With the long weekend coming up, we’ve curated a list of great indoor events/programs happening around Toronto that both adults and kids will enjoy! Or if you want to venture outdoors to enjoy some winter activities, we've got suggestions to guarantee memorable family time together too.
1. Model Railroad Club of Toronto
In honour of their 85th anniversary, the Model Railroad Club of Toronto is offering the public a chance to visit its clubhouse. Inside, you'll see the club's large model railway in action, as trains pass through small-scale versions of 1950s Central Ontario landscapes.
According to the club, the model uses over 4,000 feet of track, showcasing model trains barreling through tunnels, over bridges, and passing through small towns.
The Model Railroad Club of Toronto will be hosting their anniversary event at 11 Curity Ave.
The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Feb.19, 20 and 26. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children, $12 for seniors, and $45 for families, and can be purchased at the door.
2. The ROM: Family Day Weekend Events
Inspired by their current exhibition, Canadian Modern, visitors are invited to collaborate, ideate, and innovate with exciting design-focused activities that will help educate on the ways we can reduce our impact on urban wildlife.
These Family Day activities (Feb 18 - 20 @ 11am - 4pm) are included with regular admission :
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Nature-inspired Design
Currelly Gallery, Level 1
Calling all future Canadian designers! Design everyday objects using animals and the environment as inspiration – what might a racoon-inspired chair or a forest-inspired car look like? Check out this activity to find out.
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Green Bridges: Living with the World Around Us
MakerSpace, Level 1
How can we make our streets welcoming and safe for animals in the city? In this collaborative design challenge, team up with other families in the MakerSpace to design creative and functional structures for various types of wildlife to travel safely.
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Designing Bird-Safe Windows for Your Home
Earth Rangers Studio, Level 2
Did you know that flying into glass windows is one of the most significant human-caused dangers to birds? In partnership with FLAP Canada, learn how to make the windows of your home safe for birds without affecting your view.
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Hike the ROM
Museum-wide
Follow a Hike the ROM trail and add to your daily steps without worrying about the weather. Two themed trails offer visitors exercise for both the body and mind. Pick up your free trail guides at either entrance, and head off on a fun, step-filled adventure.
3. CampTO
The City of Toronto offers great seasonal camps for kids. While March break registration is predominately full, summer CampTO programs just opened for registration on February 11, 2023 so be sure to check those out before they fill up!
The City of Toronto also runs great programs for kids of all ages all year round that are super affordable (in some cases even FREE).
All available programming can be found on the Toronto FUN site. Be sure to read the class descriptions carefully as age ranges can differ depending on location.
4. AGO: Family Day Weekend Activities
The AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) offers a great deal with their Annual Pass. Get a full year of unlimited access to the AGO Collection and all special exhibitions for only $35!
These Family Day activities (Feb 17 - Feb 20) are included with regular admission:
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Children’s Read Aloud and Dance Along with Valene Campbell
Daily, 11 – 11:40 am and 1:30 – 2:10 pm, Walker Court
Valene Campbell shares stories and dance inspired by her acclaimed series The Amazing Zoe. After each performance, join us at shopAGO for a Meet and Greet with the author.
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Documentary Screening - “Girls/Museum” a documentary by Shelly Silver
Daily 11 am – 4 pm, Jackman Hall
From New York-based filmmaker Shelly Silver comes a tour of the Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig, Germany, as seen through the eyes of young girls aged 7 to 19. This screening will run daily on a continuous loop and visitors are invited to drop in anytime.
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You Look Beautiful Like That: Pop-Up Photo Studio with Roya DelSol and Bidemi Oloyede
Sun Feb 19 and Mon Feb 20, 11 am – 1 pm, Robert Harding Hall (Concourse Level)
Inspired by the exhibition, You Look Beautiful Like That: Studio Photography in West and Central Africa (Level 2, Gallery 249), Toronto lens-based artists Roya DelSol and Bidemi Oloyede will photograph families, friends, and loved ones in a pop-up studio setup. Participants will be able to take home their Polaroid keepsakes – so get ready to strike a pose! This two-day event is presented in collaboration with the Black Daddies Club (BDC) in support of Black and racialized families.
The following activities will require you to sign up in person – first come, first served:
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Art Carts – Galleria Italia
Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Sculpture Atrium, Education Commons, 11 am – 4 pm, Daily
Gather for artmaking at the Art Carts – a roving maker station with activities to explore art through the senses.
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Gallery Tours
Weston Family Learning Centre (WFLC), Departures at 11:30 am, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 pm
Enjoy family friendly tours inspired by the works of artist Denyse Thomasos: just beyond. Conversations will focus on materials she used, the journey she took as an artist, the travels that inspired her and the ideas she wanted to share through her art.
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Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre
11 am – 4 pm, Daily
At the Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre, you’ll find artmaking activities and creative play opportunities. Recommended for ages up to 6, but all are welcome.
5. Outdoor Ice Skating
Whether you are a seasoned skater or just trying it for the first time, this is a great family activity. There are tons of drop-in skate options all across Toronto. Check here for the closest rink located near you and their drop-in schedules.
For those looking for an adventure further afield, Arrowhead Provincial Park houses a magical outdoor Ice Skating Trail. The 1.3 km trail winds through the thick Muskoka forest, and on select Friday and Saturday evenings, there is an option for night skating where the trail is illuminated by hundreds of tiki torches lighting your way.
6. The Giant Maze at Evergreen Brick Works
(Photo courtesy of Evergreen Brick Works)
The Giant Maze is Canada’s largest winter maze pop-up experience of its kind, made entirely of reusable wood spanning over 14,000 sq-ft. Starting February 11th you can make your way through this maze either in Toronto at the Evergreen Brickworks or in Milton at Country Heritage Park.
Buy your tickets here (starting February 11th until March 19th, open daily from 11am - 4pm).
