Family Weekend Guide · March 14–15, 2026
March Break officially starts Monday, but this weekend is packed. Sugar Shack TO returns to the waterfront for free maple madness, Shrek 2 plays in concert at Meridian Hall, the St. Patrick's Day Parade marches down Bloor and Yonge on Sunday, and Casa Loma opens its medieval dragon adventure. Plus ROM Sharks is in its final 8 days.
Free Sugar Shack downtown, plus horse-drawn rides in the sugar bush
Toronto's biggest free maple event is back after last year's cancellation. Two sugar shacks, a circus lumberjack show, the Great Canadian Fiddle Show, maple taffy on snow ($5), and bonfires to warm up. Dog-friendly too.
Horse-drawn carriage rides through the sugar bush, Indigenous and settler syrup-making demos, magicians, stilt walkers, and taffy on snow. Week two — less hectic than opening weekend.
Guided tours of Maple Lane with costumed interpreters, wagon rides to the Pancake House, and farm animal visits. A beautiful provincial park setting — less crowded than the TRCA festivals.
The full movie on the big screen with a live orchestra performing the score
The full Shrek 2 movie projected in HD while a live orchestra performs the score. A rare cinema-meets-concert experience the kids will love. Two shows only — both weekend afternoons.
Sunday street party from Bloor to Dundas — green costumes, marching bands, and floats
Toronto's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade — floats, marching bands, dancers, and a sea of green. Starts at Bloor & St. George, heads east on Bloor, turns south on Yonge, finishes at Dundas. Arrive early for a good spot along the route.
Megalodon jaws and shark design stations — exhibition closes March 22
Life-size Megalodon jaws, a 10-metre shark model, design-your-own-shark stations, and a touch table with real specimens. Closes March 22 — this is your second-last weekend. Saturday has guided Signature Hunts for families.
Casa Loma transforms into a medieval adventure with acrobats and aerialists
Opening weekend of Casa Loma's medieval takeover. The Jambo Brothers acrobatic troupe performs three times daily, plus an interactive play and aerialist performances throughout the castle. Runs through March 21.
AGO's March Break kickoff and the Zoo's orchid bloom — warm and wonderful
March Break kicks off at the AGO with collaborative art projects in Walker Court, Art Cart stations for hands-on experiments, and a free AGO PLAY activity booklet. Under 25 always free — one of the best deals in the city.
Five indoor pavilions keep the kids warm in March. Orchid Oasis is in full bloom in the Greenhouse with hand-picked orchids and guided talks. March Break programming begins Monday but the orchids are gorgeous all weekend.
Glowing installations at Ontario Place and interactive art on the beach
14 outdoor light installations by Ontario artists — one responds to your touch. Fire pit on March Break evenings. Stroller-friendly and genuinely magical after dark.
Temporary art installations built around lifeguard towers along the beach. This year's theme is "Mirage." Kids can climb on and interact with many of the structures. Combine with a beach walk.
Robert Munsch stories brought to life — Saturday has a relaxed performance
Five Robert Munsch stories — Paper Bag Princess, Mortimer, Zoom, and more — woven into one 45-minute show. Saturday 1 PM is a relaxed performance with reduced sound and lighting, ideal for younger or sensory-sensitive kids.
Looking for more family activities?
Torontosaurus tracks 40,000+ activities for kids across Toronto — drop-ins, classes, and programs updated daily.
Always check venue websites for the latest hours and availability.