10 Fun & Exciting Things To Do In Toronto For The Family Day Long Weekend
There's so much going on!
A UFO light installation. Right: A tired high tea platter of pastries.
Who's ready for a long weekend? Family Day is coming up on February 19 and there are so many things to do in Toronto.
From outdoor events to sugary festivals and special attractions, you can fill you three days with endless fun. Whether you're exploring the Royal Ontario Museum or sipping tea at Casa Loma, the city has something for everyone.
Some events require tickets in advance, so it's time to plan those outings.
If you're looking for some inspiration for Family Day Weekend, here are 10 events happening in the city that you can enjoy.
Take a trip to Enchanted Lights
Price: Free
When: February 10 to March 10, 2024
Address: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This winter-themed light show will illuminate your long weekend. The event, which runs daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., features a "dazzling showcase of lights" as well as food, entertainment, dessert vendors and more on select days.
You can cozy up at the fireside lounge, sip hot chocolate, bite into donuts and more.
Travel back in time
Price: $18 per adult
When: February 17 and 18, 2024
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Get ready for a "frosty frolic" through Black Creek Pioneer Village. The historic landmark will transport you back in time during the Snowy Days at the Village event and you can learn all about candle making, food preservation and more.
Other activities include parlour games, dancing, and crafts.
Black Creek Village website
Have a blast at Retro Arcade
Price: $18.80 per person
When: February 16 to March 17, 2024
Address: 111 Princes' Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can party like it's 1980 at Hotel X's Retro Arcade Pop-up. The event has tons of games from the '80s and '90s like Skee-Ball, Dance Dance Revolution and multi-player Mario Kart.
There will even be retro movies playing during the weekends and retro-themed DJ Nights with snacks on Friday evenings.
Explore the AGO
Price: $30 per adult
When: February 17 to 19, 2024
Address: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can "immerse yourself in a colourful blend of art, culture, and history—and create lasting memories together" at the AGO this long weekend.
The art gallery will be offering a range of activities including a food market, art carts, dancing, tours and storytelling. You can also spend your time strolling through the exhibits and admiring the works of art.
Have a chill time at The Bentway
Price: Free
When: February 19, 2024 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: The Bentway, Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Bentway is having a Family Day extravaganza and you can enjoy a "fun-filled afternoon of skating, crafts, music, refreshments, and more!"
From gliding around the figure-eight ice rink to shopping at the Winter Market, indulging in dairy-forward treats and goodies and chilling out at the Dairy Chill Après Skate Village, there are endless things to enjoy over the long weekend.
The Bentway website
Visit the Toronto Zoo
Price: $23 + per adult
When: February 17 to 19, 2024
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Toronto Zoo is hosting some fun Family Day activities and there's so much to enjoy. Kids can head to the Blue's Clues meet and greet and the whole family can enjoy a walk through the Orchid Oasis in the newly-updated Greenhouse.
Toronto Zoo website
Sip high tea at Casa Loma
Price: $75 per person
When: February 17 to 19, 2024
Address: 1 Austin Terr., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a trip back to the Edwardian Era this Family Day Weekend. Casa Loma is hosting an elegant High Tea at the Castle and it will have you feeling like royalty.
The experience includes a "selection of premium teas, scones, gourmet pastries and tea sandwiches in the majestic ambiance of the castle."
Guests will have access to the rest of the castle as part of their reservation, so you can easily make an afternoon out of this event.
Indulge in everything sweet
Price: Free admission
When: February 9 to 19, 2024
Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling all dessert-lovers! Stackt Market is hosting a Sweet City Fest and you'll be transported to Candy Land.
The event has shopping deals, themed vendor markets and workshops, live music nights, food and drinks and more to enjoy.
This weekend, you can explore the vendor market, indulge in treats at the Sweet City Food Truck Fest, build your own hot chocolate, indulge in Lindt s'mores kits and listen to live music.
Stackt website
Spend a day at the ROM
Price: Free on February 19
When: February 17 to 19, 2024
Address: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Royal Ontario Museum is offering free admission on February 19 and there's so much going on.
There are a number of kids' activities taking place such as a dinosaur meet and greet, chemistry experiments and singing and dancing.
You'll also be able to take two self-guided tours of the ROM, explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 exhibit and try dinosaur-themed menu items at Druxy's ROM Café.
ROM website
Roast marshmallows in a winter wonderland
Price: Free admission
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until March 31, 2024
Address: Trinity Square, The Distillery District
Why You Need To Go: You can have the ultimate winter experience at the Distillery District's Après Ski event. Complete with crackling fire pits, Muskoka chairs and complimentary blankets, you'll feel like you just got off the slopes.
No Après Ski event is complete without something sweet and you can toast s'mores over the open fire.
You can also enjoy warm or cold drinks such as hot chocolate, mulled wine and beer with all day Happy Hour specials on Fridays. There is comfort food available from The Distillery food truck and you can snap some vintage après ski photos during your visit.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.