Top Things to do on Family Day in Toronto

Family Day serves as a much-needed respite in the midst of the winter season, offering families across the country a cherished opportunity to come together and enjoy quality time. With a myriad of activities and events tailored for all ages and interests, deciding how to spend this special day can be a delightful challenge. From outdoor adventures like skating and tobogganing to indoor attractions such as museums, theaters, and family-friendly festivals, the possibilities are endless. Whether bonding over shared experiences, exploring new hobbies, or simply relaxing in each other’s company, Family Day presents a wealth of options for creating lasting memories and strengthening familial bonds. With so many enticing opportunities awaiting, the hardest part is often choosing which activities to prioritize amidst the abundance of offerings.

Toronto Zoo

Curious about what attractions are available this family day long weekend? Head over to the Toronto Zoo and immerse yourself in the wonders it has to offer. Explore our extensive 10km of walking trails, five lush tropical pavilions, and enjoy a spin on the carousel, along with the newly updated Greenhouse!

Toronto Zoo is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, including Family Day, so drop by this weekend to greet your favourite animal families at the zoo! While you’re here, enhance your experience with a special meet & greet with Blue’s Clues or delve deeper into the wild with a behind-the-scenes Wild Encounter tour.

TSO performs the music of John Williams

Experience the soaring melodies of John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra brings the timeless soundtrack of Superman to life on screen during its 45th-anniversary celebration. This iconic 1978 film launched Christopher Reeve to stardom, alongside Hollywood legends Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Ned Beatty, and Glenn Ford, alongside Margot Kidder, marking the first cinematic portrayal of a comic book superhero.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 15 to 17, 2024
• Location: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
• Ticket Prices: $60.00 – $147.00

Astronomy Domes – Ontario Science Centre

Celebrate Family Day weekend with a thrilling adventure into the world of science! Immerse yourself in captivating dome experiences inspired by the wonders of the planetarium. Embark on a journey through ancient caves and beyond. Discover the power of making a difference with our latest exhibition, “Our Climate Quest,” and engage in daily programs such as “Compost Critters” and “Material World” to delve deeper into climate action. Additionally, explore the mysteries of space science at our Astronomy Hub!

Event Details:

• Dates: February 16-19, 2024
• Location: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd, North York
• Admission: Regular Admission

Central Ontario Railway – Model Railroad Club of Toronto

Drawing inspiration from the Central Ontario Railway, this model railway intricately captures the essence of Central Ontario, highlighting its industries and natural landscapes. Experience the charm of winter as you witness trains traversing cities, towns, and picturesque countryside, weaving through tunnels and crossing bridges above. Immerse yourself in the art of model railroading, ranging from traditional homemade methods to cutting-edge 3D printing techniques.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 18 to 25, 2024
• Location: Model Railroad Club of Toronto, 11 Curity Avenue, Toronto
• Admission: $10-$15

The ROM

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) welcomes families to join us in celebrating Family Day weekend at the museum. Escape the winter chill and immerse yourselves in our exhibitions and special weekend activities throughout the entire weekend! To mark Family Day on Monday, February 19, the entire museum, including all exhibitions, will be open to the public free of charge.

Event Details:

• Dates: Saturday, February 17 to Monday, February 19, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Location: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
• Admission: Regular Admission; Free on Monday

Retro Arcade

Every day, the arcade awaits, offering visitors a chance to revisit beloved classics or explore gems from the 1980s and 1990s. This year, the Retro Arcade boasts an expanded collection, featuring a plethora of games including timeless favorites like Skee-Ball, Dance Dance Revolution, and even multiplayer Mario Kart, ensuring entertainment for all.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 16 to March 17, 2024
• Location: Hotel X – Kandy Gallery, 111 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
• Admission: $18.80 – $60.68

High Tea at Casa Loma

Celebrate the Family Day long weekend by stepping back in time to the refined charm of the Edwardian era with afternoon tea at Toronto’s iconic Casa Loma castle. Delight in an elevated experience where guests can indulge in a variety of premium teas, accompanied by scones, gourmet pastries, and delectable tea sandwiches, all within the majestic ambiance of the castle.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 17 to 19, 2024
• Location: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
• Cost: $75 Per Person

The American Hockey League presents exciting matchups on February 17th and 19th, 2024

• Saturday, February 17, 2024:
  • Toronto vs. Hershey Bears
  • Time: 4:00 PM
  • Location: Coca-Cola Coliseum, 45 Manitoba Drive, Toronto
• Monday, February 19, 2024:
  • Toronto vs. Rochester Americans
  • Time: 2:00 PM
  • Location: Scotiabank Arena, 50 Bay Street, Toronto

Tickets range from $10 to $64 plus applicable fees.

