By Natalie Monday, February 3, 2025

Ontario offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones on Family Day which fall on Monday February 17th. Whether you’re enjoying the great outdoors, exploring cultural gems, or splashing around indoors, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Don’t forget to check out one of the many winter festivals for an extra special holiday celebration. So, start planning and make the most of this special day together!

Winter Festivals

• Winterlude (Ottawa): Celebrate winter with this iconic festival featuring stunning ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, and cultural performances. It’s a highlight of the season for families.
• SnowDay on the Waterfront (Thunder Bay) Enjoy ice sculptures, snowshoeing, ice fishing, music, games, and food at this award-winning event on February 17, 2025.
• Hamilton Winterfest: Explore over 70 events, including art installations, interactive games, live music, crafts, and Family Day activities across Hamilton.
• Snowman Mania (Wasaga Beach): A four-day winter festival packed with family fun, including live entertainment, snow games, and fireworks.
• Penetanguishene Winterama: Ontario’s oldest winter carnival, featuring parades, hockey tournaments, and outdoor winter games.
• Voyageur Winter Carnival (Ottawa): Experience French Canadian culture with traditional food, music, and fun winter activities at this vibrant festival.
• Kidsfest T.O (Toronto): Toronto’s largest indoor festival for kids, featuring stage shows, interactive activities, and play zones.
• Spirit of Winter (Kingston): Enjoy an enchanting winter celebration with festive lights, outdoor skating, and cozy bonfires.

Outdoor Adventures

• Skating Adventures: Whether it’s gliding on the Rideau Canal, enjoying a scenic skate on the Toronto Islands Skating Trail, or visiting local rinks, skating is a classic winter activity perfect for the whole family.
• Winter Horseback Riding: Experience the beauty of winter on horseback with guided trail rides available at ranches across Ontario, such as Fallbrook Trail Ranch, Von Doeler’s Ranch, Pathways on Pleasure Valley and HorsePlay Niagara
• Ice Fishing Adventures: Try your hand at ice fishing in popular spots like Lake Simcoe or Georgian Bay. Many operators provide family-friendly packages plus Family Day weekend you don’t need a license which means you can fish for free!

Indoor Fun

• Fallsview Indoor Waterpark (Niagara Falls): Escape the winter chill and enjoy a tropical water adventure with slides, a wave pool, and more.
• The Factory (London): Housed in an old Kellogg’s facility in London, The Factory is Canada’s biggest indoor family entertainment centre and features North America’s largest indoor high ropes course.
• Butterfly Conservatory (Niagara Falls): Wander through a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of butterflies – a magical experience for all ages.

Cultural Experiences

• Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa): From dinosaurs to live butterflies, this museum offers engaging exhibits for kids and adults alike.
• Children’s Museum (London): Hands-on exhibits and interactive displays make this a fantastic Family Day outing.
• Brockville Aquatarium: Learn about the St. Lawrence River ecosystem through fun and interactive exhibits, including otters and other aquatic creatures.
• Royal Ontario Art Museum (Toronto): Enjoy enhanced programming and a much-anticipated return of a celebrated dino. Canada’s leading museum is preparing to host unforgettable experiences with free admission on Family Day.

For even more events and things to do over Family Day Weekend or for any time for that matter check out our Event Calendar. We also have tons of Attractions, Museums and more listed on our website to keep you and your family busy all year round.

Happy Family Day!

Natalie