As January rolls on, the weather is always full of surprises but our city still offers many fun possibilities for families. This weekend, you can can free and cheap movies, special events for your special interests and hobbies, shows and games, plus indoor and outdoor skating! Get moving with our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Events in Toronto and the GTA This Weekend, January 16-18…
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Family-Friendly Events in Toronto and the GTA This Weekend
🆓 Evergreen Brick Works: Free Indoor Winter Movie Nights | Starting January 17
Get cozy with your family to enjoy kid-friendly movies when Evergreen Brick Works presents their Free Indoor Winter Movie Nights series on select Saturdays in January and February.
🦎 Toronto Reptile and Plant Expo | January 18
Toronto Reptile and Plant Expo is the perfect opportunity to view some of the greatest species of reptilian specialty pets from across Canada and shop for rare and common houseplants — plus, kids 6 and under are free!
🛥️ Toronto International Boat Show | Starting January 17
Ahoy, mateys — the Toronto International Boat Show returns to Exhibition Place to help you get ready for boating season, complete with an indoor lake!
📽️ Cineplex Family Favourites Saturday |January 17
Cineplex’s popular weekly cheap movie program starts up for 2026, where families can go back to the jungle with the 20th Anniversary edition of “Madagascar”.
🍿 Cineplex Cinemas: National Popcorn Day (and Weekend!) | January 16-19
Who wants some free popcorn?! Cineplex Cinemas returns with their annual giveaway to celebrate National Popcorn Day (on January 19) with *four days* of savings, where all Scene+ members receive a free small popcorn with the purchase of any movie ticket or online order.
⛸️ Friday Harbour: The Skate Escape | Starting January 16
Celebrate the joys of the winter season at Friday Harbour with The Skate Escape! Discover a winter wonderland on the shores of Lake Simcoe, featuring ice skating, live entertainment, and more.
🏀 Toronto Raptors vs. L.A. Clippers | January 16
Start the weekend with a b-ball game and welcome Kawhi Leonard back to town when the Raptors play a Friday evening game versus the L.A. Clippers.
Last-Chance Events
⚪ Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience | ends on January 18
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is a whimsical bubble-themed world that awakens the joy of imagination, play and wonder for both children and adults through tactile play and virtual reality.
🤘 Mirvish Productions: “We Will Rock You” | ends on January 18
Mirvish Productions celebrates the rockin’ holiday season with “We Will Rock You”, a futuristic musical spectacle featuring 25 classic Queen songs.
🛼 Toronto Union Station: TD Union Winter | ends on January 18
Toronto Union Station gets the party going with TD Union Winter, inside the TD West Carriageway for a fun and magical free winter experience, featuring the Roller Express indoor roller skating rink.
✨Lights on Stratford Winter Festival of Lights | ends on January 18
The free annual Lights On Stratford Winter Festival of Lights transforms Stratford’s heritage downtown core and parks with luminous art and interactive light installations.
Family-Friendly Events in Toronto This Weekend — Event Guides
☃️ Guide to the Best Cheap and Free Winter Activities in Toronto and the GTA
It’s a daunting task to keep kids busy and entertained during the cold weather months. But, never fear! You and your family this winter can have fun without hurting your wallet further with our Guide to the Best Cheap and Free Winter Activities in Toronto and the GTA.
⛸️ Guide to the Best Spots to Go Outdoor Skating in Toronto
Outdoor skating is one of those rare activities that families of all ages can enjoy together during the long and cold winter months. Skate, spin and play shinny with our Guide to the Best Spots to Go Outdoor Skating in Toronto.
🎿 Guide to the Best Spots to go Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding in the GTA
Skiing and snowboarding is a way to get exercise, spend some time in nature and have (snow)balls of fun, all at the same time! Whether you shred, jib, carve or snowplow your way down the slopes, we’ve got you covered.
❄️ Best Spots to Go Snow Tubing in and around the GTA
Snow tubing is a new and exciting experience, providing a fast and thrilling ride without all the bumps of tobogganing. Find out where with our list of the Best Spots to Go Snow Tubing in and around the GTA!
🏊♀️ Guide to the Best Indoor Pools in Toronto
If you’re not so much into being out in the cold, you can hang out at an indoor pool instead. Pretend you’re at an all-inclusive resort — sorry, no cocktails allowed in the pool! What’s more, city-run pools are free for City of Toronto residents.
🔥 Guide to the Best Indoor Activities for Tweens and Teens in Toronto and the GTA
Keep older kids and teens occupied, even in winter, with our Guide to the Best Indoor Activities for Tweens and Teens in Toronto and the GTA.
