Fun Family Activities in Toronto in February
February might be the shortest month of the year but that doesn’t mean that it’s a quiet one. We’ve got Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and of course Family Day, which — depending on where your kid goes to school — may be part of a four-day weekend. Below we round up some activities and events in Toronto in February that are sure to entertain your family and keep a smile on everyone’s face, despite the chilly, unpredictable weather.
Fun Family Events & Activities in Toronto in February
The Bubble
7979 Weston Rd., Vaughan
Now open
The Bubble, Toronto’s indoor inflatapark, recently welcomed a new location at 7979 Weston Road in Vaughan. Here your kids can burn off so much energy while literally bouncing off the walls. This shiny, new spot also features balance toys, an arcade and a 15-foot-high net course that’s suitable for kids ages six and up and who are at least 42 inches tall. Tickets start at $25 an hour.
Family Days at the Gardiner Museum
111 Queens Park, Toronto
Every Sunday in February
Looking for an indoor activity that will let your family express its creative side? Then check out the Gardiner Museum’s Family Days, a drop-in event that runs every Sunday from 11 am until 3 pm. The museum’s educators and volunteers will lead your family in creating clay-based masterpieces “…inspired by our collection and special exhibitions.” Kids are free but adults are $15 each. Be sure to also bring a container so that you can safely bring your creations home.
Truth
Ada Slaight Stage, 165 Front St. E., Toronto
Every weekend in February
Experience the world premiere of this play based on the Governor General Award-winning novel, The Gospel Truth by Caroline Pignat. Set in 1858, it follows the journey of a young Black girl named Phoebe from a Virginian tobacco plantation to St. Catharines, Ontario. Suitable for kids ages 10 and up, this thought-provoking show is a wonderful way to celebrate Black History Month. The weekend’s public shows take place at 1 pm or 2 pm and seats start at $10. There is also a relaxed performance on Saturday, February 10, which features modified lighting and sound and a calm area that includes a video feed of the show.
Kuumba
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
Thursday, February 1 – Thursday, February 29
The annual Kuumba festival aims to celebrate, “…the rich tapestry of culture, diversity, and creativity through a month-long celebration of Black cultural programming.” It features a wide mix of programming including several events that are perfect for families. On Saturday, February 3, catch the break-dancing competition (the morning preliminary rounds are free to watch) or drop into one of the many workshops including Be a B-Boy, Be a B-Girl or Be a DJ, all taking place on Sunday, February 4. These workshops are free to attend.
Hyundai NHL Fan Fair
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, 222 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
Thursday, February 1 – Sunday, February 4
The NHL All-Star Weekend takes place this year in Toronto from February 2 to 3. If your family loves hockey but isn’t quite ready to attend the game, opt instead to explore the “four days of hockey heaven” that is Hyundai NHL Fan Fair. In addition to a kids’ zone, there will be interactive experiences where participants of all ages can test their hockey skills, an autograph stage, historical displays and of course the Stanley Cup. A one-day pass starts at $20.
Lunar Nights
Market Museum, 9350 Markham Rd., Markham
Thursdays – Sundays February 8 – 25 + Wednesday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 19
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at this indoor/outdoor festival that will include over 250 gorgeous lanterns artfully arranged in a walk-through experience. There will also be interactive activities including arts and crafts, traditional vendors, live performances and since it’s the year of the dragon, the opportunity to meet a baby dragon. To add a Canadian touch to the party, there will also be ice skating (bring your own skates) and snowshoeing, weather permitting. As the name suggests, this is an evening experience that opens at 4pm. Tickets start at $19.99 and kids under two are free.
Sweet City Fest
STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst St., Toronto
Friday, February 9 – Sunday, February, 19
Toronto’s sweetest festival returns to brighten up the dark days of late winter. This “celebration of the sweet things in life” will feature over 100 vendors, workshops, and live performances. There will also be special events for Valentine’s Day and Family Day. And of course, there will be lots of special and tasty treats for sale. Sweet City Fest is free to attend.
The Three Little Pigs
Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
Weekends only; Saturday, February 10 – Sunday, March 17
This “very curly musical tail” promises fun, action and music for the whole family. Based on the classic fairy tale, the show is a great way to get your kids into musical theatre. The show runs for 55 minutes, with no intermission, and two performances take place each show day, one at 10 am and one at noon. Except for the front row, all seats are first-come, first-serve. Tickets start at $33, with a discounted four-pack available.
