Stack your trip with these unique all-ages Toronto experiences. But hurry: some of them won’t be here past summer 2024!
Ready for the best family weekend getaway ever? Pack up your sense of adventure and head to Toronto for the best family weekend trip. The CN Tower and Toronto Zoo are probably already on your list, but we’ve found 10 brand-new and limited-time-only attractions and events for extra summer in Toronto magic.
From wild roller thrill rides to augmented-reality art exhibits, these blink-and-you’ll-miss-them experiences will make any birthday weekend getaway or family getaway an unforgettable blast.
Splash into adventure at Canada’s Wonderland
Hold on tight for a wet and wild rafting adventure along Moosehorn Falls. This new-for-2024 raft slide is filled with twists, turns and drops, including moments of zero-gravity thrills as you spill over a 13-metre (42-foot) vertical apex.
It’s just one of 18 awesome roller coasters (and the epic Splash Works water park) at Canada’s Wonderland (regular season runs to September 1, 2024, with select days into winter).
Smaller thrill-seekers will love the speedy dips and turns on the exhilarating Snoopy Racing Railway, a brand-new 50 km/h (31 mph) launch coaster.
Expand your consciousness at Arcadia Earth
Explore, learn and be inspired at the immersive Arcadia Earth experience. Embark on a multi-sensory journey that fuses art, technology and environmental consciousness in a variety of settings, including underwater worlds, fantasy landscapes and mind bending art installations.
They all come to life through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and projection mapping and interactivity that will appeal to dreamers of all ages. Best of all, you’ll leave with ideas for how to have a positive impact on our fragile planet.
Discover Toronto’s local children’s theatre scene
Midtown is home to The Wychwood Theatre, a unique local performance space in the middle of a public park and art space. The accessible venue features a midsummer run of programming geared at young’uns including Thumbelina: A Little Musical (ages 4+, now through July 20, 2024) and Twinkle, Twinkle (ages 1–5, June 29–July 21, 2024).
Pro tip: Pack swimwear! Once kids spy the nearby splash pad with water jets and sandy playground outside Wychwood Theatre, they’ll pester you to stay.
Take a deep dive into nature at the ROM
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is always full of family-friendly things to do! New for 2024, you’ll find an exhibit of purr-ticular interest to cat lovers.
Wild Cats (now through October 20, 2024) unravels the mysteries of cats big and small, and explores the various ways they have captivated humans across civilizations and millennia.
Another marquee exhibition for 2024, Earth: An Immersive Journey (now through January 12, 2024), is a multi-sensory tour through several vibrant ecosystems including a windswept Arctic vista and lush rainforest.
Designed for slow and mindful strolling, this theatrical experience brings habitats to life through high-def projections, spatial audio, atmospheric low lighting and scent diffusions.
Be amazed by the traditional circus arts
Spines will tingle at the Royal Canadian International Circus (June 27 to July 1, 2024) in west-end Etobicoke. This traditional-style circus features death-defying leaping acrobats and tightrope walkers under a big top tent.
Also in the west end, you’ll find Cirque Du Soleil ECHO (now through August 4, 2024). This exploration of hope, connection and the bond between humans and animals features the world-renowned circus troupe’s trademark acrobatics, tech and artistry.
Both events rely entirely on human talent and work their magic without the use of animals.
Catch a movie in the park
You’ll find kid- and teen-friendly options at this year’s Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, a free summer-long festival that takes place in parks across the city. This year’s programming theme is “On the Job” and you’ll find cinematic food for thought at Christie Pits park, including Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times (July 7, 2024), the Whoopi Goldberg vehicle Sister Act (August 4, 2024) and Toronto-made coming of age comedy, I Like Movies (August 11, 2024).
Experience storytelling and performances by a Greek-style theatre
Join the free fun at The Guild Festival Theatre’s Family Fest (July 10–14, 2024), with storytelling, live music, performances and workshops for all ages in scenic Guild Park.
Scarborough’s photogenic Guild Park is chockablock with classical statues and architectural remnants alongside jaw-dropping lake views from atop the Bluffs. Pack a picnic or your bathing suit—it’s a short drive from here down to the beach.
Catch the next generation of talent at a junior carnival
Jump up and cheer on up-and-coming masqueraders at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Junior King and Queen Showcase competition (July 15, 2024). Another can’t-miss event to check out the next generation of talent? The Junior Carnival Parade (July 20, 2024), a spectacle of costumes, music and dance. Both events take place in east end Scarborough.
Plan a return trip around Caribbean Carnival’s blowout Grand Parade (August 3, 2024) and Pan In D Park (August 4, 2024) music fest with steel bands, DJs and calypso artists.
Prepare to be dazzled by the brightly coloured costumes and boss dance moves that will be on display. Island beats, including R&B, soca and calypso, will get everyone moving at these events celebrating Caribbean culture.
Learn incredible tricks at a skateboarding drop-in
Ever wanted to learn how to do an ollie, powerslide or tic-tac? Head to Evergreen Brickworks to meet other skateboard enthusiasts of all ages at its free Skateboarding Drop-In Program (July 16, August 20, September 17 and October 22, 2024).
With expert advice, no-fee repairs with complementary loaner boards and safety gear courtesy of Impact Skate Club, these supportive drop-in sessions take place on select Tuesday evenings to avoid peak heat. (And yes, there will be ramps so you can practice that noseblunt stall you’ve been dreaming about since forever!)
Get creative with other young people at the Youth Day Festival
Soak up the buzzing vibes of downtown’s Yonge-Dundas Square at Youth Day Toronto (July 21, 2024), part of a global celebration of young creatives. Performers will take the stage to showcase music and dance, with wildly talented youth artists exhibiting their fashion, photography and film projects.
Need to take a break with air conditioning? Hit up the huge CF Toronto Eaton Centre mall next door for food court snacks or mango bubble tea.
