Many people are having trouble making Family Day plans during COVID-19, but there are plenty of fabulous virtual or outdoor events available. Here is our top 10 picks for long weekend activities. Some are free, some have a fee, and all of them are sure to put a smile on your little one’s face.
Mabel’s Fables Family Day Virtual Storytime
If you have younger children, City Councillor Josh Matlow is here to help you entertain them this year. At 3 p.m. on Feb. 15, Matlow will be hosting a virtual story hour on Facebook from the Mable’s Fables bookstore, with readings from local authors. The event will also feature music from Sharon, Lois, and Bram’s Skinnamarink with Sharon and her daughter Randi.
Kids Corner Live
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Kids looking to learn about politics should check out Kids Corner Live at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This virtual experience will teach your kids about politics in a fun and exciting way. You can book a time and day that fits right with your family’s schedule.
Tricked Out Magic Show and Family Workshop
Looking for a little magic in your life? DaCosta Magic’s Phil DaCosta will be performing his “Tricked Out” magic show for interested families on Feb. 15. Each virtual show will be followed by a family magic workshop. Shows are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m., and tickets are $30 per family.
Cartooning Party: Drawing Family Caricatures
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On Feb. 13, Winged Canvas will be throwing a virtual cartooning party from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Teachers Fei Lu and Arruniya will teach participants how to draw cartoons of their whole family, although you’ll need to bring your own supplies. You can register for tickets to this event on Eventbrite.
Evergreen Brick Works Ravine Play
If you’re looking for a way to get outside this Family Day weekend but avoid any and all crowds, you can use the ravine play activity book from Evergreen Brick Works to explore all that Toronto’s ravine system has to offer. This guide will help you teach your children about everything that can be found in Toronto’s natural ecosystem in a fun and safe way. It’s free to download and is filled with activities for your little ones to tackle.
Family Day Sweat with Carnival Spice
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What better way to have fun this weekend than dancing with the whole family? Carnival Spice is hosting a Family Day Sweat on Monday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. hosted live on its Instagram page. Kids are welcome and this is the perfect escape for anyone feeling the winter blues.
Go Snowshoeing at Cedarvale Ravine and the Beltline
It’s important to get out into the great outdoors, particularly for kids. While snow is still on the ground, snowshoeing is one option that is accessible across many age ranges. One of the best options for snowshoeing in Toronto is the Beltline Trail, a repurposed rail bed with Cedarvale Ravine Park on one end and Moore Park Ravine and Evergreen Brickworks on the other.
Family Trivia Night
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Families who like to play together should check out Big Spoon Little Spoon U of T’s Family Trivia Night. The event will be held virtually on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for teams of up to two people, and $25 for teams of up to six people. Registration is open online now.
TSO On Demand: Beethoven Septet Virtual Concert
If you’re missing the joy of a live orchestra performance, you’re in luck this Family Day. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Beethoven Septet will be available to watch online beginning on Feb. 12. If you don’t have time this weekend, the concert will be available for viewing until March 4.
Mysteries of the Universe
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The Astronomy and Space Exploration Society’s symposium this year called “Mysteries of the Universe,” will run from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17. Offerings this year include talks on dark matter, dark energy, and so much more. Tickets are free for students or $5 for everyone else.
