Once you're done sleeping in and enjoying your leisurely Monday brunch, revel in the true meaning of this holiday by indulging in some family fun. Our recommended activities include an artistic endeavour for the whole family, some kid-friendly flicks, and a dance and song workshop to tucker out your tykes before the day is done.
Family Day at Paintlounge
What better way to create a lasting memory than collaborating on a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork with the whole family? At Markham's Paintlounge studio, Mom, Dad and the kids work together to paint a giant canvas that can be proudly displayed above the trophies and school photos decorating the mantle for years to come. A $45-per-family fee includes a canvas, supplies and the hour-and-a-half workshop, and it runs from 10 am to 5pm.
Paintlounge, 3603 Highway 7 East, Unit 106, 416-900-2633
Family Day at TIFF
Once again, Toronto's film festival hub, TIFF Bell Lightbox , is hosting a variety of family-friendly film screenings and interactive activities on the holiday long weekend. Kids take inspiration from a collection of international short films before heading over to Animation Experimentation, where they have the chance to create their own colourful short film using markers and clear film leader. Later, they can further flex their imaginations by creating a shadow puppet show right on the big screen. The event is on from 10 am to 4 pm.
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West, 1-888-599-8433
Family Day at Evergreen Brick Works
Around the middle of February, it's not unusual to start feeling cooped up from staying huddled inside all winter. This Family Day, embrace the chill, bundle up and get active in the great outdoors instead. Head over to Evergreen Brick Works and enjoy a few laps around the free outdoor skating rink before taking a guided hike through the Don Valley. From 11 am until 1 pm, catch Vickey Sunohara, three-time women's ice hockey Olympian, handing out signed pucks to lucky fans.
Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave., 416-596-7670
Family Jam at Lula Lounge
Uma Nota and Big Village are taking over the Lula Lounge today for a fun-filled afternoon and evening. Bringing together the live sounds of Heavyweights Brass Band and several DJs, a dance and song workshop, crafts for all ages, and a kid-friendly menu, this is an event that's fun for grown-ups and little tykes alike. And hey, costumes are encouraged so let your kids' imaginations run wild. Kids are free, while adult tickets are $19, and the event runs from 12:30 pm to 7 pm. Tickets are available online at Uma Nota.
Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St W., 416-588-0307
Family Day at Zion Schoolhouse
It might sound strange to send your kids to school on Family Day, but this is no ordinary school. Head to the one-room Historic Zion Schoolhouse to learn more about paper and pop-ups, and enjoy an origami workshop or make your very own pop-up card to take home. Admission is free, although donations are accepted, and kids must be accompanied by an adult. The event runs from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Zion Schoolhouse, 1091 Finch Ave. E., 416-395-7435
