Looking for some fun things to do this Family Day Weekend? Then look no further! Treat yourself and your family to a few of these activities. Whether you want to be outside, get a cultural fix or stay cozy at home, there’s plenty to do!
If you want to be outside
1. Hike a ravine to two
Did you that Toronto was once covered with glaciers and when they started to recede 12,000 years ago, they left us with an amazing system of ravines to explore? Yes, there’s an amazing network of 150 year old trees, steep trails through forests, open grassy (well, snowy) stretches, wetlands and at least one fantastic tobogganing hill. And many are mere steps from TTC stops. Be transported to a forest without leaving the city. The top 15 ravines in Toronto (blogto.com)
2. Go tobogganing
For a city that’s essentially pretty flat, Toronto has a surprising number of good tobogganing hills. In addition to the massive bowl in the Cedarvale Ravine, there are many other good spots—from Ramsden Park to Christie Pits and Bickford Park to Riverdale Park East. Some are steep for those who like a fast ride, some more gentle better for little ones, some offer beautiful skyline views but they’re all fun! Best places to go tobogganing in Toronto | Toronto.com
3. Walk on the beach
A slightly tamer outdoor option would be a walk the long boardwalk along Lake Ontario in the Beaches neighborhood. Starting on Family Day, February 21, check out the annual Winter Stations exhibition at the Woodbine end of the Beach and see how artists have reimagined lifeguard chairs in creative, entertaining, and award-winning ways. https://winterstations.com/
Show your cultural institutions some love
Cultural institutions suffered badly during Covid. They missed us and we missed them. But they’re back! Check out their websites first to plan your visit.
4. Go to The ROM (The Royal Ontario Museum)
Start with an exhibit of creativity and personal expression from these Covid times: Unmasking the Pandemic: From Personal Protection to Personal Expression, a collection of over 100 stunning face masks from over 23 countries. And then lose yourselves in the many interesting galleries and interactive activities throughout the rest of the museum. Get up close and personal with some giant whales or check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit. https://www.rom.on.ca/en
5. Discover Spadina Museum
If you find big museums a little overwhelming, then you’ll love Spadina Museum. The name Spadina comes from an Annishnaabemowin word ishpadina (“highland” or “ridge”) and this house is one of several grand houses built in the late 19th-early 20th century still standing along a ridge looking down on downtown Toronto. Spadina Museum is a little gem (ok, not so little as private houses go) and is often lost in the shadow of its much bigger neighbor, Casa Loma. Even my then-10-year old son found the guided tour fun with its insights into both “upstairs” and “downstairs” life. Be sure to go back in the summer to stroll through the gorgeous gardens. Spadina Museum – City of Toronto
Stay cozy at home
And who doesn’t enjoy just chilling at home?
6. Boardgame Bonanza
Trying to avoid too much screentime? Then breakout the boardgames. Play old favorites like Chutes and Ladders or Monopoly, have some laughs with Mad Libs or try some new ones from this list: Board Games Bucket List: 50 of the All Time Best Ones to Play (bucketlistjourney.net). Parents can team with kids, kids can gang against parents. Some are simple, some are complex. Try some new ones—you might discover a new favorite.
7. Family Film Fest
Let someone in the family pick a theme for a film fest. Choose Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, the Toy Story movies or google a theme and you’ll be spoiled for choice. Google “movies set in ancient Rome” and will get you all kinds of fun options from dramatic classics like Sparticus and Ben-Hur to favorites like Gladiator to silliness like Life of Brian and Asterix and Obelix: Mansions of the Gods. Make some popcorn, curl up on the couch and enjoy.
8. Make and share your bucket list
Have everyone make a bucket list either for the short term—like for this summer—or for the long term—like with an unlimited time horizon. Take time to make your list before sharing it with the others in the family. You could illustrate your bucket list with pictures cut from magazines—everyone could make a collage of their dream travel destinations, or favorite activities or heart throbs. Some will be shier than others sharing these things but maybe with a little encouragement, even the shiest will share a few dreams.
Whatever activities you do, stay healthy and have fun with loved ones be they friends or family!
