Spring is officially here, and fun spring events are blooming all over the city! From animal expos to aerialist/equestrian shows, children’s theatre, circus and acrobatic performances, and the annual TIFF Internatinal Kids Film Festival—there’s so much to do.
Be sure to find out what’s happening during the Easter long weekend this year, too, for meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny, egg-dyeing, and egg hunts.
For even more happenings in the GTA, see our Events directory, updated daily.
Canadian Pet Expo
Attend this expo for animal-lovers for the latest in pet products and to see Canada’s largest cat show, the Ultimate Air Dogs stunt show, and all types of animals, from reptiles to birds and pups. Sunday, April 5 is Kids Day, when kids ages 15 and under get in free and get hands-on experience with animal trainers and reptile handlers. Pets welcome! April 3–5
Pillow Fight Toronto 2015
Don your PJs for a giant pillow fight at Nathan Phillips Square. It’s BYO pillows (must be soft and feather-free). On the signal, whack away! Might be the photo op of the season. Guidelines request gentle swings only, but it’s definitely one for older kids, as all ages are welcome. April 4
Easter Fun in the City
Wondering where the Easter Bunny will be making appearances this weekend, or where you can do an egg hunt or egg-dyeing?
Here’s our mega-list of Easter events this weekend.
TIFF Kids International Film Festival
Each year the best of children’s cinema from around the world is showcased at the TIFF Kids International Film Festival in Toronto. Not to be missed if you’ve got kids in the 3–13 age range. A total of 126 films from 36 countries will be shown, including the much-anticipated claymation feature, Shaun the Sheep. April 7–19
TIFF Kids digiPlaySpace
The fourth annual TIFF digiPlaySpace is a cool, interactive exhibition on the ground floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox where kids (and adults) can play and learn through cool, immersive intallations and games in areas of math, science, arts, videogaming and programming, robotics, and even virtual reality. March 7–April 19
“Shake, Rattle, and Roll” with the TSO
Kids will recognize classics from West Side Story and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The TSO joins with percussion ensemble TorQ for this exciting family concert. Arrive early for a pre-concert performance by The Boomwhacker Orchestra in the lobby. April 11
Oddyseo “Equestrian Ballet”
An extravaganza like no other, Oddyseo by Cavalia is from the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil and features 70 horses and 36 talented riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, and musicians in a larger than life show of stunts, visual imagery, and choreography. April 8–May 10
Dora the Explorer Live!
Dora embarks on an adventure to the search for her lost teddy bear and the City of Lost Toys, along with her friends Backpack, Boots, Map, and Diego. An interactive live show with singing and dancing. April 9 (Hamilton), April 15 (Mississauga), April 18 (Toronto)
Power Kids Talking Television
A free video-making workshop for ages 8–12. Kids create short, satirical video newscasts for television at the Power Plant contemporary art gallery. Recordings are edited and sent to participants. Registration required. April 12 Free
Toronto Blue Jays Home Games
It’s baseball season! The Blue Jays home opener is April 13 vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. That game is sold out, but you can snag seats for one of the other nine games throughout April. April 13–23
Emily’s Piano at YPT
At the Young People’s Theatre, the world premiere of a play based on the children’s novel of the same name. Nine-year-old Emily deals with her parents’ separation and searches for her family’s beloved piano. (For ages 10+) April 13–May 2
Golden Dragon Acrobats in “Cirque Ziva”
The Chinese acrobat troupe Golden Dragon Acrobats perform thrilling, heart-stopping stunts in “Cirque Ziva,” a presentation of the graceful, centuries-old art form of Chinese acrobatics. April 15–18
Spring Fling Festival
At the Harbourfront, the Spring Fling Festival is three days of family-friendly music, dance, and hands-on activities like nature walks, scavenger hunts, plus pet-themed shows, clowns, and storytelling April 18–20 Free
tagged at YPT
At the Young People’s Theatre, a show about accountability in our social media world. A party photo goes viral and three young people deal with the aftermath. (For ages 13+) April 21–May 8
The Baby Time Show
The 17th annual Baby Time Show, presented by Babies “R” Us, with more than 250 exhibitors. Find out about the newest products for prenatal to preschool, enter great contests, and learn from experts at show events—and don’t miss performances by Barney and Toopy & Binoo! April 24–26
Find more Toronto events for kids, updated daily.
