Happy summer everyone! We hope you’re enjoying the sun, a comfy pair of sandals, and maybe even a few days of vacation. And we hope that you and your family get to check out a few of the many fun things in and around Toronto in July. Below we round up a bunch of events and attractions happening around town next month. All of these items are kid-friendly and will help create great family memories this summer.
Fun Things to Do with Kids in Toronto in July
Centreville Amusement Park
Centre Island, Toronto, ON
General admission is free, 2022 ticket/pass rates TBA
Toronto’s Centreville Amusement Park is a Toronto classic and an absolute must-visit this summer. And you know that ferry ride is the best way to start your day!
Wet’n’Wild Toronto
7855 Finch Ave. W., Brampton, ON
Now Open
The GTA’s biggest water park is officially open and ready to help keep your kids cool this summer. Lounge on the lazy river, ride the waves in the Big Surf Wave pool and slide down one of the park’s many waterslides. There’s also Bear Footin’ Bay, a water-filled playground perfect for little ones. While you can buy tickets at the gate, buying them online will save you some cash. Tickets start at $45 for a weekday visit though for $10 more, you can get a season’s pass that’s good for any day of the week.
Lake Shore Inflatable Waterpark
Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W
Opens July 1
Okay, this is cool: Downtown Toronto just got the province’s biggest outdoor inflatable water park. This massive, multi-part inflatable features slides, climbing structures, jumping areas, and more (and yes you will get wet but don’t worry, the water is clean). Sorry little kids, this attraction is only open to people ages six and up (and kids ages six to nine require adult supervision). Tickets runs $35 a piece and secure you a two-hour time slot. You’ll also need a pair of grip socks, which retail for $2.50 a pair. Reservations aren’t required but they are highly recommended.
Caribana
Various Locations
Throughout July & Early August
One of the city’s biggest parties is back and promises to be more colourful and festive than ever before. The Grande Parade takes place at Exhibition Place and along Lakeshore Boulevard on July 30 but before then numerous other family-friendly events are scheduled, including Junior Carnival and Family Day, scheduled for July 16 at Neilson Park (1555 Neilson Road) from 11am- 8pm. This free event is a great way to experience Caribana in a slightly less crowded environment.
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.
July 1
Kick off July with parade that departs Dieppe Park at 10am 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 a craft market, a full day of live entertainment and an extensive kids’ section that will feature a craft tent, rock climbing, the Groovy Gym bus and more. Oh, and adults, there’s also the Muddy York beer garden. Also on-site is an outdoor pool and splash pad, so bring your swimsuits. And yes there will be a firework display; expect to see those light up the sky at around 10pm.
Family Fest: A New Arts Festival for Families
Guild Park & Gardens, 201 Guildwood Parkway, Toronto
July 6-July 10
To celebrate its new season, the Guild Festival Theatre is launching Family Fest. This all-ages event will feature circus performers, puppet theatre and musical acts, including Metis fiddler Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk. Events will take place on the beautiful Greek Theatre mainstage as well as throughout the Guild Park and Gardens from 1pm-7pm on weekdays and 10am-7pm on weekends. Admission is by donation.
Field Trip
Fort York & Garrison Commons, 100 Garrison Rd., Toronto
July 9
For the first time since 2018, one of Toronto’s favourite music festival returns with another lineup filled with everything from rock (Kurt Vile and the Violators) to folk/Americana (Nathaniel Rateliff and the night sweats) to hip hop (Haviah Mighty). There’s also Day Camp, a special section that’s just for kids and will feature games, a craft station and live entertainment from such acts as Splash’n Boots and Ultimutts, a stunt dog and cat show. And of course, there will be all kinds of food. Kids 12 and under are free while everyone else needs a ticket, which costs $114.50 (though keep an eye out for discounts).
Dino Stroll
July 9-July 10: Exhibition Place 100 Princes Blvd., Toronto
July 30-July 31: International Centre, Mississauga
Ever wanted to walk alongside the dinosaurs? Now you can, sort of. Featuring animatronics and sound technology that brings these amazing creatures to life, this event lets you and your family get up close and personal with several robotic dinosaurs, including T Rex. Besides the animatronics, kids can also check out story and craft times. Several additional, for-a-fee activities are also available, including one that lets you ride a dinosaur. Tickets run around $45 and are free for those under two and military members and veterans. This event also features a “sensory-friendly” early morning session.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St., Toronto
July 15-August 7
Based on Mo Williams’ beloved book, this fun comedic musical production features live action performances and a cute puppet pigeon who is not allowed to drive the bus. This show runs 60 minutes in length with no intermission and is recommended for kids ages five and up. Tickets runs $30 each and while there are seats, there is no assigned seating, it’s first-come, first-seated.
World of Barbie
199 Rathburn Rd., Mississauga
July 15-September 30
If your home littered with a certain blond plastic doll and her many outfits, accessories and other props, this immersive experience is a must-do. You and your littles will be able to walk through a full-size Barbie Dream home, lounge in her camper van, take a trip on Barbie’s Interstellar Airways shuttle and more. Timed, general admission tickets start at $24, with
anytime tickets are available at $50.
Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet
St. Lawrence Centre of the Arts, 27 Front St. E, Toronto
July 21-July 24
The classic Canadian book Anne of Green Gables is brought to life through ballet in this kid-friendly dance performance, presented by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen. In addition to beautiful dancing, expect, “…a playful, colourful and evocative production that will transport audiences to early 20th century Atlantic Canada.” The show features both evening and matinee performances, and tickets start at $47 a piece.
Royal Canadian International Circus
July 21-24: Woodbine Mall, 500 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto
July 28-Aug 7: Bridlewood Mall, 2900 Warden Ave., Toronto
The circus is coming to town, and it promises to be one impressive show. There will be performances by motorcycle thrill riders, aerialists and trapeze artists and real-life dare devils all under a traditional big top. Each stop features multiple matinee and evening performances and a variety of seating options. Tickets start at $35 but watch out for discounts including two-for-one deals.
Ossfest
Ossington Ave. between Dundas St. and Queen St.
July 23
One of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto celebrates its unique vibe and its many businesses with a street festival of its own. Ossington will be closed to cars during this event and the road will be overtaken by more than 25 extended patios, an assortment of vendors and all kinds of entertainment. More details will be posted soon but expect this event to be one big party.
The TD Festival of South Asia
Gerrard St. E from Greenwood Ave. to Coxwell Ave.
July 23-24
Celebrate the sights, sounds, and of course tastes of Toronto’s Little India community with this street festival. A section of Gerrard Street East will be closed to cars and turned over to people, patios, and dozens of vendors. Also expect to hear live music, and see mesmerizing dance performances and other examples of South Asian culture.
KidZfest
Canada’sWonderland
July 23-August 7
Wonderland ups the fun level for little ones with this kid-centric festival. In addition to all the park’s standard offerings (including dozens of rides and a whole water park), this event features special live performances, dance parties and other activities that the park will be shared shortly. KidZfest is included with your Wonderland ticket, which starts at around $50.
*Ferry image courtesy Have Baby Will Travel
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Category: events,attractions
