Ontario is home to a vibrant landscape of family-oriented theatre, concerts, and special events that cater to audiences of all ages, creating a rich tapestry of cultural experiences throughout the province. From captivating stage productions that bring beloved stories to life to engaging concerts featuring popular artists, Ontario’s arts scene is brimming with opportunities for families to enjoy quality entertainment together. Whether it’s a heartwarming musical, a classic play, or a contemporary dance performance, local theatres across the region showcase an impressive lineup of shows that appeal to both children and adults.
In addition to theatre, Ontario’s concert scene offers something for every musical taste, from family-friendly pop acts to orchestral performances that introduce young listeners to the beauty of classical music. Many venues host interactive concerts designed to engage younger audiences, incorporating multimedia elements and participatory activities that make music accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Festivals, such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the Beaches Jazz Festival, also feature family-focused programming, allowing kids and parents to explore diverse artistic expressions while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Special events across Ontario further enhance the cultural experience, providing opportunities for families to engage with local communities through fairs, parades, and seasonal celebrations. Events like the Stratford Festival or the Hamilton Fringe Festival highlight the province’s commitment to the arts, offering an array of performances and activities designed to inspire creativity and foster a love for the arts in the next generation.
With its rich array of family-oriented theatre, concerts, and events, Ontario ensures that there is always something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re discovering a new show, attending a concert, or participating in community celebrations, the province invites families to create lasting memories through the arts.
January 205, 10-12, 15-19, 2024
Immersive Environmental Education: Explore Arcadia Earth
The Well, 486 Front St. W.
www.arcadiaearth.ca
In the heart of Toronto, Arcadia Earth is an innovative, immersive experience that invites visitors to step into the future of our planet through the lens of environmental education. Located at The Well, 486 Front St. W., this multi-sensory journey is designed to inspire and educate individuals on the critical issues facing our environment today.
January 27–29, 2025
Kattam and His Tam-Tams
Flato Markham Theatre
Grades 1-5
To the sound of the n’goni, balafon, djembe, naffar, derbouka and dhol, percussionist Kattam invites you to discover Africa, the Middle East and India through rhythm, song and dance. From African rap and desert dance to trance sufi rhythm and Bollywood dance. Kattam’s aim is to foster a taste for music, discovery and self-expression among children and to make both popular and spiritual music accessible— ultimately in order to teach children that beyond cultural differences lies a shared humanity.
February 10 – March 16, 2025
THE DARKEST DARK | Astronomically fun for the whole family!
Young People’s Theatre, ADA SLAIGHT STAGE
Recommended for Ages 6-12 | Gr. 1-6
By Jim Millan and Ian MacIntyre
Based on the book by Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion Directed by Jim Millan
We have lift off! Following its sold-out world premiere in 2023, Chris Hadfield’s The Darkest Dark touches down for a special return engagement! It’s the summer of 1969 and Apollo 11 is about to land on the moon. Nine-year-old space-loving Chris dreams of becoming a brave astronaut and is counting down the days to the televised event. But at bedtime, when the night closes in, so too does his fear of the dark. With his family and best friends by his side, young Chris realizes that watching history being made hinges on conquering his fear – and embracing the unknown.
February 15, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Gruffalo’s Child Tall Stories
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should, ever set foot in the deep dark wood. Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.
February 16, 2025 | 11:30 am
Fireside Munsch
19 on the Park, 19 Civic Avenue, Stouffville
https://tows.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/19onthePark_FM
Fun for the entire family, M. John Kennedy’s hit solo show Fireside Munsch is a high-energy performance featuring four of Robert Munsch’s classic stories performed as one wacky storytelling play!
February 17, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The Gruffalo’s Child
Living Arts Centre
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?
Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone!
March 12, 2025 at 4 & 7 p.m.
Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
https://www.oakvillecentre.ca/whats-on/upcoming-events/jim-hensen-fraggle-rock
When Gobo Fraggle discovers a legend about a long-lost Fraggle treasure called the Great Song Stone, his pals Mokey, Boober, Wembley, and Red join him on an adventure to find it, and end up celebrating the greatest treasure of all – something much more special than they could have ever imagined!
March 14, 2025 | 3 and 6 pm.
Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines
https://www.firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC43-Jim-Hensons-Fraggle-Rock&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=
MARCH BREAK FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Starring the characters of the beloved original Jim Henson series currently seen in the hit Emmy Award-winning Apple TV+ reboot, Fraggle Rock LIVE features the iconic Fraggles alongside all the favourite characters from the show, as well as new characters in a brand-new exciting, interactive, live musical adventure perfect for all ages!
