Fun Family Things to Do in and Around Toronto in November
The cooling weather and earlier sunsets make it tempting to cozy up and stay at home, but we encourage you to fight that urge because November in Toronto actually has quite a bit going on to keep your family busy. Below we round up kid-friendly activities that are sure to get you out of your home and out and about the city (and surrounding areas). But a quick warning: This list does contain multiple Christmas/holiday-themed events because that season is quickly coming up (and seems to start earlier every year).
What’s On for Families in Toronto in November
Canadian Chroma
Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge St, Toronto
On Now
Take your kids on an immersive trip through Canadian culture at this new interactive exhibit. Located in the mammoth space that used to house Nordstroms (RIP), this experience comprises five distinctive areas, each showcasing a specific theme. Give your kids a taste of the stunning Northern Lights in the Immerse in the Northern Lights room, then explore the artistic talents of several Indigenous artists in the Celebrate the Colours of Indigenous Art room. Canadian Chroma is free to access and a fun add-on to any downtown adventure.
Dinos in Motion
Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd., N., Toronto
Now Until January 7
You’re invited to, “Dig into an exciting new exhibition featuring life-sized metal dinosaur sculptures that you can control using levers, pulleys and more.” Dinos featured include the diplodocus, the struthiomimus and the ankylosaurus (aka Bumpy from Camp Cretaceous). This exhibit pairs nicely with the Science Centre’s screening of Dinosaurs of Antarctica at its OMNIMAX Theatre. Tickets for the Science Centre’ exhibits plus access to the theatre start at $19.
FOLD Kids Book Fest
Various Locations in Brampton
Wednesday November 1 – Sunday November 5
The Festival for Literary Diversity (aka FOLD) is a unique event that, “exclusively celebrates underrepresented children’s authors, illustrators, and storytellers.” Over a dozen in-person events are scheduled for this year, with sessions for the little ones, school-aged, teenagers, and all ages. Celebrate picture books Malaika, Carnival Queen, and C is for Carnival, with a
Caribbean-theme dance party; listen to books in your PJs with a story time pyjamas party; learn how to write a story, and more! All in-person events are free, while $20 gets you a pass for the virtual events that will grant your family access to those recordings for weeks to come.
Cineplex Community Day
Various Cineplex Movie Theatres, Rec Rooms & Playdiums
Saturday November 4
Take the kids out for a morning of free movies and gaming! Cineplex movie theatres across the country, alongside Rec Rooms (https://www.therecroom.com/promos/Community ) and Playdiums (https://www.playdium.com/deals-promos/Community ), will be hosting this special day to help raise funds for BGC Canada, an organization that aims to help kids “…develop the skills they need to succeed.” One dollar from concession items will be donated to the charity, and at the movie theatres, certain treats will be discounted to only $2.50. Movie titles are Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, Jumanji: The Next Level, and The Angry Birds Movie 2.
Royal Winter Fair
Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
Saturday November 4 – Sunday November 13
“The largest combined indoor agriculture fair and international equestrian competition in the world,” the Royal Winter Fair has a little something for everyone. Pet (and in some cases feed) farm animals, get up close and personal with tractors and trucks and of course, eat lots of tasty food while admiring the butter sculptures. General admission tickets start at $20, with kids ages three and under being free. There’s also a $70 family pack available. While many of the animal shows, including the Super Dogs, are included with a GA ticket, note that some horse shows require an additional ticket.
The Little Circus That Could
Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
Saturdays and Sundays: November 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19
Inspired by The Little Engine That Could, this adorable piece of live theatre returns to the stage to entertain your kids with a tale featuring silliness, acrobatics, and even a mystery: Where did the circus go? Aimed at children ages four through nine, this show clocks in at a quick 50 minutes with no intermission. Two performances take each show day, one at noon and one at 3:30pm. Except for the VIP front row, seating is general admission and starts at $24 per ticket, with a discounted four pack available.
The Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery District
Thursday November 16 – Sunday December 31
The Distillery Winter Village returns for its second season and with it comes traditional Christmas décor, live entertainment, and lots of shopping opportunities. The festivities kick off on Thursday, November 16, with a tree lighting ceremony. While full details weren’t available at publication time, last year the festival was closed on Mondays and required an $11 admission fee on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 4pm. Otherwise, it was free to access.
WinterFest at Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr., Vaughan
Friday November 17 – Saturday January 6
“An immersive holiday experience for the whole family” returns to Canada’s Wonderland with over a dozen live shows, millions of dazzling lights, and hundreds of decorated trees, including two impressive 50-footers. But the star of the show is the gorgeously lit skating rink positioned right in front of the Wonderland “mountain.” Some rides, mainly in the kiddie sections, will be open but note that WinterFest is more about décor and festive entertainment than thrills. Be sure to buy your tickets online, where they are significantly cheaper and start at $20, with kids under three being free.
Cavalcade of Lights
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W., Toronto
Saturday November 25 – Sunday January 7
“Inspired by the luminous festivals and cultural revelries from around the globe,” Nathan Phillips Square will be transformed into an enchanting place of holiday magic thanks to lanterns, lights and even fire that will be “woven into mesmerizing new lighting installations.” The magic starts on November 25 with the illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, an event also featuring some to-be-announced live performances. Weather permitting, the skating rink will be opened, so your kids can take a few laps under the lights. This experience is free to attend but come prepare to buy fries or other snacks from Nathan Phillips Square’s food trucks.
Santa Claus Parade
Downtown Toronto
Sunday November 26
Now in its 119 year, the Santa Claus Parade will wind its way through downtown and bring with it larger-than-life floats, marching bands, dancers and of course, the Big Guy himself. The fun starts at 12:30pm at Christie Pits and makes its way partially around Queens Park Crescent, then along University Avenue before zigzagging over to St. Lawrence Market. The parade is free to watch but make sure to bring money for hot drinks and snacks as protecting the perfect view spot takes fuel.
CPKC Holiday Train
CPKC Yard Office, 750 Runnymede Rd., Toronto
Tuesday November 28
Choo choo! The CP — sorry, the CPKC—holiday train will be rolling through Ontario in late November, stopping in Toronto from 8:15pm to 9pm on Tuesday November 28. Take some photos with the 1,00-foot long, seasonally lit-up cars and then at around 8:30pm enjoy some live music. This event is free to attend however, since it’s also a fundraiser for local food banks, please bring a donation of cash or a non-perishable food item. And if you live around Toronto or on its outer edges, check out the train’s schedule, which includes stops in Oshawa, Vaughan, and Barrie.
