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
This summer, SUSO, the company that brings roller skating to under the Gardiner, is expanding 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 coming soon
while they’re already available for adults.
While your family is down at the Bentway, check out the space’s many art displays and installations, including the recently installed Boom Town, which brings some colourful whimsy to the urban environment.
Rhythms of Canada Festival 2024
Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr.
Saturday July 29 – Monday July 1
Enjoy three days of delicious food, activities for all ages, special programming, workshops, musical performances by local artists, and a world-class collection of art from across the Muslim world at the Aga Khan Museum’s annual Rhythms of Canada Festival. This year features performances by Nagata Shachu, Alpha Rhythm Roots, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, Humber College’s Intercultural & Creative Music Fellows, Toronto Klezmer Society, Kazdoura, Running Rivers, Maracatu, and more. Attendees enjoy free admission to the Museum Collections Gallery for the duration of the festival.
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 5 – Sunday July 7
It’s time to party in the park with this event that is, “celebrating 35 years of presenting 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
Wednesday July 10 – Sunday July 14
After successful events the past couple of years, the Guild Festival Theatre is bringing back its Family Fest. This all-ages event features, “a diverse lineup of performances, including theatre, storytelling, live music and more.” The full schedule and lineup featuring some familiar faces and new acts is coming soon. There’s an all-day craft corner as well! Performances and workshops will take place on the beautiful Greek Theatre mainstage as well as throughout the Guild Park and Gardens. Admission is free but donations will be accepted.
Caribana
Various Locations
Launches Tuesday July 16
Caribana is one of Toronto’s essential summer events for good reason: It’s packed with music, movement, food, and a great time! While the Grand Parade isn’t until Saturday, August 3, 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 August 3 but before then, numerous other family-friendly events are scheduled, including Junior Carnival and Family Day, scheduled for Saturday July 20 at Neilson Park (1555 Neilson Rd.) from 11am-8pm. This free event is a great way to experience Caribana in a slightly less crowded environment.
KidZfest at Wonderland
1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Saturday July 13 – Sunday July 28
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 20 – Sunday July 21
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.
Youth Day Festival
Yonge-Dundas Square
Sunday July 21
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.
Ossfest
Ossington Ave. between Dundas St. and Queen St
Saturday July 27
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.