March 24 – 29, 2025
THE MIXOLYDIAN | Indigenous tale connecting generations
Young People’s Theatre, ADA SLAIGHT STAGE
Recommended for Ages 6-12 | Gr. 1-6
By Ashley Cook
A Green Thumb Theatre Production
Bellevue, an 11-year-old Anishinaabe/Métis girl, feels out of touch with the stories her Grandfather (Shoom) passed down to her. Seeking to reconnect with her culture and language, Bellevue embarks on a journey through the woods alongside her imaginary friend, a shapeshifter named Thomas. With help from her wise ancestor Nokomis, Bellevue makes surprising discoveries along the way – about herself and her friend Thomas. Featuring puppetry and music, this unique Indigenous tale from Vancouver’s Green Thumb Theatre is a beautiful reminder to young audiences about the importance of the people and places they come from.
March 2025
Maple Town
Mountsberg, 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
It’s the sweetest time of year at Conservation Halton! The Mountsberg sugarbush has been producing maple magic for more than 150 years and educating the public for over 40 years. The park will tap about 300 sugar maples this spring and the crystal-clear sap will be magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. Purchase a delicious pancake meal, maple-themed sweets & treats!
The Sugar Bush will offer park visitors independent exploration and guided tours throughout the park during their visit to Mountsberg (Tours require a reservation and additional fees apply)
March 2025
Puppet Festival
Various Mississauga Locations
Mississaugacranecreations.ca/event/puppet-festival-mississauga
The Puppet Festival Mississauga celebrates puppetry arts with captivating performances, workshops, and family-friendly events, offering an entertaining and educational experience for all ages. Don’t miss this unique cultural event.
March 2025
Maple at the Village
Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto
https://blackcreek.ca/things-to-do/maple-syrup
This March Break, celebrate the charm of maple syrup season as Black Creek Pioneer Village buzzes with the energy of early spring. Discover the old-fashioned skills needed to take this sweet treat all the way from tree to table. Our costumed educators will “spile” the beans on maple’s magic, and teach you the backwoods skills necessary for adventures in the sugarbush. blackcreek.ca/things-to-do/maple-syrup
April 7, 2025
Cirque Kalabanté: Won’Ma Afrique
Flato Markham Theatre
Grades 5-8
A colourful show beyond its scenery, costumes and staging, it makes any theatre vibrate with energy and represents the strength, agility and life’s joys of young Africans. The students will see acrobats execute gravity-defying moves and human pyramids, accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and kora. Welcome to the universe of Kalabanté Productions, and prepare for an unforgettable journey.
April 2025
Maple Sugar Festival
Brooks Farms, Ashworth Road, Mount Albert
www.brooksfarms.com/maplesugarfestival
Take a Wagon Ride back to the Bush and enjoy an educational tour given by one of our Farmers! Maple Sugar Tastings, Bon Fires, Indoor Pancake House, Kids Activities, and More!
April 15–16, 2025
Theater Terra Presents Rapunzel the Musical
Flato Markham Theatre
Grades 1-6
Theater Terra is a theatre company based in the Netherlands. Specializing in children’s theatre and family musicals for over 50 years, the company tours worldwide. This production features puppetry, music, and inventive set designs as integral elements of the show. Join the spirited Rapunzel and her friends in a magical retelling of this beloved tale.
April 16, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Cirque Kalabanté Won’Ma Africa
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
“Won’Ma Afrique”, which means “Our Africa” in the Sousou language, is a smaller version adapted from “Africa in Circus”.
Kalabanté meaning “go-getter, ambitious child, with exceptional courage” in the Sousou language, this NPO pursues a double mission: the promotion of African artistic cultures and the realization of humanitarian projects, and cultural exchanges, between Canada and Guinea.
April 24, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Theater Terra Presents Rapunzel
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Theater Terra presents the new family musical Rapunzel, based on the famous European fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, for ages 4 and up. Come to the theatre for an enchanting afternoon with Rapunzel the Musical! A long time ago, there was a witch, who took a young girl from her mother. The witch called the girl Rapunzel and locked her up in a high tower, in the middle of the woods. Living there, Rapunzel is only being visited by the witch, who crawls up the tower on Rapunzel’s long braids. Until one day, when a Prince appears…
April 28 – May 15, 2025
WICKED NIX | A charmingly mischievous tale | WORLD PREMIERE
Young People’s Theatre, ADA SLAIGHT STAGE
Recommended for Ages 8-13 | Gr. 3-8
By Paula Wing
Adapted from the book by Lena Coakley
Directed by Stephen Colella
Nix is the foulest of the fairies. With the Faerie Queen away, this mischievous sprite is tasked with safeguarding their forest from a most dangerous enemy – humans. When one such foe settles into a cottage in the woods on the eve of the Queen’s return, Nix conjures a few wicked tricks to drive him away. His efforts fail, and Nix is faced with difficult choices and an even more dangerous truth. Based on the award-winning book by acclaimed author Lena Coakley (CBC’s 2018 Best Book of the Year), this whimsical romp explores the timeless bonds of family and the joy of finding a home in unexpected places.
