Holiday Season Activities in Toronto
By Lucas on Dec 20, 2013
By Penny Munoz
The holiday season is finally upon us! And now that you’ve gotten those pesky exams out of the way, or work has come to a halt, you’ve baked enough cookies to last a lifetime, and maybe you’ve even gone to the gym a couple times (or at least thought about it), you’re probably wondering, ‘What next?’ Well, in the great city of Toronto, there is always something to do! Here’s a list that will surely keep every busybody occupied well into the New Year!
For everyone:
Skating:
What is a better activity in this cold weather than skating? Make sure to bundle up and head down to one of Toronto’s many outdoor, artificial rinks for free skating! Join others in shinny hockey or drop-in skating for just adults at indoor rinks for $3.50 and $1.75 for seniors. For more information visit: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/skating.
Skiing and snowboarding:
Be the first on the hill! With all runs open at Centennial and Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, there’s no excuse, learn how to ski or snowboard this year! For more information visit: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/skiing.
Swimming:
Tired of being frost-bitten? There are a variety of swimming pools with leisure swims available throughout the city. Check for schedules online at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/swimming.
Christmas flower shows at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park:
With free admissions to both flower shows at the conservatories, you’re free to visit from 10 am to 5 pm. Donations are welcome for the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Walk Toronto’s Trails:
Explore Toronto’s great outdoors! Featuring The Shared Path, the city’s newest Discovery Walk. The Discovery Walks program is a series of trails that reveal Toronto’s beautiful natural features, and cultural and historical attractions. Trails include 15 kilometres of self-guided adventures along ravines, parks and neighbourhoods.
For the kids:
If you’re looking for ways to tire out those little bundles of joy now that school is out for the holidays, here are a couple activities that will surely have them sleepy-eyed by 9 pm!
Riverdale Farm:
Located at 201 Winchester Street, Riverdale Farm has cows, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and farm cats. That’s not all they offer though, they also have indoor board games, sewing crafts with the Cabbagetown Quilters Guild and activities with the Toronto Spinners and Weavers. Open 9am to 5pm every day. visit www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks for more information.
High Park Zoo:
Visit Santa’s reindeer at the High Park Zoo located at 77 Deer Pen Road before the big night! Open daily, you’ll get to see domestic and exotic animals like bison, llamas, peacocks, highland cattle and more sheep! For more information on zoo hours, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/
Playground Paradise:
Playground Paradise is the ultimate dream for all troublemakers 12 and under! With spiral slides, track rides, cargo elevators and a massive ball pit with over 8,000 balls, kids will love playing and making new friends. And it all only costs $2.50 a child! Get more information at http://bit.ly/1aZjJ4T for drop-in programs.
This Weekend:
1 Love TO Holiday Ice Skating Party – Saturday December 21 from 8 am to 11 pm
Where: The Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queens Quay
What: This is the fourth annual skating party, hosted by T-rexxx with music by DJ DLUX & Lisa Monet. With skating, dancing, loud music and hot chocolate, this year is sure to mark another success! Come celebrate and have a good time! Rental skates available.
Arts & Craft Holiday Show & Sale
Saturday December 21 from 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday December 22 from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 155 Lamb Avenue
What: Hosted by ArtCave, this show and sale offers one-of-a-kind, handmade arts and crafts by local artists. If you’re a last minute shopper (like me) who has been dreading the buzzing mall, this is the perfect opportunity to support local talent and avoid the crowds!
Gifts for Strangers Saturday December 21 from 1 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
What: A worldwide movement, started in Toronto just three years ago, 33 other cities across the globe have joined in this operation to spread kindness during the season of gift-giving! The idea is to spread cheer across the city, giving complete strangers gifts and heartfelt cards.
Better get your day planner out and start penciling in all these activities! Get out there and have a great holiday!
