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Spring is officially in the air in Southern Ontario, and with Easter just around the corner (Friday, April 3 to Monday, April 6, 2026), the Greater Toronto Area is buzzing with festivities. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy festival, a quiet morning of maple syrup tapping, or the perfect brunch spot to show off your Sunday best, there’s something for every family.

Here are some family-friendly Easter activities across the GTA.

Festivals

If your family wants high energy entertainment, these large-scale festivals are your best bet.

Easter Fun Fest (Markham)

Located at the Markham Fairgrounds, this is one of the largest events in the region. It’s a hybrid indoor/outdoor festival. Expect unlimited midway rides, over 30 inflatable jumping castles, and a massive 15-foot-tall plush Easter Bunny for the ultimate family photo. Egg hunts happen every 15 minutes in the barn, where kids can trade collected eggs for prizes. The festival runs from April 3rd to 6th. Pre-booking online will save you $5 per ticket.

Easterfest at Downey’s Farm (Caledon)

Downey’s is a local staple for a reason. Their Easterfest offers a slightly more rustic, farm-focused experience. In addition to an egg hunt, they’ll have live magic shows, puppet shows, and an Easter Bunny Dance Party. Don't forget to visit the baby farm animals if you’ll be visiting with young children. Dress for mud!

Parades and scavenger hunts

If you live in the city or want to experience a historic Toronto tradition, the East End is the place to be.

Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade

A tradition since 1967, this is officially the world’s largest and longest-running Easter parade. The parade is on Sunday, April 5th, 2026, at 2 pm. It runs along Queen Street East, starting at Munro Park Ave and ending at Woodbine. You can expect marching bands, elaborate floats, and a massive community turnout. If you’re coming from the West End or North York, plan your TTC route early, as Queen Street closures are extensive.

Beaches Egg Scavenger Hunt

If you want to avoid the Sunday crowds, head to the Beaches on Good Friday (April 3rd) for their annual scavenger hunt. You can explore local shops while the kids hunt for clues at ten different neighborhood locations.

Educational fun and nature walks

If you prefer to skip the midway rides in favour of some fresh air and learning, these nature-focused events are perfect.

Easter at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a bit of a drive from the city core but well worth it. You can walk through the lush, tropical conservatory while learning about insect eggs. It’s a warm, humid escape if the Toronto spring feels a bit too chilly.

Easter Brunch

Easter Sunday is synonymous with a long, indulgent brunch. Here are two standout options for 2026:

Old Mill Toronto (Etobicoke)

For a classic Toronto experience, the Old Mill is hard to beat for Sunday brunch this Easter. Their buffet features chef-carved roasts, fresh seafood, and a massive chocolate fountain. The Easter Bunny will make appearances at every seating, and they’ll even host a small egg hunt for dining guests. It’s the perfect place to bring the extended family.

Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington)

Combine a high-end brunch with a walk through stunning spring gardens. The RBG’s Easter Brunch is famous for its seasonal menu. Dine well and then go for a stroll to see the first signs of spring bulbs poking through the soil.

Plan ahead

To ensure your weekend is filled with more joy and less stress, keep these logistical tips in mind:

• Book ahead: Many events, including Downey's and Easter Fun Fest, require (or strongly encourage) online ticket purchases. Don't risk a "Sold Out" sign after a long drive.
• The "Mud Factor": If you’re heading to a farm (Downey’s, Brooks, or Pingle’s), boots are non-negotiable. Even if it hasn't rained, the thaw makes these areas quite messy.
• TTC Alerts: If you’re attending the Beaches Parade, check the TTC website for streetcar diversions. Queen Street East becomes a pedestrian-only zone for the afternoon.

Easter in the GTA is a wonderful time to reconnect with family, friends and your community. We hope you explore these fun local activities this Easter weekend! 

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