Kids’ events and family festivals in Ontario
Carassauga Festival
These family-friendly events are typically designed for specific age groups, ranging from toddlers to pre-teens and feature kids’ shows, interactive family activities and engaging kids’ workshops.
From storytelling and theatre to hands-on programming and arts and crafts, children’s entertainment becomes an immersive bonding experience to spark imagination.
Greater Toronto Area
WeeFestival
Introduce little ones to the magic of live performance at this unique festival for children up to six years old.
Enjoy a lineup of theatre, dance, circus, puppetry and music by local and Canadian artists. These productions are carefully curated to engage very young children and parents through creative storytelling and performance.
Workshops, talks and roundtable discussions offer opportunities for deeper engagement and insight into early childhood arts.
When: May 1–17, 2026
Where: Multiple venues across Toronto
Kids Fest TO
Celebrate the Family Day long weekend with kid-focused activities at KidsFest TO in Mississauga.
Check out a wide range of dynamic activities for kids aged 2 to 12, including inflatables, bouncy castles, carnival games, face paintings, pony rides and live entertainment.
Food vendors, free parking and on-site restrooms are available.
When: February 2027 (check back for exact dates).
Where: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Carassauga Festival of Cultures
Celebrating global cultures with entertainment, food, music, sport and more. Individual pavilions offer unique activities, including family-oriented programs, and the event features a dedicated outdoor kids’ zone.
When: May 23–24, 2026
Where: various venues in Mississauga
Kidsfest at the Toronto Fringe Festival
Embrace the magic of live theatre with storytelling, puppetry, dance, song and more at the Toronto Fringe Festival’s Kidsfest.
Held at the Soulpepper Theatre courtyard and atrium, this festival is intended for kids aged 4 to 12. Between performances, enjoy free activities like arts and crafts, building blocks, costumes, puppets, face painting and storytime at KidsFest Club.
Some performances are “relaxed performances,” meaning extreme sounds and lights are reduced and patrons are free to leave and come back if they need a quiet moment.
When: June 30–July 12, 2026
Where: 50 Tank House Lane, Toronto
WAYO Children’s Festival
This annual children’s festival features 16 shows over four days, designed for children under 12 and their families.
Evening programming takes place across multiple venues, including Berkeley Castle, the Jamii Hub and Berkeley Theatre, with an immersive maze element that encourages audiences to explore the space between shows.
Outside of one performance stop inside the upstairs theatre at Canadian Stage (Berkeley Theatre), the event is wheel-accessible.
When: August 12–16, 2026
Where: 250 The Esplanade, Toronto
Family Fest at Guild Festival Theatre
This outdoor summer festival in Guild Park and Gardens features a variety of live performances alongside creative activities in music, literacy and more.
Designed for toddlers to teens, this summer experience invites kids to hear international and multicultural stories and discover the joy of performing arts.
The Guild Festival Theatre is an outdoor stroller-accessible space, but the mixed terrain between the parking lot and audience area may be more difficult to navigate. Public washrooms are available on-site and at the Clark Centre for the Arts.
When: July 10–12, 2026
Where: 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough
Puppet Festival Mississauga
Immerse yourself in the world of puppetry and animation at this city-wide festival in Mississauga.
Held during March Break, this event brings together artists from across Canada and around the world, with award-winning puppet shows, animated films, workshops, exhibits and activities for a broad range of age groups.
When: March 2027 (check back for exact dates).
Where: Multiple venues across Mississauga
Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival
Since 1973, the Bread and Honey Festival has been held over the first weekend in June, welcoming visitors to the “Village in the City”.
Play midway games, meet mascot characters, including the festival mascot Sam the Bee and enjoy kids’ activities like face painting, a fishing derby, an escape room and of course, sampling fresh bread and honey. Food vendors and the famous SuperDogs add to the festive atmosphere.
There is a sensory-friendly VIP entrance for families with special needs, as well as shaded family rest areas. Check the festival map for the location.
When: June 5–7, 2026
Where: Streetsville Memorial Park, 355 Church Street, Mississauga
KiteFest
Head outdoors for a two-day celebration of kites, kite fliers, learning and eco-friendly recreation.
Watch professional kite flyers put on colourful choreographed displays or bring your own kite and take to the skies. Learn how to build and fly a kite and discover the science behind how they work.
With local food vendors, interactive activities and plenty of open space to relax and play, this exciting event offers a fun and memorable day out for all ages.
When: June 6–7, 2026
Where: Greenbriar Park South, 1100 Central Park Drive, Brampton
York, Durham and Headwaters
KidZFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Add even more fun to your visit to Canada’s Wonderland during this special event designed for toddlers to elementary-school-aged kids and families.
Enjoy music and live performances, participate in dance parties and meet your favourite characters in the park’s kid areas. With plenty of rides, attractions and family-friendly amenities already on-site, everything is in place for a carefree day out with the kids.
KidZFest is included with park admission.
Baby care centres, stroller rentals and family restrooms with change tables are available.
When: July–August 2026
Where: 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival
Experience a wide variety of free kids’ activities like arts and crafts, hands-on STEM exhibits, live performances and a special Toddler Town with sensory play. This award-winning festival brings families together for learning and community spirit.
The Aanin Community Centre is stroller-friendly and features accessible washrooms, indoor playgrounds and quiet rooms.
When: September 2026 (check back for the exact date).
