The Best Events This Weekend for Kids | August 21-23, 2026
Looking for fun things to do with the kids this weekend? Explore our updated guide to family-friendly events, activities, festivals, and outings happening across Toronto, the GTA and South Central Ontario!
Looking for more family outing ideas? Visit our Family Fun Guides for more events, best places to go and fun activities, across the GTA and Southern Ontario.
FEATURED
No Grown Ups Allowed
- Until August 29, 2026
- The Second City, 110 Harbour Street, Toronto
Kids, are you tired of grown-ups constantly telling you what to do? When to wake up, when to do homework, even making you do chores?! Well, on Saturdays at the Second City, it’s the kids’ turn to run the world! In this high-energy and fast-paced sketch and improv show, kids give all the ideas and even get the chance to get onstage!
FEATURED
The Art of Brick
- Until August 16, 2026
- YZD, 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
The world’s most famous LEGO® art exhibition. featuring over 130 incredible sculptures created from more than a million LEGO® bricks by artist Nathan Sawaya, including reimagined masterpieces like David, The Starry Night, and Mona Lisa, plus a striking multimedia collection with photographer Dean West.
Top Picks: Family Events this Weekend
Aga Khan Family Sundays
Aug 23
to Aug 23, 2026
Aga Khan Museum
Every Sunday from 12–4 pm Designed for families with children between the ages of 5 and 12. Adult accompaniment is required. Free with admission to the galleries. Sundays are Family Days at the Aga Khan Museum. Families are encouraged to drop into the Museum’s classrooms to participate in ...
Strolls & Strollers: Mini & Mighty
Aug 23
to Aug 23, 2026
Pickering Museum Village
You and your little one will connect with nature in this interactive parent and tot program. Join us for a guided walk where you will engage in simple hands-on explorations and sensory-based activities designed to spark curiosity. Participants can expect a mild to moderate workout, as our journey ...
Dino Run - Beaches
Aug 23
to Aug 23, 2026
Woodbine Beach Park
Dino Run | Inspiring Kids & Families to Get Active—One Dino Chase at a Time! Dino Run is a not-for-profit organization on a mission to get families moving while having a roaring good time! Join us to build unforgettable memories. What to Expect: The Mission: Kids become Dino ...
Afro-Carib Fest 2026
Aug 22
to Aug 23, 2026
Thomson Memorial Park
Experience the Ultimate Celebration of African & Caribbean Culture! Join us for the 14th annual Afro-Carib Fest, an award-winning, FREE weekend festival that celebrates the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture through live music, dance, food, and art! Date: August 22nd & 23rd, 2026 Time: 12 PM – 9 PM Location: ...
Parkdale Music Crawl and Sidewalk Sale
Aug 22
to Aug 22, 2026
Cowan Town Square
The annual Parkdale Music Crawl and Street Festival is back for 2026! Join in on this free event on Queen St West between Roncesvalles Ave and Dufferin St for a day of music, shopping and fun activities! The festival will run on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 11am ...
No Grown-Ups Allowed
Aug 22
to Aug 22, 2026
The Second City
Kids, are you tired of grown-ups constantly telling you what to do? When to wake up, when to do homework, even making you do chores?! Well, on Saturdays at the Second City, it’s the kids’ turn to run the world! In this high-energy and fast-paced sketch and improv ...
TRCA Butterfly Festival
Aug 22
to Aug 22, 2026
Tommy Thompson Park
The TRCA Butterfly Festival is a FREE public event at Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) to celebrate an iconic insect as it embarks on an epic journey to Mexico over the winter months. Located on the Toronto waterfront at the convergence of two major migratory flyways, Tommy Thompson Park ...
Dino Runs @ The Bentway
Aug 22
to Aug 22, 2026
The Bentway
Dino Runs are an interactive family event packed with movement and imagination! Kids join lively Dino Specialists for songs, stories, and games before heading out on a playful mission to track down runaway dinosaurs. This prehistoric adventure is part learning, part make-believe, and all about laughing and being ...
Magic at the Museum: Wand Workshop
Aug 22
to Aug 22, 2026
Pickering Museum Village
Step into a world of wonder as young wizards craft their very own magical wand! In this hands-on workshop, children will explore the art of wand-making, learn about the history and symbolism behind magical tools, and personalize their creations with enchanting designs. Perfect for sparking creativity and imagination, ...
Taste of Mississauga – Summer Festival 2026
Aug 22
to Aug 23, 2026
Muslim Neighbour Nexus
A vibrant two-day community celebration bringing together families, food lovers, local businesses, and the multicultural community With New dates : Join us for Taste of Mississauga – Summer Festival 2026, a vibrant two-day community celebration bringing together families, food lovers, local businesses, and the multicultural community of Mississauga ...
SpongeBob the Musical
Aug 22
to Sep 20, 2026
Randolph Theatre
LIVE! at the Randolph Theatre: SpongeBob the Musical 736 Bathust St. Toronto, ON. M5S 2R4 One of the world’s most beloved characters comes to life onstage. Turn them loose and what do you get? The bold, original musical The New York Times declares, “BRILLIANT!” The stakes are higher ...
Markham Jazz Festival
Aug 22
to Aug 23, 2026
Historic Main Street Unionville
Come one, come all to historic Unionville for the 28th annual Markham Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23, 2026! We’re back with 30+ unforgettable performances by renowned Canadian and international talent – all free! Award-winning jazz, blues and more, great shops and restaurants, craft vendors, free ...
Mississauga Italfest Inc.
