The unofficial start to summer is nearly here, and with it comes Canada’s official celebration of the Queen’s birthday. While many families use the May Two-Four long weekend to open their cottages, there’s plenty to do for those who prefer to stick closer to home.
We’ve rounded up 11 events happening in Toronto during the Victoria Day long weekend, that are sure to be fun for the whole family.
HarbourKIDS: Circus
This annual festival returns to the Toronto waterfront on Victoria Day long weekend. Little ones are sure to delight in watching contemporary circus acts that will leave them itching to join in and take flight themselves.
Location: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., TorontoDate: May 20–22
Cost: FREE
Victoria Day at Fort York
Take the kids on an exploration on the birthplace of Toronto where they can learn about some of the city’s historical roots. Kids can try their hand at activities such as a soldier’s drill, English country dancing, and watch Georgian-era cooking techniques in one of the city’s oldest kitchens.
Location: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd., TorontoDate: May 22
Cost: $9 adults, $4.25 ages 3–12, kids under 3 free
Family Movie
Why not take in a family-friendly film on Saturday morning before festivities get underway? Storks is screening Victoria Day weekend, and a portion of ticket sales go to Free the Children.
Location: Select Cineplex theatres (find locations online)Date: May 20
Cost: $2.99/person
Family Nature Walk
Spend some time outdoors exploring the city’s largest pond. Little ones will enjoy learning about the importance of wetlands and can hunt for creatures in Grenadier Pond’s waters.
Location: High Park Nature Centre, 375 Colborne Lodge Dr., TorontoDate: May 20
Cost: FREE
Escape Room
Search for Team Canada’s lucky loonie and return it so they can win the gold medal. You have 60 minutes to complete the challenge, and no special hockey knowledge is required.
Location: Mysterious Minds Escape Rooms, 322 Bloor St. W. 3rd Floor, TorontoDate: May 20–22
Cost: $20 adults, $15 kids
Pirates and Princesses
Be sure to pack your tiaras and eye patches for this fairytale fun-filled Victoria Day long weekend activity. Kids can learn to dance at the Royal Ball, meet the Evil Queen and Captain Hook, and make their very own royal crown.
Location: Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy.,TorontoDate: May 20–22
Cost: $15 ages 15+, $11 ages 5–14, kids under 4 free
Victoria Day Tea and Tour
Kids of all ages will feel like royalty while partaking in an afternoon tea that’s fit for a queen. Admission includes a guided tour of the museum.
Location: Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St. W., TorontoDate: May 21
Cost: $7
Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay
A yearly favourite among city dwellers of all ages, this explosive 14-minute show does not disappoint. Be sure to arrive early to score a good spot, as this is Toronto’s only Victoria Day weekend fireworks show. Leave your car at home and use TTC if you can.
Location: Ashbridge’s Bay Park, 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E., TorontoDate: May 22 (starts at 9:45 pm)
Cost: $9 adults, $4.25 ages 3–12, kids under 3 free
Victoria Day Fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland
If you’d rather catch your fireworks display north of the city, head to Canada’s Wonderland for a show beginning at 10 pm on Sunday. You’ll have to pay park admission, so you might as well spend the day enjoying the roller coasters, kiddie rides, and other attractions beforehand.
Location: Canada’s Wonderland, 9580 Jane St., VaughanDate: May 21
Cost: Park admission applies: online tickets $40/person before 4 pm, $30/person after 4 pm (buy tickets online) See the Help! Events Calendar for a full list of fireworks displays in the GTA.
Mississauga Halal Food Fest
Delicious Halal eats, inflatable rides, and live musical entertainment—there’s something for everyone at this food festival.
Location: Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr., MississaugaDate: May 20
Cost: FREE
WeeFestival Family Day
This special event on Victoria Day is a fundraiser for the 10-day WeeFestival of Theatre and Culture for Early Years in 2018. But there’s plenty of fun to be had in 2017, with dance and music performances, storytelling, kids’ crafts, puppetry, seed planting, and food.
Location: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St., TorontoDate: May 22
Cost: $10 minimum suggested donation
PHOTO: HARBOURFRONT CENTRE CONCERT STAGE (BRIAN MEDINA)
Browse our Events Calendar for more thigns to do this weekend and coming up in Toronto and the GTA.
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