Where: Aanin Community Centre, 5665 14th Avenue, Markham
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Kerrfest Kids
The annual Kerrfest Kids returns with music, local food vendors, live performances and family-friendly activities like face painting and a dance party.
When: September 13, 2026
Where: Westwood Park, 173 Kerr Street, Oakville
Imagine in the Park
Spend a creative day outdoors at this free children’s art festival in Hamilton’s Gage Park.
Take part in drop-in workshops, browse booths run by local artists and experience a full schedule of entertainment, including a live concert, musical performances and a magic show. A dedicated kids’ zone, along with storytelling sessions led by published authors, offers captivating experiences for kids ages 4 to 12.
Gage Park offers free parking, public washrooms, accessible seating and paved pathways for strollers and wheelchairs.
When: June 5–6, 2026
Where: Gage Park, 1000 Main Street East, Hamilton
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Goderich Children’s Festival
From face painting, a petting zoo and arts and crafts to inflatables, yard games, a foam cannon and an obstacle course, the Goderich Children’s Festival offers activities to keep kids up to 12 years old entertained all day.
Catch the balloon magic show and zero gravity dance up onstage. There’s also a sensory and infant activity zone, plus a quiet zone for any kid who needs a break from all the excitement.
Visit the Goderich Children’s Festival on Facebook for more information.
When: July 2026 (check back for the exact date).
Where: Lions Harbour Park, Harbour Street, Goderich
Ottawa Region
Ottawa Children’s Festival
Held since 1985, the Ottawa Children’s Festival presents high-quality theatre, dance and music from around the world.
View awe-inspiring acrobatics, plays and music performances under the big-top tents in Lansdowne Park or enjoy quieter, sensory-friendly theatrical experiences at Arts Court near the Rideau Centre. Your ticket to any festival show includes admission to Imagineland, where your children can learn juggling, how to yo-yo, roller skating, how to make a puppet, how to make button badges and how to care for small animals like geckos and chinchillas.
When: Fall 2026 (check back for exact dates).
Where:
Niagara Region
Niagara Children’s Festival
One of Niagara’s most exciting family festivals returns with live theatre, interactive installations and arts-based activities.
This celebration of arts and culture features local and internationally acclaimed artists offering performances and creative workshops for young children and their parents. There will also be a bike parade, community market and other free indoor and outdoor programs.
When: May 14–17, 2026
Southwestern Ontario
Children’s Fest
Plan a fun-filled weekend at this high-energy event at Central Park Athletics in Windsor.
This two-day festival is packed with stage shows, bouncy castles, special kids’ events and appearances by beloved characters. Enjoy fun snacks and drinks from food vendors geared towards children.
The facility is fully accessible and stroller-friendly with family washrooms and change tables.
When: September 12–13, 2026
Where: Central Park Athletics, 3400 Grand Marais Road East, Windsor
London Children’s Festival
This free children’s event offers a full day of engaging activities.
Bouncy castles, games and activity stations invite kids to explore, with scheduled entertainment from the Digital Creative Arts Centre happening throughout the day. On-site food vendors offer a range of dining options.
When: June 19–21, 2026
Where: 580 Clarence Street, London
Blenheim Children’s Festival
Head to Talbot Trail Place in London for a day of creativity and play for young kids at this family-friendly community event.
Enjoy arts and crafts, participate in fun activities, hear stories from local authors, join a tea party and dance to lively tunes in the music area. There will also be on-site interactive experiences, including a sensory play area for children. Stop by Vendor’s Row for kids’ products, toys and unique treasures, as well as food options.
When: July 4, 2026
Where: Talbot Trail Place, 24 John Street West, Blenheim
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Handley Lumber KidsFest
Hands-on family-friendly fun and entertainment take over the Maryboro Lodge Museum grounds during the Handley Lumber KidsFest.
Kids can rotate through activity stations with games like crazy golf, limbo, pinball, giant bubbles, mini hockey and carnival games. Live music, performances and pony rides run at scheduled times throughout the day.
The museum features rest areas and flat outdoor green spaces, making it easy to navigate with a stroller.
When: September 4–6, 2026
Where: Maryboro Lodge Museum, 99 Francis Street West, Fenelon Falls
Northeastern Ontario
Sudbury Fun Fest
Set along the waterfront at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre, this festival brings together live entertainment, food and activities suited to a variety of age levels.
A dedicated kids’ zone features inflatables, games and face painting, while local vendors showcase local businesses and a diverse range of food options. The day wraps up with a fireworks display, adding a memorable finale to the day’s festivities.
When: August 2026 (check back for exact dates).
Where: Grace Hartman Amphitheatre, Bell Park, Paris Street, Greater Sudbury
Northwest Ontario
Teddy Bears Picnic
A long-running community event, the Teddy Bears Picnic invites families to bring along their favourite teddy bears for an afternoon of teddy bear magic.
Highlights include a teddy bear parade with everyone’s teddy bears and fun activities such as a Boo-Boo Bear station for bear mending, face painting and a first responders’ display to learn about safety. Catch the stage performance, explore booths in the community group expo and sample treats from local food vendors.
When: July 7, 2026
Where: Vickers Park, 1700 Arthur Street East, Thunder Bay
These vibrant kids’ shows and celebrations in Ontario unite communities and offer fun, creative outdoor events for kids of all ages.
Last updated: April 22, 2026