What’s On for Family Fun in Toronto in August
Let’s start with the bad news: We’re on the downside of the summer of 2024. All too soon, the temperature will be dropping and your family will be packing away the shorts, sandals, and sunscreen. But before we get back to regular life, we have August and one more month to fill with summertime fun. So to help you make the most of what’s left of your family’s summer, we’ve rounded up a bunch of attractions and events in Toronto in August that we think will help to make this month a memorable one.
Family Fun Events & Attractions in Toronto in August
Island Soul
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
Thursday August 1 – Monday August 5
Harbourfront’s annual celebration of Caribbean culture is back with a lineup that’s packed with live music, dancing and lots of delicious food. A couple of events that are especially family-friendly include a Carnival headpiece-making workshop and story times featuring Carnival-themed books read by award-winning author Yolanda T. Marshall. Access to the festival is free.
Caribana Grande Parade
Runs Along Lakeshore Blvd. W., Toronto
Saturday August 3
It’s time to party, Toronto! The Grande Parade is the highlight of the city’s annual Caribana celebrations and is a true spectacle to see and hear. It’s also busy, loud, and (to be honest) kind of overwhelming, so it may not be a great fit for really young kids or those who tend to get overstimulated. But if your family loves to dance and be surrounded by people, then it might be a great time for them. The parade departs from Exhibition Place and runs along Lakeshore Boulevard West for a good chunk of the day, eventually making its way back into the Exhibition grounds. While you can watch the parade for free, access to Exhibition Place is paid, and can be accessed by purchasing one of Caribana’s various packages or passes.
Gazillion Bubble Show
CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St., Toronto
Thursday August 1 – Sunday September 1
As its name suggests, this theatrical performance is all about bubbles! Having entertained New York audiences for over 15 years, this show has taken its soapy fun on the road and is now ready to amaze your family. Due to the inclusion of “flashing strobe lights, high-intensity lasers, loud music, and floor-to-ceiling bubbles,” this production is recommended for kids who are three and older. To keep it kid-friendly, the runtime is around 65 minutes, with no intermission. Several performance times are available, including shows as early as 11:00 am on the Saturdays and on Sunday, August 4 at 10 am, there is a special relaxed performance, that will feature modified lighting, sounds, and laser effects. Tickets start at $39.
Royal Canadian International Circus
Thursday August 1 – Monday August 5 @ Promenade Shopping Centre, 1 Promenade Cir, Thornhill
Friday August 9 – Sunday August 18 @ Dixie Outlet Mall, 1250 S Service Rd., Mississauga
Thursday August 22 – Monday September 2 @ Burlington Centre, 777 Guelph Ln., Burlington
While the Royal Canadian International Circus’ lineup for its 2024 production might be new, you can still expect your family to be wowed and amazed by the company’s outstanding acrobats, aerialists and daredevils (including a real human cannonball). This animal-free (and air-conditioned) show is packed with action and energy and runs at a variety of times depending on the date, with the earliest show at 11 am and the latest at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $35 and all seating, including the pricier ringside and VIP sections, are first-come, first-seated.
Team Canada Fanfest
CF Shops at Don Mills, 1090 Don Mills Rd., Toronto
Friday August 2 – Monday August 5
Cheer on Team Canada at this interactive celebration that will get every member yelling, “Go Canada!” Planned activities include live music, sports demonstrations, and of course broadcasts from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Fanfest is free to attend.
And while you’re at the CF Shops at Don Mills, your kids can check out the miniature train that toot-toots its way around the property. Each ride lasts 10-15 minutes and costs $5 per person.
Toronto Diversity Festival
Dundas Square, 1 Dundas St. E., Toronto
Saturday August 3 & Sunday August 4
North America’s biggest diversity festival takes over Dundas Square with live music, dancers, and other talented performers. There will also be an artisan market and plenty of food vendors, so come hungry! The fun starts at noon each day and entry is free.
Junie B. Jones the Musical
Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
Saturday August 3 – Sunday September 8 (weekends only)
Three of Barbara Park’s popular book series are brought to life in this song-filled show that stars June B. Jones, everyone’s favourite first grader. Designed for kids ages three and up, this production is a fun tale that explores the themes of friendship, acceptance, and humility. Two shows take place each performance day – one at 1:00 pm and one at 3:30 pm – and run one hour in length, with no intermission. Tickets start at around $35.
Mouse on the Move
Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave., Toronto
Saturday August 10 – Sunday September 1
Meet Nellie and Amelia, two curious mice who want to take your family on an interactive adventure! With a run time of only 40 minutes and lots of audience participation elements, this “intimate, immersive theatrical experience” is the perfect early theatre experience for kids ages one to five. Two shows are scheduled for each performance day, one at 10:00 am and one at 11:00 am. General admission (but seated) tickets start at around $25.
Grange Festival
26 Grange Ave., Toronto
Friday August 9
As one of Toronto’s oldest festivals, the Grange Festival knows a thing or two about having fun. Listen and watch performances from talented locals while you learn about local organizations and your kids participate in games and arts and crafts. There will also be some tasty snacks, including snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy. And if your kids need to burn off some energy, one of the city’s best playgrounds is conveniently located right there. The festival runs from 11:30-3:00 pm and is free to access.
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Bell Manor Park, 1 Bayside Ln., Toronto
Thursday August 15 – Saturday August 17
Watching a movie under the stars is a perfect way to cap off a summer day. While the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show screens films at various locations, this year its three-night run at Etobicoke’s Bell Manor Park features family-friendly films that also explore this season’s theme of “jobs.” On Thursday, August 15, the live-action comedy Kinky Boots will screen, followed by the original Mary Poppins movie on the Friday and then on the Saturday, it’s the colourful and fun Monsters Inc. The movies start at sundown but come early to buy snacks and enjoy some crafty activities, presented by Arts Etobicoke. Screenings are free to attend but donations are encouraged. You also need to bring your own chair or blanket.
Canadian National Exhibition
210 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto
Friday August 16 – Monday September 2
Say goodbye to summer in style with an outing to the CNE. Watch the air show and hear planes break the sound barrier, pet some alpacas at the Farm building, and argue about which Superdog is the cutest. And of course, there’s always the Kids’ World area, which features child-friendly rides and tons of live performers and character meet and greets (a quick tip regarding the meet and greets: Get in that line early). Plenty of delicious food will also be available though as of publication time, this year’s wackiest items hadn’t been shared yet. For a limited time, kids can claim a free ticket for a limited time at the CNE’s website (just keep in mind that access to the midway rides is an additional fee). General admission tickets for everyone else are $22.12 if purchased in advance.
Fan Expo Canada
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto
Thursday August 22 – Sunday August 25
If you and your kids love comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, or cosplay, the Fan Expo Canada is your family’s playground! While some elements of Fan Expo are best for a more mature crowd, there is a dedicated family section where you’ll find meet and greets, games and other hands-on experiences. There’s also a kids’ cosplay contest, so get your creative skills ready. Tickets start at $15 for kids, and a discounted family pack is available, alongside all kinds of add-ons and packages. Just try to grab your passes in advance before August 7, when prices go up.
Kidz Bop Live
Budweiser Stage, 909 Lakeshore Blvd. W., Ontario Place, Toronto
Friday August 23
Do you love pop music but sometimes wish the lyrics could be a bit more kid-friendly? Then Kidz Bop Live is the concert for your family! Enjoy some of the biggest hits of yesterday and today, presented in a way that won’t make you blush. A couple of new-for-this-year covers include Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” and Tate McRae’s “Greedy.” Tickets start at $20 though much pricier VIP packages (which include a meet and greet, a dance party, and much more) are also available.
