Amelie CameronEver find yourself surrounded by friends aimlessly scrolling through phones in the confines of a room? Trust me, we’ve all been there. The day stretches out, everyone wants to do something fun, but no one wants to do any research.
Fear not, the vibrant streets of Toronto offer a huge variety of things to do from outdoor explorations in nature to exciting days indoors playing games. The city is also teeming with festivals that will add some excitement to any day out with friends.
So, put down those phones, step out of the house and discover what the city has to offer. Join us as we explore the myriad things to do in Toronto with friends!
- Go on an Axe Throwing Adventure at the Escape Manor
- Have a Fun Day out in the Sun with Friends at the Cabana Pool Bar
- Visit Toronto’s Treasure Heritage Landmark – Casa Loma
- Explore the Unique and Exotic Offerings in Chinatown Toronto
- Shop ‘til You Drop at the Historic Distillery District
- Participate in One of Toronto's Biggest Food Festivals – Taste of Danforth
- Attend an Event at the Iconic Bentway
- Experience the Eclectic Charm of Kensington Market
- Go on a Waterfront Escape at the Ontario Place
- Experience an Arcade Extravaganza at The Rec Room
- Explore the Underwater Wonderland at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Get Away from the Humdrum of City Life at the Riverdale Farm
- Jump Around at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- Explore the Extensive Attractions at The Toronto Island Park
- Have Some Fun in the Sand and Shores of Woodbine Beach
Go on an Axe Throwing Adventure at the Escape Manor
Address: 383 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 647 417 1122
Website
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Wednesday from 4 pm to 12 am
- Open on Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm
- Open on Friday from 11 am to 1 am
- Open on Saturday from 11:30 am to 1 am
- Open on Sunday from 11:30 am to 11 pm
If you and your group of friends are as competitive as we are, then you’ll have a great time at the Escape Manor. Here, you can compete in something more exciting than just regular sports. They hour long axe throwing sessions for groups.
Each session is guided by an experienced coach who will teach you the basics first and let you engage in 1 on 1 practice throws. After you’ve mastered it, they let you play some group games where you can see which of you have a better aim.
| Pro Tip: Aside from axe throwing, the Escape Manor is also known for their themed escape rooms. These only last from 1 to 2 hours, so they’re something you should try with friends since you’re already there. The Devil’s Advocate is what we liked the most. |
Have a Fun Day out in the Sun with Friends at the Cabana Pool Bar
Address: 11 Polson St, Toronto, ON M5A 1A4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 469 5655
Hours: Open from Saturday to Sunday from 1 pm to 11 pm
The Cabana Pool Bar is a great location to hit with your friends if you’re looking for an all around hangout spot from the morning until nighttime. You get to enjoy a day of swimming and splashing around in the water or lounge around in the sun.
When night comes, the entire area transforms into a poolside bar complete with great drinks and music. Every night, a DJ comes to do a show for a night of dancing or night swimming while you sip on signature cocktails.
| Pro Tip: Since the Cabana Pool Bar is a more premium spot in the city, they’re pretty strict with their rules. Only visitors 19 and up can enter and you’re expected to be in casual but stylish beach wear. You’re also not allowed to bring in any food or drinks. |
Visit Toronto’s Treasure Heritage Landmark – Casa Loma
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 923 1171
Hours: Open everyday from 9:30 am to 5 pm
For cultured friend groups, nothing screams class more than a literal castle and Toronto has its very own one built all the way back in 1914. Casa Loma is one of the area’s top destinations to visit and has been dubbed a heritage site.
You can spend the entire day roaming around the 98 rooms of the castle which are all decorated with period furnishings and decals. The hidden hallways and all the way up to the towers that give you a panoramic view of the city’s skyline are sights to see.
| Pro Tip: After exploring the castle grounds, make your way to the many exhibits here like the Dark Side of Toronto Picture Gallery and the classic cars at the stables. Before leaving, go on a stroll around the beautiful gardens that surround Casa Loma. |
Explore the Unique and Exotic Offerings in Chinatown Toronto
Address: 222, Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Canada
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
A visit to Toronto’s Chinatown always leaves us with full shopping bags and even fuller stomachs. Considered the oldest neighborhood in the city, Chinatown Toronto has been an iconic presence ever since it was established in 1878.
