Family Day at The Bentway

Closing a season of ice skating with family-friendly programming, an outdoor market, and free tasty treats.

Celebrate Family Day in the heart of the city with The Bentway! The Bentway has partnered with the Bata Shoe Museum, offering family-friendly activities that celebrate the history of skating in Canada, including a free workshop and interactive scavenger hunt. Skaters and city-dwellers are invited to shop local at The Toronto Mom Market pop-up featuring unique artisan vendors, and indulge in some tasty treats courtesy of presenting sponsor MilkUP and supporter Armstrong Cheese. There are no shortage of fun goings-on for the whole family on February 19. 

“Family Day is always the perfect send-off to the winter at The Bentway. We look forward to welcoming friends, families, and neighbours for a final day of skating under the Gardiner. This year, we’re pleased to be working with so many amazing partners to offer a breadth of things to see, do, and enjoy!” said David Carey, Co-Executive Director of The Bentway.

MilkUp is excited to partner with The Bentway to help families and friends get cozy after skating this February. We look forward to treating our Family Day community to delicious, dairy-forward snacks and goodies from local food and beverage favourites at our #MilkUPDairyChill winter wonderland.” 

Julieta Mandelbaum, Senior Brand Manager, MilkUP

Family Day is the final day of The Bentway’s 2023-24 winter skating season and also the last chance to see the stunning, northern lights-inspired art installation, The Gateway by Yi Zhou and Carlos Portillo. 

Free Family Day Programming includes: 

Ice Skating
2:00pm – 9:00pm 

Cruise the 220m figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner Expressway, with a curated playlist keeping the energy high. Skate rentals are available on-site for a fee. 

Boots and Blades Workshop
Drop-in, 12:00pm – 3:00pm 

Gear up for the trail by decorating your own skate boot covers at this free workshop, led by the Bata Shoe Museum. The workshop is open to all ages (with parent/guardian supervision required for youth) and all supplies will be provided, while quantities last. Located inside the Fort York Visitor Centre.  

Scavenger Hunt
12:00pm – 9:00pm 

Learn about figure skating in Canada from the 1600s to present day through an interactive scavenger hunt. The stations are inspired by the Bata Shoe Museum’s online exhibition, Boots and Blades: The Story of Canadian Figure Skating. Participants can receive a free hot chocolate voucher, sponsored by Beanfield. 

Winter Market
12:00pm – 4:00pm 

The Toronto Mom Market returns with a selection of local artisan vendors. It’s the perfect opportunity to get something unique and support local businesses! 

Dairy Chill Après Skate Village
12:00pm – 9:00pm 

Presenting sponsor MilkUP brings their popular Dairy Chill winter village to The Bentway Skate Trail. Enjoy delicious, dairy-forward treats and goodies from local Toronto food and beverage vendors. Visitors can also get custom, limited edition MilkUP Dairy Chill merch to keep cozy. To attend the experience and receive free dairy treats and merch, visitors must follow @milkupontario on social media and share an in-feed post or story about the experience.  

Say Cheese
12:00pm – 9:00pm  

Event sponsor Armstrong Cheese brings their beloved food truck to The Bentway Skate Trail, providing free, delicious, high-protein cheese snacks. Their Nibblers & Combos are the perfect pairing for a day of family skating or on the go!