Family Day 2013 activities around Toronto and GTA

Monday is Family Day, a provincial statutory holiday, and 680News has put together a list of fun things to do with the kids.

From skating to swimming to the Toronto Zoo, there are plenty of ways to stay active and keep you and your kids engaged.

Skating/shinny hockey

Toronto

Strap on your skates and spend the day at one of the city’s rinks for a pleasure skate or some pickup hockey. Helmets are mandatory for kids under the age of six.

Click here for more information on skating and click here for information on where you can play shinny hockey.

Mississauga

A day of family fun on the ice starts runs between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Mississauga’s Celebration Square. There will be food and skate rentals available. Click here for more information.

Markham

The city will have Family Day skating at various community centres. Click here for more information.

Vaughan

Some community centres are hosting free family skating events. Click here for a list.

Whitby

The town of Whitby is hosting a free family skating event at the Des Newman Arena between 10 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. and at the Luther Vipond Memorial Arena between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Click here for more information.

Skiing and snowboarding

Facilities at Centennial and Earl Bales parks will be open on Monday and are offering deals on rentals, lessons and lift ticket packages. Beginners over the age of eight can get a two-hour skiing or snowboarding lesson, lift pass and equipment rental for $44.

It’s a good idea to book the package in advance. Click here for more details.

Swimming

Toronto

If playing in the snow isn’t your cup of tea, your family can make a splash at one of the city’s 10 indoor pools between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. A family pass costs $5.50.

Click here for more information.

Other cities are also hosting family swimming at community centres. Click on the links for information on Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Whitby and Richmond Hill.

Farms & zoos

Toronto Zoo

The zoo will be open and you can visit some animal families, including Western lowland gorillas, orangutans, Komodo dragons and wombats.

The Family Day fun runs between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 2000 Meadowvale Rd.

Click here for more information.

Riverdale Farm

Riverdale Farm will be open on the holiday and kids can check out various animals, play indoor games and make crafts with the Cabbagetown Quilters Guild. The activities run between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and the farm is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

201 Winchester St.

Click here for more information.

High Park Zoo

The zoo is open between 7 a.m. and dusk.

ROM

The Royal Ontario Museum is highlighting Carnival celebrations from around the world over the long weekend with storytelling, art workshops and music. Bloor Street West and Avenue Road.

Click here for more information.

AGO

The Art Gallery of Ontario is featuring an “Art Explosion” of fun on Monday which includes an all-day dance party. The gallery is offering a discounted family pass for $39. The fun runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 317 Dundas St. W.

Click here for more information.

CN Tower

Be a tourist in your own city. Toronto’s iconic structure is offering discounted rates for the long weekend, with a family pass going for $99. The pass includes admission to the lookout level and entry to the glass floor.

Click here for more information.

Ontario Science Centre

The attraction will have plenty of fun shows to offer on the holiday Monday, including live animal exhibits, a papermaking demonstration, IMAX films and more. The centre is open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. General admission is $22 for adults, $16 for youth and $13 for kids between the ages of four and 12. 770 Don Mills Rd.

Click here for more information.

Kids-Fest (Mississauga & Hamilton)

Kids love bouncy castles so why not take them to a festival dedicated to indoor inflatable playgrounds?

The events run Saturday through to Monday and will also feature entertainment and face painting.

Tickets are $25 for kids and $8 for adults.

The Mississauga festival happens at the International Centre on Airport Road and the Hamilton event happens at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on Airport Road.

Click here for more information.

Family Fun Fest

A massive party is happening at Downsview park featuring an indoor amusement park with more than 20 rides, arcade and carnival games, live entertainment and, of course, bouncy castles.

The event runs Saturday through to Monday.

Tickets are $25 for kids ($23 online) and $8 for adults.

35 Carl Hall Rd.

Click here for more information.

Family Day Sunday in the Beach

Spend the afternoon in one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods. There will be a petting zoo, rides on a vintage trolley, ice sculpting and live entertainment. The action will be centred around Kew Gardens at Queen Street East and Lee Avenue on Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. Free.

Click here for more information.

Learn about owls at Todmorden Mills

Kids can learn more about owls at a Family Day event at the historic Todmorden Mills. Youngsters will get to make their own owl-themed crafts.  Adult admission is $5.31, seniors and students $3 and kids $2. 67 Pottery Rd.

Click here for more information.

Woofjocks at the Waterfront

Animal trainers and their furry friends will put on shows and there will be pet-themed face painting, arts and crafts and a magic show at the Pawsway at 245 Queens Quay W. Free. The fun starts at 11 a.m.

Click here for more information.

The Hockey Hall of Fame

Kids 13 and under get into the hall of fame for free on Family Day with the purchase of one adult admission ($17.50). There will be games, a replica NHL dressing room, statues, a 3D movie and, of course, the memorabilia. 30 Yonge St.

Click here for more information.

TIFF Bell Lightbox Family Day films & fun

The hot spot for film in Toronto is offering up a wide range of family-friendly films, live magic shows, a green screen workshop and button-making. All activities are free. The fun starts at 10 a.m. 350 King St. W.

Click here for more information.

Teddy bear tea time at Casa Loma

Enjoy a freshly-baked scone and some tea or hot chocolate following a reading of Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Casa Loma. Kids will get to decorate their own bear-shaped cookies. Pre-registration is required. Call 647-725-1826. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Adults $23, children $17.50. 1 Austin Terrace.

Click here for more information.

Family Day Fun Fest – Mississauga

Active Bodies Active Minds indoor playground is hosting a day of fun on Monday, including an interactive playground and exhibits. There will also be yoga instruction, crafts and demonstrations on how to learn a new language through play. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $10. 1567 Sedlescomb Dr.

Click here for more information.

Art fun at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery – Oshawa

Spend Family Day by helping your children foster their creativity. Oshawa’s Robert McLaughlin Gallery is offering hands-on art activities, games and art-themed movies for kids. Admission is a pay-what-you-can donation ($5 suggested). Noon to 4 p.m.

Click here for more information.

Ice fishing

Spend the holiday outside of the city and enjoy the great outdoors. Ontarians can enjoy some ice fishing without a licence over the Family Day long weekend.

Click here for more information.

Drumming workshop

Pots and pans are the predictable choice for aspiring kid drummers, but a workshop at the Gardiner Museum encourages children to use other household objects to make music.

A Found Percussion workshop on Monday between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. will be fun for the whole family.

Free with the price of admission.

111 Queen’s Park.

Click here for more information.

 

 

 

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today