Have you made plans for Family Day yet, Toronto? In Ontario, the third Monday in February is observed as Family Day, a day to get together with loved ones and enjoy some quality time.
Family Day falls on Feb. 17 this year and if you’re hoping to get out of the house while keeping costs low, I got you. From checking out illuminated art to massive festivals, these are free things to do on Family Day in and around Toronto.
Winter Stations transforms the Woodbine Beach lifeguard stations into stunning art installations.
Want to explore? Head over on Family Day, the art is free to check out.
Stackt Markt is hosting a festival for all things sweet. From beautiful art pieces to an array of vendors offering sweet treats, this free fest is family-friendly and awaiting your arrival.
Live entertainment will be on deck, too.
When: On from Feb. 11 to Feb. 23, 2025
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
Who says you can’t live the farm life in the city? Riverdale Farm is the perfect escape from the city, without leaving the city.
When: Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Family Day
Where: Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester St
“Drop in for an inspirational house tour and then craft your responses and feelings into poetry about the colonial history of the museum,” says Colborne Lodge.
The free festivities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When: Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Family Day
Where: Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr
Family Day at Ontario’s Legislature
Ontario’s historic Legislative Building has a lineup of free festivities this Family Day including a guided tour, crafts, face painting and live performances running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When: Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Family Day
Where: 111 Wellesley Street W
Family Day at Scarborough Museum
Cozy up for the day at Scarborough Museum! Museum-goers can enjoy featuring books for all ages “that celebrate Black-lived experiences and stories.”
There will be fires to keep warm in the Cornell House and McCowan Log House kitchens. Hot drinks will also be served!
When: Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Family Day
Where: Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd
Family Day Weekend at Gibson House Museum
Family Day festivities will be on at the Gibson House.
Families can try one of the table looms, learn a new game, or play a classic fave in the restored dining room.
Historic tours will also be taking place, as well as access to the photo exhibit in celebration of Black History Month, and black citizens of North York and Toronto.
When: Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Family Day
Where: Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge St
Family Day Weekend Storytelling at Montgomery’s Inn
Storytelling and crafts, anyone?
“Montgomery’s Inn’s Family Day weekend Storytelling programming will feature 3 days of storytelling from Kesha Christie and Nadia Hohn, presenting Anansi storytelling and African and Caribbean folktales: stories about family, community, and traditions.”
Free activities will also be happening all day, and everyone gets to take home a free book, too.
When: Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Family Day
Where: Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St W
Family Day Weekend at the Museum
Aga Khan Museum will have free performances, live calligraphy demonstrations, and family arts and crafts activities all Family Day weekend.
Admission is free of charge, score!
When: Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Family Day
Where: Aga Kham Museum, 77 Wynford Dr
Great Backyard Bird Count in High Park
Calling all nature lovers. This free-to-attend walkthrough of High Park allows you to identify, learn about and count the birds in the park. The data collected will be submitted to eBird for research.
The program fills up quickly so be sure to register beforehand, walk-ins won’t be guaranteed a spot.
When: From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Family Day
Where: High Park Nature Centre’s Forest School building, 375 Colborne Lodge Dr
Family Day at Celebration Square
Celebration Square in Mississauga will have free programming from noon to 4 p.m. on Family Day.
Enjoy free ice skating, a live DJ spinning tracks, and food trucks to grab a bite at.
When: Open from noon to 4 p.m. on Family Day
Where: Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr
ILLUMINITE
ILLUMINITE is a celebration of light, art, and togetherness, brought to life through five illuminated art installations in Toronto.
Arriving in time for Family Day, the pieces are free to see and make for a great way to cap off the night,
When: Open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Family Day
Where: Multiple locations in downtown Toronto
The Bentway skating trail
Toronto’s figure eight skating loops under The Gardiner is a perfect place to bring the fam.
While rentals are available, this rink is totally free to glide around. Oh, and and Family Day is the last day of the season for this skating trail so be sure to go before it closes.
When: Open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Family Day
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
Happy Family Day, Toronto!
