Kid-Friendly Events Happening in Toronto in June
Welcome to summer 2024! So what’s on your family’s to-do list? Maybe checking out some street festivals? Or what about spending some quality time down at the lake? And of course, we’re sure your kids would enjoy some pool time. All those experiences and more are listed below in our events roundup for Toronto in June. It’s a busy month with so much going on, including the end of the school year. So why not celebrate that milestone with a fun outing that also crosses an item off your summer to-do list? We hope everyone has a great summer season!
Fun Family Events & Activities in Toronto in June
Kid 2 Kid Kid’s Marketplace
Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., Toronto
Saturday June 1
Nearly four dozen budding young entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers ages four through 12 will be on hand at this unique market selling everything from jewelry to baked goods to birdhouses. This event, which is also a fundraiser for the Red Door Family Shelter, also features a silent auction, live music, and a barbeque hosted by the always delicious Fearless Meat. The sale runs from 11:30 am to 2 pm. Entry to this event is free but make sure to bring cash as we’re sure you’ll see something you (or your kids like).
NBS Block Party
National Ballet School, 400 Jarvis St., Toronto
Saturday June 1
Touted as “Toronto’s premier community event celebrating diverse dance forms,” this open house lets you explore the National Ballet School while appreciating its talented young dancers. Expect to see pop-up performances, games and even refreshments. Oh, and there will also be workshops and dance experiences that you can even participate in. Admission to this event is free but RSVPing is encouraged.
Harbourfront Centre Block Party
Stage in the Park, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
Saturday June 1
Happy birthday Harbourfront Centre! This beloved slice of Toronto turns 50 this year and to celebrate, it’s throwing a free, family-friendly block party. The fun starts at 5:15 pm with Good Enough Live Karaoke; get the whole family on stage and belt out your favourite song. That’s followed by a line dancing class and then a performance by local alt-country band Elliott Brood. The block party (really more of a stage and surround area party) is free to attend.
Mini Pop Kids Live!
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
Saturday June 1
The brand-new Good Vibes tour features the talented voices of the Mini Pops covering hits by artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Olivia Rodrigo, and Harry Styles, along side some older favourites that we’re told parents in particular will love. The whole show is super kid-friendly; dancing in your seat is encouraged! Two performances are scheduled, the first at 1:00 pm and then a later one at 5:30 pm. Tickets start at around $25.
The Hazel McCallion Walk for Health
Port Credit Memorial Park, Mississauga
Sunday June 2, 10am
Beginning and ending at Port Credit Memorial Park, the Hazel McCallion Walk for Health fundraiser has something for everyone! Choose either a leisurely 2 km stroll that’s perfect for families with young children or the scenic 5 km route along the waterfront trail. After your walk, enjoy inflatable bouncers, balloon animals, a colouring contest, music, and more!
All money raised goes towards building Canada’s largest hospital, the future home of The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital, which will be a best-in-class facility with over 950 beds, more surgical capacity, and one of the largest emergency departments in Ontario. Get there early for a free conntinental breakfast courtesy of the Longo Family Foundation
Waterfront Wednesdays
The Waterfront
Wednesday Evenings from now until June 26
Treat your family to a mid-week break with a trip down to the lake. All through June, the Waterfront BIA is sponsoring a series of discounted and even free experiences. Hop on board a pirate ship or, if your kids are a little older, the escape game boat cruise for free; try Ice Creamonology’s exclusive blueberry cheesecake ice bar or take advantage of one of the many restaurant deals. And if you’re looking for some kids-free fun, consider taking advantage of 25 per cent off day passes to Radisson Blu Downtown’s lakeview pool lounge. It’s a great way to spend a little “me” time.
Luminato
Various Locations
Various dates in June
This year’s annual celebration of arts and culture features several pieces of family-friendly programming. Watch a performance of the 360ALLSTARS, an urban circus trope that will be taking to the stage Saturday and Sunday June 15 and 16 at the Young People’s Theatre or explore music venue Lula Lounge’s takeover of David Pecaut Square on Saturday June 15 (participate in the community parade). And all through June your family can view Evanescent, a collection of giant bubbles that “…appeals to our universal playfulness and childlike wonder.” Find it from Friday June 7 – Sunday June 16 at David Pecaut Square and Arnell Plaza in the Bay Adelaide Centre and then from Tuesday June 18 – Sunday July 30 at Arnell Plaza, Bay Adelaide Centre; Brookfield Place, and First Canadian Place.
Do West Fest
Dundas West St., between Shaw St. and Lansdowne Ave., Toronto
Friday June 7 – Sunday June 9
Around 16 blocks of Dundas West will be turned over to pedestrians, patios, and a ton of fun for Do West Fest (formally known as Dundas West Fest). There will be a kids’ zone, lots of live performances including one impressively large stage, and plenty of shopping opportunities from Dundas West shops and local artisans. And make sure to come hungry because there will be so much food available.
