18 exciting indoor activities that'll keep you smiling during the Toronto winter

The weather outside is getting frightful.

Canadians may be known for living in cold climates, but sometimes the frigid temps make us feel like we literally can’t even.

For the days when it’s too cold to function, keep these spots in your back pocket. Go and explore the great indoors of Toronto!

ULTIMATE REC ROOMS

Get your game on at The Rec Room

 

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This 40,000-sq-ft entertainment and eats complex can be found at Toronto’s Roundhouse. The Rec Room is known to bring together live entertainment, gaming, and dining all under one roof.

Address: 255 Bremner Blvd
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Lanes of Cornhole await you at Bangarang

 

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Head to Bangarang and get in on obscure billiards games like Sjoelen (aka Dutch Shuffleboard), Rebound, and more, along with two full lanes of Cornhole, a classic backyard bean bag toss game.

Address: 552 College Street, Toronto
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Board games and beers at Snakes & Lattes

 

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The collection of games is massive at this cafe’s two licenced locations. Get competitive over a few hands of Pit or ruin your friendships over a game of Monopoly, all while sipping craft beers and snacking on nachos.

Address: 600 Bloor Street West, Toronto, and 489 College Street, Toronto
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Lawn games at Track & Field Bar

 

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Lawn games are no longer just a summer-specific activity. At this College Street bar, play shuffleboard and bocce as you drink draught cocktails and tall cans.

Address: 860 College Street, Toronto
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Arcade Games at NightOwl

 

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Toronto is home to plenty of arcades, but these aren’t like the pre-teen populated venues of yesteryear. This Little Italy bar houses classics like Big Buck Hunter and Whack-A-Mole while slinging booze-spiked milkshakes and bowls of mac ‘n cheese.

Address: 647 College Street, Toronto
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CREATIVE PURSUITS

Make a masterpiece at Paint Cabin

 

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The studio on the east side offers instruction as well as use of its space to artists of all levels. Walk-ins are accommodated based on availability, and $20 to $55 (depending on canvas size) includes access to the studio, community table, easels, acrylic paints and supplies.

Address: 723 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
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Create something cozy at The Knit Cafe

 

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While staying cozy inside, you can prepare for the next time you have to brave the weather. This sweet spot’s offering various workshops to teach you how to knit, crochet, embroidery and more. There are even rug workshops!

Address: 55 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto
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KEEPING ACTIVE

Rocking Climbing at BaseCamp

 

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Repurposing a former adult theatre, this climbing gym boasts 7,000-sq-ft of climbing surfaces and almost 60 routes up. All skill levels are welcome and can access slabs, flat wall climbs, overhang climbing, a large prow, and walls nearly 40 feet tall.

Address: 677 Bloor Street West, Toronto
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Or try out Bouldering at Boulderz Climbing Centre

 

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Like rock climbing but more… horizontal, this activity will test your strength, big-time. But Boulderz makes it accessible and fun by offering comprehensible classes so you can ease your way in.

Address: 80 The East Mall, Suite 9, Etobicoke; 1444 Dupont Street #16, Toronto
Instagram: @boulderzclimbingcentre, @boulderz_jt

Break some sh*t at Battle Sports Inc. Rage Room

 

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If you’re feeling a little stir-crazy and the seasonal depression has officially kicked in, consider releasing all your pent-up aggression with a session smashing plates, fax machines and more.

Address: 26 Ashwarren Road, Toronto
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Table Tennis at Smash Ping Pong Lounge

 

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Work up an appetite playing ping pong then kick back over pizzas, wings and siders with a beer in hand.

Address: 672 Queen Street East, Toronto
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Axe Throwing at BATLGrounds

 

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Toronto’s original BATL, the Backyard Axe Throwing League, has caught on and now boast three locations in the GTA. Public drop-in lessons and casual axe throwing are offered on weekends meanwhile private bookings and league membership are also available.

Address: 33 Villiers Street, Toronto; 1245 Dupont Street, Toronto; 153 Bridgeland Avenue, Unit 15, Toronto
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Archery Tag at Archer’s Arena

 

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The 10,000-sq-ft arena outfitted with two courts, a shooting range, sniper towers and lounge where players can take lessons ($30 per hour) or partake in combat sessions ($25 for 90 minutes).

Address: 1140 Sheppard Avenue West, Unit 3, North York
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Knife throwing at TKTO

 

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Need a unique indoor date idea? “Knife Fights & Chill” is what TKTO considers date night, and it’s just one event offered in addition to a weekly schedule of league, practice and open throw sessions.

Address: 6 Curity Ave, Unit 22, Toronto
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Knock some pins down at Danforth Bowl

 

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Old school bowling are a dying breed. Ontario kids that want to relive the nostalgic birthday parties of their youth should head here pronto.

Address: 1554 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
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Ride the course at JoyRide Indoor Bike Park

 

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Take a mountain bike or a BMX for a spin around this indoor park with tiered courses for all skill levels. Also noteworthy: you can ride you bike up a ramp and drop into a foam pit.

Address: 150 Bullock Drive, Markham
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Go Trampolining at SkyZone

 

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Feel like you’re literally crawling the walls? Perhaps some bouncy time is just what you need. Saturday nights are 16+.

Address: 45 Esandar Drive, Unit 1A, Toronto; 2839 Rutherford Road, Vaughan; 3636 Hawkestone Road, Mississauga
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Lose yourself at the IMAX VR Centre

 

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This futuristic spot features a mind-shattering VR experience with insanely immersive visuals and 360 sound, launching you into a virtual world more realistic than anything you’ve ever imagined.

Address: Scotiabank Theatre

See also

• It's going to feel like -20°C in Toronto tonight
• Season's first Extreme Cold Weather Alert issued for Toronto today
• These are the most needed items at Toronto shelters this holiday season