10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Toronto This Month
February might be the shortest month of the year but that doesn’t mean that it’s light on fun activities for you and your family. So bundle up, brave the cold and take in a few of the many events happening this month.
Winterlicious
OK, maybe this isn’t an outing for your toddlers. But school-aged kids, particularly those who are interested in cooking, might love this opportunity to have a grown-up meal out, especially since Winterlicious’ prix fixe menus always end with dessert. While most participating restaurants offer both lunch and dinner menus, we recommend heading out to lunch to save a few dollars and avoid stares from the kids-shouldn’t-be-in restaurant crowd. A few of the more kid-friendly options to check out include Brownstone Bistro, Hot House and Il Fornello King.
When: Until February 7
Where: Click here for a full listing of restaurants
The 7 Pop-up At Hudson’s Bay
Did you miss posing with your kids for the perfect Instagram shot at Happy Land? Or do you just want to escape for a few minutes into a world of fun, fantasy and colour? Then head over to the seventh floor of the Hudson Bay’s Queen St. location and check out The 7 pop-up experience. Consisting of eight rooms, each with a different theme, it’s a chance to snap pics of your kids alongside silvery balloons, bright backgrounds and even a dinosaur. It’s also completely free.
When: All of February; Monday-Friday, 10am-9:30pm; Saturday 9:30am-9:30pm; Sunday 10am-7pm
Where: Hudson’s Bay, 7th Floor, 176 Yonge St.
Skate On An Outdoor Rink
February may be your family’s last chance to skate in the snow at one of Toronto’s many outdoor skating rinks. While there are quite a few different rinks to choose from (including Nathan Phillips Square, the Bentway and Harbourfront Centre, we’re partial to the one at Ontario Place, which features music-fueled skating parties every Saturday. Rink admission is free while skate rentals are available on-site, as is food and drink.
When: All of February; Fridays, 5pm-11pm; Saturdays, 3pm-11pm; Sundays & Family Day, 3pm-10pm
Where: Ontario Place, West Gates, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Our Kids Camp Expo
Yes, it’s cold out there but that doesn’t mean that it’s too early to start thinking of summer and in particular, summer camps. Our Kids Camp Expo is an event that features dozens of different camps from across Ontario and Quebec, including day, overnight and year-round options, all in one convenient, action-packed spot. The expo also includes balloon animals, face painting, games and more, making this an afternoon outing that the whole family can enjoy.
When: February 9, noon-4pm
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest 2019
We warned you that some of these events would require bundling up! But Yorkville’s annual (and free) Icefest is worth all the layers you’ll need to wear to stay warm. Over 70,000 lbs of perfectly clear ice will be carved into gorgeous sculptures that represent this year’s theme, Hollywood North. Also on site are food vendors (including Tiny Tom Doughnuts) and a scavenger hunt.
When: February 9, noon-8pm; February 10, noon-5pm
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, Cumberland St. & Bellair St.
Valentine’s Day Card Workshop
One part history lesson, one part art class, this event lets your kids create personalized Valentine’s Day to share with loved ones while learning all about February 14. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids and includes refreshments. After you’ve made your cards, check out this historic site or go for a walk in one of Toronto’s largest park systems.
When: February 10, 1pm-3pm
Where: Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, 67 Pottery Road
National Hippo Day Celebration
Last year the Toronto Zoo welcomed baby Penelope to its Pygmy hippo family. Now you and your family can celebrate Penelope’s first National Hippo Day with her. Special hippo enrichment activities will be held along with family-friendly activities and meet-the-keeper chats. Access to all of these hippo-themed activities are included with your admission to the zoo.
When: February 16-18, 10am-3pm
Where: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Rd
Toronto Light Festival
View this post on Instagram
One of the city’s most charming corners is now even prettier thanks to the Toronto Light Festival. Back for another year, this brilliant event features over a dozen gorgeous light sculptures and displays. There’s also live music and free samples, including some of the alcoholic variety for the parents. Entry to the festival is free.
When: Until March 3, Saturdays and Sunday from 2pm-5pm
Where: The Distillery District
Excelsior – A Stan Lee Tribute
If you have a superhero fan in your house, you’ll want to don your cape (costumes are encouraged!) and head over to the Science Centre for a special party in honour of Stan Lee, the man behind such pop culture icons as Spiderman and Iron Man. This all-ages event will feature music, an artist alley and meet and greet with Marvel characters. Tickets are $12 each with kids four and under free.
When: February 16-17, 10am-5pm
Where: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road
Fay & Fluffy’s Family Fun Cabaret
Beloved drag storytellers Fay Slift and Fluffy Soufflé are hosting their very own, family-friendly cabaret. There will be music, dancing and lots of audience participation. And yes, of course, there will be books. Kids are free but adults tickets $10 each.
When: February 23 at 2 pm
Where: Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St
Know of a great, family-friendly event happening in or around Toronto? Then let us know!
