We are officially in winter and it’s safe to say that we’ll have at least three more months of cold weather. To avoid your family experiencing the winter “blahs”, you can make sure that spirits remain high during winter by scheduling some fun winter activities in your calendar. Fortunately, there are many family winter activities in Toronto events and attractions to enjoy both indoors and outdoors.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
If you haven’t been to Ripley’s Aquarium, it’s a must-see attraction for families in Toronto. You’ll get to see sharks swimming above your head in Dangerous Lagoon Shark Tunnel, as well as see all kinds of fish varieties up close. This winter, Ripley’s is hosting Paint Nite classes, morning yoga, photography classes, sleepovers and Sea Squirts on Thursday mornings for young children – all great winter activities for families. Read my post on my visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada last year.
Winter Wednesdays at Evergreen Brick Works
Bring the family to enjoy Winter Wednesdays at Evergreen Brick Works from Wednesday, January 16, 2019 to February 20, 2019. Skate on the Brick Works’ outdoor skating path, enjoy hot chocolate (or cocktails) by the campfire or sample dishes from some of Toronto’s best food trucks. Other family activities include street curling, giant Jenga, nature-based crafts for kids and s`more roasting
Winter Wednesdays takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is free. Bring your own skates to enjoy the outdoor skating path or rent a pair for $5.
Evergreen Brick Works is located at 550 Bayview Avenue. There is a shuttle bus to the Brick Works from Broadview Station.
Rent Cross-Country Skis or Snowshoes
You don’t have to drive north although if you are planning to get a group together, you can book a shuttle bus rental Toronto so that you are all travelling together. If you are staying in the Toronto, you can cross-country ski or snowshoe on woodland trails at Toronto parks. If you don’t have equipment, you can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes at Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC). Daily rates for cross-country skis are $15 ($20 for skis, boots and poles) while snowshoes are $10 for kids and $15 for adults. Toronto parks that have woodland trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing include High Park, Tommy Thompson Park, Beltline Trail (Moore Park Ravine), Don Valley Ravine Trails (Crothers Woods, Sun Valley and Cottonwood).
IMAX Dome at Ontario Science Centre
When it’s too cold to spend time outdoors, one of the most popular winter activities for families in Toronto is to see a film at the Ontario Science Centre’s IMAX Dome. Documentaries being screened in Winter 2019 include Our Blue Planet, Journey To Space and Pandas. Tickets for IMAX Dome films are $9 for all ages and can be purchased online. Of course, once you’re there, you can always see some of the excellent exhibits at the Ontario Science Centre, although admission is in addition to your $9 IMAX Dome ticket.
Lower Ossington Theatre
The Lower Ossington Theatre produces many Broadway hits for both families and adults and I have always found their performances to be first rate. The intimate theatre on Ossington Avenue typically performs three different shows at any given time. Productions scheduled for Winter 2019 include Once On This Island The Musical, The Wizard of Oz, and 9 To 5 The Musical. Purchase tickets for Lower Ossington Theatre online.
The Bentway Skate Trail
Take the family downtown to skate under the Gardiner on the Bentway Skate Trail. Bring your own skates or rent skates (Adults $10; Kids 12 and under $5) to enjoy this figure-eight skate trail near Fort York. Afterwards, relax at warming lounges and beside fire pits in the winter villages. Try some of the curated food and beverage options on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Bentway Skate Trail is free and includes free Wifi courtesy of Beanfield. The Bentway is located at 250 Fort York Blvd near Strachan Avenue and Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Do you know of other family winter activities in Toronto? Please let me know in the comment section.
Toronto looks like a nice place to live. If we could, we’d probably choose to move there. My son’s dream is to land a job in Toronto where he can practice his profession. Maybe someday, that dream will be a reality and we can all make a move there.
Good luck to your son on landing a job in Toronto. There really is a lot to in this city! Cheers, Lori
Wow! I did not realize that there are a lot of things to do in Toronto. I know my son would definitely enjoy a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium since he is fond of sea creatures. We will definitely consider this place on our next family vacation. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, the Ripley’s Aquarium is amazing and a must-see if you visit Toronto! Cheers, Lori
The Bentway Skate Trail is on my bucket list. I would enjoy sitting near the fire pits in the winter villages drinking hot cocoa.
Yes, so would I! I love that they have firepits to warm up after your skate! Cheers, Lori
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