The Thanksgiving long weekend lands on October 10 to 12 this year, with Thanksgiving Monday on October 12. For Toronto families with kids between 2 and 9, that means three days to fill, a lot of relatives to feed, and weather that could be crisp and golden or cold and wet. The families who enjoy it most tend to do the same thing: they plan one outdoor outing, one indoor outing, and leave the rest of the weekend loose.
This guide walks through how to structure those three days, how to keep young children happy between big meals, and what to know if you want to include an indoor playground and go-kart stop in Scarborough.
Why a loose plan beats a packed schedule
Thanksgiving weekends are already full. There is travel, cooking, visiting, and usually a late dinner on Sunday or Monday. Kids between 2 and 9 cope with this well when they get a burst of real physical play every day, and they struggle when the weekend becomes a series of car rides and adult conversations.
A simple rule works well: one active outing a day, ideally in the morning or early afternoon, so energy is spent before the big meal. Everything else is bonus.
Saturday, October 10: get outside while the colours last
Early October is when leaf colour peaks around the city. A walk through a ravine trail or a large park is free, easy with a stroller, and gives kids room to run. Pack a thermos, an extra layer for each child, and a change of socks. Children aged 2 to 4 often turn a short walk into a leaf-collecting mission that lasts an hour.
If you are hosting, this is also the best day to get kids out of the kitchen while the prep happens. Send them out with another adult for a park visit and a snack.
Weather backup for Saturday
Autumn rain is common on long weekends. Keep a second option ready so you are not deciding in the driveway. Our guide to where to take kids on rainy days in Toronto lists indoor options that work when the forecast turns.
Sunday, October 11: an indoor play day in Scarborough
Sunday is a natural day for an indoor outing. Many families are travelling or cooking, and kids need somewhere to burn energy before the holiday dinner. Kart Town is inside Parkway Mall at 85 Ellesmere Rd, Unit 102, Scarborough.
Here is what a visit looks like for children aged 2 to 9:
- Playground and bouncy castle: a supervised space where kids can climb, slide and bounce. Adults are not allowed inside the playground or the bouncy castle, so it works well when one parent can sit nearby with a coffee.
- Toy car area: a gentler spot for the youngest children who want to drive something but are not ready for the track.
- Go-karts on the track: children must be at least 31 inches (80 cm) tall. Kids over 42 inches (107 cm) drive on their own. If your child is between 31 and 42 inches, ask a team member about riding with a parent. The combined weight limit is 220 lb (100 kg). The track uses Classic Karts only and is shared with other guests.
Admission is by walk-in bundle, per child, for two hours of access: Basic is $20, Value is $25 and VIP is $30. Bringing three or more children earns 10% off. An extra adult is $5. Walk-ins are first come, first served, so on a long weekend it helps to arrive earlier in the day rather than at the end of the evening.
For a closer look at how to pace a visit, read our guide to weekend kids activities in Toronto. If you want to know what else is nearby, see best kids activities near Parkway Mall.
Monday, October 12: Thanksgiving Day plans
Thanksgiving Monday is a public holiday, so the weekday walk-in special does not apply. A slower morning at home followed by a play visit can suit families who are heading to a dinner later in the day.
A walk-in visit includes two hours of play, which still leaves time to drive home, change and get to the table. If your family eats mid-afternoon, Saturday or Sunday is the better visit day, and Monday can stay simple.
Keeping toddlers and young children happy
Long weekends can be harder on very young kids than on older ones, mostly because routines slip. A few habits help:
- Protect nap time on at least two of the three days, even if it means a shorter outing.
- Bring a familiar snack to every stop, since holiday meals tend to run late.
- Choose the active outing before the big meal, not after, so children are tired and content at the table.
- Let older children (7 to 9) pick one activity. It gives them ownership and cuts down on negotiating.
A sample three-day plan
- Saturday: morning ravine or park walk, relaxed afternoon, early bedtime.
- Sunday: late-morning indoor playground visit in Scarborough, light lunch afterwards, family time at home.
- Monday: short walk or quiet morning, then either a play visit or a calm day before dinner.
Adjust it to your family. The point is that each day has one anchor activity and plenty of space around it.
Plan your Thanksgiving visit
To see current bundle options and prices before you head out, visit the Kart Town packages page. Walk-ins are welcome, with no booking required.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kart Town open on Thanksgiving Monday?
Holiday arrangements can change, so please check the website or contact Kart Town before heading out on Monday, October 12.
Do I need to book for the long weekend?
Walk-ins are first come, first served. Arriving earlier in the day on a busy weekend gives you more choice of timing.
What ages is Kart Town for?
Kart Town welcomes children aged 2 to 9. Go-kart riders must be at least 31 inches (80 cm) tall.
Can parents go into the playground with their kids?
No. Adults are not allowed in the playground or bouncy castle, so one adult usually stays nearby while children play. An extra adult pass is $5.
Is Kart Town open the Tuesday after Thanksgiving?
No. Kart Town is closed on Tuesdays, so Tuesday, October 13 is not a visit day.
