(7-minute read)

February 2025

By K. Karbasy, Family Care Office/ Faculty Relocation Services Education and Communications Coordinator, University of Toronto

Family Day is the perfect time to connect, explore, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. If you’re in Toronto or the surrounding area, you’re in luck—there are plenty of free or budget-friendly activities to enjoy with kids of all ages. Here’s a curated list of ten options to help you make the most of your day:

1. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Family Day Weekend Events

The AGO offers a weekend filled with art and fun, including activities celebrating their exhibit “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century.” Enjoy art carts, family-friendly gallery tours, live dance performances, and creative play opportunities.

• Date: February 14–17, 2025
• Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
• Cost: Free for visitors aged 25 and under; adults: $25

2. Family Day Weekend at Toronto History Museums

Various Toronto History Museums are hosting special Family Day programming, including storytelling sessions, hands-on crafts, and historical tours.

• Date: February 15–17, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Locations: Multiple venues across Toronto
• Cost: Varies by location; many activities are free

3. Aga Khan Museum: Lunar New Year Celebration

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with arts and crafts, live calligraphy demonstrations, science activities hosted by the Ontario Science Centre, and daily performances.

• Date: February 15–17, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Location: 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
• Cost: Free admission to the Museum Collections Gallery; $10 for the temporary exhibition

4. Ajax WinterFest

The annual Ajax Winterfest is back for free frosty fun on Family Day! It includes numerous winter-themed activities, such as inflatables, ice and snow painting, face painting, crafts, live entertainment, free hot chocolate and s’more making, ball hockey, and local vendors.

• Date: February 17, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: McLean Community Centre (95 Magill Drive), Ajax
• Cost: Free

5. Family Day Fun in Newmarket

Just north of Toronto, Newmarket is hosting a Family Day celebration packed with exciting activities. Families can enjoy live entertainment, skating, swimming, arts and crafts, and more. It’s a fantastic way to spend the day with loved ones, and most activities are free!

• Date: February 17, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Various venues across Newmarket (e.g., Magna Centre, Ray Twinney Recreation Complex)
• Cost: Most activities are free

6. Winter Skating at The Bentway

Enjoy the thrill of skating at The Bentway, a unique urban skating trail located under the Gardiner Expressway. Families can rent skates, take part in fun skating activities, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Make sure to visit on Family Day, as it’s the last day the skating trail will be open for the season! Warm up with hot beverages from nearby vendors after gliding through the icy trail.

• Date: February 17, 2025 (Last day for the skating trail)
• Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
• Cost: Free (skate rentals available for ~$10)

7. Toronto Public Library Family Events

Visit your local library for Family Day-themed story times, crafts, and activities. Each branch offers unique programming.

• Date: February 14– 17, 2025
• Time: Various Times
• Location: Toronto Public Library Branches
• Cost: Free

8. Bata Shoe Museum: Family Day at the BSM

Stomp over to the Bata Shoe Museum and spend Family Day at the BSM by taking a self-guided tour of current exhibitions and making fun crafts. Find your next favourite footwear look in the Try-On Shoes area, and play games with your family throughout the museum, such as iSpy with exhibition-themed activity cards, all included with general admission tickets for adults and children.

• Date: February 17, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto
• Cost: Included with general admission tickets

9. Ontario Family Fishing Weekend

Take advantage of Ontario’s Family Fishing Weekend, where families can fish without a license! Enjoy a relaxing day by the water at one of Toronto’s many waterfront locations, such as Ashbridges Bay, Toronto Islands, or Tommy Thompson Park. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce kids to fishing and enjoy quality time outdoors.

• Date: February 17, 2025 (Part of Family Fishing Weekend, February 15–17, 2025)
• Time: All day
• Location: Various fishing spots across Toronto (e.g., Ashbridges Bay or Toronto Islands)
• Cost: Free (no license required)

10. Model Railroad Club of Toronto Family Day Show

Step into a miniature world of trains and tracks at the Model Railroad Club of Toronto’s Family Day Show. Kids and adults alike will love watching intricate model trains travel through detailed landscapes. It’s a perfect activity for train enthusiasts and families looking for a unique experience.

• Date: February 15–17, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: 11 Curity Avenue, Toronto
• Cost: Free (donations accepted)

These Family Day activities ensure plenty of options for families to spend time together. Whether you prefer exploring history, enjoying the arts, or getting active outdoors, there’s something on this list to suit every family’s interest and budget!