Medieval Times

Experience a thrilling two-hour spectacle paired with a delectable four-course meal as you immerse yourself in the grandeur of our authentic medieval tournament. Marvel at the pageantry, majestic horses, and exhilarating jousting, all while being swept away by the heart-pounding action. The Queen eagerly awaits your attendance at the Castle! Showtimes are available on our website. Special dietary needs such as vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, February 19, 2024
• Times: 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM
• Regular Shows: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
• Location: Medieval Times: Dinner & Tournament, 10 Dufferin St., Toronto
• Price Range: $49.95 to $71.95

Canadian International AutoShow

Get ready for a Barbie-inspired sensation at the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow! Experience the excitement as a life-sized replica of the iconic pink 1957 Chevy Corvette, famously styled for Barbie and featured in the blockbuster Barbie film, makes its debut at the AutoShow for the first time ever. Additionally, both the LEGO Group and Mattel are set to return to the 2024 AutoShow, offering new and engaging features suitable for all ages.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 16 — 25, 2024
• Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W, Toronto
• Ticket Prices: $7.50 – $26

Aladdin

Embark on an enchanting journey with Disney’s Aladdin, the sensational Broadway musical that promises to transport you to a whole new world. Produced by the masterminds behind The Lion King, this timeless tale of Aladdin is brought to life in a thrilling new production, brimming with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle. Prepare for an extraordinary theatrical experience where one lamp and three wishes unlock infinite possibilities.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 15 to March 17, 2024
• Location: Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West, Toronto
• Ticket Prices: $49.00 – $199.00

The Hockey Hall of Fame

Try your hand at goaltending, shooting, play-by-play calling, and even hosting your own sports broadcast. High five and snap a photo with our mascot Slapshot. Revel in the world’s greatest collection of hockey artifacts and best of all, get a family portrait with the coveted Stanley Cup!

Monday, February 19, 2024

Hockey Hall of Fame, 30 Yonge St., Toronto

Kids Free

Canadian Automotive Museum

Celebrate Family Day 2024 with a day packed full of exciting activities for kids, including the chance to meet Lightning McQueen! Each child will receive a brand-new activity book (suitable for ages 6 and up) that delves into the latest exhibit, “Exit the Horse: The Early Years of Canadian Motoring.” Throughout the gallery, various activity tables will be available, featuring balloon creations by Balloons with a Twist (suitable for all ages, from 10am to 3pm), as well as a toy train craft hosted by Metrolinx (recommended for ages 3 and up). Admission grants access to all activities.

Event Details:

• Date: February 19, 2024
• Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Location: Canadian Automotive Museum, 99 Simcoe St. South, Oshawa
• Admission: Regular Admission

Endless Entertainment

Experience an action-packed extravaganza featuring three days of endless entertainment with a dazzling array of over thirty themed inflatables, jumping castles, interactive games, exhilarating slides, challenging obstacle courses, and so much more! Prepare for an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, play, and cherished memories as live stage shows, pony rides, carnival games, exciting prizes, delectable food, and delightful surprises await you at every turn!

Event Details:

• Dates: February 17 to 19, 2024
• Location: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
• Admission: $15 to $25

Maple Syrup

Indulge in our Maple Syrup Experience, which grants you admission to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario. Delight in unlimited servings of pancakes paired with a side of bacon and sausage, all drizzled with our award-winning Ontario pure maple syrup. Take a stroll along our sugar shack trail to witness the maple syrup-making process firsthand at our maple sugar shack, where you can savor maple taffy over snow, alongside samplings of maple sugar, sap, and syrup.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 17 – April 7, 2024
• Location: Elliott Tree Farm, 9467 Erin East Garafraxa Townline, Hillsburgh
• Admission: Free-$36.50

Free Family Day fun at reopening of Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, Mississauga

Join in on the fun at a free community event in celebration of the re-opening of Burnhamthorpe Community Centre on Monday, February 19, 2024. The celebration will include an opening ceremony with Acting Mayor Joe Horneck, Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca and Members of Council, tours of the facility, entertainment, activities throughout the day and free treats.

Event Details

Date: Monday, February 19, 2024

11 a.m. – Free programming, entertainment, complimentary food trucks and activities begin
12:30 p.m. – Ceremony with Acting Mayor Joe Horneck, Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca, Members of Council, dignitaries and special guests
1 p.m. – Live entertainment, food trucks and free programming continues
4 p.m. – Event concludes

Location: Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, Mississauga, 1500 Gulleden Dr., Mississauga

Into The Magic

“Into The Magic” invites families to embark on an epic high-sea voyage alongside Moana as she courageously sets sail on a life-altering journey to save her island, aided by the mighty demigod Maui. With the ice floor transformed into a sprawling oceanic landscape, Disney On Ice brings Moana’s resilience and determination to the forefront, offering an immersive experience where her remarkable qualities shine. This captivating atmosphere not only strengthens the bond between audiences and their beloved Wayfinder, Moana but also emphasizes the timeless message that one’s true identity is always within reach.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 15 to 18, 2024
• Location: Tribute Communities Centre – 99 Athol Street East, Oshawa
• Ticket Prices: $30.00 – $125.00

Illuminarium – James Webb

An out-of-this-world immersive experience, taking visitors on an extraordinary journey across the galaxy. The exhibition will include interactive and visually-stunning imagery from the James Webb Telescope through the lens of Illuminarium’s high-tech animation systems and 360-degree fully immersive screens.

Various Dates

Illuminarium at The Distillery District, 28 Distillery Lane, Toronto

$33.50 to $38.50

As Family Day draws to a close, there’s a bittersweet feeling of gratitude for the precious moments shared with loved ones, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Reflecting on the joy and laughter experienced together, there’s a longing for time to stand still, freezing these cherished memories in an eternal embrace. In these fleeting moments, there’s a wish for the innocence of childhood to endure, for loved ones to remain forever young and adorable. It’s a dream of a perfect world, where the bonds forged on Family Day never fade, and life unfolds in an eternal embrace of love and togetherness. Though reality may beckon with its demands, the memories created on this special day serve as a timeless reminder of the beauty found in the simple moments spent with family.

by Myles Shane

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