We’ve curated a list of great indoor events/programs happening around Toronto that both adults and kids will enjoy this winter season! Or if you want to venture outdoors to enjoy some seasonal activities, we've got suggestions to guarantee memorable family time together too.
1. The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
Inspired by their current exhibition, Canadian Modern, visitors are invited to collaborate, ideate, and innovate with exciting design-focused activities that will help educate on the ways we can reduce our impact on urban wildlife.
Mark your calendars also, T.rex: The Ultimate Predator exhibit is slated to open March 11!
Other event and program highlights:
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Saturday Club
This weekend program has been a staple at the ROM for 79 years, offering activity based fun that's inspired by the world-class museum! Kids have the option to partake in morning, afternoon, or full day programs. Spring term runs for 8 weeks, from Sat April 15 - June 10, 2023. Age 4 - 14 years old. Requires sign up and pre-payment.
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Third Tuesday Nights Free
Admission to the Museum is free—for everyone—on the third Tuesday Night (4:30 pm - 8:30 pm) of each month.
2. The AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario)
The AGO offers a great deal with their Annual Pass. Get a full year of unlimited access to the AGO Collection and all special exhibitions for only $35! Pick up a copy of AGO PLAY - a kid-friendly activity booklet that outlines adventures to see and do inside the Gallery -- from art making challenges to a scavenger hunt and close-looking activities.
The following activities will require you to sign up in person – first come, first served:
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Copy Shop Friday Nights
Walker Court, 6 pm – 8 pm, Fridays, Mar 3-31
Gather for artmaking at the Art Carts – a roving maker station with activities to explore art through the senses. It’s a printmaking party every Friday night in March. Colour Code Studio welcomes members of the public to try the easy, exciting art called Risography.
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Print Jam Wednesday Afternoons
Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School, 4 - 5:30 pm, Wednesdays, Feb 15 - Mar 8
Experiment with printing on the Risograph, collage and drawing materials are available to make posters or one-page zines.
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Family Gallery Tours
Weston Family Learning Centre (WFLC), Departures at 11:30 am, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 pm
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Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre
11 am – 4 pm, Daily
At the Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre, you’ll find artmaking activities and creative play opportunities. Recommended for ages up to 6, but all are welcome.
3. Outdoor Ice Skating
Whether you are a seasoned skater or just trying it for the first time, this is a great family activity. There are tons of drop-in skate options all across Toronto. Check here for the closest rink located near you and their drop-in schedules.
For those looking for an adventure further afield, Arrowhead Provincial Park houses a magical outdoor Ice Skating Trail. The 1.3 km trail winds through the thick Muskoka forest, and on select Friday and Saturday evenings, there is an option for night skating where the trail is illuminated by hundreds of tiki torches lighting your way.
4. The Giant Maze at Evergreen Brick Works
(Photo courtesy of Evergreen Brick Works)
The Giant Maze is Canada’s largest winter maze pop-up experience of its kind, made entirely of reusable wood spanning over 14,000 sq-ft. Starting February 11th you can make your way through this maze either in Toronto at the Evergreen Brickworks or in Milton at Country Heritage Park.
Buy your tickets here (starting February 11th until March 19th, open daily from 11am - 4pm).
5. Model Railroad Club of Toronto
In honour of their 85th anniversary, the Model Railroad Club of Toronto is offering the public a chance to visit its clubhouse. Inside, you'll see the club's large model railway in action, as trains pass through small-scale versions of 1950s Central Ontario landscapes.
According to the club, the model uses over 4,000 feet of track, showcasing model trains barreling through tunnels, over bridges, and passing through small towns.
The Model Railroad Club of Toronto will be hosting their anniversary event at 11 Curity Ave.
The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 26. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children, $12 for seniors, and $45 for families, and can be purchased at the door.
