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Maybe you’ve been busy making your own home movies (of the kids, we mean), but even domestic documentarians need a day off for the Toronto International Film Festival, rolling into town this week. 

Before you dust off those stilettos and overpay a sitter, TIFF and other destinations around town offer family-friendly flicks and events for almost everyone to celebrate cinema in our city, no matter their age.

An animated monster tale, a flying piano escapade, a documentary following young ballerinas and a supernatural story from Japan round out the films at TIFF that will captivate older kids. Recommended for ages 7 and up (and in some cases 11 and up), these screenings allow kids to experience the real festival, from their first step on the carpet to closing credits.

Both the Ontario Science Centre, and Ontario Place Imax Theatres are showing films intended for the whole family, and some even have a celebrity connection if you’re missing a bit of excitement this year.

Under the Sea, an entertaining and fascinating look at our H2O friends narrated by Jim Carrey and Tornado Alley are showing into October at the Ontario Science Centre. Bugs!, narrated by Dame Judi Dench and Hubble, narrated by Leonardo Dicaprio are showing at Ontario Place’s Cinesphere. These real-life-reels offer more exciting, age-appropriate drama than anything you’ll see on regular children’s television.

Homebound Hollywood-types can still get in on the action—in fact they can even be in charge of it. Kerpoof.com is a relatively simple, online movie-making program which allows kids to make their own online movies with sounds, characters, scenes, text and more, and email them afterwards. Note that parental assistance is recommended for kids under 7, and while Kerpoof is free, for more advanced filmmaking, small fees are required.

If you haven’t taken advantage of theatres that bring babies and big screens together, it’s time to act on that plan. Movies for Mommies or Stars & Strollers are available in theatres across the city and offer a baby-friendly environment, including dimmed lighting and lower volume.

These days, your idea of movie magic might be staying awake for one. Rediscover your love of film and bring the family along as our city celebrates all things cinema. Tested by Alison R., Toronto

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