6 Fun Canada Day Activities for Families to Celebrate July 1st with Kids
- Sabine Murphy
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
We first acknowledge the land we are on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
As July 1st approaches, we have created 6 ways to celebrate the day with the whole family! With parks around Toronto hosting fireworks, live performers, food trucks and more, there is something fun for everyone!
1. Canada Day Activities with Kids at Downsview Park
Get ready to celebrate Canada Day in style at Downsview Park on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM. This vibrant, free community festival at the Festival Terrace (70 Canuck Ave) delivers:
Live entertainment — local musicians, performances and family-friendly acts keep the energy high all eveningÂ
Kid‑friendly fun — inflatables, games, face‑painting, and lawn‑chair relaxation zones from the start of the festivities
Food trucks & vendors — all-day access to a tasty lineup of local
Spectacular fireworks — a professional show approved by Toronto Fire Services kicks off around 10 PM. It’s the only time fireworks light up the park each year
2. Watch Fireworks Together
Toronto lights up on July 1st with dazzling fireworks displays across the city! Check out some of the best spots to catch the show and celebrate in style:
Milliken Park (Steeles Road and McCowan Road), Scarborough – TBA
Ashbridges Bay Park (Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue) ~ 10:00 PM
Stan Wadlow Park, 373 Cedarvale Avenue, Toronto – 10:00 PM
Downsview Park ~ 10:00 PM
Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd., Etobicoke – 10:00 PM
3. Queen's Park
Celebrate Canada Day at Queen’s Park, where excitement fills every corner! Enjoy a full day of free fun, including live performances across two stages, thrilling midway rides, interactive crafts and games for all ages, and captivating roaming entertainers. Take a self-guided tour of the iconic Legislative Building and refuel with delicious eats from on-site food vendors. There's something for everyone at this vibrant celebration!
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ontario Legislative Building, 111 Wellesley St. West, Toronto
4. Stan Wadlow Festival
Celebrate Canada Day at Stan Wadlow Park with a day full of festive fun for all ages, with lots of fun activities for kids. Enjoy delicious food, exciting games, and live entertainment throughout the evening, all leading up to a stunning fireworks show at 10 PM. It’s a great way to spend the holiday with family and friends in the heart of the community.
July 1, 2025 | 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Stan Wadlow Park, 373 Cedarvale Ave, East York
5. Toronto Ribfest
Ribfest will be on from June 28th until July 1st! On July 1st they will have fireworks at sundown, live performances, magic shows, and of course delicious food! Enjoy a day of fun with the family to celebrate Canada Day!
Get tickets at the door! The suggested entrance fee is $5 as a donation to the institution.
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park
When: 11 am - 11 pm
6. Mel Lastman Square Celebrations
Join the Yonge North York BIA for its second annual Canada Day Celebration—an exciting day filled with family-friendly fun and community spirit. Enjoy free arts and crafts, face painting, and a Kids Zone packed with inflatable attractions. Browse a vibrant vendor fair showcasing over 25 local businesses. From noon onward, the stage comes alive with DJ sets, live music, dance lessons, and variety performances. The evening begins with a land acknowledgment, followed by an electrifying fire and dance show, and a grand fireworks finale at 10 PM. Don’t miss the roaming entertainers and fun photo ops happening throughout the venue from 5 to 9 PM!
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 12 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St, Toronto
Celebrating Together
Canada Day offers a chance for families to engage in joyful activities filled with creativity, learning, and connection. From crafting to outdoor adventures and culinary experiences, each activity is fun for the whole family.
Happy Canada Day!