April is finally here, which means one thing: SPRING! We’re tired of cold winds, wet snow, and winter coats. We’re ready for sunshine, tulips, picnics, and fresh air!
Luckily, April is filled with tons of great events, and there is something to do in Toronto and the GTA every single day of the month. You’ll have no problem keeping busy and enjoying the warmer weather. Toronto and the GTA have enough April events to keep you and the kids busy every single day of the month!
And April 22 is Earth Day, so don’t forget to do some gardening and show the kids how to live green.
For even more happenings in the GTA, see our Events directory, updated daily.
On this month in Toronto for kids:
ROM Sleepover
A night at the museum anyone? Experience the ROM behind-the-scenes with your backstage pass to artifacts, exhibits and specimens. Join the PJ Karaoke Party and sleep next to the dinosaurs at the ROM Sleepover. April 1–2
Spring Cottage Life Show
Browse model cottages, meet Cottage Life celebrities, and go to a dock party at the Spring Cottage Life Show. There are tons of kid-friendly activities, including an activity centre, crafts, a camping zone, tree planting, a fishing game, and getting up-close with wildlife critters. April 1–3
The Harlem Globetrotters 90th Anniversary World Tour
Experience the Harlem Globetrotters like you’ve never seen them before in this epic world tour. You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching the amazing basketball artistry, trick shots, hilarious comedy, and other unique family entertainment. Make sure to stay for the after-show photos, autographs, and high fives! April 2 at Hershey Centre, and April 3 at Ricoh Coliseum
Toronto Zoo EnviroRangers
Spend a day at the Toronto Zoo EnviroRangers and find out how veterinarians and animal keepers take care of all the animals. It’s your chance to get behind-the-scenes with animals, participate in fun activities, and tour the zoo. There is a day devoted to Reptile Care and another for Mammal Care. April 2 and April 16
Maple Syrup Festivals
Maple season is nearly over, so now is your last chance! For the first two weekends in April you can still head to a local festival and celebrate this sticky-sweet Canadian tradition.
Bruce’s Mill Maple Syrup Festival April 2–3
Terra Cotta Maple Syrup Festival April 2–3
Sugar Bush Trek at White Meadows April 2–3
Brooks Farms Maple Syrup Festival April 2–3
Sweet Water Season at Crawford Lake April 2–3
Richardson’s Farm Sugar Bush Tours and Pancakes April 2
Mountsberg Mapletown April 2–3
Willowgrove MapleFest on the Farm April 9
TIFF’s Award-Winning Digital Playground
Go on an interactive adventure at the fifth edition of the digiPLaySpace exhibition. Educational installations include multi-player videogames, virtual reality, Olympic-sized stop-motion sports, green screen escapades, robotic and circuit building activities in a DIY maker space, and more. Ends April 24
Toronto Storytelling Festival
The story starts with you at the Toronto Storytelling Festival. You can celebrate the art of storytelling with some of the world’s best storytellers, great concerts, workshops, live shows, and story-swapping. April 1–10
TIFF Kids Film Festival
TIFF Kids Film Festival is one of the biggest children’s film festivals in the world. With tons of diverse programming from home and abroad, the festival entertains, inspires ideas, and allows kids to engage with filmmakers to explore themes, storytelling techniques, and complex issues facing young people today. April 8–24
Storytelling Picnic – FREE
Enjoy some tasty food and teddy-friendly storytelling at the Storytelling Picnic. Storytellers will lead the super-interactive picnic activities, including rhymes, stories, and songs. April 9
TD Shakespeare for Kids Library Club – FREE
Come and have a storytelling adventure at the Shakespeare for Kids Library Club. Play drama games, read aloud from scripts, explore the world of magic, and make friends with other Shakespeare fans! April 9–May 14
Ontario Science Centre Sleepover
An Ontario Science Centre Sleepover is fun for the whole family. The night of Survivor Science has you striving to survive through fun challenges and interactive science. Watch a film, get hands-on with science, explore the centre after dark, have a PJ dance party, and more! April 23–24, April 30–May 1
Toy Lending Library Open House – FREE
Central Eglinton Community Centre is hosting a Toy Lending Library Open House: Stay, play, and take-away! Everyone is welcome to come and experience this event. You can stay and play with the toys, or borrow them and take them home to enjoy. April 28
Our Rugrats Expo – FREE
Our Rugrats Expo engages kids in the creative play areas and introduces parents to the newest and most innovative products available for children. There are lots of interactive displays and activities for kids and educational seminars for parents. It’s a fun-filled day for the whole family. April 30
Plays, Musicals, and Concerts
Fancy Nancy the Musical at Lower Ossington Theatre All Month
Alligator Pie by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra April 2
Good Vibrations Concert by Cawthra Park Chamber Choir April 2
Old Man and the River at Artscape Wychwood Barns April 2–3
Princesses Don’t Grow on Trees at Solar Stage Children’s Theatre April 2–24
Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Randolph Theatre April 2–24
The Wizard of Oz by Young People’s Theatre April 4–May 15
Sharon & Bram in Concert at Rose Theatre April 13
Anne of Green Gables at Lower Ossington Theatre April 14–May 22
Scarberia at Young People’s Theatre April 18–May 1
Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert April 21
Shen Yun Performing Arts at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts April 21–24
Alice in Wonderland at the Shaw Festival April 27–October 16
Best of Kids Fringe Festival at Solar Stage Children’s Theatre April 30–May 1
Hamlet: A Puppet Epic at Solar Stage Children’s Theatre April 30–May 1
Parents’ Day Out
Mom and Me: Strolling in the ROM
Meet other parents and have some adult fun at Mom and Me: Strolling in the ROM. Moms, dads and caregivers can get together in a baby-friendly atmosphere for a learning experience! A museum educator will guide you through different galleries to explore and discover while your little one enjoys the sights from their stroller or carrier! April 1–4
Etobicoke Parent Bazaar
The Parent Bazaar is a huge event and a great way for parents, caregivers, and businesses to sell used children’s items directly to other parents. April 2
The Green Living Show
The Green Living Show introduces simple solutions for families interested in leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. There will be local wine and food tasting, interactive exhibits and workshops, and tons of information about living a healthy and green life! April 15–17
Find more Toronto events for kids, updated daily.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
- Toronto Kids’ Culture Calendar: Spring 2016
- 17 Rainy-Day Things To Do with Kids in Toronto
- Easy, Fun Hairstyles for Young Kids, Tweens and Moms
Keep informed with all of our Toronto Event Listings and find the perfect family activity in our After School Programs and Weekend Activities in Toronto directory.
Sign up for our newsletters to get parenting and family fun articles delivered to you!
