Family Day Weekend in Ontario 2023

Family Day 2023

Are you looking for last minute ideas for Family Day Weekend in Ontario this year (2023)? To help you plan your list of thing to do with kids, I’ve gathered my suggestions for quick Ontario road trips for those with kids. These trips are under 4 hours from Toronto. As always, we share ideas that would appeal to parents and kids, so hopefully you’ll find somewhere to spend your long weekend at! 

 

 

 

 

child riding a pony in snow

Toronto for Family Day

 

Canada’s largest hotel, the Chelsea has a pool and slide if you’re looking for a family friendly Toronto staycation! The teen lounge and Kid Centre may be open too. We’ve stayed here a few times as the kids really enjoy this Toronto hotel and it’s centrally located so you can easily get to the ROM , Ripley’s Aquarium and AGO (they also offer discounts for local attractions with their show your Key and Save program). We’ve visited these attractions recently and recommend booking tickets before you visit (especially for the Aquarium). 

If you’re looking for some afternoon tea experiences, the Shangri-La will be offering a Lunar New Year themed one that will continue into Family Day weekend and Casa Loma will be hosting a special High Tea at the castle for families too! 

There’s no shortage of new restaurants to try out but if your kids fancy something unusual check out Glow in the dark Jungle themed Selva where they are also hosting dome dining options called Selvierno, Poop Cafe and Storm Crow Manor (kids eat for free at Storm Crow Manor on Monday with purchase of an adult meal). Here’s more ideas on the best places to eat in Toronto (with kids or without). We also recently tried out mini golfing (of sorts) at Par-tee Put and Akira and Apollo (aged 9 and 11) loved it! 

If you’re looking for a day trip from Toronto, last year we visiting Brampton in the winter and found some great ways to entertain the kids and stay active! 

Here’s some fun Toronto ideas beyond attractions!

 

 

Family Day Things to do in Ontario with Kids 

 

Cheese Trail Shenanigans

children looking at cheese room filled with cheese wheels in Oxford county

Two years ago we visited Oxford County THREE times... there’s so much to do even if you’re not a cheese lover! Most of the farms have remain open in the winter so there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had if you’re into culinary trails. From soap felting to exploring the Cheese playground and walking Alpacas, there’s loads to do in Ontario with kids! 

See what all you can do on the Ontario Cheese Trail.

 

 

Educational Fun in Sudbury

Things to do in Sudbury Ontario

Last year we spent Family Day weekend in Sudbury and had a great time! While I don’t recommend ice fishing in Windy Lake with young kids, snowshoeing at Kivi Park, taking a winter sleigh ride, jumping at the trampoline park and exploring the culinary scene are all fun things to do with kids in Ontario.

Here’s more ideas on how to spend a weekend in Sudbury with kids. 

 

 

Winter Adventure in Grey County

Ontario Winter Road Trip with Kids

 

We have visited Grey County over and over and OVER again.. for good reason! You’ll find a mix of fun outdoor activities that are suitable for kids (of all ages), great restaurants and fun accommodations. You can spend the entire time at Blue Mountain Village and have it be a one stop shop or you can settle in for a kid friendly bed and breakfast near Owen Sound and then explore the museums, shops and treats nearby. 

Here’s more ideas for SNOW much fun in Grey County!

 

Chocolate Trail in Stratford

kids at rocky mountain with bear

We’ve loved visiting Stratford in Spring and Fall but it’s also quite fun in the winter I hear. The Chocolate Trail and cat café is sure to please the kids so even if you’re not into outdoor adventure, this is a great place for families. You can check out the Winter Exploration at Wildwood Conservation, River Valley Tubing in St.Marys and the Stratford Winterfest is also taking place now! My kids have been begging to go  tubing there! 

Here’s more details about the Ontario chocolate trail.

 

 

Snowy Fun in Niagara

Niagara on the Lake Winter Activties

Okay so I know kids don’t really like hanging out at wineries but if you’re planning a day trip, Niagara on the Lake in the winter is quite fun too! You can go skating at the rink and gardens across Pillar and Post Inn, see the frozen falls, enjoy some the Niagara attractions and maybe even visit the Niagara Falls waterpark  with toddlers! 

 

 

We hope these ideas spark your curiousity and you get out and exploring. There’s loads of fun to be had in Toronto and the nearby areas. Feel free to check out this link for more things to do in Ontario with kids. 

 

Happy Family Day Weekend everyone!!

  • Chris B
    February 15, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    so many great things to do in the city! Just wish it wasn’t soooo cold!

  • Eldon L
    February 17, 2015 at 12:49 pm

    Wanted to go skating but it was too cold!

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