Dad’s big day is coming this Sunday, June 17, 2018, and we want to help you make this Father’s Day one he’ll long remember. Here are some of the best things to do as a family this Father’s Day weekend in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
What To Do in Toronto on Father’s Day 2018 (with kids!)
Let’s start with the food!
Taste of Little Italy
This festival celebrates College Street’s rich Italian history as well as the eclectic international community of today. Enjoy live music by performers from around the world, check out artisan vendors, savour a drink on one of the many patios, and indulge in the food. Kids will love the carnival rides and a learn-to-skate park where they can learn how to scooter and skateboard safely. Free admission
Beaches Rib Fest
The Beaches Rib Fest brings together award-winning ribbers and amazing craft brews. The event is great fun for the whole family, with life-sized board games, backyard BBQ games, a Kids’ Zone, Craft Beer Market (over 50 different beers on tap!), Wine & Spirits area, plus a variety of food and beverage vendors in addition to all the award-winning ribbers. Free admission
Food Truck Festivals
Both Fairy Lake in Newmarket and Springridge Farm in Milton are hosting food truck festivals. Fairy Lake also includes an artisan market, and both have family entertainment as well. Free admission
Father’s Day Chocolate Tour
Does Dad have a sweet tooth? You can treat him to some of Toronto’s chocolate beauties, with delicious chocolate macarons, truffles with a twist, and a surprise stop along the way—where you might even get to eat something green. The Father’s Day Chocolate Tour will introduce Dad to six unique food stores. Tickets $25–$39
Father’s Day Brunch
And then there’s brunch. Celebratory brunch is perhaps more associated with Mother’s Day, but Dad shouldn’t feel left out. Family-friendly Ricarda’s is hosting a Father’s Day edition of their All-You-Can-Eat Jazz Brunch with a live three-piece jazz band, a monitored Kids Play Zone, as well as a doughnut bar and special BBQ menu. Every Dad will receive a Screwdriver Cocktail on arrival!
Both Yankee Lady Yacht Charters and Mariposa Cruises are offering brunch cruises on Lake Ontario. The Omni King Edward’s event features a complimentary Scotch tasting for Dad, or bring him to the Craft Beer Market if he’s more of a lager and ale guy.
There are a number of music festivals happening this weekend as well.
Sound of Music Festival
Burlington’s annual Sound of Music Festival will show Dad a great time, with live musical performances, midway rides, and games. The kids can enjoy the Family Zone with children’s entertainers and lots of free activities. Free admission
Markham Village Music Festival
In Markham, visit the Markham Village Music Festival. This Markham festival will have four stages of musical entertainment, craft and food vendors, a farmers’ market, petting zoo, carnival rides, and more. Free admission; fees for rides and games
Mississauga Waterfront Festival
The Mississauga Waterfront Festival brings yet more live music all weekend long, as well as a kids’ zone, the President’s Choice Super Dogs, and Pop-Up Poutine Alley. There’s even LEGO Robotics and 3D printing in the Sci-Tech Zone. Dad will enjoy those just as much as the kids. Free admission
Car Shows
For the man who loves his car, there are a couple of great shows to check out: the Yorkville Exotic Car Show in downtown Toronto (free admission) and the Classics Against Cancer – Classic Car Show (admission $3–$5) in downtown Georgetown. Both offer the chance to view and learn about spectacular vehicles while supporting a great cause.
Father’s Day Heritage Train Ride
For a more low-key adventure, try the Father’s Day Heritage Train Ride, departing from either Uxbridge or Stouffville. You will travel through the Oak Ridges Moraine on-board the York-Durham Heritage Railway. Don’t forget to check out the doors open baggage-car! Dads ride for 50% off on Father’s Day! Kids ages 2–12 $19, youth ages 13–17 $25, Dads $13.50 with child admission, additional adults $27
Westfield Heritage Village
Head to Westfield Heritage Village with your picnic lunch and enjoy Father’s Day in this picturesque and historic country setting. Westfield has more than 35 historical buildings to visit, including log homes, a one-room schoolhouse, railway station, print shop, inn and cabinetmaker’s shop. You can also enjoy Westfield’s trails and natural areas, set on 500 beautiful acres.
Looking for more things to do with kids on Father’s Day this year? Visit the Help! We’ve Got Kids GTA Toronto and GTA events calendar for a complete list of everything happening on Father’s Day weekend, so you can find something perfect for your Dad!
