Family Day in Ontario falls on Monday, February 19 this year, and while it is not one of the province’s stat holidays, many are fortunate to have a long weekend.
If you’re searching for something to do this Family Day Weekend, there are so many events and activities happening in and around the city.
Check out our round-up of 10 things to do this weekend:
1. Sip high tea in an enchanting “castle”
Casa Loma’s annual Family Day event High Tea at the Castle is back this weekend, where you can sample premium teas, scones, gourmet pastries, and tea sandwiches within a magical castle-like setting. After your tea, you’ll also have access to explore the rest of the castle and grounds. Prices are $75 per person and can be reserved on their website.
2. Eat at a huge food truck festival
Food Truck’n Events will be hosting a huge party at Mississauga’s Celebration Square in honour of Family Day, with shopping, ice skating, and of course, tons of food trucks to sample a variety of cuisines from. The festivities kick off on Saturday, February 17, with ten popular food trucks to check out ranging from savoury empanadas to deliciously sweet cookies. There will also be churros, coffee, burgers, pizza, and so much more. You can see the full list of vendors on their website here.
3. Visit surreal art installations on Toronto beaches
Winter Stations returns for its tenth year to Toronto, where the lifeguard stations of Woodbine Beach are transformed into imaginative art installations. From a whimsical raincloud to a UFO you can climb into, get your cameras ready for some epic art. Winter Stations kicks off on February 19, 2024.
4. Head to Sweet City Fest at STACKT Market
For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss Sweet City Fest which takes over STACKT Market from February 9 – 19! Pick up some goodies from over 100 local vendors, sip on hot beverages, peruse art exhibits, and engage in various other activities. There will also be live performances, workshops, community events, and other forms of entertainment.
5. Stop by the Distillery District for an Apres Ski Party
The Distillery District’s Après Ski Weekends are back for the winter, running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of March. From 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. each weekend, you’ll be able to enjoy everything from live DJ sets to fireside s’mores right in Trinity Square. Fuel up with wood-fire grilled comfort foods or snacks from The Distillery food truck, and quench your thirst with hot and cold beverages like hot chocolate, mulled wine, and beer. To get the most bang for your buck, take advantage of their Happy Hour specials from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. every Friday.
6. Go fishing for free
Canadian residents in Ontario are allowed to fish for free just four times a year, and what better way to bond than by reeling in a catch? The province-wide opportunity lets you fish licence-free, although you must still follow Ontario’s fishing regulations.
7. Check out the Canadian International AutoShow
The Canadian International AutoShow takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from February 16 – 25, and if cars and trucks are your thing, it’s definitely worth a visit. From admiring premium sports cars and rare, exotic vehicles to seeing the new Tesla CyberTruck, there’s something for every car fanatic.
8. Play games at a nostalgic retro arcade
The Retro Arcade at Hotel X Toronto is returning for its second year, letting you step back in time and play some of the best arcade games of the 80s and 90s. Running from February 16 to March 17, this year’s pop-up will have double the amount of last year’s games, including Dance Dance Revolution, Skee-ball, Street Fighter, air hockey, pinball games, and so much more. Stop by for a themed event in your best throwback outfit, like their Flashback Fridays complete with DJs and a retro bar.
9. Go ice skating under the Gardiner
The Bentway is not only one of downtown’s largest skating rinks – it also goes right under the Gardiner Expressway, where you can glide around the 220m figure-eight path beneath a new art installation inspired by the Northern lights. For family day, there will also be crafts, music, food and drinks. The Bentway will be open from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. on February 19.
10. Explore the underwater world at Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has extended its hours for the long weekend, so you can go as early as 9 a.m. to avoid the masses. See the mesmerizing colours of the Rainbow Reef, or the epic sharks who reside in the Dangerous Lagoon tunnel. Family Day weekend hours run from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.