In the winter, many Toronto families experience cabin fever. The low temperatures and reduced daylight make it tempting to stay indoors. Fortunately, there’s no reason to be cooped up during the coldest months of the year. When conditions are snowy, there are still plenty of fun things for you and your loved ones to do in the city.
Are you looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors with your family this season? Here are five activities you should try before winter ends.
1) Go tobogganing
Most kids love the thrill of taking on a great tobogganing hill. Luckily, Toronto is chock-full of them. One of the most beloved examples is found in Riverdale Park East. This popular bank is wide enough to accommodate many sledders, and it provides stunning Toronto-skyline views. For west-enders, Howard Park and Parkside Drive is the perfect go-to. Located in beautiful High Park, the area features a challenging hill for bigger kids—and plenty of space to pull little ones around. From Trinity Bellwoods to Christie Pitts, you’ll find fantastic tobogganing options in many of the city’s biggest parks.
2) Strap on some skates
Skating is one of those activities that’s fun for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. So why not hit up a local rink and create some fond family memories? Nathan Phillips Square is the primary hotspot for skating in downtown Toronto. Don’t worry if your kids don’t have their own skates—this beautiful urban rink offers reasonably-priced rentals. Ontario Place is another great place to hit the ice. As a bonus, the grounds will feature a free winter festival until March 18th. The celebration includes a bonfire and light exhibition (among other attractions), which means you can extend your family skate time into a full-day event. Greenwood Park is another skating spot that definitely deserves a mention. Located in the east end, the city’s first covered outdoor rink is perfect for aspiring figure skaters and future hockey champs.
3) Check out the Toronto Light Festival
Embrace your whimsical side at the Toronto Light Festival. From January 18th to March 3rd, visit the Distillery District to see creative light exhibits from local and international artists. The best part? Twinkling art captures the imaginations of children as well as adults, making this festival a fun-filled event that the whole family can enjoy. Exhibits are spread over 13 acres in one of Toronto’s most beautiful historic neighbourhoods, so the festival is sure to be visually stunning.
4) Visit Evergreen Brick Works
If you’ve never been to Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto’s coldest season is actually a great time to go. This community hub in the Don Valley offers a variety of fun activities all winter long. Kids can take an art or nature lesson, dive into a scavenger hunt, or enjoy some shared play space. Family members of all ages will enjoy the area’s fantastic walking and cycling trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even want to hop on a fat bike (the extra wide tires are perfect for snowy conditions).
5) Head to the Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands can make for a great summer day trip, but did you know they can be just as much fun in the winter? If your loved ones are skating fans, check out the natural rinks created by the frozen waterways around the islands. If cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are your preferred activities, bring your equipment over on the ferry and check out the area’s beautiful terrain. Don’t forget to warm up with a hot chocolate at the Rectory Cafe!
Interested in learning about more fun things to do in Toronto in the winter—and all year-round? Discover what this city has to offer with our handy neighbourhood guides.
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