Toronto Family Day Weekend 2026: 10 Things to Do (That Aren’t the AutoShow)
By mid-February in Toronto, we are all over it. The grey slush is permanent, the wind on King Street cuts right through your Canada Goose, and you’ve probably forgotten what the sun feels like.
But then, a glimmer of hope: Family Day weekend.
If you’ve lived here as long as I have, you know the default move is the Canadian International AutoShow. And look, I love cars, but fighting half the GTA for parking near the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is not my idea of a relaxing long weekend.
So, for Family Day 2026, let’s skip the bumper-to-bumper foot traffic. Whether you’re a parent trying to entertain toddlers who have been cooped up for three months, or you’re just looking for a long weekend vibe that doesn’t involve a lineup, I’ve got you covered.
Here is your verified guide to surviving and thriving during the Toronto Family Day weekend 2026.
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Disclaimer: Event details and dates were verified at the time of writing but can change. Always check official venue websites for the latest updates.
When is Family Day 2026 in Toronto?
First, let’s get the calendar sorted so you can book that time off (or mentally prepare).
Family Day 2026 falls on Monday, February 16, 2026. This means the Family Day weekend 2026 runs from Friday, February 13 to Monday, February 16.
Is Family Day a Public Holiday in Toronto?
Yes, it is. Family Day is a statutory public holiday in Ontario. This means most schools, banks, and government offices will be closed. However, unlike Good Friday or Christmas, many retail businesses, malls (like the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale), and tourist attractions remain open—often with special Toronto Family Day weekend 2026 schedule hours.
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10 Things to Do This Family Day Weekend (That Are Actually Fun)
1. Winter Stations at Woodbine Beach
- Best for: Art lovers and people who aren’t afraid of the wind.
- Date: Exhibition launches Family Day, Feb 16, 2026.
- Official Website: winterstations.com
This is my personal favourite tradition. Every year, international artists turn the lifeguard stands at Woodbine Beach into massive, interactive art installations. The Winter Stations 2026 exhibition officially kicks off on Family Day Monday. It’s free, it’s weird, and it makes for incredible photos.
- Pro Tip: Grab a hot chocolate from a cafe on Queen East before walking down. The wind off the lake in February is no joke.
2. The Bentway Skate Trail
- Best for: Urban skating without the Nathan Phillips Square crowds.
- Date: Season typically ends on Family Day (Feb 16, 2026).
- Official Website: thebentway.ca
Forget the overcrowded rink at City Hall. The Bentway (under the Gardiner Expressway) is cooler, literally and figuratively. They usually wrap up their winter season on Family Day Monday. It’s a figure-8 trail with rentals, warm drinks, and sometimes DJs.
- Note: Check the Toronto Family Day weekend 2026 dates on their site for the exact closure time, but historically, this is the last hurrah for the skate trail.
3. Tropical Vibes at the Toronto Zoo
- Best for: Pretending you are on vacation.
- Official Website: torontozoo.com
If you can’t fly south, drive to Scarborough. The Toronto Zoo is actually great in the winter because everyone hides in the indoor pavilions. The Rainforest Pavilion is humid, warm, and smells like life (and animals, obviously).
- Tickets: You’ll want to grab Toronto Family Day weekend 2026 tickets in advance, as they often have timed entry for holidays.
4. AGO Family Day Programming
- Best for: Creative kids and warm indoor fun.
- Official Website: ago.ca
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) always goes big for this holiday. We’re talking all-day dance parties in Walker Court, hands-on art-making stations, and storytelling. It’s chaotic in a good way.
- Budget Tip: Admission is free for anyone 25 and under. For the adults, check if you have an annual pass; otherwise, single tickets are available.
5. TIFF Lightbox Family Films
- Best for: Movie buffs.
- Official Website: tiff.net
The TIFF Lightbox on King West usually runs a “TIFF Next Wave” or specific family programming over the long weekend. Instead of watching Frozen for the 400th time on your iPad, go see a classic film or a new international animation on the big screen.
6. Stackt Market “Winter” Experience
- Best for: The “Cool Parent” aesthetic.
- Official Website: stacktmarket.com
Stackt Market (at Bathurst and Front) usually has their winter setup running through February. Think fire pits, Crokinole courts, and sometimes a small synthetic ice rink. It’s great because you can grab a local craft beer while the kids run around in a contained space.
7. ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
- Best for: Dinosaurs. Always dinosaurs.
- Official Website: rom.on.ca
The ROM is a classic for a reason. By February 2026, check their special exhibition hall. The Bat Cave and the Dinosaur wing are standard hits.
- Planning: Look for Toronto Family Day weekend 2026 packages that might combine ROM entry with other CityPASS attractions if you are doing a full tourist weekend.
8. Riverdale Farm
- Best for: A quiet, free morning.
- Official Website: toronto.ca/riverdalefarm
If you live in Cabbagetown or the East End, you know. Riverdale Farm is free, open 365 days a year, and very low-stress. Seeing the cows and sheep in the snow is surprisingly charming. It’s a great spot to kill two hours before heading to brunch on Parliament Street.
9. Hockey Hall of Fame
- Best for: Hockey families (which is most of us).
- Official Website: hhof.com
It’s a cliché, but it works. The HHOF is open all weekend. If you have relatives visiting from out of town for Family Day weekend 2026 Ontario, this is the easiest win. The shootout game is fun, even if you can’t skate.
10. A “Staycation” with a Pool
- Best for: Wearing the kids out completely.
- Check availability: Chelsea Hotel | Sheraton Centre
Sometimes the best event is just a hotel pool. Look for Toronto Family Day weekend 2026 packages at downtown hotels like the Sheraton or the Chelsea (which has the corkscrew slide). A night away from home where someone else makes the bed? Bliss.
Looking Ahead: What’s Happening in Toronto Later in 2026?
While you are planning your calendar, keep June open.
What is happening in Toronto in June 2026? Two words: World Cup. Toronto is a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The matches kick off in Toronto on June 12, 2026, at BMO Field (temporarily renamed Toronto Stadium). The city is going to be absolutely electric. Expect Fan Fests, road closures, and a party atmosphere that will make the Raptors’ championship parade look like a tea party.
What festivals are coming to Toronto in 2026? Beyond the World Cup, 2026 will see the return of the heavy hitters:
- Luminato Festival: Usually takes over June with arts and culture.
- Toronto Jazz Festival: Late June.
- Pride Toronto: The big parade is usually the last weekend of June.
- Caribbean Carnival: Hits the streets in late July/early August.
- TIFF: September, as always.
Final Thoughts on Family Day 2026
Whether you brave the cold at the Beaches or hide out in the Rainforest Pavilion at the Zoo, the key is just to get out of the house. February in Toronto is tough, but this long weekend is the break we all need.
Double-check your Toronto family day 2026 schedules before you head out, as hours can change last minute.
And hey, if you do decide to go to the AutoShow… good luck with the parking. I’ll be at the skate trail.
Related Reading: If you’re already planning your entertainment calendar for the rest of the year, don’t miss our massive guide to the biggest music events coming to the city: 20 Upcoming Concerts In Toronto 2026: Stadiums, Arenas & Tickets
Related Reads:
- 15 things to do in Toronto for Family Day weekend
- Things to Do in Toronto Events, Date Ideas, and more
- Family Day Weekend – City of Toronto
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