Toronto city activities
By: Josephine Naghavie
Published on: March 1st, 2024
Ever want to do something around the city, but not sure what? Here’s a list of some options to get yourself out there and socialize! These things can be done alone or with loved ones!
Casa Loma
Toronto’s very own castle. Try the escape games located inside the castle, based on historical facts blended with gaming and fiction. This castle features many exhibitions and events.
Canada’s Wonderland
The largest variety of roller coasters and wave pools in North America. This amusement park includes live entertainment, acrobatic shows, games, fun events, and a huge waterpark.
Go karting
Experience the thrilling action of go karting as you accelerate around corners like a rocket! If you have a need for speed, want to challenge your friends, or just have some fun, this is the perfect place for you.
Beaches
You’ll be able to get your tan on at many of Toronto’s beaches. Relax and enjoy the sun or have a picnic. Many of the beaches around the city offer recreational activities like swimming, spike ball, beach volleyball, and so much more. This is a great social atmosphere.
Ice skating
There are many different locations of ice rinks that Toronto has to offer, so grab your ice skates (or you can rent them there). If you’re looking for a fun night out, The Bent way, located underneath the Gardiner, features Friday DJ nights while you’re skating around the loop.
Food events
Toronto is home to many famous food events that occur year-round with foods that satisfy every palate. Try new things at Taste of Danforth, Mac and Cheese Festival, Caribbean Night, and so much more. You will love this buzzing atmosphere filled with different cultures.
Sky Zone
You and your friends can be kids again at Toronto’s trampoline park with the games that Sky Zone has to offer. You’ll be able to show off all your tricks and flips or land in the foam pit.
Board game cafes
Test your gaming skills and challenge your friends to a huge variety of trivia contests and games. Snake’s and Latte’s is a great chain around the city that serves food and alcoholic beverages, and there are many other independent cafes to get your game face on.
Arcade bars
Immerse yourself in competition at the Rec Room, Dave and Busters or many other arcade bars. These arcades feature many classic games, as well as new virtual reality games. Have some food, drinks, and entertainment all in one.
Bowling
Countless spots around Toronto offer bowling. Whether you’re looking for something fun and relaxing or boutique and upscale. Get the drinks flowing and snacks with their retro environments, weekend discos and glow-in-the-dark events.
Paddle boarding/kayaking
On the waterfront of the city, Ontario place is a beautiful area to check out. You can explore the lakes from a different viewpoint by renting a paddle board or a kayak.
Picnics
Toronto has a different range of beautiful parks, and what better way to enjoy them than grabbing your coziest blanket, some snacks, and your favourite beverage to enjoy and have a fun hangout.
Drink tour
Similar to Toronto’s food events/tours, there are drink tours all around the city, all year round. This is something for everyone, whether it be the cider fest, wine fest, or craft beer festival, you’ll be able to set your heart out to try something new.
Boat cruises
The skyline of the city from the lake’s view is something to see, whether it be the sunny reflection off the buildings, or the beautiful pink sky when the sun sets. Many of these boat cruises offer food and drinks, but you may also go on some that are purely for the views.
Cabana pool bar
Located on Polson Pier, Cabana pool bar is a little getaway in the city. It is a very social place that plays music while you can chill out on the lounge chairs by the pool, sit at the tables with a drink, or dance to the beats of the DJ. There are many famous DJs and artists that frequent this spot, so be sure to check out who’s coming when!
Museums
The city has many selections of museums with different areas of interests, something for everybody. Many of these museums also hold events including DJ nights, full of food and drinks, so you can find a way to enjoy a particular exhibition.
Sports games
What better way to cheer on your city than a good ol’ sports game. Sports games occur in the city year-round, afternoon and evening. Enjoy hot dogs, drinks, and a fun atmosphere that’s buzzing with energy.
Drag show brunch
Toronto is pouring with beautiful drag queens waiting to perform for you. Check out the village on Church street for a ton of bars and venues that showcase many drag queens from all around Canada. You can also enjoy a brunch with some mimosas at the Gladstone hotel.
Kensington Market
Kensington Market features delicious and cultural restaurants, many stores, thrift shops, and outdoor artwork. The market also holds specialty stores including Montreal bagels and specialty meats and cheeses. In the warmer months, you will find outdoor stands with new things to check out, drinks-to-go, and a few tattoo shops.
Ax throwing
If you feel like throwing something, ax throwing is a perfect and safe way to satisfy the urge. There are many ax throwing facilities around the city with professionals that will show you exactly how it’s done! There are drinks and food there for you to enjoy, as well as challenges that you can compete with your friends by hitting the target. Get those arms warmed up and ready!
Distillery District
These historic cobblestones feature many events throughout the year, winter or summer. The district is most famous for their winter market, including their lights festival, shopping and snack stands, mulled wine, and a ferris wheel that overlooks the city’s lights. In the summer it features live entertainment, an outdoor movie theater and shopping. There are many restaurants and patios that you can enjoy as well.
Patios
Whether you’re going for brunch, dinner or drinks, Toronto has countless outdoor spaces to take advantage of in the warmer months. You can sit outside in the sunshine or in the shade, with friends or alone. These patios range from crowded to cozy, dive bar to chic and rustic, there is something for everyone’s liking.
