February in Toronto is the month when everyone wants winter to end and spring to begin. If it doesn’t we get cranky and want to travel someplace warm. If travel isn’t in your budget this Family Day Holiday, why not travel to one (or more!) of these destinations, right within the city’s boundaries?
Treat Yourself Like Royalty
Since we’re dying to head to Mexico, let’s do the next best thing and indulge in the Royal York Hotel’s Royal Maya Civilization package (from $250 per night). With a night at the historic Royal York Hotel, , admission for 2 kids and 2 adults to the ROM’s Secrets to the Maya exhibit (and an ancient Maya civilization souvenir pack), we’ll feel as though we went to Mexico, if only for twenty-four hours.
Royal York Hotel’s Royal Maya Civilization Package. Packages available online at www.fairmont.com
For the Scientific-Minded
We definitely do not visit the Science Centre as often as we should, with kids who love space and science as much as they do. The package that the Toronto Don Valley Hotel is offering with one night’s stay, admission to the Science Centre for 2 kids and 2 adults, complimentary wi-fi and an in-room movie (with popcorn!) is hard to resist.
Package information: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Ontario Science Centre: 770 Don Mills Rd., (near Eglinton); (416) 696-1000; www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Toronto Don Valley Hotel: 1250 Eglinton Ave., E. (near Don Mills); (416) 449-4111; www.torontodonvalleyhotel.com
Go Back in Time
A trip back in time is the ultimate staycation. Toronto is an old city and has loads of historic properties for touring. Spend a weekend and visit Colborne Lodge ($2-$6), Casa Loma ($11-$20) and McKenzie House (free-$6). Then, book a room at the historic Hotel Victoria (they even have a Historical Walking Tour Package).
Colborne Lodge: Colborne Lodge Dr., (near High Park) (416) 392-6916, www.toronto.ca
Casa Loma: 1 Austin Ter., (near Spadina and Dupont) (416) 923-1171, www.casaloma.org
McKenzie House: 82 Bond St. (near Dundas and Yonge); (416) 392-6915; www.toronto.ca
Hotel Victoria: 56 Yonge St. (near King;) 416-363-1666; www.hotelvictoria-toronto.com
Splash and Stay
Hankering for a trip to a warm hotel with a pool and waterslide? There is no need to book a flight when you can stay at Toronto’s Delta Chelsea. This downtown hotel features family-friendly accommodation ― including a separate indoor family pool with a 130-foot corkscrew waterslide. The hotel also offers theatre babysitting, a creative kids' corner, and Camp Chelsea ― a free service that gives parents a little time off.
Toronto Delta Chelsea Hotel; 33 Gerrard St., W. (at Bay); 416-595-1975; www.deltahotels.com
Kids Fest
If inflatables are your game, you’ll want to spend at least one whole day at Canada’s largest indoor inflatable show. At the International Centre ($15 - $20) on Family Day weekend, it’s fun for the whole family. Your kids can bounce, laugh, scream, play, run, have their face painted or go for a pony ride (for an extra charge). Book a night at the Hampton Inn by Hilton near the airport for a great family-friendly stay (they have an indoor pool, free in-room wi-fi and complimentary hot and cold breakfast).
International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga (905) 779-0422; www.kidsfest.ca
Thought That Was Sweet? You’ll Enjoy: