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Safe Outdoor Fun: Drive-in Activities in Toronto

Safe-Outdoor-Fun-Drive-in-Activities-in-Toronto

While gyms, golf clubs, and botanical gardens may be open in Toronto, it may be a good idea to keep away from those areas in the meantime. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun outside your home.

Toronto offers a variety of safe outdoor activities you can indulge in without having to expose yourself to the elements or any health risks. Here are some drive-in activities in Toronto you can enjoy by yourself or with your loved ones:

#1 Watch a Movie at a Good Old-Fashioned Drive-in Theatre

You can watch the latest films safely

It may seem impossible to go to the cinema in Toronto during lockdown since they are usually held in enclosed spaces. Luckily, drive-in theatres are coming back to keep everyone safe.

If you’re tired of streaming online movies, on your phone or TV, go ahead and experience the big screen by driving to Ontario Place’s Drive-In Theatre located at 15 Ontario Drive, Toronto. Sit back and relax as you enjoy watching a collection of movies safely in the confines of your vehicle. Their movie selection ranges from comedy to horror — find one that appeals to you.

Although tickets are available at the booth at the entrance, you can buy them online in advance by clicking your preferred schedule below the movie you’re planning to watch. Parking spots aren’t reserved and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. With Vista Eatery, you can also enjoy your film with limited concessions, including popcorn, chocolate bars, and water, which are available for purchase once you arrive at the drive-in.

#2 Cruise Through Holiday Nights of Lights

Feast your eyes on 1,000,000 LED lights

While drive-in theatres can be entertaining, the film you pick may not suit everyone. For a family-friendly experience, bring along your loved ones (don’t forget your pet!) and cruise through Holiday Nights of Lights.

Located at 80 Interchange Way, Concord, Holiday Nights of Lights is a fully contactless and socially distanced drive-thru experience that features more than 1,000,000 LED lights. Witness as these animated lights come to life and synchronize to Holiday music. Open rain or shine, the entire program lasts about 30 minutes, and it’s a 2.25 km drive. This holiday event is on until early January, so make sure you wouldn’t miss it.

Buy tickets online because they’re not available for purchase at the gate. To hear the sounds, you can tune in to a dedicated radio station. Taking pictures and videos of the light displays is allowed, but you can’t leave your vehicle to do so. The maximum speed is 5 km/h, so make sure that your car has enough gas for the entire experience.

Please note that this event features flashing lights, which can be a trigger for individuals with photosensitivity.

#3 Immerse Yourself in Van Gogh’s Beautiful Paintings

Van Gogh paintings come to life

If you are interested in art and want to marvel at beautiful masterpieces by one of the most celebrated artists of all time, you can do so with the Gogh by Car Drive-In.

The Gogh by Car is a drive-in preview of the Van Gogh Walk-Thru gallery, located at 1 Yonge St, Toronto. Drive your car from the rear side of the building to a secondary gallery that’s suitable for vehicles. Immerse yourself in the iconic painter’s animated masterpieces as you can view floor-to-ceiling projections. The entire show also comes with music, and it will play over the gallery’s speakers, but you can also listen through a dedicated radio station.

You can purchase drive-in tickets online, which also includes walk-thru tickets. As there is limited space and late arrivals won’t be allowed inside, make sure to arrive at the location 10 to 15 minutes before your entry time. Wearing masks is still required, and you must remain in your vehicle for the entire show. There are no washrooms available in the secondary gallery, so you can either wait until the exhibition is over or arrive early to access them at the walk-thru side of the building.

Similar to the previous event, this show includes bright lights that can be a trigger for people with photosensitivity. It also uses music that can be loud at times, which can cause discomfort for individuals with sensitive hearing.

#4 Experience a Holiday Drive-Thru at the Toronto Zoo

Visit the Toronto Zoo

Located at 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, the Toronto Zoo is currently closed to pedestrian guests. However, you can go to the Holiday Drive-Thru for a safe and fun experience with your family.

Be amazed by the beauty of winter as you drive through a special holiday route. Cruise past a 35-foot tall Christmas tree and get the chance to see Santa Claus. You can also drop off a letter for him in the Christmas village’s mailbox. Continue your journey to Santa’s cottage and see where his reindeer live. You’ll also get to see the Toronto Zoo Elves creating toys.

Toronto Zoo tickets are available for purchase on their website, and the proceeds will go towards the operating costs and the zoo’s animal care. Show your holiday spirit by donating toys and non-perishable food items for local families in need. Rain or shine, the entire drive-thru experience lasts from 15 to 20 minutes. Follow the route and avoid exceeding the maximum speed of 5 km/h. Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your furry friends at home since they’re not allowed on zoo grounds.

Take note: this experience doesn’t drive by any animal exhibits other than the caribou. Due to the weather or other circumstances, you may not see these animals during the event.

#5 Drive to the North Pole Without Having to Leave Toronto

meet Santa Claus

The northeast parking lot of CF Sherway Gardens at 25 The West Mall is changing into the magical North Pole. You can experience holiday cheer with your family without having to spend any money.

In this immersive event, you’ll get to explore several holiday-themed areas as you and your family accompany an elf to help save Christmas. The experience lasts approximately 40 minutes and includes fun interactive activities and narration. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus for a socially distanced photo opp.

As this is a complimentary experience, the tickets are free. All you need to do is reserve your spot online and check for a confirmation email to confirm your reservation details. Come at your scheduled time and bring your confirmation email as it serves as your confirmed ticket. During the event, you’ll have to roll down at least one window of your vehicle to interact with the elf, so don’t forget to bring and wear your mask.

There are several drive-in activities you can enjoy here in Toronto. As exciting as it may be to participate in them, always prioritize your health and safety before anything else. Practice safety protocols like wearing a mask and social distancing, and keep up with the latest updates from official sources like Toronto Public Health and World Health Organization.

Renting a minibus for your family can help keep you and your household safe. If you’re looking for reliable minibus rental services in Toronto, then look no further than Parkinson Coach Lines. We follow strict disinfection measures to protect both our staff and passengers. For inquiries, call us at (905) 451-4776 or email us at info@parkinsoncoach.com.