Family Day Weekend in the GTA: Best Things to Do in Oakville, Burlington & Toronto (2025)

Our Favourite Ways to Spend Family Day Weekend Across the GTA

Family Day weekend is one of those rare moments in the calendar — a long weekend in the heart of winter, designed for slowing down and spending meaningful time together.

Whether you're staying local in Oakville, heading into Toronto, or exploring Burlington, we’ve rounded up a mix of cozy, creative, and active experiences to help you make the most of Family Day weekend in the GTA.

Here are our top picks.

🔥 Frost & Flame in Oakville Town Square

There’s no better way to embrace winter than leaning into it.

Fire & Flame on Sunday February 15th, in Oakville Towne Square brings warmth and atmosphere to the heart of the community. Gather around the outdoor fire features, grab a hot chocolate from a nearby café, and enjoy the music and entertainment in the square.

Pair it with a stroll through the shops or down by the lake and capture a family photo in the photobooth van. Keep an eye out for Nancy in the crowd! 

Perfect for: Warm and fun afternoon that entertains the whole family, get some fresh air with a side of festive joy.

🥐 A Slow Morning Café & Bakery Hop in Downtown Oakville

Family Day doesn’t have to mean a packed itinerary.

One of our favourite traditions? A slow morning wandering through downtown Oakville — coffee in hand, stopping into bakeries and local cafés along the way.

Choose one stop for coffee, another for pastries, and maybe a third for a sweet treat to bring home. It’s simple, low-pressure, and supports small local businesses at the same time. Your chance to check out the new popular spot now open from Toronto - Andrea's Cookies.

Sometimes the best memories come from unhurried mornings.

🌿 Bronte Creek Provincial Park: A Winter Nature Reset (Oakville)

If you’re looking for fresh air and space to roam, Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a perfect Family Day weekend destination in Oakville.

Winter trails, open fields, and peaceful forest paths make it ideal for:

• A bundled-up family hike

• Tobogganing (weather permitting)

• Let the kids burn off energy outdoors

It’s affordable, accessible, and feels like a mini escape — without leaving town.

🎨 Crack Pot Studio in Oakville: Creative Family Fun

For a weather-proof indoor activity, Crack Pot Studio offers paint-your-own pottery fun for all ages. As regulars at Crackpot we love the simplicity and relaxation provided by focusing on the simple task of painting some pottery! Choose your piece, sit together, and get creative.

It’s relaxed, hands-on, and results in a keepsake you’ll actually treasure — a small reminder of your Family Day weekend together. Call ahead to book a table if going during peak hours. 

This is a great option if you want something interactive that works for multiple age groups.

🏓 Pickleball Nation Oakville: Try Something New Together

Family Day is the perfect excuse to start a new tradition — why not try pickleball?

At Pickleball Nation Oakville, families can book a court and enjoy a fun, social activity that works for beginners and seasoned players alike. It’s active without being intimidating, competitive without being overwhelming. 

If your goal this year is to create shared experiences and get active, this one checks the box

🥓 Saturday Morning at St. Lawrence Market (Toronto)

If you're in the city this weekend, a Saturday morning at St. Lawrence Market is always worth it. That's where you'll find Joanna! 

Wander through local vendors, pick up fresh baked goods, grab a famous peameal bacon sandwich, and soak in the historic charm. It’s lively without feeling chaotic — especially if you arrive early. We love to grab a few items to make a delicious meal together, think crisp produce, homemade pasta and fresh seafood. 

A delicious way to kick off a GTA Family Day weekend!

🌺 Royal Botanical Gardens: Bloomed in Oz Exhibit (Burlington)

For something immersive (indoors) and a little magical, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington to experience the Bloomed in Oz exhibit.

Colourful floral displays and imaginative installations transform the gardens into a vibrant winter escape. It’s warm, beautiful, and ideal for families looking for something a little different this Family Day weekend.

Bonus: It’s stroller-friendly and great for photos.

⛸ Skating at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond

For a true Canadian winter experience, head to Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond for outdoor skating.

This refrigerated rink in downtown Burlington offers a picturesque setting with city views and festive winter energy. Skate rentals are typically available, making it easy for spontaneous plans.

It’s the kind of activity that feels nostalgic — laughter on the ice, warming up with hot chocolate afterward, and maybe dinner nearby to round out the evening.

Perfect for: Families with kids of all ages, low-cost outdoor fun, and creating a classic winter memory.

🎉 More Family Day Weekend Events in the GTA

Looking for even more Family Day activities in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga and Burlington? Here are a few additional ideas:

• Ice skating at Harbourfront Centre (Toronto)

• Family programming at the Art Gallery of Ontario

• Burlington Performing Arts Centre holiday shows

• Hike along the escarpment 

• Indoor family fun at a climbing fym, bowling or Activate across the GTA

There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Family Day weekend across the Greater Toronto Area.

✨ Creating New Family Day Traditions

Family Day weekend doesn’t have to be about doing everything — it can be about choosing one meaningful experience and repeating it year after year.

Maybe it’s:

• A piece of art or pottery you add to your collection annually

• A local hike 

• A Saturday morning market wander 

• A new sport you try together

Traditions don’t need to be elaborate, but are best shared!

Family Day weekend is a reminder of why where you live matters. Access to parks, vibrant downtowns, local cafés, cultural events, and spaces to gather — these aren’t just weekend activities, they’re part of everyday life from Burlington to Oakville, and across the GTA.

If you’ve been thinking about making a move, we’d love to help you find a neighbourhood that fits the lifestyle you want to build for your family — not just for long weekends, but all year long.

If you try any of these activities, we’d love to hear about it. Wishing you a warm, memorable Family Day weekend. 💛