Top Picks for a Fun, Easy Family Day Weekend
Family Day Weekend is the perfect mid-winter break to slow down, reconnect, and get out for some much-needed fun with the kids. Whether you’re looking for a quick local outing or a full day of family adventure, there’s no shortage of things to do across the GTA and Southern Ontario. From special museum programs and hands-on workshops to outdoor festivals, immersive exhibits, and active play options, this long weekend is packed with experiences for every age and interest.
To help you plan, we’ve gathered 10 of the best ideas for 2026 — a mix of can’t-miss events, new attractions, and classic winter favourites. Browse the list, spark a few ideas, and build a Family Day Weekend your crew will love.
1. Family Day Weekend at The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
When: February 14 to 16, 2026
Ages: All Ages
Make lasting family memories over the Family Day Weekend at the AGO! From February 14–16, enjoy three days of creativity, imagination, and togetherness. From hands-on winter-wonderland artmaking inspired by David Blackwood: Myth & Legend and engaging guided tours to friendly faces throughout the gallery, there’s something to delight every member of the family. Discover art in a new light, create something magical with your loved ones, and let the museum become your playground this February.
Special activities run all weekend and Family Day Monday. All art activities are included in General Admission. AGO Members, Annual Passholders, and Ontarians 24 and under always visit for FREE. Don’t miss out – book your visit today!
More Info & Tickets: ago.ca/family-day-weekend
2. Family Day Artventure at the McMichael
McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg, ON L0J 1C0
When: Monday, February 16
Ages: All Ages
This Family Day Monday celebrate everything Artventure at the McMichael! From hands-on artmaking to storytelling, music, and poetry, enjoy a full day of creativity, curiosity, and fun for the whole family.
Be sure to catch Brendan McLeod as he performs Holy Guacamole, it’s a Poetry Show! featuring a dinosaur rap, songs about planets and pets, hilarious haikus, and poems about everything from climate change to the lettuce in your lunch box. This lively show is both entertaining for the ears and challenging for the mind.
More Info & Tickets: mcmichael.com
3. Dive Into Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3L9
February 14-16, 2026 | 9am to 5pm daily
Ripley’s Aquarium is always a crowd-pleaser, and Family Day Weekend is a great time to explore it. Kids can wander through colourful galleries, watch sharks glide overhead in Dangerous Lagoon, and get up close to stingrays, jellyfish, and hundreds of aquatic species. With warm indoor spaces, moving walkways, and plenty of hands-on moments, it’s an easy outing for all ages — especially if the February weather doesn’t cooperate.
If you’re planning a visit, consider booking timed tickets in advance as long weekends tend to be popular.
More Info & Tickets: ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-canada
4. Family Day Weekend at The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
February 14 -16, 2026
10:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a must-visit over Family Day Weekend, with plenty to explore for curious kids and adults alike. Alongside its permanent natural history and cultural galleries, special exhibitions like Sharks and Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 are on display — offering hands-on learning, amazing photography, and up-close encounters with fascinating creatures and environments.
During the long weekend, the museum also hosts themed Family Day programming, including interactive performances and activities that celebrate the season and the Lunar New Year.
Save 15% on General Admission with code: CHILDSLIFE
More Info & Tickets: rom.on.ca
5. Try Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf or Hit the Bowling Lanes
If you’re looking for an easy, weather-proof activity that works for all ages, glow mini golf and bowling are classic Family Day weekend go-tos. Glow-in-the-dark courses like Putting Edge, GlowZone 360, and Glow in the Dark Mini Putt at Playdium offer a colourful, low-key way to spend an hour indoors, while bowling alleys across the GTA offer family lanes, bumpers, and lightweight balls for younger players.
Both options are budget-friendly, great for mixed-age groups, and require less advance planning than other outings — perfect for a spontaneous long-weekend plan. Indoor laser tag is another fun pick for older kids and tweens if you’re looking for a bit more action.
Parents looking for the best bowling spots can browse our Bowling Alleys for Families in the GTA roundup.
6. Visit Bloomland in OZ
Royal Botanical Gardens,
680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, ON L7T 4H4
Be one of the first to explore Bloomland in Oz, a brand-new themed experience debuting at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, this colourful walk-through attraction features world of oversized blossoms, whimsical installations, and vibrant photo spots that kids will love. Families can wander through themed garden spaces, follow rainbow pathways, and discover playful surprises around every corner.
It’s a fresh, imaginative way to enjoy the long weekend — perfect for families looking to try something new.
See our Bloomland in Oz event page for dates, details, and tickets.
7. Elliott Tree Farm Maple Experience
9467 Erin East Garafraxa Townline, Hillsburgh, ON
Just an hour from the GTA, families can enjoy a classic Canadian maple tradition at Elliott Tree Farm this Family Day Weekend. Start your visit with their famous pancake breakfast at the Horse Barn Canteen, then head out on a 10–15 minute sugarbush trail walk.
Along the way, explore the working sugarbush: visit the sugar shack, check sap buckets, and taste sap, maple sugar, and fresh maple taffy made over snow. Finish your outing at the Heritage Barn, home to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario, where you can learn about the rich history of maple syrup production in Ontario.
More info & Tickets: elliotttreefarm.ca
8. Plan a Outdoor Adventure with the Family
Venture just beyond the GTA to explore nearby natural areas and outdoor attractions. Try snowshoeing or nordic skiing at a local conservation area, or plan a day of tubing, skiing, or snowboarding at family-friendly resorts like Ski Dagmar and Blue Mountain.
Nature lovers can head to Wye Marsh on Family Day Monday to learn about animal tracks, watch birds of prey, or take a guided winter hike. Kids looking for a unique outdoor challenge will love Treewalk Village, where they can explore tree houses, wood bridges, and net walkways. And of course, you can always lace up your skates and glide along one of Ontario’s many ice trails — visit our Skating Trails Guide to find a trail near you.
9. Visit a Zoo or Nature Centre
A visit to a zoo or nature centre is a great way to break up the winter and spark kids’ curiosity about the natural world. The Toronto Zoo often runs special Family Day Weekend programming, as does the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory at it’s warm, tropical escape filled with free-flying butterflies and lush indoor gardens — a perfect treat for mid-February.
These indoor and outdoor attractions give families a chance to explore wildlife, learn something new, and enjoy a memorable outing together.
See more family-friendly options in our Zoos & Nature Centres in Ontario guide.
10. Free Family Fishing
Multiple Locations across Ontario
February 14-16, 2026
ontariofamilyfishing.com
Ontario’s Family Fishing Weekend is a great chance to try ice fishing without needing a licence. During this special province-wide event, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario waters from February 14–16, 2026, completely licence-free. It’s an easy way for families to enjoy the outdoors together and experience a classic winter activity.
Visit the official website for participating locations and safety tips before you head out.
Looking for More Family Day Events?
If you’re searching for special Family Day programs, festivals, and one-day events happening across the GTA and Southern Ontario, be sure to browse our Family Day Fun Guide. It’s updated daily with new listings so you can easily find activities near you — from free community events to ticketed attractions.