May 24 – June 1, 2025
FRED PENNER | Calling all Fred Heads!
Young People’s Theatre, ADA SLAIGHT STAGE
Recommended for Ages 3-7 | JK-Gr. 2
Introduce your little ones to Canadian music Icon Fred Penner! Experience all the hummable fun of the four-time Juno Award-winner as he plays his catchy classics “The Cat Came Back”, “What a Day” and more – a nostalgia-filled treat for audiences of all ages.
July 2025 | 10:30 a.m – 11:15 a.m
Open Air Storytime presented by TD
Celebration Square, Mississauga
www.mississauga.ca/arts-and-culture/events
These interactive summer programs at Celebration Square Amphitheatre have become a weekly favourite! Family-friendly storytimes keep kids entertained while promoting a love of books and reading over the summer months. Join Mississauga Library staff each Wednesday at 10:30 am for Open Air Storytime and participate in a high-energy, interactive program, filled with stories, songs, rhymes, and other fun activities. Everyone is welcome! Stay tuned for the weekly schedule. See you at the square, bookworms!
July 2025 | 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Movie Nights presented by InSauga
Celebration Square, Mississauga
www.mississauga.ca/arts-and-culture/events
Enjoy exciting films on the big screens all summer long. Grab a blanket with your family and besties on the lawn for the Pre-Show at 7:30 pm. Then, sit back and enjoy the main event at 8:00 pm with your fellow movie-lovers.
* Movies and schedules are subject to change.
Movie Nights are free and accessible. Closed-captioning is displayed during all film screenings. Assistive listening devices are available upon request. To request an assistive listening device, please speak with staff at the Celebration Square main stage before 8 pm.
July 2025
Sensory Friendly Early Admission Hours
Toronto Zoo
www.torontozoo.com/events/Sensory
Enter and enjoy the Zoo during a less stimulating time, and without the added background sounds that can be challenging for individuals with sensory needs.
July 2025
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Nathan Phillips Square
toaf.ca
The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair has grown to become one of the most popular art events of the summer and continues to expand its cultural offerings. Guest artists and curators have put together collections of artworks to inspire you and offer points of entry to discovering artists.
July 2025
Dino Runs @ The Bentway
The Bentway Skate Trail
thebentway.ca/event/dino-run
If your kids like dinosaurs, they’ll love The Bentway Dino Run! The morning starts with costumed Dino Specialists teaching participants about dinosaurs through songs, dance, and games.
July 2025
Friends of Sorauren Park Outdoor Summer Movies
Sorauren Park, 50 Wabash Ave.
soraurenpark.wordpress.com
Featuring popular films from blockbusters to classics, sentimental dramas/comedies to family favourites. Come early for special pre-show performances!
August 2025
Sensory Sunday Morning
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-canada/events/sensory-sunday-morning
August 2025
Family Days
Aga Khan Museum
agakhanmuseum.org/families
Families are encouraged to drop into the Museum’s classrooms to participate in hands-on craft activities that change regularly to reflect our special exhibitions and programs. Designed for families with children between the ages of 5 and 12.
August – September 2025
Canadian National Exhibition
Exhibition Place
theex.com
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top agricultural fairs in North America. People came to experience the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to enjoy the popular entertainers of the time, and to engage in a collective community celebration. Although the CNE has changed significantly over the years, it continues to be one of Ontario’s great annual traditions and an event that offers substantial entertainment value for money.
August – September 2025
Canadian International Air Show
Marilyn Bell Park
www.cias.org
Celebrating its 75th Anniversary, the Canadian International Air Show is North America’s longest running airshow.
September 2025
Family Days
Aga Khan Museum
agakhanmuseum.org/families
Families are encouraged to drop into the Museum’s classrooms to participate in hands-on craft activities that change regularly to reflect our special exhibitions and programs. Designed for families with children between the ages of 5 and 12.
September 2025
Sensory Sunday Morning
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-canada/events/sensory-sunday-morning
September 2025
Dino Runs @ The Bentway
The Bentway Skate Trail
thebentway.ca/event/dino-run
If your kids like dinosaurs, they’ll love The Bentway Dino Run! The morning starts with costumed Dino Specialists teaching participants about dinosaurs through songs, dance, and games.
September 2025 (Family Double-Header)
Friends of Sorauren Park Outdoor Summer Movies
Sorauren Park, 50 Wabash Ave.
soraurenpark.wordpress.com/2024/05/31/sorauren-outdoor-movie-season-announced
Featuring popular films from blockbusters to classics, sentimental dramas/comedies to family favourites. Come early for special pre-show performances! Dance, comedy, music!
October 2025
Sneaker Con Toronto
Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
sneakercon.com
The highly anticipated return of the Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth is back! Sneaker Con is bringing the heat to the “6” once again.
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