It seems all of a sudden, autumn is upon us. But not to fret, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors, sip cider, harvest vegetables, and enjoy festivals across the city.
Here are some things to do with the kids this September!
Active Ontario Festival
Come out and celebrate active living with your fellow Ontarians! Join a team sports like soccer and volleyball, climb your way to the top of a rock climbing wall, or practice your fancy foot work with dance workshops, all happening at Ontario Place.
Ontario Place, West Island, 955 Lakeshore Blvd. W., Toronto
September 1–4
Free
Hispanic Fiesta
Join this four-day celebration of Spanish and Latin-American art, music, food, and entertainment! The streets will be filled with beautiful sounds, tasty treats, and the colourful culture that the Hispanic heritage is so well known for. Enjoy the abundance of talent that comes with the 300 local, national, and international Hispanic performers present for the event.
Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St., North York
September 1–4
FREE
Cineplex Family Favourites
Watch family movies on the big screen every Saturday in September. You’ll get the chance to see Power Rangers, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, The Princess Bride, and Boss Baby for only $3 per ticket. Check the link for participating theatres.
Various Cineplex locations
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11 am
$2.99/ticket
Rouge Park Guided Walks
Looking to get outdoors this autumn? Come check out Rouge Park’s natural, cultural, and agricultural opportunities and experiences, guided by Parks Canada volunteer leaders and staff. There’s something fun for everyone in the family: wildlife sightings, stories about the past, fitness challenges, peaceful nature walks, and more.
Rouge National Urban Park, Meadowvale Rd., Scarborough
September 2–30; check the website for dates and times
Free; donations to the volunteer program welcome
Veg Food Fest
Let your tastebuds come alive at this 33rd annual food fest at the Harbourfront Centre, where you’ll find delectable plant-based dishes, splendid speakers, magical music, and crazy-cool cooking demos!
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
September 8–10
Free
Kids Building Workshop
Want to build your own pencil holder for school? Kids ages 5–12 are invited to select Home Depot stores to construct their own project and get an achievement pin and certificate. Spend a few hours creating and having fun and leave with your own handmade pencil holder!
Various Home Depot locations
September 9, 10 am–noon
Free
City Cider
Fill your belly with food and drink from some of Toronto’s best craft cider producers, food trucks, and restaurants, while enjoying the many activities offered at the event. Take a yoga lesson, go on a tour of the historic Spadina House, join the cider pressings in the orchard, listen to live music, make some arts and crafts, and find something unique from local artisans. All proceeds support Not Far From The Tree’s Toronto-based fruit picking and sharing program.
Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd., Toronto
September 17, noon–5 pm
Kids free; adults $10 in advance, $15 at the door
The Word on the Street
Looking for some new reading material? Check out Canada’s largest free outdoor book and magazine festival. You’ll get to see some of Canada’s bestselling authors as they participate in thoughtful and inspiring discussions on stage. Plus there are plenty of books waiting for a new home!
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
September 24, 11 am–6 pm
Free
Toronto Oktoberfest
Join 6,000 other people gathering to celebrate Bavarian heritage with plenty of food, music, drinks, and a fun fair that’s modelled after the original Munich event. A good time for the whole family; you’ll likely even spot some people dressed in dirndls and lederhosen!
Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W., Toronto
September 29–30, 6 pm–11:45 pm
From $15
Harvest Day at Toronto Botanical Garden
Celebrate the end of the growing season with TBGKids this fall! Head to the Teaching Garden to plant bulbs, sip cider, and enjoy garden activities. The event is stroller accessible and the kids can harvest veggies for the North York Harvest Food Bank and make crafts with DiscoverAbility.
Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto
September 23, noon–4 pm
Free
PHOTO: ACTIVE ONTARIO FESTIVAL
