here are plenty of fun and festive activities to enjoy with kids in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) during the Christmas break, but most of them involve being outdoors in Christmas markets and light shows which are great. But sometimes you need some indoor ideas for fun activities to do with the kids that are open during the winter break . Here are a few ideas:

The CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium

Most GTA residents haven’t even visited the national landmark that is world known. If you ignore the waiting in line part in the beginning which can mean freezing your body up for a good 20-30min, the rest is great. Can easily spend a full day between those two destinations which are right next to each other. Cap it off with a good meal nearby and you have made a city visit a full day itinerary. You can also check out the nearby Museum of Illusions (which also has a branch in Mississauga called Mi Museum, but essentially the same thing).

Legoland Discovery Centre

It’s geared more to the younger crowd but has a couple of actual rides, and some hands on activities, in winter they can make their own ornaments out of Legos. The great thing is that it’s inside the Vaighan Mills mall that has plenty of other things to see and lots of food options when you are done. This is another full day sorted out.

Reptilia

At first this was not on my top things to do, I mean reptiles are ok but not exactly a crowd attractor. But with many things closed decided to give this a try, and it was easily one of the most enjoyable things I have visited with my kids in the holiday break. Lots to see and the interactive presentation makes this a great experience for the little one. Again, best of all, it’s indoors! It’s also close to Vaughan Mills and other retail centres so having a bite afterwards is equally fun with all the available options.

Cinema

This could be anywhere, but having your bag of popcorn and watching an hour and a half movie is a great way to pass the time….indoors! Most cinema halls now have arcade areas which could be a nice…but pricey….add on to your day. In most cases these cinema halls are inside shopping malls so your food options are plenty after the movie, if you’re not already filled up with popcorn.

Air Riderz

Any trampoline park really, but this one is the one we usually go to. Great for having the little ones take out their energy and this can easily tire them out for the rest of the day. We usually go to the one on 3600 Ridgeway Dr. in Mississauga. We also sometimes visit the equally fun Skyzone Trampoline Park near Square one. In fact the latter has a great rock climbing feature as well, in both cases your kids will love it – and best of all they are well heated!

Escape Rooms

There are various ones around the GTA and although these are geared to the older kid crowd, younger ones can tag along and will still have a sense of accomplishment…if you get out eventually. Our favourite is Hint Hunt and Escape from the 6. But there are plenty of other options that could be closer to you.

In any case make sure you drag out the activities and do one a day. It will give them something to look forward to and feel less disappointed than if you do everything in a few days with nothing else to do the rest of the break. this is also a good way to manage your budget and pace yourself. Plus on good weather days take advantage of the outdoor options like tobogganing and Christmas markets; love the ones on this list for bad weather days.