Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. For many families in Toronto and Scarborough, it is a day for lights, sweets, new clothes and time together. If you are looking for a relaxed outing with the kids around the festival, this guide has ideas that suit children aged 2 to 9.
Plan around the day
Diwali is celebrated over several days, with prayers and family gatherings usually in the evening. That means mornings and afternoons are often free for an outing. Sunday gives you a full day, so you can mix a daytime activity with the evening celebration at home.
Keep the schedule light. Young children tire easily on festival days, so one main outing and a rest before the evening works better than a packed itinerary.
Family outing ideas
Wear festive clothes
Let the kids dress up in their festive outfits for the day. Choose comfortable shoes for running around, and pack a change of clothes if the outfit is delicate.
Sweet shop visit
A visit to a local sweet shop to pick out mithai for the family is a good short outing. Bring a small box for the kids to choose from.
Light walk
Many neighbourhoods decorate with lights and rangoli around Diwali. A short evening walk to see them is a quiet option for younger children.
Craft at home
Colouring rangoli patterns on paper or decorating paper lanterns keeps younger kids busy and makes the home feel ready for the festival.
Indoor play
A few hours at an indoor playground lets the kids burn off energy before the family gathering. It also takes weather out of the equation in November.
An easy daytime outing at Kart Town
Kart Town is inside Parkway Mall at 85 Ellesmere Rd Unit 102, Scarborough. A walk-in visit includes two hours of access, so it is easy to fit in before the evening.
The venue is built for kids aged 2 to 9, with a playground, a bouncy castle, a toy car area and a track with Classic Karts. Walk-ins are welcome, first come, first served. Pricing is per child for 2 hours:
- Basic: $20
- Value: $25
- VIP: $30
- Track only: $15 for a single ride or $20 for a double ride
Groups of 3 or more children get 10% off, which helps when cousins are visiting. Up to two adults per child can enter with the bundle, and each additional adult is $5. Adults are not allowed in the playground or bouncy castle, so grown-ups watch from the seating area.
Ride rules to know
- Minimum height is 31 inches (80 cm).
- Children over 42 inches (107 cm) drive alone.
- For 31 to 42 inches, ask staff about riding with a parent.
- Combined weight in a kart is limited to 220 lb (100 kg).
The track is shared with the public, so it can be busy on weekends. Arriving earlier in the day usually means a calmer visit.
Tips for a festival day outing
Eat before you go or plan a snack afterward, since many families are saving room for festive food. Bring water bottles. Pick a time to leave and tell the kids ahead of time so the transition home is easy. If cousins are joining, agree on a meeting spot and arrive together.
If you are planning more outings around the season, see our guides to Halloween 2026 things to do with kids and Thanksgiving long weekend family activities. For other ideas near the mall, read best kids activities near Parkway Mall, weekend kids activities in Toronto and where to take kids on rainy days.
Plan your Diwali weekend outing
Pick a morning or afternoon slot and bring the cousins. See walk-in options on the Kart Town packages page.
Ideas for the days around Diwali
The festival is more than one day, so you can spread activities across the week and avoid a rushed Sunday. A few ideas for the days before and after:
- Before Diwali: clean and decorate the home together, make paper lanterns and shop for sweets. Let the children help choose the diyas or lights.
- On Diwali: keep the morning gentle, go for a daytime outing and leave the late afternoon free for getting ready.
- After Diwali: visit relatives, share leftover sweets and plan a play day for the cousins who travelled in.
Children aged 2 to 9 love being part of the preparations. Give each child a small job, such as arranging flowers, folding napkins or setting out the sweets, and the day will feel special for them.
If you are hosting guests, a few hours out of the house in the afternoon is a good way to let the little ones burn off energy before the house fills up. Plan to be home an hour before the first guests arrive so there is time to change and rest.
Finally, remember that younger children can be overstimulated by lights, noise and crowds in the evening. A calm, active afternoon helps them enjoy the celebration instead of melting down in the middle of it.
Diwali outing FAQ
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Do I need to book in advance?
No. Walk-ins are welcome, first come, first served.
Is there a group discount for cousins?
Yes. Groups of 3 or more children get 10% off.
What ages can visit?
Ages 2 to 9. Children must be at least 31 inches (80 cm) tall to ride.