You’ll find a diverse range of food choices here from Chinese food coming from different provinces of the country to other Asian cuisines. Mother’s Dumplings and Dim sum King Toronto are our favorite spots for Chinese food.
After eating, you can explore the shops that line the streets selling all sorts of Asian goodies like traditional herbal medicine, exotic snacks, and Chinese luck totems.
| Pro Tip: Chinatown Toronto is lively throughout the year, but the neighborhood really goes out during the Lunar New Year Celebrations. Try to time your visits during this holiday where you’ll find Chinese cooking classes, calligraphy sessions, and mahjong games. |
Shop ‘til You Drop at the Historic Distillery District
Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 364 1177
Hours:
- Open from Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm
The Distillery District is home to unique boutiques from clothing stores, beauty and health shops, home decor businesses, and jewelers.
When your bags are full, you can head over to the many restaurants and eateries from bakeries and cafes to bistros and lounges.
There are also art galleries in the area including the Beauchamp Art Gallery, Arta Gallery, Canadian Sculpture Society, and the dish Gallery + Studio.
| Pro Tip: The Distillery District is a well-loved events venue. Stay updated on their website to find out when these will take place so you can attend the city’s popular events like the summer market from May to September or the winter village in December. |
Participate in One of Toronto’s Biggest Food Festivals – Taste of Danforth
Address: Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
Hours: August
Foodie friends will be glad to know that Toronto is filled with food festivals that you can visit with your friends. Taste of Danforth is an annual event that features live music along with diverse cuisines from different parts of the world.
It takes place all along Danforth avenue, usually in August every year. During the festival, they set up a main stage where a live band performs for you while you enjoy the snacks you’ve picked up along the way from Greek, Asian, and European food.
| Pro Tip: The festival hosts a whole line of activities and events throughout the day. Always pay attention to announcements for these because they usually offer a free prize (food stubs) to the winners. |
Attend an Event at the Iconic Bentway
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 304 0222
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm
- Open from Saturday to Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm
The Bentway is one of the most unique outdoor event locations. This space is located just under the Gardiner Expressway and was later on renovated to become an events place. It’s mostly known for its winter activities.
From December to February each year, the space is set up for winter activities like a skate trail that’s shaped like an infinity symbol measuring 220 meters. The Polar Bear Skate tradition where people skate in their underwear for a clothes drive is held here.
| Pro Tip: The Family Day at the Bentway held every February is also something to look forward to at this location. During the entire day, you can try arts and crafts and other activities. Live music, food, and drinks are also available during the event. |
Experience the Eclectic Charm of Kensington Market
Address: Kensington Market, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most popular neighborhoods. This National Heritage Site of Canada offers a diverse multicultural experience that you and your friends will enjoy exploring.
You’ll have the chance to visit over 240 businesses here that sell everything from fresh local produce and cultural cuisines to clothing and vintage items.
Some of the must-try spots are the Pow Wow Cafe and their Ojibwa style tacos, Fika Cafe and their Swedish pastries, and the Kensington Brewing Company and their top tier brews and spirits.
| Pro Tip: Music lovers should note that during the end of September, the Jazz Festival is held at Kensington Market with 320 concerts in 3 days. In December, join the Festival of Lights with live entertainment and holiday inspired activities. |
Go on a Waterfront Escape at the Ontario Place
Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6K 3B9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 314 9900
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 11 pm
For a unique day out that combines entertainment with Toronto’s waterfront views. Ontario Place is the place to be. Here, you can immerse yourself in the scenic beauty Lake Ontario on the 2 man made islands the location is set on.
One of the biggest attractions here is the William G. Davis Trail. The path gives you the chance to see plants, flowers, and native trees alongside some sedimentary rock landscapes and boulders.
| Pro Tip: Our personal favorite thing to do here is to gather with a huge group of friends at the Fire Pit. It’s a huge area with a fire pit that you can use for cooking if you bring your own wood and book in advance on the website. It seats 25 for a cool night out. |
Experience an Arcade Extravaganza at The Rec Room
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 815 0086
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Wednesday from 11 am to 12 am
- Open on Thursday from 11 am to 1 am
- Open on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm
- Open on Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm
For those days out with friends when you need indoor activities, The Rec Room is the spot we recommend. This entertainment hub has a whole variety of fun things to try.
They have an entire arcade filled with classic games like Pacman and KingKong and more modern ones. They also have an area dedicated to Virtual Reality Video Games like racing simulations and first-person shooting games.
