The Family Day long weekend is almost here, falling on Monday, February 16 this year. While a number of businesses and services will be closed to observe the statutory holiday, there’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be had in the city!
Whether you’re looking to glide through a glowing art exhibition or catch a live performance in a historic castle, Toronto has no shortage of ways to celebrate Family Day this year. From free community skates to immersive light shows, here are the best things to do in the city on February 16.
Explore a glowing wonderland at Lumière: The Art of Light
Trillium Park at Ontario Place will once again be transformed into a magical outdoor gallery with the return of Lumière: The Art of Light, opening this Family Day! Running from February 16 through March 27, this free, immersive light exhibition features stunning installations that illuminate the lakeside, making it the perfect spot for a scenic family stroll after the sun goes down.
Indulge your sweet tooth at STACKT Market
Sweet City Fest is taking over STACKT this long weekend with life-sized candy installations and a massive vendor market. From “Disco Descendants” family raves to free indoor games, it’s a candy-coated dream for the whole family.
Use this Family Day long weekend to plan ahead for future fun, as tickets have just dropped to the epic Art of the Brick! The most famous Lego art exhibit features over 130 larger‑than‑life sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya, and arrives in Toronto this March. This is your opportunity to see iconic LEGO recreations, a 20‑foot T. rex and family‑friendly interactive displays.
Discover your inner child at Pursuit OCR
It’s the perfect weekend to check out Pursuit OCR’s 30,000-square-foot indoor adventure space in Etobicoke, featuring Toronto’s largest obstacle course. Packed with high-energy challenges like tricycle races and monkey bars, the course is designed for all fitness levels, with on-site coaches and a giant soft ball pit for safety.
Walk through the “Mirage” at Winter Stations
Head down to Woodbine Beach this Family Day to see the shoreline transformed into an outdoor art gallery during the return of Winter Stations. This year’s theme, “Mirage,” features five stunning installations that use existing lifeguard stations as their canvas.
Dive into an underwater adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium
For those looking to escape the February chill, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is hosting some “FIN-tastic” family activations all weekend long. On February 15 and 16, the attraction is offering with a special buy-one-get-one-free offer, where guests will receive one complimentary adult or senior ticket with the purchase of a youth or child ticket. Available on-site only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the deal includes access to family-friendly activations including free sensory, game, craft, temporary tattoo, and book giveaway stations, plus sweet treats like Mini Melts and Mini BeaverTails available for purchase.
Step into the “Play” zone with ILLUMINITE
ILLUMINATE will once again transform the Downtown Yonge into an interactive art crawl, back for its third year now. With the theme of “PLAY,” five unique locations including Sankofa Square and College Park will feature light-based installations designed to get you moving and connecting with the city in a brand-new way.
Catch a free show at the Queen’s Park Winter Festival
The historic Ontario Legislative Building is opening its doors for a day of free festivities during the Queen’s Park Winter Festival. Families can enjoy guided tours of the majestic chambers, followed by face painting, crafts, and live musical performances. There’s even a mini hockey arena and a professional ice carving demonstration to enjoy outdoors.
Get creative at the AGO
All Family Day long weekend, the Art Gallery of Ontario is handing over the reins to the kids. The massive Walker Court will be turned into a “Winter Wonderland” where visitors can create mini artworks and sculptures. If you have an aspiring artist in the family, the hands-on printmaking parties are a must-visit.
Relive the classics at the Hotel X Retro Arcade
If you’re feeling nostalgic, head over to Hotel X for a blast from the past. Their popular pop-up Retro Arcade is back as of February 13, and features everything from Dance Dance Revolution to giant eight-player foosball. Even better, the all-day play passes make it easy to stay and compete.
Skate at the historic Evergreen Brick Works
Is there anything more “Toronto” than skating under a historic factory roof? The rink at Koerner Gardens weaves through snow-covered gardens and is completely free to access. If you need a break from the ice, stick around for a free indoor movie night or check out the Saturday Farmer’s Market for some local treats.
High Tea at the Castle
Casa Loma is once again welcoming guests for its elegant High Tea at the Castle experience over the Family Day long weekend. Hosted in the estate’s breathtaking conservatory, the affair features artisanal teas paired with tiered selections of freshly baked scones, delicate tea sandwiches, and handcrafted pastries, all served in a refined Edwardian-inspired setting. Reservations also include full access to explore the castle’s historic halls and tunnels.