Fall Family Fun in Toronto in September

The Savvy Guide to September in Toronto - SavvyMom

Another summer might be in the books but thanks to September’s often beautiful weather, this month is packed with opportunities to make amazing memories with our kids. Toronto in September 2023 has a lot going on, so we’ve rounded up lots of family-friendly activities that we think are worthy of your time and money.

This month is also hosting a ton of food-focused events, if your family enjoys a good food festival. Events include the Hot and Spicy festival at Harbourfront Centre from Friday September 1 – Monday September 4, the Taste of the Kingsway in Etobicoke from Friday September 8 – Sunday September 10, and the brand new Taste of North York at Mel Lastman Square, also from Friday September 8 – Sunday September 10.

And a heads-up that registration for the City of Toronto’s Parks and Recreation fall programming takes place September 12 or 13, depending on where in Toronto you live. May the odds be ever in your favour 🙂

Fall Family Fun in Toronto in September

Illuminarium

Now Open
28 Distillery Ln., Toronto

Described as “groundbreaking immersive storytelling,” the Illuminarium promises to be a magical space featuring “cutting edge visual, audio and projection technology.” It’s launching with two distinct shows, both of which are child-friendly. Waking Wonderland: An Immersive Journey is based on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland and features “surreal worlds and colorful characters” while Space: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond will have your family, “Flying through a technicolor nebula, kicking up dust on the moon, seeing Saturn’s rings up close, and weaving through an asteroid belt.” Tickets start at $30 per person.

Toronto Dragon Festival

Friday September 1 – Sunday September 3
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W., Toronto

Dazzling and elegant lion and dragon dances will take over downtown at this annual that celebrates Chinese culture. New this year will be an exciting water show that will take place on Nathan Phillips Square reflecting pool. There will also be demonstrations from Kung Fu masters, acrobats, dancers and more. Between shows, enjoy some of the festival’s delicious food

BuskerFest & Bark in the Park

Friday September 1 – Monday September 4
Woodbine Park; 1695 Queen St. E., Toronto

Enjoy two festivals in one terrific location! The annual BuskerFest features a wild and colourful collection of circus acts, daredevils and performance artists who are sure to wow your family members with their talents and skills. There will also be some great food options. New this year is the addition of Bark in the Park. Set up in its own designed area, this festival-within-a-festival is focused on all things canine and features live performances by The Ultimutts dog show. Admission is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto and if you do attend, be sure to bring some cash to tip the buskers.

Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival

Saturday September 9
Aaniin Community Centre, 5665 14th Ave., Markham

This long-running festival makes its worth the drive to Markham! It’s packed with kid-friendly fun, much of it free. Activities that are available at no cost include over half-a-dozen interactive STEM activities, mini putt and something called “the bubble zone.” There are a few attractions, including the train, various bounce houses and the maze, that require tickets or the festival’s play-all-day pass, which is $10 if bought in advance, or $14 at the event.

The Princess Lilly Series Presents Adventure in the Park

Saturday September 9
East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Ave., Toronto

Calling itself a “childhood cancer FUNraiser,” this new event is packed with everything your family needs for a memorable day out that will also make a difference for kids undergoing cancer treatment. Meet costumed characters, go through superhero training, and take part in arts, crafts and games, and more! There’s even a “Could it be cake?” contest! Entry to the event is free but funds for several great causes (including SickKids) will be raised through a variety of ways, including raffles and a silent auction.

Cabbagetown Festival

Saturday September 9 & Sunday September 10
Parliament St. from Gerrard St. E. to Wellesley St.;  Carlton St. from Parliament St. to Ontario St.

After trying something a little different last year, the Cabbagetown Festival is back for the first time since 2019. Parliament Street will be closed to cars and instead filled with over 200 vendors, live entertainment, and tons of food options. There will also be the festival’s fantastic and interactive kids’ zone that will feature bouncy castles, face painting, a reptile show, and so much more, all for free!

Jurassic World Live Tour

Friday September 15 – Sunday September 17 @ Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St., Toronto
Friday September 22 – Sunday September 24 @ FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd., Toronto

Dino-loving kids will flip over this theatrical production set in the infamous Jurassic Park. Featuring a new story, and some familiar characters (a certain genetically modified dinosaur plays a key role), this production is packed with action, special effects, and live-size animatronic dinosaurs, some of which get pretty close to the audience. Performance times are at 11am, 3pm, and 7pm on the Saturday and Sunday, and there’s also a 7pm show on Friday, if that works better for your schedule. Tickets start at $25 before fees.

Pape Village Block Party

Saturday September 16
Pape Ave. between Mortimer & Gamble

One of the city’s newer street festivals is back with a slightly different name and some new attractions, notably a car show. There will also be vendors, live music and a kids’ zone that will feature bouncy castles, balloon twisters, character meet and greets and more. Access to the festival is free.

Roncesvalles Polish Festival

Saturday September 16 & Sunday September 17
Roncesvalles between Dundas St. W. and Queen St. W., Toronto

Since we’ve highlighted a couple of east-end street festivals, we need to also include one of the west end’s favourite fall events: The Roncesvalles Polish Festival. This big event is packed with Polish culture (including yes, lots of perogies), buskers, an arts market, and tons more. There’s also a kids’ zone that features traditional midway rides and games. Entrance into the festival is free but make sure to bring your wallet because this event is known for its food (and its multiple “beverage zones.”

Toronto Waterfront Festival

Saturday September 16 & Sunday September 17
7 Queen Quay E., Toronto

Okay, we need to squeeze one more festival onto this list because this one has something that we know will put a smile on your face (and the face of your kids): The World’s Largest Rubber Duckie. That’s right, “the quack is back” and ready to loom over your family in various photos. This free event will also feature displays from the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Navy.

Pinkalicious the Musical

Saturday September 16 – Sunday October 22 (weekends only)
The Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto

The cute and colourful character known as Pinkalicious comes to life in this stage production of the popular children’s series, designed for kids age four and up. Find out what happens after Pinkalicious indulges in too many pink treats and develops a case of “pinkititis.” Performances takes place at noon and 3:30pm and run for an hour. Except for the front row, which is available at a premium price, all seating is general admission. Tickets start at $36 for kids.

Toronto International Festival of Authors Kids

Saturday September 23 & Sunday September 24; Saturday September 30 & Sunday October 1
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto

Fall means the return of one of the country’s biggest celebrations of books and with it comes over a dozen readings designed especially for kids. There are also some crafty sessions that will let your kids express their creative side. Events are suitable for a variety of ages, including toddlers, school-age and even teens. This year almost all of the kid-focused programming is free but note that some events do require advanced registration.

Charity Cars & Coffee

Saturday September 30
The Auto Loft, 19 Waterman Ave., #Unit 18, Toronto

Your family can help raise money for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation at this car-focused event that includes an indoors “curated car show featuring exclusive collector cars” and a public car show outdoors. If your kid loves cars, they’ll love this event! There will also be food trucks, vendors, music and more. Tickets are around $34 and there will also be an on-site silent auction.

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