Comedy show
Looking to have a laugh with some friends over drinks? A comedy show is a great way to be social and laugh with others, as well as have a few drinks if you’re in the mood! Comedy Bar, Second City, and Yuk Yuk’s all have different locations around Toronto where you can see new comedians and famous ones!
Concerts
Concerts are a fun and distracting way to get your mind to just relax and listen to some music. There are bigger venues around the city to listen to your favourite artists or, Toronto holds many smaller, independent venues that offer inexpensive tickets to many new and upcoming bands, so you may not know them, but what better way to discover your new favourite song.
Puppy yoga
In need of some cuddles and love? Puppy yoga is a perfect way to feel all that love from a cute puppy who needs socializing. Beware, you might have cuteness overload.
Canadian National Exhibit (CNE)
The CNE has many games including, toss the ring, roulette, basketball, and so much more. There are fair rides, shopping stands, indoor and outdoor food venues, and other interesting things to look at! Be sure to check out all the strange food concoctions they have.
Paint and wine
Paint and wine night is a perfect way to spend time with your friends. Don’t be afraid to do this if you’re not an artistic person, no experience is needed! The night is guided step by step by experienced local artists to create the exact vision you want to create.
Stakt Market
Stakt is a market created entirely out of recycled shipping containers with a mix of shops that change every few weeks, so you’ll never get bored of the same place and you can keep revisiting the spot! The market has the perfect view of the CN tower and city skylines, as well as a microbrewery with a top chef. Stakt features many events throughout the warmer months, so be sure to check out what’s going on.
The Lockhart
Whether you are a Harry Potter die-hard fan or not, the Lockhart is the perfect place for you and your friends to enjoy a wizard themed bar/restaurant. It is entirely decorated in a Hogwarts theme. On their menu, all their food is Potter inspired, and it gives you a chance to try the famous butter beer!
Ice Fest
Toronto turns their central cultural district into a magical experience of ice sculptures. Walk around the streets of Yorkville and see all the people participating in the ice sculpture carving competition.
Pottery class
Explore the art of clay by using your hands in a pottery class. This is a great way to make something with your own hands and be able to bring it home with you after. It is also a fun way to laugh with your friends or your classmates when you make a mess!
Pursuit OCR
Be a kid again and let loose with this indoor obstacle course. You will be able to climb, crawl, and hang from bars, but don’t worry, if you fall you’ll land in the huge ball and foam pits.
Nuit Blanche
An all-night celebration of contemporary art around downtown Toronto, works from more than 100 artists shown around the city.
Lipstick workshop
Need to find the perfect shade of lipstick? Why not just make your own! Bite Lab features a lipstick making workshop where you can design the perfect colour, flavour, texture and look, so you can bring your unique lipstick home!
Cooking classes
Explore the art of cooking with Toronto’s many different cooking classes. There are so many options created for everyone looking to explore their skill sets. Classes include, ethnic cuisine, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, and so much more! You will be able to learn from top chefs in Toronto.
Golf
Professional or beginner, mini golf and driving ranges are always a fun way to practice. Check out the glow-in-the-dark rooms or the open fields.
Medieval Times
A show that offers a meal from the past, sipping from your goblet of beer, you’ll get to enjoy a show of knights fighting for their princesses.
Rock climbing
Test your climbing skills with an indoor (or outdoor) rock-climbing facility. You’ll be able to test how much higher you can get each time!
Escape rooms
Work alongside your friends, or strangers, to find clues and get yourselves out of the locked rooms!
Chinatown
Toronto’s Chinatown takes up a huge portion of downtown and is bigger than it seems. Try some Asian restaurants and check out their cultural stores.
Movie theaters
Check out what’s new in theaters, grab your favourite snacks, and head over to watch the big screen.
Music festivals
Toronto has many music festivals so check out what’s going on, get dressed in your favourite outfits, and spend the day outdoors listening to all types of music.
Rage rooms
Need to get something off your chest? Rage rooms are a great experience to get all that anger sorted. Suit up, fasten your goggles, grab a baseball bat, and head into the room to destroy everything in sight.
The Bubble
Miss the inflatable castles you had when you were a kid? Well look no further. The Bubble is an entire facility with inflatable castles and obstacle courses for you to enjoy, adult friendly!
Mixology class
Ever wanted to learn how to make your favourite cocktail at the bar? Well now is your chance. Take a mixology class and try new recipes, you might find your new favourite drink!
Toronto Islands
Take the ferry to the islands and enjoy a sunny day on the beaches, or at the parks. The islands are home to many restaurants, trails and parks to explore
Ripley’s Aquarium
Check out all the fancy fish in Toronto’s famous aquarium. Featuring many interactive games, night events with drinks and food. You can pet the stingrays too!
Harbourfront music garden
Harbourfront’s park features a music garden with stone steps so you can sit down and enjoy all types of live music, while also enjoying the outdoors.
Night on the town
Toronto’s night scene is vibrant and there’s a place for everyone. Check out the entertainment district for a crowded but fun night, or Queen street west for a more chill vibe.
St. Lawrence Market
Home to all fresh foods and delicious pastries, you can walk around exploring the stands. Pick some fresh ingredients to make yourself a delicious meal!