Fun Family Things to Do in Toronto in May

That gorgeous weather we experienced in mid-April has left us all eager for summer. Thankfully, Toronto in May will see plenty of summertime activities, including the re-opening of Canada’s Wonderland and most likely Centreville Amusement Park (it’s official opening date has yet to be confirmed). There’s also plenty of non-amusement park related ways to have fun
this month.

Below we round up lots of ways to keep your family entertained in May. We’ve included everything from live performances to events focused on getting your kids into the amazing world of science. We’ve also included multiple outdoor experiences, so that your family can take advantage of the finally warming weather. And just in time for the sun comes the return of City-run splash pads. They open on May 20, and you can see where they’re located here.

Fun Family Things to Do in Toronto in May

LEGO City: City of Champions

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan
Until May 12

Until Friday May 12th, every day is officially Champion’s Day at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto. At this new, interactive event, everyone can discover their inner champion. Kids can join the LEGO City Minifigure team and build their way to earning LEGO City trading cards through a series of challenges.  Featuring stunts, creative builds, secret trails, new games and a Miniland Toronto Mega Parade, your LEGO-loving kids are sure to fuel their inner champion. Admission starts at $26.99 per person.

Jurassic World: The Exhibition – Mississauga

199 Rathburn Rd. W, Mississauga
Open now until June 25

Dinosaur-loving kids will adore this immersive experience that takes your family through a re-creation of Jurassic World. Meet giant animatronic dinosaurs (as well as some smaller ones) as you walk through an (indoor) tropical paradise. Note that this experience is designed to be very realistic so if might not be a great fit for kids who scare easily. The show is around an hour long and you are brought through it in small-ish groups, as there is a bit of storyline to whole thing. Timed tickets start at around $32 for kids but a family bundle is available, as are VIP tickets that have flexible start times.

The Incredible Adventures of Baron Munchausen

Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St. E., Toronto
May 3-20

Who is the mysterious Baron Munchausen? And where is he off to today? Using live actors, shadow theatre, video and even direction from the audience, this production is sure to delight your family, and in particular kids ages four through 12. The show runs for roughly 45 minutes with no intermission and both early evening and weekend matinee performances are available. Tickets are $35 a seat.

Stars on Ice

Friday May 5: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St., Toronto
Saturday May 6: FirstOntario Place, 101 York Blvd., Hamilton

Some of the most talented figure skaters out take to the ice in this beautiful and heart-pumping show that will wow even the most jaded family member with its athleticism and grace. The extensive cast is packed with Canadian and world champions and Olympic medallists, including Elvis Stojko and Patrick Chan. This is also the final tour for Kurt Browning, yes, the legend himself. Tickets start at $30 and note that’s for a 100-level seat.

Monster Trucks All Out

Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham
Saturday May 6

Have a kid who loves trucks, noise, and chaos? Then this experience, which promises “high-flying, ground-pounding action” is for them. Watch giant trucks crush giant objects and be thrilled by the quad (those smaller four-wheel vehicles) races. Just note you might want to bring ear protection; this show is loud! The fun starts at 1:30pm and lasts roughly two hours. Tickets start at low as $20 for kids (children two and under are so long as they sit on an adult’s lap) while $65 will get you the VIP package, which includes the pre-show pit party and “the best seats in the house.” Holders of any ticket type can also pay extra to ride on a real monster truck.

Canada’s Wonderland Reopens

1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Opens to everyone Friday May 5

Canada’s Wonderland is ready to wow your family with two new rides, one of which, Snoopy’s Racing Railroad, is a family-friendly coaster (the other ride, Tundra Twister, goes upside down, reaches speeds of 75km/h and sounds terrifying). The park also has lots of other fun lined up, including fireworks on Sunday, May 21. Unlike last year, this May the park is open every day though note that the Splash Works waterpark doesn’t open until Saturday, May 27, and then isn’t open daily until mid-June. Tickets start from $39.99 but if your family plans to visit the park at least twice over the next year, an annual pass is the way to go.

Pin-Pin The Eggsplorer

Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St. E., Toronto
May 9-19

Looking for a unique and memorable experience to do with your baby or toddler? Then book a ticket to meet Pin-Pin, one very cute penguin (and puppet). Described as, “an immersive and heartwarming theatrical adventure,” this interactive experience features original music and words and an atmosphere designed to let babies and young kids be babies and young kids. A variety of showtimes are available, including performances at 10:30am, 12:30 and 5:30pm, making this an experience that you can easily fit around naptime. Tickets start at $25 though kids under 18 months are free.

