I don’t think we have stayed home during the winter holiday school break for years now – even during COVID, and even when the weather was the nicest it could be living overseas.  Travel, even by car is a must, otherwise I would not consider it a vacation.  Things change of course and as costs climb up, our travelling plans are more subdued if not on hold – at least for the time being, to my own cringe chagrin.  However, this is a “forced” opportunity to see what options we have around the Greater Toronto Area for our kids and ourselves, on a budget, to enjoy the two weeks we are dealt with by the school board to entertain our kids!  This is also worth knowing for visitors and tourists to the area coming to visit family over the holidays and need ideas to pass the time with the kids while they are here for a few days.

1. Niagara Festival of Light/Fireworks – https://wfol.com/

This is a great day trip or even an overnight if needed.  Niagara usually has great events and many things to do between the Falls, Clifton Hill, the Casinos, and Waterparks.  However, in winter the added festival of light and the almost nightly firework display is a great treat for kids, especially if you couple it with one of the great dining options (i.e. Rainforest Café).

2. Distillery Christmas Market – https://www.thedistillerywintervillage.com/

Unlike Europe or even Quebec, Toronto and Ontario in general is lacking the Christmas Market tradition, which is strange to me given what a great destination it would be for sellers, shoppers, food trucks, and kids.  With limited winter options, it’s a wonder we don’t have more!  However, the Distillery District Winter Village is a nice option and couple that with a downtown dining option (lots to choose from), and a great day out right there.

3. Play Areas for older kids

Focusing on indoor activities there is surprisingly plenty to do from Dave and Busters, the REC ROOM in Square One Mall (Mississauga) as well as arcade options at select Cineplex Movie plexes around the area.  Escape rooms are also a good option for the older kids and are a great way to bond with them in a fun way that might be out of your comfort zone.

4. Play Areas for younger kids

For the young ones, including toddlers, there are plenty of traditional play indoor area options that usually comprise slides, ball pits, swings, and other activities catered for the little guys.  They are there all year round, but usually in better weather the outdoors are the preference, in winter it is a great time to explore these venues – and scope them out for future birthday party options.

5. The usual suspects

Don’t shy away from the usual suspects anywhere from your malls, bowling alleys, trampoline parks, indoor mini golf putts, and of course your good ol’ fashion cinema where you can kill 2 hours easily, plus fill the kids up on light popcorn that will tie them up food-wise for a little while.

6. Shows and events

Christmas means there are lots of nutcracker-themed and holiday-based shows and events.  But nothing to stop you from going to the theatre to catch a play or two including the family-friendly Lion King.  Lots of Magic and Circus type shows including as of the time of this blog the Champions of Magic running in the last week of December and the Cirque Du Soliel Crystal show which is winter themed.  There are also the odd Disney on Ice shows and Candlelight Symphony shows (for the older ones).  Plenty of show-based entertainment around this season in the GTA.  But tickets need to by bought early, good seats sell out pretty early.

7. Aurora Borealis

If you’re willing to drive a good 2 hours away from the urban areas, you can find yourself in the countryside and if you can do a stay over at an Air BnB or local motel spot, enjoy the Aurora Borealis, especially in areas where the city lights are minimal around Grey County or Gravenhurst (Torrence Dark Sky Preserve) and further up into Muskoka.  Locations around Peterborough are also a great option, I mean people travel miles to see the lights and if you’re in town you might as well give it a try – you will have to be ready to stay up pretty late at night.  Accommodations can be limited and sell out quickly though so better book early and ideally look for a Dark Sky preserve (Torrence is the only one around).

8. Winter Resorts – https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/family-winter-resorts-and-snow-parks-ontario

Surprisingly there is a wealth of winter based resorts around town that would be nice, although slightly pricey but well worth it; treat yourself to staycations near the Greater Toronto Area.  Usually with plenty of winter-themed activities including dog sledding, skiing, and hot cocoa by the fire kind of thing.   Some of the better-known ones are the Blue Mountain Resort near Wasaga, Fern Hill Resort in Orillia, Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Hockley Valley Resort in Mono are well within reasonable driving distance from the big City.  There is also a spa-themed resort, Thermea, in Whitby for something more indulgent.

9. Day Town Trips

If you don’t have the time commitment or the budget for a few-day stay at a winter resort.  Day trips to many smaller towns around the GTA would give you your wintery fun fix.  There are the usual suspects like Stratford, Paris, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Dundas – but lesser-known towns that are great to experience, especially in winter include Huntsville, Blue Mountain Village, Port Perry, and Almonte.  All within reach of the city and with little town charm galore.

10. Community Centres and museums

For a more affordable option, the range of sporting and art-based activities for kids is surprisingly varied for local community centers.  You might pay a little extra if you’re an out-of-towner but it would still be less costly than private providers.  From indoor swimming, basketball, and soccer to dance classes, mini gym sessions, cooking classes, and art and crafts.  Each city has direct links to their activity list offerings and checking them out early is a good idea because space is usually limited.  Plus many have drop-off activities where you can just go and pay at the entrance.  Depending on your kids this is a great option and with the variety, you can do something different each day.