While most winter’s we all feel like hibernating in front of the TV under a comfy blanket, this year is a little different. After the past ten or so months, we’d guess we’re all ready to get out of the house. Thankfully, there are a lot of COVID-19 safe activities to do in Toronto and nearby.
So it’s time to get out and make the most of the season!
Here’s our master list of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the kiddos busy this winter.
COVID Advisory
While all the below services were still operating at the date of publication, it is important to call to ensure that all facilities are still open. Regulations are rapidly changing, and it is best to check before heading to a facility.
Go tobogganing.
It’s a no-brainer on a snowy day. Head out early when the sun is shining and finish up with hot cocoa, of course! See our list of the best toboggan hills in Toronto by neighbourhood.
See a movie—in your home!
It’s not exactly active, but creating a mock movie theatre in your home is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with the family. Grab a bunch of movie theatre snacks, set up a comfy seating area in your living room, and throw on your favourite family movie.
Strap on some skis.
You don’t have to trek up to Blue Mountain to go downhill skiing or snowboarding. There are smaller hills close to Toronto, including at Earl Bales Park in North York. They may not be mighty, but they’re mighty fun for little learners. Cross-country skiing is a fun way to spend some time in winter, too. Find local cross-country ski trails that offer rentals.
Sign up for online after-school activities.
Since kids can’t spend time at the park, biking or their normal after school programs, sign them up for any program that keeps them engaged. We love hands-on, interactive virtual programs that focus on science, art, cooking, acting, chess, writing, and more! Find them all here.
Head out snowshoeing.
If you’ve never tried snowshoeing, 2021 is the year to try it out! It’s a great activity for the whole family and there are lots of places to go snowshoeing in Toronto and the GTA.
Take a trip to the museum.
Most museums and galleries are closed at the moment, but they’ve been through this before. Many museums have online programming that you can explore from the safety and comfort of your home. We love the weekly activities that ROMKids has set up!
Find an outdoor nature program.
What’s better than an outdoor nature program for 2021? Check out our favourite programs where kids can learn winter survival skills like fire-building and shelter construction, learn about local wildlife, or just have fun playing in the snow.
Give back.
There are lots of great ways to give back to your community—currently, we think spending some time writing to those in senior living facilities is a great way to stay connected and give back to your community.
Go ice skating.
There are lots of great outdoor ice skating rinks that are still open and operating under COVID-19 guidelines. We’ve rounded up our favourite family-friendly rinks that are still open—be sure to book your time slot in advance as drop-ins are not allowed.
Solve an escape room.
The popularity of escape rooms shows no signs of slowing down—not even because of COVID-19. The basic premise: you and your teammates (the group you book with) work together finding and solving clues and puzzles that progressively move you toward your goal: to solve the mystery and escape the room! But the catch? The “room” is now virtual and you can play with your friends from the safety of your home.
Try snow tubing.
If your kids are over 4 and over 42 inches, there are lots of great snow tubing parks near Toronto that can offer you a wonderful afternoon of adrenaline and excitement.
Take a walk outside.
Mother Nature is amazing. Appreciate where you live by bundling up and taking a walk in the snow at High Park, Downsview Park, the Humber River Trail, the Don Valley Trail, the Beltline, the Glen Stewart Ravine, or at the wonderful Rouge National Urban Park.
Bust some boredom!
If you are stuck at home and need to find SOME way to keep the kids entertained, we’ve put together 50 amazing boredom-busting activities for kids of all ages. With everything from science experiments and arts and crafts projects to outdoor adventures and kitchen fun, there’s something for everyone.