Aug 21
to Aug 22, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
Mississauga Italfest has dazzled crowds for over 14 years, standing out as one of the most vibrant and dynamic Italian festivals in Canada. Named a Top 100 Festival in Ontario from 2016 to 2025, this unique festival has brought together tens of thousands of local fans and enthusiastic ...
Ultimate K-Pop Miniature Misson Adventure
Aug 21
to Sep 18, 2026
Pocket Planet Canada
Calling all K-pop fans! Get ready for The Ultimate K-Pop Adventure, a limited-time Mini Mission at Pocket Planet Canada (formerly Little Canada). Explore North America’s largest animated miniature world and uncover 16 hidden scenes inspired by the music, fandom, and culture of K-pop. Keep an eye out for ...
CNE - Canadian National Exhibition
Aug 21
to Sep 7, 2026
Exhibition Place
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest annual community event. Taking place over the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, the CNE offers a wide variety of entertainment and events including Bandshell concerts, celebrity chef demonstrations, an aerial acrobatics and ice skating show, a ...
Treasure Island
Aug 19
to Aug 29, 2026
Five Points Theatre
When a mysterious pirate takes lodging at the inn run by Jim’s mother, it sets in motion the adventure of a lifetime. On his deathbed, the infamous Billy Bones entrusts Jim with a map to the legendary Treasure Island. With the help of a well-meaning — and slightly ...
MAMMA MIA!
Aug 4
to Aug 30, 2026
Princess of Wales Theatre
Back by popular demand after its triumphant return to Broadway! A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through ...
Jurassic Kingdom - Toronto
Jul 23
to Aug 10, 2026
David Dunlap Observatory
Jurassic Kingdom is a must-see family edutainment attraction — an exciting and educational Jurassic walk-through experience designed for visitors of all ages. Featuring over 50 impressive life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, the event brings the prehistoric world to life. Each dinosaur includes robotic moving parts such as moving heads, breathing ...
LEGO® NINJAGO®: The True Ninja Trials
Jul 9
to Aug 16, 2026
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto
Calling all young Ninja! Step into the exciting world of LEGO® NINJAGO® during The True Ninja Trials at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto. Journey through the Whispering Woods, meet LEGO® NINJAGO® heroes and take on a series of hands-on challenges to defeat the elemental monsters. Young builders can master ...
The Art of Brick
Jul 1
to Aug 16, 2026
YZD (30 Hanover Road)
Come and visit The Art of the Brick, the most famous exhibition of LEGO® art! Find out how over a million LEGO® bricks have been transformed into more than 130 sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya. Critically acclaimed, this collection includes not only original sculptures by the artist, but ...
Monet: The Immersive Experience
Jun 29
to Aug 16, 2026
30 Hanover Road
Have you ever dreamt of stepping into a painting? Embark on an astonishing journey through the incomparable universe of Claude Monet, one the greatest artistic geniuses of the nineteenth century. Explore his life, his career, and his secrets like never before with the help of 360º digital projections ...
Visit Little Canada
Jun 29
to Sep 6, 2026
Little Canada
Embark on a thrilling journey through a spectacular miniature world showcasing famous Canadian sights like the CN Tower and Niagara Falls. Be amazed by the intricate details and moving vehicles that bring this attraction to life in downtown Toronto. Plan your visit Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – ...
Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA
Jun 18
to Aug 30, 2026
Big Top
Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA is back in Toronto, 10 years after its debut in 2016. Hailed by critics the world over, LUZIA is a joyful and visually-stunning creation that invites audiences to escape to an imaginary Mexico – a surreal world suspended between dreams and reality. LUZIA dazzles ...
KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre
Jun 1
to Sep 6, 2026
Harbourfront Centre
Discover the incredible world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) at KidSpark. Explore, play and learn at one of the Science Centre’s most popular experiences, featuring three themed areas with hands-on exhibits for children and their families. Featuring: The Pond: Hop into a boat on a pretend ...
Visit Ripley's Aquarium
May 1
to Aug 31, 2026
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Immerse yourself in a world of 20,000 aquatic animals and discover your own underwater adventure. With more than 5.7 million litres of water, North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel! Families can get up close and personal with touch exhibits featuring scarlet cleaner shrimp and stingrays. This awe-inspiring attraction ...
Treewalk Village uplå Daytime & uplå Aglow
Mar 14
to Sep 6, 2026
TreeWalk Village Stouffville
Let’s Bounce! Experience weightlessness in the vibrant, suspended world that is uplå — the largest outdoor net parks in North America. This exhilarating, unique ecological adventure soars up to 20 feet high and includes spiral slides, lookout points, and secret passages. Bring the family and jump while it’s ...
Treewalk Village Enchanted
Jan 2
to Aug 29, 2026
TreeWalk Village Stouffville
Introducing Treewalk Village Enchanted – The Forest of Glowing Wonders As night falls, the forest awakens. Step into a dreamscape where every path is transformed by light and magic. Wander among glowing treehouses, where gentle lights sparkle and colours dance on every bridge. Traverse radiant paths, climb vibrant ...
More Family Fun Ideas in the GTA
If you’re looking for more things to do with the kids this season, explore our popular guides for family outings, seasonal events, camps, birthday parties, and activities across Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario.
More GREAT Events & Programs
Please note: Child’s Life makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information presented in our guides. However, we highly recommend visiting event websites or calling event venues/organizers to confirm details such as location, dates, times, fees or other information that may affect your outing.
2 thoughts on “What’s ON This Weekend for Families in Toronto & the GTA”
Thanks for putting this together! Extremely well structured.
Great article! Thanks for sharing these details.