Your winter break survival guide in the city! Ten fun things to get your kids out and about—safely—this winter break.
Science for the Season with the Ontario Science Centre
It’s time to turn your kitchen into your very own science centre while you learn all about winter wonderland we’re living in! Grow crystal snowflakes, make fireworks in a jar and mix up a batch of holiday-inspired play dough. Explore the bio-diversity of your own backyard and learn about the chemistry that goes into baking through the Ontario Science Centre’s online activity bank and their live Facebook events.
Virtual Event (various dates)
ROMKids Show
While the Royal Ontario Museum is temporarily closed due to COVID, their ROMKids Show is still going strong once a week. Tune in to see ROM Kids Coordinator and Camp Director Kiron Mukherjee as he combines his love of education with storytelling to bring to life science, history and art for your family from the comfort of your home! Enjoy easy at-home crafts and activities all connected to the ROM collections.
Every Tuesday at 2:00pm
On Instagram
Ross Petty’s Home for the Holidays
The show must go on! This year’s show will be presented virtually so you don’t have to miss out on all the Ross Petty fun this holiday season. Featuring the classic characters of The Wizard of Oz but with a twist on the story, and a lot of fun involved. Happening for the first time from the comfort of your own home!
Dec 19 & 20
Tickets are $35 per household
Holiday Nights of Lights
With over 1 million LED lights animated and synchronized to your favourite holiday tunes at Holiday Nights of Lights. This immersive, drive-thru experience is perfect for all ages, takes up an enjoyable 30 minutes of holiday fun!
Now until Jan. 7
Tickets start at $25
The Second City Presents The Really Awesome Improv Show
Get ready Toronto, this holiday season The Second Cityis taking family entertainment virtual! This family-friendly, interactive, live online show taps kids for suggestions and inspiration to create high energy, improvisational silliness.
Dec. 19 @ 2:00 pm LIVE and on demand afterwards
Tickets from $15
ArtVenture Online Winter Challenge
In this special edition of ArtVenture Online, kids will have a chance to explore the current exhibitions at McMichael’s Gallery through a variety of virtual art activities. The McMichael will share a series of short videos on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, that will introduce kids to exhibitions on view at the Gallery and lead them through an interactive art project.
Dec. 21 to Jan. 10
Ages 6 and up
Santa’s Drive Thru Village
With Santa’s Drive Thru Village, the family can enjoy a fully contactless drive-thru ride at Santa Claus Village, showcasing during day time an impressive display collection of world-class Christmas themes and giant licensed balloons. When night comes, there is a massive synchronized animated LED Lights show at night time. We love that they are offering both daytime and nighttime experiences!
Now until Jan. 17
Family tickets starting at $51.75
Bloor Yorkville Holiday Magic
Bundle up and head outside for a festive outdoor walk in The Village of Yorkville Park. Take in the beautiful lights of Holiday Magic—138 trees along Bloor Street will be lit up for a spectacular display to welcome everyone for the holiday season. Head over to enjoy the lights with the whole family.
Now until Dec. 31
The National Ballet’s Nutcracker
Is The Nutcracker part of your family’s holiday tradition? While it may not be possible to see it live this year, thanks to The National Ballet and Cineplex, you can watch it in the comfort and safety of your own home. Stream the ballet any time that suits your family and have the added bonus of as many intermissions as you need!
Now until Jan. 2
At-home tickets $29.99
Polar
There are a lot of drive-thru holiday experiences out there, but Polar is the first multi-level experience happening at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Polar will submerge guests in a multi-level photo spectacular suitable for all ages. Each level of the drive-through event features six themed environments, filled with iconic holiday elements that are loved by all generations.
Now until Jan. 3
Tickets per car $55
Ice Skating
Outdoor ice-skating rinks are open around the city. Many of them are free and also provide skate rentals. Find the best family-friendly skating rinks in Toronto.
Tobogganing
Once the snow starts falling, it’s time to grab your sled or GT racer and hit the slopes! Find the best family-friendly sledding hills in Toronto.
During the cold winter months, ice rinks abound in Toronto and are mostly free. Most rinks have scheduled times for different age groups, so if you are planning on doing crazy jumps, check ahead for the times kids won’t be around. Some of the classic rinks include Nathan Phillips Square and the Harbourfront. You can rent skates at both. The Toronto Botanical Garden, apparently termed “the little garden with big ideas”, is nearly four acres and features 17 “city-sized” themed gardens. It’s open daily, from dawn until dusk.