The Canine Circus

Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St, Toronto
Saturday May 13

As its name suggests, humanity’s best friend is the star of this circus-themed show. Watch a collection of whip-smart dogs (many of them rescues) perform, “…tail-wagging feats of courage, bone-dropping grand illusions and Labrador-able stunts.” They’ll perform alongside an equality talented group of humans including alumni from Cirque de Soleil. The whole is hosted by illusionist Aaron Matthews, who has performed around the world and is ready to wow your family. The show starts at 7pm and tickets start at $20 a seat.

Science Rendezvous 2023

Toronto Metropolitan University, 17 Gould St., Toronto
University of Toronto, 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto
York University, Main Street Markham Farmer’s Market, 132 Robinson St., Markham
Saturday May 13

Science Rendezvous is a national celebration of all things STEM that in Toronto, takes place at the city’s three major universities. Each school will be offering something a little different, but all have hands-on experiences lined up that will get your kids (and you) engaged with physics, chemistry, and biology. At the University of Toronto, your family can take part in a an obstacle course that include science experiments while at TMU (formerly Ryerson University) you can try out virtual
reality. Science Rendezvous is free to explore but some elements do require advance registration.

Wee Festival

Various locations across Toronto
May 16-June 11

This “celebration of unforgettable artistic encounters for early childhood” features four weeks of high-quality contemporary arts programming designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The year, eight performances that star everything from puppets to musicians are scheduled at six different venues including The Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard St. E.); Assembly Hall (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr, Toronto) and AKI Studio (250-585 Dundas St E, Toronto). All shows are under 60 minutes in length to keep them little kid friendly. Tickets are available now and are $20 all in, with no additional fees.

Junior

Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
Saturday May 20 – Monday May 22

Harbourfront’s annual children’s festival is back and ready to take over its west campus with dance, music, and theatrical performances aimed at kids ages five through 12. Seven very different events are scheduled including a puppet version of Pinocchio, a rousing musical performance and parade from the Lemon Bucket Orkestra, and an interactive piece involving
human-sized bees. While some of the experiences, like the one with the bees, are free and take place outside, others require a ticket, which start at $10 a seat.

KidsFest TO

10801 McCowan Rd., Markham
Saturday May 20 – Monday May 22

Keep the kids busy over the May long weekend with a trip up to the Markham Fairgrounds. There your family will find a variety of cool inflatables, a midway complete with carnival rides and games and lots of tasty food. The SuperDog Show will also be there, along with several other live entertainers. Tickets for kids who are ages two to 15 are $25 each and cover unlimited rides (kids under two are free). Also, non-profit organization Crafting for a Cure, which supports hospitalized children, will be offering a tye-dye experience for an additional fee ($15 if you bring a white t-shirt; $20 if you need a shirt).

PAW Patrol Live: Heroes Unite

Meridian Hall, 1 Front St. E., Toronto
Friday May 26 – Sunday May 28

This is it: Your kid’s equivalent to Taylor Swift’s upcoming tour. But unlike T Swizzle dates, you can still get tickets to this show. This live action experience will see Marshall and the pups on stage, saving the day, while also doing plenty of singing and dancing. Six separate performances are scheduled. There’s a 6pm show on all three evenings and at 10am and 2pm show on the Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at around $70 before fees and yes, you can upgrade to VIP packages that include a meet and greet, among other perks.

Spring Celebration

Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester St., Toronto
Saturday May 27

Get a little taste of the country in the city at Riverdale Farm’s special spring-themed event. There will be sheep shearing demonstrations, crafts, refreshments, something called a goat demonstration and more. And don’t forget that Riverdale Farm has access to some lovely—and very kid-friendly—walking paths. Access to the farm and its Spring Celebration is free.

Gluten Free Garage

Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St., Toronto
Sunday May 28

Now in its tenth year, the Gluten Free Garage is back and ready to let your gluten-free family members relax and fully enjoy a food festival. Dozens of vendors will be on site in this indoor/outdoor space, offering food for purchase, live demonstrations, and even free samples. Kids 12 and under get free entry while everyone else needs to either book an advance ticket at $12 (these come with a free tote bag) or pay $15 at the door.