18 amazing INDOOR activities that'll keep you entertained in Toronto this winter
Cold, slushy, snowy days are ahead in Toronto and while the urge to hibernate is strong, there’s plenty of fun things to do inside if you still want to socialize.
Here’s a guide to the great indoors in Toronto.
ULTIMATE REC ROOMS
Board games and beers at Snakes & Lattes
The collection of board games is massive at two location from this licenced board game cafe. 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
Instagram: @snakesandlattes
Enter a video game tournament at Good Game Bar
Take your favourite pastime off the couch and check out this mid-town bar where craft beer, cocktails and e-sports unite in a cozy, social setting.
Address: 2097 Yonge Street, Toronto
Instagram: @goodgamebarto
Lawn games at Track & Field Bar
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
Instagram: @trackandfieldbar
Simulated Racing at RaceSim1
Adrenaline junkies take note, this one-of-a-kind arcade is equipped with five custom-built cockpits where realistic racing games will let you hit the racetrack without the worry of winter tires.
Address: 693 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Instagram: @racesim1
Arcade Games at NightOwl
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
Instagram: @nightowltoronto
CREATIVE PURSUITS
Drop-in life drawing at the Artist Resource Centre
Grab a pad of newsprint and a few sticks of charcoal then spend a cold day indoors studying the contours of a naked stranger. Three-hour sessions in bright open studios are priced at $15.
Address: 263 Adelaide Street West, Suite 409, Toronto
Instagram: @arc_toronto
Throw things at the Gardnier Museum
Go get your hands dirty with drop-in classes offered on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at Canada’s national ceramics museum.
Address: 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto
Instagram: @gardinermuseum
Make a masterpiece at Paint Cabin
The studio on the east side offers instruction as well as use of its open studio 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.
Instagram: @paint_cabin
See also
KEEPING ACTIVE
Go surfing at Surfset
Surfs up at this niche fitness studio where you can channel your inner Pete Devries. Ride the wave core-engaging workout all the way to your dream beach body.
Address: 2481A Yonge Street, Toronto
Instagram: @surfsetto
Rocking Climbing at BaseCamp
Repurposing a former adult theatre, this climbing gym boasts 7,000 square feet 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
Instagram: @climbbasecamp
Break some sh*t at Battle Sports Inc.‘s Rage Room
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
Instagram: @battlesportsinc
Table Tennis at Smash Ping Pong Lounge
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
Instagram: @smashpingpong
Axe Throwing at BATLGrounds
Toronto’s original Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL) 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
Instagram: @batlground
Archery Tag at Archer’s Arena
The 10,000 square foot 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
Instagram: @archersarena
Knife throwing at TKTO
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
Instagram: @torontoknifethrowing
Knock some pins down at Danforth Bowl
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
Instagram: @danforthbowl
Ride the course at JoyRide Indoor Bike Park
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
Instagram: @joyride150
Go Trampolining at SkyZone
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
Instagram: @skyzone_toronto
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