Fun Things to Do with Kids in Toronto in July

Fill up those water bottles, slip on your comfortable shoes and slather your kids and yourself in sunscreen because Toronto in July is a busy month! Street festivals and other outdoor celebrations are back in full force, ready to keep your kids busy, as well as supply some fun (and delicious food) into your life. Below we round up over a dozen things to do with your family this July in Toronto, including some of our favourite street festivals and park parties. But since we know the weather won’t always cooperate, we’ve thrown in a few other events and experiences, including plays and of course Wonderland’s annual kids fest.

Fun Things to Do with Kids in Toronto in July

Roller Skating at the Bentway

250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
All Summer Long

Last year, SUSO, the company that brings roller skating to under the Gardiner, expanded to offer skates for kids! Now everyone ages five and up can rent a pair of skates and take a spin along the Bentway’s smooth, looping track (anyone under 16 also gets a complimentary protective gear bundle). Rentals start at $18 for one hour and lessons for kids are available now as well.

Rhythms of Canada Festival

Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr.
Monday June 30 – Tuesday July 1

Experience Canada’s rich cultural tapestry with two days of world-class performances, hands-on activities for all ages, and delicious food. The entire site — from the Museum to the Aga Khan Park — comes alive with music, art, and vibrant celebration. Throughout the festival, enjoy free admission to the Museum Collections Gallery and $10 admission to the upcoming exhibition, As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award.

Downsview Park’s Canada Day Celebrations

Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave., Toronto
July 1

One of the city’s biggest Canada Day parties takes place in the city’s north end, at Downsview Park’s Festival Terrace. There you’ll find kid-friendly inflatables and games, live entertainment, and a market. There will also be lots of yummy things to eat, thanks to the visiting food trucks. The party wraps up with a firework show, which will likely start after 10pm.
Admittance into the festival is free.

East York Canada Day Parade & Party

Parade runs from Dieppe Park to Stan Wadlow Park
Party takes place at Stan Wadlow Park, 375 Cedarvale Ave., Toronto
July 1

Celebrate Canada’s birthday with a parade that departs Dieppe Park at 10:30am and winds its way through East York’s streets to Stan Wadlow Park. Then starting at around 11am, party in Stan Wadlow Park where there will be an artisan market, a full day of live entertainment and an extensive kids’ section that includes midway-style rides and games. And for the adults, there’s the Muddy York beer garden. All this action is located just steps away from an outdoor pool and splash pad, so bring your swimsuits. The day caps off with fireworks; those will brighten the sky at around 10pm. Access to this event is free but the midway rides are extra.

Other Canada Day Events & Firework Displays

Various locations
July 1

East York and Downsview Park aren’t the spots in Toronto where your family can wish Canada a happy birthday. The City of Toronto has arranged for celebrations at several locations across the city. Expect bouncy castles, food vendors, live performers and more. Then fireworks displays from 10 p.m. at Ashbridges Bay, Centennial Park (Etobicoke), Milliken Park and Stan Wadlow Park.

Family Paint Parties

Various locations
All throughout July

Held in family-friendly pubs across the city, these kids’ paint parties are fun for all ages. Choose from the upcoming events near you, and the artist will share easy step-by-step instructions. No painting experience necessary.

Afrofest

Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St. E., Toronto
Friday July 4 – Sunday July 6

It’s time to party in the park with this event that is, “celebrating the best of African culture in Toronto.” This year’s lineup is packed with events including a marketplace, a fashion show and loads of food vendors. And of course, there will be a ton of live music and other performances that will let your little ones show off their dance moves. Entrance into the festival is free.

Family Fest

Guild Park & Gardens, 201 Guildwood Parkway, Toronto
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13

The fourth annual Family Fest offers free performances and activities for all ages. The 2025 Festival starts Thursday July 10 with Nagata Shachu, bringing their heart-pounding performance and workshops of Taiko drumming and music. Then from Friday July 11 – Sunday July 13 they are hosting a special presentation of Fireside Munsch performed by M. John Kennedy and featuring the beloved stories of one of Canada’s favourite authors. Over the weekend they’ll welcome back returning Family Fest artists including The Grand Salto Theatre, Scarborough Uke Jam, Spirit of Africa, Tibert et Douzie, Poesy, and Hoop You and introduce new acts including Carousel Players, Maestro Duo, and Catch Me in the Kitchen.

Youth Day Festival

Riverwalk Common, Newmarket
Sunday July 13

Youth Day Toronto (YD | T.O) is a free annual full-day celebration of young artists showcasing their positive achievements in music, dance, art, and photography. Featuring hundreds of like-minded volunteers, youth performers, and mentor headliners as part of the production, all participants are focused on the belief of finding passion and release in the arts.

Caribana Junior Carnival & Family Day

Neilson Park, Scarborough
Saturday July 19

Junior Carnival is an annual parade that gives children the opportunity to celebrate Caribbean culture and share it with their community. Young masqueraders dance through the streets in their brightly coloured costumes. This parade, similar to the Carnival is made up of a series of band leaders displaying costumes in competition. The Junior Carnival and Family Day event provides its audience and the surrounding community of Malvern the opportunity to experience the cultural presentation of young performers as they participate in their earlier years. Get your dose of fun and music here.

KidZfest at Wonderland

1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Saturday July 19 – August 3

How do you make somewhere like Wonderland even more fun? By adding in interactive shows and character meet and greets that star some of TV’s biggest names (if you’re a kid). Depending on the day and time, your family can catch Thomas the Train, Peppa Pig, various Marvel superheroes and even Bluey and her sister Bingo. There will also be lots of other fun including magic shows, dance parties and of course Doo Doo the clown will be making his regular appearance. KidZfest is included with your Wonderland ticket, which starts at around $50.

The TD Festival of South Asia

Gerrard St. E. from Greenwood Ave. to Coxwell Ave.
Saturday July 19 – Sunday July 20

If your family loves food, then this celebration of South Asian culture featuring a wide range of food vendors is a must-visit. A lengthy stretch of Gerrard Street East will be closed to cars and turned over to people, patios, and dozens of vendors and sidewalk sales. The street will also be packed with live music and colourful dance performances.

Ossfest

Ossington Ave. between Dundas St. and Queen St
Saturday July 26

The always busy street of Ossington takes things up a notch at its annual street festival, which sees the strip between Dundas and Queen closed to cars. And while the extended patios, live music and food might be the stars of this event, there will be plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. More details on this giant party will be shared soon.