Family Day is the most recent addition to Ontario's holiday calendar. This day has been set aside in February to celebrate and spend time with family and loved ones -- and to break up the long stretch of winter that comes between New Years Day and Easter.
When Family Day Takes Place:
Family Day falls on the third Monday in February. This means it will always coincide with Presidents Day in the United States. Although Family Day has existed in Alberta since the 1990s, Ontario's first Family Day only took place on February 18th, 2008.
- Family Day 2009 - February 16th
- Family Day 2010 - February 15th
- Family Day 2011 - February 21st
- Family Day 2012 - February 20th
What's Open on Family Day:
All of Toronto's family-friendly attractions will be open, and most have special activities and admission deals. Movie theatres are open, and live stage performances continue as usual (although a number of live theatres usually close on Mondays, so double check any show you're interested in). If you'd like to shop, the Eaton Centre will be open as will many stores in the surrounding Downtown Yonge area.
- Edited to correct: Sherway Gardens will not be open for Family Day 2009.
What's Closed on Family Day:
Before the holiday hits you should stock up on food, books, and -- if you're planning a day of writing letters to faraway loved ones -- stamps.
Libraries, banks, liquor and beer stores, post offices, City of Toronto offices, schools, daycares and many grocery stores will be closed on the third Monday of February. Malls and most other retail outlets outside of Toronto will all be closed on Family Day as well, including Square One in Mississauga.
Getting Around on Family Day:
The TTC will be running on a Holiday Schedule. This means the buses, streetcars and subways will be running as if it was Sunday, except service will begin around 6am -- much earlier than Sunday service. GO Transit will be pretending it's a Saturday,
Things to Do on Family Day:
The beauty of Family Day is that as soon as you spend time with family, you're automatically celebrating. You can stay home together, visit other families, have a big dinner, head out to a park -- the options are really endless. But if you are looking for something more structured to do, consider the events below and check back for further updates as Family Day approaches.
Visit Toronto Attractions Over the Family Day Long Weekend:
Special events and admission discounts for 2009 include:
- 50% off Toronto Zoo admission Friday through Monday.
- Hands-on crafts free with admission at the ROMKids Family Day Long Weekend, Saturday - Monday.
- An Ontario Science Centre Sleepover on Saturday night.
- Storytelling on Monday and crafts Saturday - Monday as part of the Bata Shoe Museum's Cinderella Days.
Family Day at Local Museums:
In 2009 enjoy the following special events at Toronto's historical museums (regular admission fees apply):
- Colborne Lodge - "Pretend to be a member of the Howards’ 1870s household", play with 19th century toys and prepare cookies on Saturday and Sunday, Noon - 4pm
- Fort York - Tours and old-fashioned hot chocolate on Monday, 10am - 3pm
- Gibson House - Drop-in for hot chocolate, baking and crafts on Monday, Noon - 4:30pm
Other Family Day Events:
Family Day Festival in the Beach
You can once again head to Queen Street East in the area near Kew Gardens to enjoy a petting zoo, reptile show, magic show, storytelling, skating and more. From 11am - 4pm on Monday February 16th.