Lakeshore Village Grilled Cheese Challenge Festival
Lake Shore Blvd. W. from Islington Ave. to Second St., Toronto
Saturday June 8
Multiple restaurants, caterers, and more face off to see who makes the best grilled cheese in Toronto and best of all, you get to taste the entrees. And while grilled cheese is the star of this event, there will be plenty of other food options available, including a beer and cheese tasting experience for the adults. Once your family has filled their bellies, check out this event’s additional attractions. There will be a family fun zone, dance performances, live music including an ’80s cover band, and tons more. Entry to the festival is free but those grilled cheese samples will cost you.
Wet’N’Wild Opens
7855 Finch Ave. W., Brampton
Saturday June 8
One of the GTA’s biggest water parks officially opens on Saturday, June 8. With over a dozen slides, a wave pool featuring a half-million gallons of water and another pool where your family can just play or chill, Wet’N’Wild is a fantastic way to spend a hot summer day. Oh, and let’s not forget Muskoka Soakah, the park’s lazy river and a ride that’s perfect for most family members. Have little ones? Then you’ll want to hang out at Bear Footin’ Bay and Wet’N’Wild Jr., two areas of the park that are just for the younger set. Tickets for those under 48 inches, or 60 or older, are around $40 while tickets for taller guests who are under 60 are around $55 if bought in advance. There’s also a season pass that makes sense if you plan on visiting the park at least twice.
Cirque Italia’s Water Circus
1250 South Service Rd. Mississauga
Thursday June 13 – Sunday June 16
You’re invited to “dive into the magical world of cirque,” which will be setting up its big top in the Dixie Outlet Mall parking lot. This animal-free experience features acrobats, jugglers, trapeze artists, and more, all ready to wow your family. And yes, as the names suggests, water will be incorporated into the show, to provide a performance that your family is sure to remember for years to come. The shows run for around two hours, with an intermission, and performances take place at 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm, depending on the date. Tickets start at $35 a seat.
Taste of Little Italy
College Street around Grace Street
Friday June 14 – Sunday June 16
One of Toronto’s tastiest street festivals is ready to fill your hungry family’s bellies with everything from Italian to Thai to baked goods and more. But while the food might be the star here, there’s plenty else to do including lots of live entertainment, vendors and a kids’ zone that traditionally has featured carnival-style rides and games.
City of Toronto Outdoor Pools Open
Various Locations
Pools start opening on Saturday June 15
It’s happening: Toronto’s outdoor pools are opening this month! Ten outdoor pools are scheduled to open on June 15 on what the City of Toronto calls a “partial schedule,” meaning evenings and weekends. Those pools include the Kiwanis Outdoor Pool (375 Cedarvale Ave.) and Alex Duff Memorial Pool (779 Crawford St.), both of which feature water slides, and Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool (1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.), which comes with a great view of the lake. The rest of the City’s outdoor pools will open on June 22 on a partial schedule. Leisure swims at all City-run pools is free to access; just make sure to bring a lock for the lockers.
Na-Me-Res Pow Wow & Indigenous Arts Festival
Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
Saturday June 15 & Sunday June 16
Did you know that June is National Indigenous Peoples Month? Celebrate it at this “annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, theatre, storytelling, film, crafts, and culinary experiences.” The Na-Me-Res Annual Traditional Pow Wow is centre stage on the Saturday, with its stunning Grand Entry taking place at noon. The Pow Wow runs all afternoon long, alongside “craft and food vendors that reflect the richness and unique offerings of Indigenous culture.” Then on the Sunday, enjoy more Indigenous talent, including both traditional and contemporary performances as well as more food. Entry to the festival is free but make sure to bring cash and cards so that your family can take advantage of the many vendors who will be on-site.
Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play
Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St., Toronto
Saturday June 15 – Sunday July 7; weekends only
Mo Williams’ “best time ever pals” take to the stage in this cute production that’s suitable for kids ages four and up. There’s music, dancing, and some important lessons about friendship. Performances take place at noon and 3:00 pm and run for around 55 minutes in length, with no intermission. Note that this show does have assigned seating by row and area, and that seating starts at $30 a ticket.
Fairbanks Summerfest
Starts just west of Dufferin on Eglinton Ave. W.
Friday June 21 – Sunday June 23
Does your family love to rock out? Then this street festival is for you! Two hit bands from the ’80—A Flock of Seagulls and Trooper—will take to the stage on Friday and Saturday night, respectfully. Then on Sunday, Latin music takes over the sound system. There are also free carnival rides for the kids, a Super Dog show, and lots and lots of food. Entry to the festival is
free.
Family Pride
Church Street Junior Public School, 83 Alexander St., Toronto
Saturday June 29 & Sunday June 30
Celebrate 2SLGBTQI+ parents, caregivers, and children inside a special space dedicated to children 12 and younger. This little oasis of calm (at least compared to the rest of the nearby Pride activities) will host face painters, magicians, puppet shows and story times. A full itinerary will be shared closer to the end of June. Access to all Family Pride programming is free and the fun runs from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm both days.
