Family Day in Ontario: A Guide to Events and Activities in 2025

Julie Anne L.
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Family Day is the break we all need to prioritise work-life balance by spending quality time with loved ones. It’s a fun excuse to slow down, do something fun together, and make the winter months feel a bit warmer. In 2025, Family Day in Ontario falls on Monday, February 17th, perfect for turning it into a long weekend and checking out everything the province offers.

From outdoor adventures to indoor attractions, here’s a curated guide to Family Day activities that can suit any family’s interests.

Some of these activities and destinations are weather-dependent, so it’s best to check their official websites or social media accounts for the latest updates before heading out. Stay in the loop and make the most of your visit.

Tobogganing

Riverdale Park East and West

Want a hill with a view? The east side offers a fast ride and an incredible downtown skyline. The west side is gentler and ideal for kids, plus Riverdale Farm is right there if you need a break.

  • Address: Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview Ave., Toronto), Riverdale Park West (375 Sumach St., Toronto)
  • Website: www.toronto.ca
  • Admission: Free

Centennial Park

Photo via @rukshan_perera96 / Instagram 

This Etobicoke spot has plenty of room, so no need to fight for space. With both small and steep hills, it works for all ages.

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  • Address: 165 Centennial Park Blvd., Toronto
  • Website: www.toronto.ca
  • Admission: Free

Pinery Park

Photo via @thekayakcottage / Instagram 

While you’re at the Pinery Park, you can enjoy the scenic views of Lake Huron. There are slopes for all skill levels, and the tobogganing hill is even lit up at night. Plus, there’s a chalet with heated washrooms nearby.

Finn Hill

Photo via @paulgagg1983 / Instagram 

This one’s for speed lovers. It’s long, wide, and fast, with plans for added lights and a lift to the top.

  • Address: 75 Village Ct, Sault Ste. Marie

James W. Kerr Park

Prefer something easygoing? This hill is smaller, smoother, and suitable for little ones or anyone who just wants a relaxed ride.

Ice Skating

Bentway Skate Trail

Photo via @thebentway / Instagram 

For a Toronto winter tradition with your family? You can skate under the Gardiner together. The figure-eight trail is open for its final day of the season on Family Day, so grab your skates while you still can.

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  • Address: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
  • Website: www.thebentway.ca
  • Admission: Free. Skate rentals available.

YZD

Photo via @yzdtoronto / Instagram 

This 4,500-square-foot rink is surrounded by colourful art installations, making it a fun spot for all ages. With free admission and affordable rentals, you have no reason not to spend the day here.

  • Address: 34 Hanover Rd., North York 
  • Website: www.yzd.ca
  • Admission: Free. Skate rentals available.

Rideau Canal Skateway

Photo via @joemaruka / Instagram 

Skating on the world’s largest rink? Yes, do it on Family Day. The Rideau Canal winds through Ottawa for 7.8 km, turning the city into a dream winter destination every year.

  • Address: 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
  • Website: www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca
  • Admission: Free. Skate rentals available.

Cranberry Ice Trail

Photo via @johnstons_cranberries / Instagram 

Now, why not glide through a 1.2 km loop with cranberry beds on one side and a forest on the other?  After skating, parents can enjoy hot mulled wine or cran-apple cider at the winery.

  • Address: 1074 Cranberry Rd, Bala
  • Website: www.cranberry.ca
  • Admission: Free. Skate rentals available.

Richmond Hill Green Skate Trail

Photo via @fruitupp / Instagram 

This 250-metre loop offers a relaxed outdoor skating experience. You’ll find a heated change room and washrooms, but bring your own skates since rentals aren’t available.

  • Address: 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
  • Website: www.richmondhill.ca
  • Admission: Free

Skiing and Snowboarding

Blue Mountain Resort

Photo via @bluemtnresort / Instagram 

With one of Ontario’s highest vertical drops and 30 km of slopes, Blue Mountain has runs for every skill level. After a day on the hill, the European-style village has interesting spots to eat, shop, and relax.

Lakeridge Ski Resort

Photo via @skilakeridge / Instagram 

Located less than an hour from Toronto, this resort offers 22 runs across 70 acres. It’s a suitable spot for families, with trails for beginners and more challenging slopes for experienced skiers and boarders.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone

Photo via @mtstlouismoonstone, @ontariosnowboard, and @rachelivey / Instagram 

This family-owned resort has 72 hectares of skiable terrain and over 35 slopes, including black diamond runs and freestyle terrain parks. With upgraded, high-speed lifts, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time on the slopes.

