schools at its annual summer open house. Featuring, “…a festival feel and family-friendly atmosphere…” this event will include a scavenger hunt through the school’s campus, a dance gear sale and of course live performances. Work up an appetite in one of the dance workshops and then check out the barbeque and patio bar. Admission to this event is free but RSVPing is encouraged.
Magic Mel Magic Show & BenTastic! Family Magic Show
Wychwood Theatre, Studio 176, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
Saturday and Sunday June 3 & 4
Two different magicians show off their tricks and talents at the Wychwood Theatre this June. At 10:30am and 2:30pm, BenTastic puts on, “an action-packed, interactive magic show” that will have your family laughing and maybe even participating (fair warning!). Then at 12:30pm and 4:30pm, it’s Magic Mel’s turn to entertain your family. She promises to take you all on, “…a journey to become ‘real magicians’ during this fast-paced magic show!” Each show runs around 50 minutes in length and has general admission seating, which goes for $25 a spot.
Voyage to the Deep: Underwater Adventures
Ontario Science Centre, 77 Don Mills Rd., Toronto
Exhibit opens Monday June 5
Take your family on a trip to the bottom of the sea aboard Captain Nemo’s fantastical Nautilus submarine at the Ontario Science Centre’s latest special exhibit. Inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, this show is filled with interactive learning opportunities. There’s also a giant, twisty slide! Admission starts at $13 (kids under three are free) but note that access to the Centre’s popular IMAX films is an additional fee.
Do West Fest
Dundas West St., between Shaw St. and Lansdowne Ave., Toronto
Friday June 9 – Sunday June 11
The festival formerly known as Dundas West Fest turns 10 this year and it has planned quite the party to celebrate. Some 16 blocks will be closed to traffic and filled with extended patios, vendors, and live performers. There’s also an entire area devoted to children’s activities. The festival is free to attend but make sure to bring your credit card and some cash so that you can indulge in some of the yummy food available.
The Nightingale of a Thousand Songs
Lyric Theatre, Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St., Toronto
Friday June 9 – Sunday June 11
Over 80 talented young opera singers backed by a professional chamber orchestra will bring this production, based on an Armenian folk tale, to life. It tells the tale of two child siblings who, “…embark on an adventure to find the nightingale of a thousand songs to bring back life and joy to their world.” The show, which lasts approximately 65 minutes without an intermission, will be best enjoyed by kids ages seven and up. Tickets start as low as $63.
Lakeshore Village Grilled Cheese Challenge Festival
Lake Shore Blvd. W. from Islington Ave. to Second St., Toronto
Saturday June 10
Your kid’s favourite food gets its very own festival in June! Multiple restaurants, caterers, and more face off to see who makes the best grilled cheese in the city and you get to taste the entrees. Once your family has filled up on grilled cheese (or one of the festival’s many other food items), check out this event’s additional attractions. There will be a classic car show, the Furlani Superdogs Show, the Monkey Movers bus, and even a beer garden. Entry to the festival is free but bring your cards because this event is packed with ways to spend money.
Wet N Wild Opens
7855 Finch Ave. W., Brampton
Saturday June 10
It’s time to get your waterslide on at Wet N Wild! The waterpark re-opens for its 2023 season on Saturday June 10. Over a dozen slides, plus the wave pool, are ready to thrill your family while the lazy river is waiting for when you want to take it easy. The park also features three different areas that are perfect for younger kids, including Bear Footin’ Bay, which is home to a giant tipping bucket! Tickets start at around $40.
Taste of Little Italy
College Street around Grace Street
Friday June 16 – Sunday June 18
One of Toronto’s biggest street festivals is back and ready to serve up a weekend filled with fun, shopping, and of course delicious food. Dozens of food vendors will line a pedestrianized College Street and while there will be a nice selection of Italian food for sale, expect to also find deliciousness from all over the world. Also expect to see (and hear) live music, street performers, a small selection of carnival games and rides and more. Entry to this event is free.
City of Toronto Outdoor Pools Open
Various locations
Pools start opening on Saturday June 17
Nothing quite says summer like a dip in an outdoor pool. The City of Toronto operates 58 pools across the city, some of which water slides, toddler-friendly shallow areas and more. The first 10 pools start opening on Saturday, June 17, on an evenings and weekends schedule, and by Friday, June 30, all of Toronto’s pools will be opened on their full schedule. City pools are free to access; just be sure to bring a lock!
Na-Me-Res Pow Wow & Indigenous Arts Festival
Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
Saturday June 17 & Sunday June 18
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month with a jam-packed weekend event. On the Saturday, the Na-Me-Res Annual Traditional Pow Wow takes to centre stage with drumming, dancing, and live music. Then on the Sunday, enjoy more Indigenous talent, including both traditional and contemporary performances. Both days will feature a wide selection of artisans and food sellers so while access to the festival is free, make sure to bring your cash and cards so that your family can take advantage of everything this event has to offer.
Family Pride
Church Street Junior Public School, 83 Alexander St., Toronto
Saturday June 24 & Sunday June 25
Pride’s family-focused celebrations return to the school grounds at Church Street Junior Public School for a weekend of inclusion, acceptance, and celebration. This space, aimed at kids ages 12 and under, will host face painters, magicians, puppet shows and story times, including one presented by the famous Fay and Fluffy. Access to all Family Pride programming is free and the fun runs from 10am until 5pm both days.
Tagged under: Toronto,June,guide to june,Savvy Guide to June,Toronto Guide to June,family events in toronto,events in toronto in june
Category: events,attractions,outdoor-play
