Summer is back and with it comes an assortment of reasons to get out of the house and have fun exploring Toronto with your family. Below we round up attractions and events and fun things to do in Toronto in June that are all kid-friendly and that, for the most part, will let you enjoy the warm weather that we are finally experiencing.
A quick reminder that many schools are once again hosting end-of-year fun fairs. These events are fantastic ways to support your local community while entertaining your kids at an affordable price. And fun fairs aren’t just for kids; it’s common for them to feature a vendor market and/or silent auction. Most fairs also usually include some kind of food vendor component, meaning you can also skip having to prepare a meal. Be sure to check if the schools near you are hosting a fun fair; most are advertised right on the school itself!
Hunt for The Golden Treasure at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Now Until June 26
Vaughan Mills Mall, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan
Ahoy mateys, it’s time to grab “Ye Olde Treasure Map” and explore LEGOLAND’s new, pirate-themed exhibit. Packed with challenges, quests and of course plenty of opportunities to play with LEGO, this exhibit breathes new life into an attraction that your family might already be thoroughly familiar. Also still available are all of LEGOLAND’s usual rides, the 4D theatre, DUPLO Village and more. The Hunt for the Golden Treasure is included with your admission, which starts at $27.
Do West Fest
June 3-5
Dundas West, between Ossington and Lansdowne
The festival formally knowns as Do West Fest is back and ready to kick the summer off with loads of fun. Now spread over three days, this street festival sees Dundas Street West shut down to vehicle traffic and turned over to pedestrians, patios, and vendors. There’s also live music and a whole section devoted to children’s activities. The festival is free to attend but make sure to bring your credit card and some cash so that you can indulge in some of the yummy food available.
The Hidden
June 3-5
Brampton Library, Chinguacousy Branch, 150 Central Park Drive, Brampton, ON
We know that Brampton might be a bit of a drive for Toronto residents, but The Hidden sounds so cool and original that we had to include it. It’s also aimed at kids ages 12 and up, which we know can be a challenging group to entertain (and remember June 3 is a PD day). Part of Motive, the crime and mystery-focused festival presented by the Toronto International Festival of Authors, Hidden is an interactive experience described as, “Part mystery puzzle and part scavenger hunt.” Participants will need to use their wits to assemble clues and reveal the story, without getting busted. The experience, which runs at 11am and 3pm from June 3 until the 5, is free but does require advance registration.
NBS Block Party
June 4
National Ballet school, 400 Jarvis St.
One of the country’s top dance schools is hosting an open house that will have “…a festival feel.” All ages are welcome to come and participate in dance workshops, watch pop-up performances, check out the backstage area and more. There will even be food trucks! Admission to this event is free and no advanced registration is required.
Winnie’s Train Festival & the Wild West Adventure Train Robbery
June 4, 5, 11, 12 & 18, 29, 25, 26
York-Durham Heritage Railway, 19 Railway St., Uxbridge
This June, the York-Durham Heritage Railway is hosting two different but equally family-friendly events. The first invites your family to board the YDHR’s historic train for a ride through the Oak Ridges Moraine while enjoying treats inspired by Winnie the Pooh. Before or after your trip, your family can enjoy games, a hayride and maze and more, including visits who Winnie the Pooh and his friends. Tickets for Winnie’s Train Festival are around $25 each. Then the following week, cowboys, cowgirls, and a few bandits take over the train for a wild west adventure. For this hour-long roundtrip, attendees are encouraged to bring loose change for the “ransom,” which will be donated to local charities. Tickets for this event run $30 per person.
Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature at the ROM
Opens June 11, runs until January 2
Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
The newest special exhibit at the ROM aims to, “explore the links between the magical creatures of the wizarding world and the remarkable animals in our natural world.” Developed and produced by London’s Natural History Museum, this exhibit promises to highlight not just animals but also, “…some of the world’s most incredible stories and folklore.” And while yes,
this show is tied to the Harry Potter family, you don’t have to be a Potterhead to enjoy it. Pricing hasn’t been announced as of press time but expect it to be an additional fee on top of the ROM’s standard general admission price, which starts at $14 for kids. We do know that members will get to see this exhibit for free.
Lakeshore Village Grilled Cheese Challenge Festival
June 11
Lake Shore Blvd. W from Islington to Second St.
One of the ultimate comfort foods, the grilled cheese, is the star of this street festival. Multiple challengers will be facing off for title of “The Best Grilled Cheese” and your family is invited to purchase multiple samples and vote for your favourites in three different categories: Best Tasting, Most Unique and Best Gourmet. Have a family member who isn’t a fan of grilled
cheese? Don’t worry, there will be plenty of other things to eat and drink. There will also be a beer garden, live music and other entertainment, and lots of shopping and sales.
