Birthdays: we’ve all got one, but every year, the dread sets in about how to celebrate it. Sound familiar? Don’t sweat it, we’re here to help.
If you’re looking for the best birthday ideas in Toronto, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you're planning a fun-filled celebration with your family, an adventurous outing with friends, or a sophisticated evening for adults, Toronto offers a plethora of unique experiences to make your special day unforgettable.
From thrilling scavenger hunts and creative workshops to relaxing pamper sessions and exciting axe-throwing battles, this vibrant city has something for everyone.
Discover the top birthday activities and venues that will ensure your Toronto birthday bash is one to remember. Read on for a comprehensive guide to the best birthday ideas in Toronto!
And just so you know - nobody pays us to include these date ideas on our list. They’re just places we’ve been to or experiences we’ve loved that we want to recommend, so you can find the best things to do in Toronto.
Best Birthday Ideas in Toronto
Uncover The Unexpected on a Toronto BScavenger Hunt
Looking for Toronto birthday ideas that are a little out of the ordinary? This is for you.
Scavenger hunts like these turn Old Toronto into your personal playground. Whether there’s two or ten (or more!) of you playing, you’ll become the main characters in your very own adventure across the city.
An awesome way to squeeze a few hours of fun in before a dinner reservation, you’ll encounter famous landmarks, hidden gems, and receive plenty of unusual trivia along the way. The twist? You have to unlock them by solving puzzles, following clues and completing challenges!
On a practical level, these are super easy to organize - all you need is a phone, comfortable walking shoes, and an appetite for adventure, and you can start and stop the game whenever it’s convenient for you.
There’s also recommended cafe and bar rest stops included along the way if you need a quick break.
Practical information: $25 per person, with options for small and large groups. Check the CityDays website for specific routes and booking details.
Go For a Birthday Encore with Karaoke
Unleash your inner pop star at one of Toronto's top karaoke spots!
You know what the best thing about karaoke is? You don’t really need talent, just enthusiasm. Kinda.
I hardly need to tell you why karaoke is a great birthday idea: it’s fun, inclusive, (relatively) cheap, and it can accommodate a bunch of your friends and family easy-peasy. But if you’re not from Toronto or you haven’t checked out the karaoke scene before, you might need pointers on where to go. Gotcha:
Practical information: I recommend booking in advance, especially for larger groups. Rates vary, often charged per hour.
Challenge Your Friends or Family to an Urban Adventure Game
One of the best birthday ideas in Toronto for those who love a good puzzle, Urban Adventure Games like these offer a unique way to explore the city.
These games blend elements of scavenger hunts and escape rooms, challenging you to solve clues and complete puzzles. All the information you need is delivered to your phones through WhatsApp so you don’t need to have any prior knowledge - and trust me on this, even lifelong Torontonians will find themselves in places or looking at things they’ve never noticed before.
Practical information: Book online and play when you want. Tickets cost $25 per person and the activity is suitable for groups of all sizes and ages.
Use Your Birthday as an Excuse to Indulge Yourself
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to treat yourself.
Obviously, your version of “treating yourself” will vary from mine, but hey, you asked for birthday ideas in Toronto - so I’ll give you a few options for what that might look like.
If you’re someone who likes to pamper themselves (we’re talking manicures, pedicures, facials, etc) I recommend Majesty's Pleasure. It’s pricey, but you get to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of prosecco – or even champagne if you’re super fancy – while you get your nails done and the decor is next level.
If beauty treatments aren’t your thing, then maybe treat yourself to a spa day. Honestly, it doesn’t matter who you are, I’ll bet your back could use a rub. Obvious candidates include the Four Seasons or the Ritz (not ideal if you’re on a budget), but if you’re looking to spend a little less, I recommend Hammam by Cela.
Practical information: Open daily with varying hours; appointments are recommended. Check the websites for a full list of services and prices.
Fun Birthday Ideas in Toronto
Hit up The Arcade Bars
Midnight Arcade, Free Play, Zed*80, Rec Room, Get Well, Cabin Fever
There’s something about arcade bars that are irresistible to me and luckily, Toronto has its fair share of awesome places to game it out.
Whether you're a pinball wizard, a Pac-Man pro, or just love the retro vibe, there's something for everyone here – you’ve just gotta know where to go. Here are my recommendations:
- Midnight Arcade: Tucked away on the second floor, this arcade bar has incredible food and my favourite arcade game (basketball). Also has live DJ nights which are awesome. Pick a day with no cover charge!
- Free Play: A pinball paradise. Huge range of games (arcade games and board games, if you’re into tabletop games). Keep an eye out for themed nights here!
- Zed*80: Strong retro vibes. Expect ‘80s and ‘90s arcade games, Pinball, PacMan etc. Cover is $10 on entry on weekdays.
- Rec Room: The biggest venue on this list but also probably the busiest. Has tons of space and games and will probably appeal most to big groups.
- Get Well: Free games AND a pizza slice bar? You need no further info.
- Cabin Fever: Cozy and great for beer lovers!
Practical information: Entry fees and cover charges vary, with some places offering free games. Check individual bar websites for opening hours and special events.
