Okay, parents, we made it past the New Year's chaos—now for the real January challenge! The holidays are officially over, but we've got one last weekend of festive vibes before the deep freeze sets in. This weekend (Jan 3-4), you absolutely need to hit up the New Year's Skating Party at Nathan Phillips Square for some free, urban winter fun, and don't miss the last day of the Distillery Winter Village before it packs up!
Quick Picks
New Year's Skating Party at Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square
Free skating, music, and even free skate rentals (if you get there early enough!) right in front of City Hall.
KidSpark
Harbourfront Centre
A free, indoor, learn-through-play experience perfect for keeping little ones engaged when it’s too cold outside.
KidSpark
Harbourfront Centre
It’s designed as an immersive, learn-through-play experience perfect for curious toddlers and preschoolers.
KidSpark
If the weather is miserable, run down to Harbourfront for this free, indoor play space. It’s one of the city's best-kept secrets for hands-on fun designed by the Ontario Science Centre. Great for burning off some steam without needing to bundle up.
Why we picked it: It’s a fantastic, free, indoor sanctuary for kids when the January weather is brutal.
Sharks at ROM
The ROM's big shark exhibit is still running, so take advantage while you can! Kids can learn about marine powerhouses and there's usually some cool hands-on programming too. Check the Canada Strong Pass info if you're trying to save on admission for the 17-and-under crowd.
Why we picked it: It's the tail end of a major, fascinating exhibition before it disappears.
Interactive arcade day for kids
If your older kids are already sick of the holiday break, this sounds like a decent indoor bet. It’s a dedicated arcade day where they can play games, win prizes, and generally not have to hang out with you. Good for a quick afternoon energy burn.
Why we picked it: A specific, themed arcade day that might feel more special than just hitting a regular entertainment centre.
Skate the Bentway
The city's favourite unique outdoor skate trail is open for business! While you have to pay for rentals, skating the trail itself is free, and it feels way cooler than a regular rink. Dress warm; it’s January under the overpass!
Why we picked it: It's a classic Toronto winter experience that's better than a generic rink and is completely free to access.
Bubble Planet
This sounds wild—it's an entire planet made of bubbles with VR tech and a hot air balloon simulator! If your kids love sensory experiences, this is a fresh, quirky indoor option for Saturday. Use promocode BBLBDAY for a small discount.
Why we picked it: A new-ish, highly sensory, immersive experience perfect for breaking up the standard weekend routine.
Saturday Family Fun at Bradley Museum
This sounds like a super relaxed, low-pressure way to spend a Saturday afternoon with crafts and games for the kids, totally zero-stress. It looks like it's technically in Mississauga, but if you’re out west, it’s a gem to check out.
Why we picked it: It promises a relaxed, stress-free crafting afternoon, which is gold for parents on a Saturday.
Union Winter Roller Express
Yes, it’s roller skating (not ice) inside the TD West Carriageway at Union Station—how cool is that for a winter activity? It's indoors so the weather doesn't matter, and it's a completely different vibe from the outdoor rinks.
Why we picked it: It’s an unexpected, unique indoor skating experience that saves you from the cold.
Free Skating at High Park Rink
If Nathan Phillips Square is too packed, skip downtown and head out to High Park for some classic outdoor skating. It’s totally free to use the ice, and you can follow it up with a quick visit to the High Park Zoo if the little ones still have energy.
Why we picked it: A great, free, authentic winter activity in a beautiful park setting, less intense than downtown.
New Year's Skating Party at Nathan Phillips Square
This is your last shot at a proper New Year's send-off event, and it's totally free! Head down for music and skating right outside City Hall; try to get there early if you need to snag some of those free rentals.
Why we picked it: A genuinely free, city-hosted event with a great vibe that's running for its final day.
Distillery Winter Village (Daytime Entry)
Seriously, go Sunday morning! This is the absolute LAST DAY for the famous Winter Village lights and market stalls. If you go before 4 PM, entry is free, making it a perfect, magical morning out before they close it all down.
Why we picked it: It’s the final chance to soak up the magical Christmas market atmosphere before it's gone for another year.
Little Canada
You get to explore an entire world of miniature Canada, complete with moving cars and tiny scenes that are super detailed. It’s a great escape from the cold, and you'll spot so many little Easter eggs you’ll be there for hours.
Why we picked it: It's a unique, immersive miniature attraction that keeps everyone entertained indoors.
Robin Hood: A Very Merry Family Musical (Panto)
It’s a classic Panto with a heroine Robin—expect lots of audience interaction, silly jokes, and pop hits. This is the kind of fun theatre we love that keeps the kids engaged and laughing the whole time. Definitely check the exact showtimes for Sunday!
Why we picked it: It’s a uniquely fun, interactive theatre experience running close to the end of its run.
Exhibitions at Harbourfront Centre
If KidSpark is too young, just wander the Harbourfront Centre galleries—their art exhibitions are always thought-provoking and completely free to see. It’s a nice little cultural hit without having to pay the big museum fees.
Why we picked it: A reliably free, high-quality indoor cultural stop right next to the KidSpark area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Toronto this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 3-4) there are several genuinely free options: KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre (Sat), Exhibitions at Harbourfront Centre (Sat/Sun), Union Winter Roller Express (viewing area is free, Sat/Sun), and the New Year's Skating Party at Nathan Phillips Square (Sun afternoon).
Are there any last-chance activities for the kids this weekend?
Yes! Sunday, January 4th, is the absolute final day for the Distillery Winter Village (if you go before 4 PM for free entry) and the ROM for the Holidays programming.
What's a good indoor activity for toddlers on Sunday when it's freezing?
The best bet is KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre (Saturday event, but check for Sunday times/repeat) or the free Exhibitions at Harbourfront Centre running all weekend for low-key, warm exploration.