Victoria Day Fun in Toronto & GTA
By Toronto4Kids.com
This year, Victoria Day long weekend runs from May 17 to May 19, 2014. Since 1854, Canada has been celebrating Victoria Day in honour of Queen Victoria the “Mother of Confederation.” The day also recognizes the birthday of the current reigning sovereign. For most, this widely anticipated long weekend marks the end of a long, cold winter, and the beginning of summer fun. We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly activities to plan for this holiday!
Victoria Day fun to explore with the entire family!
The City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division is offering a wide variety of family activities on Monday, May 19. The City of Toronto will host a sparkling display of Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10:00PM. This year the City will be featuring a combination of over 2,000 fireworks complete with a spectacular finale! Canada’s Wonderland will also be featuring a special Victoria Day Fireworks show (weather permitting), so take in a day of amusement park thrills.
Riverdale Farm is the perfect destination for families. Visit Riverdale Farm to see cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, and cats. While you’re there, visit the Residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. The Farm is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and admission is free.
HarbourKIDS: The Toronto International Circus Festival blasts its willing audiences into orbit on Victoria Day Weekend, May 17-19. Three days of dazzling daredevils, amazing acrobats, hilarious clowns, and brazen buskers – and it’s all FREE!
A great opportunity to see spring babies is at the High Park Zoo located on Deer Pen Road. The Zoo offers both domestic and exotic animals including bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, highland cattle, capybara, and sheep. The llama pen is open on weekends and statutory holidays from 11:00AM to 3:00PM (weather dependant). Come feed the llamas, pet the rabbits, and baby chickens. The Zoo gates are open daily year-round to visitors from 7:00AM to dusk.
Visit Toronto Island Park! Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park for a scenic picnic, hike, or bike ride, or visit the interactive Franklin Children’s Garden. Drop by Centreville Amusement Park, a fun amusement park that delights both children and adults with more than 600 acres of parkland surrounded by rides and attractions. At Centreville, you can also visit Far Enough Farm, home to a number of different animals including horses, donkeys, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, peacocks, and emus, and is located next to Toronto’s Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island. Admission to the farm and grounds is free.
A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory. Both conservatories are open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Admission is free.
The Toronto Historic Museums are hosting a series of events to commemorate Victoria Day. Victoria Day at Fort York features kids’ activities such as soldier’s drill, demonstrations of Georgian-era cooking techniques in one of the oldest kitchens in Toronto, and English country dancing. There’s a Victoria Day Tea and Tour at Montgomery’s Inn. Celebrate Victoria Day with an afternoon tea fit for a Queen.
It’s picnic season! Nothing symbolizes the start of summer like having a family picnic on a beautiful day. It’s casual, fun, and easy. Spend time outside and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature while enjoying a meal with family and friends! Click here to find some great picnic sites in and around the Toronto area.
There’s a lot more going on this upcoming Victoria Day Weekend! CLICK HERE to get the list. Our calendar has been sorted for May 17-19.
Happy Victoria Day Weekend!
Fantastic list! We love going to Wonderland to see the fireworks – they are spectacular!
This is the time of year I wished I lived in Toronto. If it were not for the fact we are going out of town the weekend prior I would be heading up to Toronto for the festivities.
I dreamed last night that I watched fireworks on Canada Day! I guess it’s a sign – that I read this today! Will have to start my planning. Thank you for this great list! Definitely worth the trip to Toronto.