Enchanted Lights
Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St., Toronto
Saturday, February 10-Sunday, March 10
The Yonge North York BIA is transforming Mel Lastman Square “into an immersive magical experience.” While a brilliant light display will be available for viewing (and photo taking) every evening starting at 5 pm, on Saturdays there will also be a Celebration of Cultures that will see different cultural groups share their heritage through entertainment and of course food. And speaking of food, Fridays through Sundays will feature SugarRush Lane, where your family can indulge in a variety of sweet treats. Access to the festival is free.
Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebration
Chinatown Centre, 222 Spadina Ave. & Dragon City Mall, 280 Spadina Rd., Toronto
Saturday, February 10 & Sunday, February 11
Toronto Chinatown’s BIA is throwing its own party to welcome in the year of the dragon. Help name the neighbourhood’s new mural, participate in several games and other activities, and watch traditional Chinese performances, including of course the famed lion dance. Access to the festival is free.
Disney on Ice: Into the Magic
Tribute Communities Centre, 99 Athol St. E., Oshawa
Thursday, February 15– Sunday, February 18
Sure, this recommendation is out in Oshawa but isn’t Mickey Mouse worth braving the 401? This all-new Disney on Ice production features characters and music from such beloved Disney films as Moana, Frozen, Coco, and Beauty and the Beast. And yes, because we know your kids will ask, Anna and Elsa will be making an appearance. The sisters will also be appearing in a special pre-show “…that includes games, a sing-along, crafting, and interactive time with Anna and Elsa.” Depending on the date, shows take place at 11am, 3pm, and 7pm, and tickets start at $30, with the Frozen pre-show being an additional $50 (and note that the pre-show has already sold out for some times).
Canadian International Auto Show
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto
Friday, February 16 – Sunday, February 25
Vroom, vroom, vroom, it’s that time of year again: The Auto Show is back in town and ready to impress the car-fans in your family. See exotic cars, old cars, electric cars, and even life-size Hot Wheel cars! There’s also a kids play zone, a LEGO exhibit and more. Day passes start at $6.75 and kids under six are free. There’s also a discounted family pack for $48 and if you pre buy any ticket before February 15, you’ll save 10 per cent.
Kids Fest TO Family Day
The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga
Saturday, February 17-Monday, February 19
This indoor festival features nearly everything your kid would want: Over 30 inflatables; interactive, live entertainment; carnival food and so much more, including meet and greets with the characters from Paw Patrol. This year the event takes place at Mississauga’s International Centre, meaning lots of space and free parking. Tickets start at $15 if you buy them online (they’re more at the door) and cover most of the activities, though note that some, including the carnival games and pony rides, are an additional charge.
Bentway Family Day Skate Party
250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
Monday, February 19
Family Day is a fantastic reason to grab your skates and check out one of Toronto’s outdoor rinks before they’re gone for the season. While Toronto families have a wide selection of rinks to choose from, we’re recommending the Bentway because it’s taking things up a notch with special activities, live music, and refreshments available for purchase. There will even be a seasonal market where you can pick up some locally made treats. Access to the rink is free and your family can bring their skates or rent them onsite.
Howl’s Moving Castle: Family Day Screening
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., Toronto
Monday, February 19
In celebration of Family Day, Hot Docs is presenting a special screening of Howl’s Moving Castle, the gorgeous Oscar-nominated film from Studio Ghibli about magic, memorable characters and yes, a moving castle. This nearly two-hour long film is rated PG and is considered suitable for most elementary aged kids. The screening starts at 1 pm and tickets start at under $7.
Westfall’s World: Family Day Magic Show
Wychwood Theatre, 176-76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
Monday, February 19
Second City graduate and regular performer at Yuk Yuks Chris Westfall brings his family-friendly magic show back to the Wychwood Theatre. It will feature eye-popping magic tricks and illusions, and just the right amount of humour. But a warning: There’s also lots of audience participation, so choose your seat carefully (only the front row is reserved). Five shows are scheduled for this Family Day event: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2.30 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm, with each performance running for around 50 minutes. Tickets start at $24, with a discounted group rate available. All kids will also leave with a free magic trick.
