13 fun things to do with kids in Toronto this winter
What to do and where to go with little kids in a big city this winter
If you are like me, you probably prefer a mild climate with +15C temperatures all year round. Do these destinations even exist? The Toronto winter has never been easy for me, and it’s even more challenging with two young kids in arms. Fortunately, Toronto is a great city and has a lot to offer for family outdoor and indoor activities.
things to do with kids outdoors in Toronto
Evergreen Brick Works
My family loves walks in Evergreen Brick Works at any season. You will not see turtles here in winter, but this place has never left us disappointed. It is also a great location for family photos too. The Brick Works has one of the best skating rinks in the city which is open from December to March. Different classes for kids and adults, including for parents & toddlers, are available with registration starting in mid-November. Another family winter fun activity is shopping at the farmer’s market located in CRH Gallery every Saturday November-April. Treat yourself with something yummy this winter!
Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is another great place to visit with little ones all year round and especially it is beautiful on a snowy day. At the farm, you can not only enjoy seeing the animals and sing ‘moo-moo here, and a moo-moo there’ to your toddler but also explore the historic buildings. You can notice the Beatty Pumper Windmill located in the goat and sheep paddocks. It was designed to pump water and was manufactured in the 1920′ – 1930’s by the Beatty Bros. of Fergus in Ontario.
Also, remarkable is the Simpson House which is a Victorian-style farmhouse. Donnybrook Ruin by the cow paddock is all that remains of a two-story building today.
The Distillery Winter Village
We also like to visit the European style holiday market ‘Winter Village’ in the Distillery District. There are many vendor cabins with local, Canadian, and European goodies at the market. Also, you can enjoy listening to Christmas carols, meeting Santa and elves, or having delicious treats. This place is just perfect for enjoying the holiday atmosphere. This year the market is open from November 16th until December 31st 2022. General admission begins at $15, and kids aged 9 and under can enter for free. The outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors at the Distillery Winter Village open at 12:00 pm, welcoming visitors from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with free entry.
Winter Stations
Winter Stations is an international design competition, and one of my favorite annual events, held at the Kew and Woodbine Beaches, in Toronto. The winter installations are made of different materials, very different in style, color, and shape. My kids love to explore them! It’s a great place to visit for the whole family, walk with your dog or take some cool photographs. Just dress warmly and treat them to hot chocolate afterwards! See you there from February 19th, 2024!
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is one of kids’ favorite activities during the snowy months. Toronto offers many tobogganing hills with different adventurous options, such as Christie Pits & Riverdale Park. Bickford Park, Withrow Park, Gladhurst Park, Chapman Park, Rennie Park, and L’Amoreaux Park (hidden gem of Scarborough). Also, Trinity Bellwoods and Crestview are good for beginners. East Lynn Park is a great location in the East End!
Skating
Probably the best activity for kids and parents during winter months is skating. Toronto’s outdoor skating rinks have just opened their doors for the season. The most popular are: Greenwood Outdoor Ice Rink, Paul Quarrington Ice Rink at Sherbourne Common, Otter Creek Centre, Riverdale Park East, Mel Lastman Square, Dieppe Park, and Monarch Park. We also like the skating areas at the Brick Works, Regent Park, Nathan Phillips Square, and the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail (a new addition to College Park).
High Park Nature Centre
High Park is one of the amazing parks in the west of the city. The High Park Nature Centre offers all year-round outdoor nature activities for all ages. The Centre provides Family Nature Walks on different topics, kids’ clubs (yes, in winter too!), and winter holiday camp.
things to do with kids indoors in Toronto
Art Gallery of Ontario
Exploring the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) with kids is a delightful experience. The Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre offering exciting activities for families and kids of all ages. The Hands-On Centre offers a range of engaging activities, including art creation, construction, storytelling, and collaborative play. Visitors have the opportunity to explore and create using diverse art-making materials and projects. The exhibition and collections based programs at the gallery undergo frequent changes, providing a dynamic experience for families. The team of Facilitators is available to support creative family learning time. The Hands-On Centre is situated on the concourse level of the Gallery in the Weston Family Learning Centre.
The Hands-On Centre is open from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. It is free with general admission.
Also, a walk through the gallery, and a cup of hot chocolate at AGO café seem to me a very good way to spend a cold day!
The Gardiner Museum
Every Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, The Gardiner Museum hosts Family Days, providing a free experience for kids and included admission for adults. Families can come together to enjoy clay activities inspired by the museum’s collection and special exhibitions, guided by our enthusiastic team of educators and volunteers. It’s advised to bring a recycled container or bag to take your creations home.
Toronto Public Library
Visiting a local library is one of our favorite activities and one of the things we missed mostly during pandemic lockdowns. We love toddler and family time programs, summer reading clubs, and craft workshops. The Toronto Public Library provides great children’s collections and many branches have wonderful play and discovery areas. Some of the kids’ areas are really spectacular. Here are the most kid-friendly branches: Brentwood Library (Etobicoke), Lillian H. Smith, North York Central Library, Beaches Library, Scarborough Civic Centre, S. Walter Stewart Library, and Albert Campbell.
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Have a blast with your family at CF Toronto Eaton Centre this winter! From November 15 to December 24, it transforms into CF Winterville, a magical winter wonderland. Enjoy the 114-foot-tall Christmas tree, meet Santa, watch live shows, and experience indoor snowfall. Whether you catch the Tree Lighting Ceremony or visit later, it’s a perfect spot for festive family fun and adorable holiday photos in front of the big Christmas tree!
St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is a great place to introduce foods from many parts of the world to the kids. The market offers European (Italian, British, Polish food), Indian, Japanese, and Korean foods, and also has areas with tables to sit and eat. The St. Lawrence Market Complex includes three buildings: The South Market, the North Market and St. Lawrence Hall. The North Market is where the Saturday’s farmer’s market has been happening since 1803. Don’t forget to carry cash because some vendors don’t accept cards.
In-home Or In-studio Family Photo Session
Winter is a great time for a family photography session, either held in the comfort of your home or in one of the best photo studios in Toronto. Please check out my home page and I happy to chat with you!