Snow Tubing

Horseshoe Valley Resort

Photo via @horseshoeresort and @saadia.ammad / Instagram 

Ever tried a 600-metre tubing run? Horseshoe Valley has the longest one in Ontario, making it a go-to for Family Day. Stick around for a Sonshine & Broccoli sing-along or warm up at the spa.

River Valley Tube Park

Photo via @river_valley_golf_tube / Instagram 

Hold on tight—this 800-foot tubing hill is fast. Ride solo or link up with friends, then grab some homemade fries at the chalet.

Ski Snow Valley

With 14 chutes and three lifts, you’ll spend more time flying down the hill than climbing back up. Speeds can hit 80 km/h, so expect a rush.

Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge

Photo via @naturesharmonyecolodge / Instagram 

Each of the five tubing lanes has its own twist, some drop fast, others twist and turn. Link up with family or race to the bottom.

Fat Biking

Crimson Ridge

Photo via @crimsonridgeofficial and @hiawatha_hellbounds / Instagram 

Who says biking is just for summer? In winter, this Sault Ste. Marie spot turns into a 15 km fat biking trail with striking routes and technical sections.

Deerhurst Resort

Photo via @deerhurstresort and @huntsvillemountainbike / Instagram 

This Huntsville resort makes the most of winter with fat biking. Along with fat biking, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the snow, all with Peninsula Lake as the backdrop.

Albion Hills Conservation Area

Photo via @trca_hq / Instagram 

Just an hour from Toronto, this 6.5 km snow biking trail is open from December to March, as long as the conditions hold up. Just be sure to bring your CSA-approved helmet as it’s required on the trails.

  • Address: 16500 Peel Regional Road 50, Caledon 
  • Website: www.trca.ca
  • Admission: Check pricing here.

Horseback Riding

Pathways on Pleasure Valley

Looking for a peaceful trail ride? This spot welcomes all experience levels and offers scenic horseback adventures through quiet forests and rolling landscapes.

Von Doeler’s Ranch

Photo via @vondoelersranch / Instagram 

This fourth-generation ranch lets you experience life on horseback with miles of trails, lakeside cabins, and hands-on time with the horses.

HorsePlay Niagara

Photo via @horseplayniagara / Instagram

Trail riding along the beach? Yep, you can. These lakefront trails offer guided rides with incredible views. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced rider.

Mountain View Stables

With 70 hectares of trails near Blue Mountain, this destination has incredible views of the Niagara Escarpment. You might even spot deer, hawks, or wild turkeys along the way.

Animal Attractions

Toronto Zoo

Photo via @thetorontozoo / Instagram 

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are stopping by for Family Day. Join the Family Word Hunt, snap fun photos, and get an up-close Wild Encounter with your favourite animals.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Photo via @ripleysaquaca and  @jakebrownphoto / Instagram 

How about visiting Ripley’s this Family Day? Here, you can walk through glass tunnels while sharks and stingrays swim overhead. With interactive exhibits and glowing jellyfish, this downtown aquarium is a fun escape from the cold.

  • Address: 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
  • Website: www.ripleys.com
  • Admission: Get your tickets here.

Bird Kingdom

Photo via @bird_kingdom / Instagram 

Bird Kingdom, the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary, is home to hundreds of tropical birds. Keep your camera ready as friendly parrots might stop by to say hello.

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Butterflies flutter all around in this tropical garden, making it feel like a fairytale. At Critter Corner, meet beetles, caterpillars, and other cool insects up close.

Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve

Want to see wolves in action? The Wolf Centre has one-way glass observatories where you can watch them roam while learning through exhibits and documentaries.

Museums

Bata Shoe Museum

Photo via @batashoemuseum / Instagram 

Ever seen shoes from different eras? Now’s your chance. This Family Day, Bata Shoe Museum lets you check out historic footwear, get creative with crafts, and play iSpy around the museum.

  • Address: 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto
  • Website: www.batashoemuseum.ca
  • Admission: Included with general admission

Art Gallery of Ontario

Photo via Art Gallery of Toronto

Family Day at the AGO means guided tours, storytelling, and an all-day dance party. Also, expect hands-on activities and hip-hop-inspired exhibits.

  • Address: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
  • Website: www.ago.ca

Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Photo via @museontarch / Instagram

Ever tried soapstone carving or button-making with your family? This museum keeps things interactive, plus there’s snowshoeing if you want some fresh air.