Word on the Street
June 11-12
Queen’s Park Crescent, from Bloor to Wellesley, Toronto
Book lovers rejoice: Word On The Street is back and this year returns to Queen’s Park Circle. While the dozens of author talks and readings probably won’t interest your kids, the many booths selling all kinds of books are another story (haha). Also on-site will be tasty food vendors, who will help make a day of this free-to-attend event.
Mini Pop Kids Bright Light Relit Tour
June 12
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto
Calling itself, “an experience for the whole family,” this concert will get all of you up dancing, singing and, yes, popping. The talented Mini Pop Kids will share their spin on big hits by Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift. They also promise plenty of “throwback favourites.” Tickets start at $30 for this show, which starts at 1pm.
Vaughan Pizzafest
June 17-19
Improve Canada, 7250 Keele St., Concord
Do your kids love pizza? Do they love Encanto? Then North America’s largest pizza festival is for your family. Indulge in hot, gooey pizza, as well as pasta, desserts and more from various local pizzerias. And while you’re enjoying your food, listen to Adassa, the voice behind Dolores from Encanto sing songs from that hit movie. Adassa will be performing on Saturday afternoon so if you want to see her, make sure to reserve tickets for then. Tickets for that time slot start at $12.50, with several money-saving family packs available.
Taste of Little Italy
June 17-19
College Street around Grace Street
Not up for a drive to Vaughn but still want to chow down on a variety of Italian food? Then head over to College Street, which is welcoming the return of Taste of Little Italy. Dozens of food vendors will be lining the pedestrianized street and while there will be a nice selection of Italian food for sale, expect to find deliciousness from all over the world. There will also be live music, non-food vendors, carnival rides and games and, new for this year, a learn-to-skate park.
Blippi the Musical
June 22
Paramount Fine Foods Centre, 5500 Rose Cherry Pl., Mississauga
We know that kids’ performer Blippi elicits certain… feelings from adults but there’s no argument that this character knows how to make kids laugh, dance and smile. Be prepared to get up and move during this live stage show, which features some of Blippi’s best tracks, including “The Excavator Song.” However, note that the real Blippi won’t be performing. Instead, a “a dynamic stage performer” plays the role of Blippi with all the enthusiasm of the original actor. Tickets start at around $42 per seat for this 6pm and kids under two don’t need a ticket so long as they sit on an adult’s lap.
Family Pride
June 25 & 26
Church Street Junior Public School, 83 Alexander St., Toronto
Pride’s family-focused celebrations take over the school grounds at Church Street Junior Public School for a weekend of inclusion, diversity, and fun. Full details have yet to be announced but expect live performances, crafts, games and more aimed at kids ages 12 and under. Attendance is free for this event that runs from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on the Sunday.
More Fun Things to Do in & Around Toronto in June
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Located near Collingwood, Ont., Scenic Caves dates back 450 million years and is set within one of Canada’s eighteen UNESCO biosphere reserves. Featuring the longest suspension bridge in Southern Ontario, 15 kilometers of trails throughout 370 acres, there’s plenty of room to experience the 200 year old forest and hikes varying from rolling slopes to steep climbs.
Admission includes access to the hiking trail centre which offers 15km of one way, well-marked trails, the Suspension Bridge, the Caves/Crevasse trail network, Pathway of life-sized wooden animal carvings, the trout pond (feed the fish), picnic areas, ands Children’s Adventure Playground. The 18-hole mini-golf and gemstone mining adventure is available at an additional fee.
Park admission: Adults $32, Seniors $29, Youths 3-17 $29, Toddlers 2 and under FREE
Music on the River
Toronto Adventures’ Music on the River events kick off June 17. Embark on your journey at their Humber Paddling Centre located on the Humber River – just a 5-minute walk from Old Mill subway station. Get set up in your kayak or canoe and enjoy a scenic paddle of the Humber River before a 45-minute music show featuring a popular, local Toronto artist right on the river.
Boat(s), paddles, PFDs/life jackets, and glow stick included. Be sure to bring weather-appropriate clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, blanket, and snacks and drinks to enjoy during the show.
From $40+ tax for a single kayak to $90+ tax for a large canoe
Tagged under: Savvy Guide to June,Toronto Guide to June,family events in toronto,events in toronto in june,Toronto,June,guide to june
Category: events,attractions,outdoor-play
