1. Get Out and Bike!
It’s Bike Month, and the perfect time to tune up the old bikes and get out with the family to ride in Toronto’s parks, on the Toronto Islands, and along the waterfront path. Check out kid-friendly events for Toronto Bike Month and review the Toronto Cycling Map (hard copy available at most bike shops) for trails.
>>Toronto’s Best Bike Trails for Kids
2. Do Luminato…for Kids
Much of the Luminato Festival (June 6–15) is adult-themed, but a few of the events are family-friendly, including At the Kids Table, which brings kids together with top Toronto chefs to create delectable edibles; Music Mob, where anyone (kids, too!) with an instrument can join in with TSO members for a rolicking orchestral performance of Ravel’s Boléro; and lots of music performances, like the Heavyweights Brass Band and Ziggy Marley.
3. Have Fun at the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre has some cool Creative Science Sunday workshops for June, including origami and music and technology “FunLabs.” June 11 its newest exhibit opens: the Science of Rock ‘N’ Roll.
4. Root for the home team
The Toronto Blue Jays seasion is in full swing, with home games vs the Cardinals, Twins, Yankees, and White Sox June 6-11 and 23-29. The Toronto FC has only one home game, on June 7 (vs. San Jose), so don’t miss it! The Toronto Argos play a pre-season game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 19.
5. Take a “Cruise” at the Waterfront Festival
The weekend of June 21 and 22, the Redpath Waterfront Festival takes over the harbourfront, with the S.S. Harbourfront cruise ship hosting a Family Games Deck with shuffleboard and large-scale Connect Four, a flyboard championship, a dog diving and jumping competition, a Kids Zone, and more. The Harbourfront Centre is also hosting the Hogtown Hoedown, old-time Appalachian square dancing event and a Caribbean music program for all ages, the Joy Lapps Project.
6. Wave a Flag at World Pride
This year promises to be the biggest Pride week ever in Toronto, as Toronto is hosting WorldPride—the first time the event has been hosted in North America. There are many family-friendly events. Check out:
WorldPride Opening Ceremony
Fruit Loopz Youth Programming
Dorothy’s Bus Tour
Family Pride
WorldPride Parade
7. Cheer for the Dragon Boats
The 26th annual Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival is June 21 and 22.
8. Praise Dad
Father’s Day is June 15! Dad might enjoy the day off, a chance to sleep in, a day on the golf course, or a family bike ride or hike. Or you might take him to the Beach, BBQ & Brews Festival, complete with a Children’s Area with rides and face-painting for the little ones, and for Dad (and Mom)…ribs and beer!
9. Wander through Kensington Market
Photo: courtesy P.S. Kensington
Sure, it’s all summer long but Pedestrian Sundays is one of the things that makes Toronto great and June is a great time to take advantage of a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the market with its many shops and restaurants. Expose kids to this colourful side of the city!
10. Celebrate Canada Day
Canada Day weekend comes in June this year! See what’s on at the Harbourfront Centre’s Canada Day Extravaganza and be sure to hang/wear/wave your maple leaf!