Movieland Wax Museum

Photo via @melycbgonzales / Instagram 

Want a selfie with Taylor Swift, Thor, or Captain Jack Sparrow? These wax figures look so real, you might have to do a double-take.

Escape Rooms

Casa Loma Escape Rooms

Solving mysteries in a real castle? That’s a Family Day story worth telling. With hidden tunnels, tricky puzzles, and live actors, the challenge feels real.

Mission Possible Escape Room

Photo via @missionpossiblemilton / Instagram 

Do you prefer superheroes or treasure hunts? Whatever your preference, this escape room lets you pick your theme and difficulty level. Then, see if you can escape.

Escape Manor

Photo via @escape_manor / Instagram 

Are you good under pressure? Find clues, crack codes, and work as a team before time runs out. Moreover, every room has a different challenge.

Niagara Escapement

This one’s like being part of a real-life puzzle. Search for clues, connect the dots, and escape before time’s up—no pressure, right?

Key Masters Escape Rooms

Ever tried sneaking out of detention? “Expelled” puts you in the hot seat, but if that’s not your thing, there are other rooms to try.

Indoor Water Parks

Waves Indoor Waterpark

This Niagara Falls spot keeps summer alive year-round with a beach-entry wave pool and tube slides. Plus, there’s even a hot spa for adults.

Plunge! Aquatic Centre

With heated pools, rope swings, and an indoor water playground, this Blue Mountain destination combines relaxation and fun.

Adventure Bay Family Water Park

Photo via @adventurebaywindsor / Instagram 

From a lazy river to high-speed water slides, this Windsor waterpark has something for every age, including an exciting play area.

Chelsea Hotel Corkscrew Waterslide

Photo via @chelseahoteltoronto / Instagram 

Not quite a waterpark, but this downtown Toronto waterslide twists through the hotel before splashing into the pool. It’s a quick but fun thrill.

More Indoor Fun

The Factory

This 100 Kellogg Lane structure in London is now a giant indoor playground. Here, everyone can enjoy ziplines, trampolines, and the highest indoor ropes course in North America.

FunworX

With three levels of slides, tunnels, and climbing zones, this Kitchener spot is a kid’s dream. You’ll also find an arcade and ropes course.

  • Address: 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
  • Website: www.bingemans.com
  • Admission: Check ticket prices here.

Ontario Science Centre Learn-Through-Play Experiences

Photo via @harbourfrontcentre and @ontariosciencecentre/ Instagram 

Science gets hands-on at these pop-ups. Try circus physics at CF Sherway Gardens or join STEM play at KidSpark.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Photo via @ldcnorthamerica / Instagram 

With millions of LEGO bricks, interactive rides, and a 4D cinema, this is where you can showcase your creativity.

Arcadia Earth

Photo via @arcadiaearth / Instagram 

This interactive, art-filled exhibit blends tech and sustainability, showing how small actions can help the planet in the most eye-catching way.

  • Address: The Well (486 Front Street West, Toronto)
  • Website: www.arcadiaearth.ca
  • Admission: Purchase tickets here.

More Outdoor Entertainment

The Treewalk Village Enchanted

Photo via @treetoptrekking / Instagram 

Want to try climbing tree houses under glowing lights? This forest adventure lets kids wander across lit-up bridges, climb walls, and feel like they’re in a storybook.

Riverdale Farm

Photo via @nonsuch_as_paul / Instagram 

Need something laid-back and free for this year’s Family Day? Walk the trails, say hi to the farm animals, and enjoy a peaceful escape in the city at Riverdale Farm.

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

Photo via @wyemarsh / Instagram 

Wish to track animals in the snow? This nature getaway lets you spot reptiles and raptors up close and appreciate trails with sweeping views.

  • Address:  16160 Highway 12 East, Midland
  • Website: www.wyemarsh.com
  • Admission: Check pricing here.

Kortright Centre for Conservation

Winter feels different here with snow games, hands-on nature activities, and icy art projects. It’s an engaging way to keep the whole family busy.

  • Address:  9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan
  • Website: www.kortright.org
  • Admission: Get your tickets here.

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Julie Anne Loquinario

Hey, it’s Julie! Powered by coffee and cuddles from my five feline overlords, I’m always hunting down the best cafés and restos in Toronto and the GTA. When I’m not indulging in my latest food obsession, you’ll find me binge-watching shows or dreaming up my next adventure.

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