Fall time means family time! Here's a list of awesome fall family activities in Toronto.

Fall is a wonderful time to spend with your family. While there are plenty of opportunities to go apple picking or take in the sites and smells of local gorges, it can be challenging to come up with new ideas for activities throughout the season. Thankfully, Toronto has no shortage of fantastic fall events and activities that are perfect for families. There’s nothing more wholesome than getting outside after all those hours inside. If you’re looking for things to do as a family this fall and winter, we have you covered! From apple picking and pumpkin patches to winter wonderland walks, ice skating and cross-country skiing trails, this list will inspire you to get active, explore nature, and appreciate the changing seasons.

Harvest Festival at the Royal Ontario Museum

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The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) celebrates the bounty of fall with its annual Harvest Festival. The festival runs from October 1 – November 18 and features a bounty of activities and programming. Highlights include a special exhibition featuring works by Emily Carr, hands-on activities in the Discovery Centre, seasonal crafts and programming, and special guest events. Special programming includes Make and Take activities, where you can choose to create an autumn floral crown or fall-themed kite, and a kids’ storytelling event, where storytellers share seasonal folk tales and Indigenous stories. The Harvest Festival also offers special programming for families, including special parent and child events, where you can enjoy a hike or a scavenger hunt together. For those who want to learn more about the seasonal bounty and connect with local farmers, the museum hosts weekly harvest talks, where you can learn about the different produce being grown in the region.

Polar Express at the Harbourfront Centre

The Polar Express is one of Toronto’s most popular fall events and a must-see for families. The magical Christmas experience transports participants to the North Pole, where they are magically transformed into children waiting for the train to the city. The train ride includes songs, stories, crafts, and hot cocoa, with the added bonus of meeting Santa Claus himself. The Harbourfront Centre’s version of the Polar Express operates until December 23. If you’re looking for a Christmas Eve event, the Polar Express also runs on December 24, starting at 3 pm. The Polar Express is a wonderful way to start the Christmas season, especially for families with younger children who may not yet understand the significance of Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas.

Visit a pumpkin patch

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Fall is all about the pumpkin, and nothing screams fall like pumpkin picking at a local pumpkin patch. You can find pumpkin patches all over the city, including some that offer hayrides or train rides, or even miniature golf. Some pumpkin patches host special events and activities throughout the season, such as fall festivals and nighttime pumpkin lightings. Be sure to check the pumpkin patch’s website for dates and hours of operation. If you’re near the end of the fall season and you’re looking for a pumpkin patch that’s open year-round, look for the Toronto Botanical Gardens. The gardens host a giant indoor pumpkin patch that’s open year-round. This indoor pumpkin patch is the perfect winter activity for Toronto families. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for indoor activities in the fall or winter.

Go apple picking

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If you’re looking to add a fall activity to your apple eating experience, apple picking is a great option. Apple orchards are plentiful in the GTA, so you’re sure to find one near you. Some orchards offer a variety of activities, such as mini golf or wagon rides, so you can get the whole family involved in your apple picking adventure. There are also many apple orchards that offer cider pressing. With a bit of research, you can find an apple orchard near you that offers this unique experience. Apple picking is a great way to get your family outside, connecting with nature and appreciating the fall season. It’s a wonderful activity to do as a family or with a group of friends.

Go on a hike

For some outdoor fall activity inspiration, look no further than the great outdoors. With the changing seasons comes a chance to explore new hiking trails. You can find hiking trails near you by checking out websites like All Trails or Ontario Trails. These sites allow you to filter your search based on location or the type of trail. If you’re new to hiking or don’t have a ton of experience, it’s a good idea to find a beginner-level trail. These trails are typically shorter, less strenuous, and easily identifiable by their lack of cairns (those little stacks of rocks that mark trail junctions). If you’re interested in going on a guided hike, you can find many options in Toronto.

Watch Theatre Performances

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The best way to get in the fall spirit is to enjoy theatre performances, and Toronto’s theatre scene has no shortage of great productions for the fall season. Some of the top theatre performances for fall include: - Beauty and the Beast: This is a special production of the traditional fairytale, and although it’s not technically a “fall” show, it’s perfect for the season. It’s a charming show for all ages, and tickets are available starting in September. - A Little Night Music: This is a special production of one of the most iconic musicals of all time. The show is relatively short (about 2 hours long), so it’s perfect for families with younger children. - The Addams Family: This is another special production, based on the iconic TV show The Addams Family. This show is recommended for older children and adults. - The Lion King: The Lion King is one of the most iconic shows in the world. It’s a must-see for theatre lovers and families.

Enjoy some winter activities

The fall is the perfect time to get excited for winter. When you’re enjoying the fall season, it can be easy to forget about winter, but now is the time to get prepared for the colder months. There are many ways to get excited for winter and plan for the season ahead. Here are a few ideas: - Plan a winter trip: If you plan ahead, you can make the most of winter weather. Whether you want to visit the mountains or another part of the country or you want to explore Toronto’s winter attractions, you can make your winter trip a reality. - Visit a winter fair: There are many winter fairs in Toronto, and they’re a great way to get excited for the season. From the Toronto Christmas Market to the Festival of Trees at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, there are so many winter fairs to explore. - Create a winter bucket list: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, so it’s important to make time for the things you love. Whether you decide to enjoy winter sports or visit local attractions, make sure you add them to your winter bucket list.