Bowling lanes, pingpong tables, and pool tables are also available for those who prefer more old school fun.
| Pro Tip: You don’t have to leave The Rec Room for lunch or dinner. They have 2 eateries on site. The Shed serves casual grub like poutine, while the THREE10 offers dishes like wood over pizza and tacos. |
Explore the Underwater Wonderland at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 647 351 3474
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 9 pm
Nestled in downtown Toronto, Ripley’s aquarium of Canada uses a total of 5.7 million liters of water to house a collection of marine and freshwater animals. The aquarium is home to over 20,000 species of sea animals and 450 freshwater inhabitants.
The Dangerous Lagoon is the most popular feature. This underwater tunnel moves you along on a conveyor belt across the biggest tank that’s home to different sharks, stingrays, sawfish, and sea turtles.
For colorful marine life, drop by the Rainbow Reef to catch glimpses of triggerfish, angelfish, cardinalfish, and surgeonfish.
| Pro Tip: If you and your friends are looking for a more hands-on experience, you can head to the Discovery Center where you can enter viewing bubbles or go to the touch pools. There you can interact with live animals from clownfish to horseshoe crabs. |
Get Away from the Humdrum of City Life at the Riverdale Farm
– Media Credit: torontopfr
Address: 201 Winchester St, Toronto, ON M4X 1B8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 392 3188
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 5 pm
Just in Downtown Toronto in the Cabbagetown neighborhood, you’ll find Riverdale Farm. The entire area spans across 7.5 acres that includes everything you’d expect at a working farm. The location is open all year with different attractions per season.
You can witness how they care for livestock that live there. You get the chance to feed the pigs, sheep, and goats, watch hens lay eggs, and even milk cows.
The farm also has extensive gardens where they grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs. These areas are irrigated by a small stream that runs through the farm. Forest areas and ponds on the property are also open for exploration.
| Pro Tip: The farm is home to trails that take you all over the grounds. Totalling 3 km, we suggest trekking on the paths after you’ve enjoyed a full day at the farm so you don’t get too tired at the start. |
Jump Around at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Address: 45 Esandar Dr, Toronto, ON M4G 4C5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 647 363 5552
Hours:
- Open from Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm
- Open on Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm
The Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a great place to go to especially when Toronto weather isn’t cooperating with your plans for a fun day out with friends.
This indoor park features a whole list of attractions like a warped wall, a drop zone, a ninja warrior course, and of course trampolines. They also have modified basketball courts and areas for dodge ball with bouncy floors to add a level of challenge.
There are also foam pits, ziplines, and drop slides that you can try. There is also a free climb area with a foam pit at the bottom so you can climb fear-free.
| Pro Tip: They offer single day passes at $29.99 for 90 minutes and all day passes for $38.99. If you and your friends have high stamina, then the full day pass is worth it, but if you’re an average person, you’ll be tired out by the time you hit the 90 minute mark. |
Explore the Extensive Attractions at The Toronto Island Park
Address: 9 Queens Quay West Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2H3 Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 899 1668
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
There are 4 beaches accessible from Toronto Island Park – the Centre Island Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach and Ward’s Island Beach. If you’d rather stay dry, there are 2 gardens with a hedge maze and interactive features. There are also many trails.
Adrenaline lovers should head to the Centreville Amusement Park with over 30 rides. The Far Enough Farms offers a relaxing time to interact with barnyard animals like rabbits, sheep, chickens, and ponies.
| Pro Tip: Toronto Island Park is also a great place for birdwatching. Head to Hanlan’s Point, Snug Harbour, and Snake Island for the best chances of spotting them. |
Have Some Fun in the Sand and Shores of Woodbine Beach
Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 338 4386
Hours: Open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm
Toronto is home to plenty of beaches that you can hit during the summer months, but Woodbine Beach is one of our favorites. Aside from being able to splash around and cool off in the water, the beach has other amenities that make for a fun day.
The Woodbine Boardwalk spans over 3.5 km from Silver Birch Beach to Ashbridges Bay. Bikers can also embark on the Woodbine Beach Bike Trail which is part of the Martin Goodman Trail. You’ll get views of the waterfront and wooded areas.
| Pro Tip: You can pack your own picnic to enjoy on the beach, but if you’re feeling a little lazy, we suggest you head to the Toronto Beach Club Woodbine Beach Restaurant instead for some great Mediterranean food. |
