Wednesday, July 1, 2015, marks a day known throughout Canada for fireworks, remembering our country’s birthday, and celebrating how awesome it is to be Canadian: Canada Day!
Rather than sit at home hearing fireworks go off but having no idea where the booms are coming from, be right in the midst of the action. Many Canada Day events also have a long list of family-friendly activities from morning to night to keep children amused until the fireworks begin.
Here is a list of Canada Day events that should be fun for the whole family plus some other things to do on Canada Day with kids but that aren’t centered around the holiday.
Canada Day Celebrations
Black Creek Pioneer Village
If you’ll be in the North York area for Canada Day, check out what’s going on at Black Creek Pioneer Village to celebrate Canada’s past and future. Witness a touching Citizenship ceremony with 40 real people becoming Canadian citizens. Also don’t miss out on special tours, traditional games, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Mel Lastman Square
Another place to spend Canada day in North York is Mel Lastman Square. There will be face-painting, a Zero Gravity Circus performance, musical numbers by Reggae artist Jay Douglas and the Allstars, and much more! And don’t forget to stay for the fireworks!
Downsview Park
FREE If you’re looking for a calmer place to watch fireworks in North York, visit Downsview Park for a great Canada Day fireworks viewing experience.
Mackenzie House
If you find yourself in downtown Toronto on Canada Day, visit the Mackenzie House to learn more about the role of the media in the Confederation, and print a Canada Day souvenir using their nineteenth century printing press.
Scarborough Museum
FREE Canada Day celebrations in Scarborough are happening at the Scarborough Museum, where you can try your hand at croquet, sample historic foods, get into karaoke, and watch the annual pie eating contest.
Harbourfront Centre
FREE What’s prettier than watching fireworks booming over Lake Ontario? Come out to Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre to celebrate our nation’s birthday with a musical instrument petting zoo, Canada Day-themed crafts, a scavenger hunt, a maple-themed baking contest, and much more! The fireworks take place on Tuesday, June 30th.
Fort York
FREE For a more historical way to celebrate Canada Day, visit Fort York‘s new Visitor Centre. You will be able to see the Fort York Guard demonstrate musket firings and fife and drum performances, a Guard inspection, and there will be guided tours focusing on the evolution and history of the old western entrance into Toronto harbour.
Canada Day in Markham
FREE Canada Day celebrations in Markham are taking place in the Milne Dam Conservation Area. Come for children’s activities, live entertainment, the People’s Parade, food, and fireworks. Free shuttle buses will be running to and from several locations.
Canada Day in Pickering
FREE If you’re in Pickering for Canada Day, visit Kinsman Park. The festivities will include jugglers, live musical entertainment, fireworks, and a Teen Zone with breakdancing and foosball fun. For kids there’s a Kids Zone with bouncy castles, giant slides, an RBC Learn Play Area, crafts, and much more. There will be frequent free shuttles to and the park from the OPG Parking lots at 777 & 889 Brock Road South.
Canada Day in Brampton
FREE Canada’s third-largest Canada Day celebration happens in Brampton, so join in the festivities at Chinguacousy Park. For kids there will be an inflatables area, a splash pad, a jungle gym, mini golf, air brush tattoos, a carousel, buskers, and much more. Don’t miss Walk Off the Earth live before watching the fireworks!
Canada Day in Burlington
FREE If you’re in Burlington for Canada Day this year, visit Spencer Smith Park for face painting, a photo booth, balloon artists, dog shows, live musical entertainment, and fireworks.
Canada Day in Richmond Hill
FREE In Richmond Hill at Richmond Green Park, Canada Day celebrations include live entertainment, multicultural food, a Bavarian beer garden, children’s village, a marketplace, artist exhibit, and of course fireworks. Have your teen test their texting skills in the Teen Zone Texting Competition. Free shuttle service is provided to the festivities.
Other Things To Do On Canada Day
Toronto Ribfest
Don’t miss the last day of the Toronto Ribfest! With a KidZone, two stages with non-stop entertainment, Toronto’s largest mobile midway, and many other attractions this festival will not leave you hungering for more. In honour of Canada Day there will be a citizenship ceremony and fireworks.
FringeKids Festival
Geared towards children between 3 and 12, the FringeKids Festival has many theatric performances to choose from.
Panda Piñata Party
To celebrate Canada Day in their own way, giant panda’s Er Shun and Da Mao get to have their own Panda Piñata Party! Visit the Toronto Zoo to celebrate Canada’s birthday with them.