Declare a Birthday Win at SPiN Toronto
Looking for birthday ideas in Toronto for sports enthusiasts? Well, I kinda suck at sports, so apologies – but even I love this place.
For context, I have next to zero hand eye coordination, so you’d think the last place you’d expect to find me hanging out is here at Spin, but, here we are.
For those who don’t know, Spin is Toronto's ultimate ping pong social club. It has a bunch of tables, a lively atmosphere, and it's the perfect spot for friendly competition between friends or with family.
Practical information: Open daily; booking a table in advance is recommended. Rates are generally hourly.
Hang Out at Tabletop Game Cafes
Ok, this is the last of the ideas to include playing games I swear.
Arcade bars aren’t for everybody - heck, all of us need some peace and quiet every now and again - but if you’re still in the mood for fun and games, I recommend checking out Snakes and Lattes.
This place has an extensive library of board games, including classics like Monopoly or Clue, as well as new releases (I’m big into Cascadia), drinks and snacks (the cocktails are mad good if you want a birthday drink) and it’s a super chilled out, cozy place to hang out.
Practical information: Open daily, with a cover charge for access to the game library. Food and beverages are available. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Take Years Off Your Age at a Comedy Club
In the mood for some laughs? Of course you are, it’s your birthday!
Comedy clubs are easily one of my favourite places to hang out and honestly, if you’re looking for birthday ideas in Toronto that will guarantee a good time, this is a pretty safe bet.
Pick from stand-up, improv, sketch comedy or even open mic shows, you can’t really go wrong. Here are my top three in Toronto:
Practical information: Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Check each club's website for schedules, pricing, and promotions.
Grab a Free Movie Ticket at Carlton Cinema
If you’re a Torontonian, it won’t have passed you by that doing pretty much anything around here costs money - and like, not a little bit.
In fact, Toronto was recently ranked 10th on a list of the most expensive cities to live around the world, so if you’re trying to save some cash, I feel ya.
So here’s a tip from me to you: make the most of it being your birthday and get a free movie ticket at any Carlton Cinema location.
The promo entitles you to a free ticket to most movies (not super new releases unfortunately but, hey, free is free). Call ahead to find out what movies are available and, ta-dah, birthday treat for nothing at all!
Practical information: Valid ID required for the birthday offer. Movie schedules and ticket prices can be found on their website. Check for restrictions on new releases.
Take a Creative Class or Workshop
Ok, not games, not sports, not drinking…what else is there on this list of Toronto birthday ideas you might like? Well…how does exercising your creative skills sound?
There are few things I enjoy more than getting stuck into a new project, and birthdays are the perfect excuse to pick up a new hobby or to do something that you wouldn’t otherwise try out.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from ordering a bunch of materials and following a YouTube tutorial at home. But if it’s your first time trying a new hobby, a workshop or a class is a great way to be introduced to the skill and learn key techniques. Plus, you and your friends get to bring home whatever you created!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Chillax Studio (Tuft your own rug!)
- Clay Room (Try clay painting)
- KANDL Artistique (Make your own candle)
Practical information: Classes are available throughout the week. Booking in advance is recommended as spots can fill up quickly. Check each studio's website for specific class offerings, schedules, and pricing.
Have a Sip (or Sink a Pint) at One of Toronto’s Coolest Bars
If you don’t drink alcohol, go ahead and skip to the next activity. But if you do plan on visiting a bar or two on your birthday in Toronto, listen up: these are the places I’d recommend going to.
- Black Dice Cafe: In a word? Quirky, but for all the right reasons! A kind of retro Japanese ‘50s inspired bars with great Japanese beers, sake and whiskeys. I’m also kind of obsessed with the jukebox.
- Storm Crow Manor: Self-proclaimed the “geekiest bar” in Toronto. An old mansion on Church St that’s been turned into a geeky paradise with themed rooms (make sure you check out the stained glass windows), glowing ice cubes and shot glasses, hidden doors and catacombs.
- C’est What: One of my favourite bars in the city! This place is super cozy (love that fireplace in the winter) and it has pool tables.
Try Glow in the Dark Watersports
Watersports may or may not be your thing, but the fact that these are glow in the dark just makes it even better.
This might sound cheesy, but the best way I can describe this experience is, well…fun!
Included in your rental from Illuminated Escapes are bluetooth speakers, so you can hear your birthday tunes as you paddle around in search of the Toronto skyline.
It’s also super reasonably priced in my opinion, and I’d recommend going for the sunset slot if you can – everyone knows the view from the water is the best.
Practical information: Available seasonally; advance booking is essential. Check the website for schedules and pricing. Suitable for all ages, with safety equipment provided.
Head Out to The Toronto Islands
Spending your birthday by yourself this year? Or are you looking for low-key birthday ideas in Toronto you can do? Head out to the Islands.
If you’re a parent, super busy person or spending your birthday by yourself, I really recommend taking some time out to get out and explore nature or somewhere new for a bit, and in my opinion, the Islands are the best place to do that (in the summertime, at least).
There’s tons of stuff to do here: bring a bike and explore on wheels, take a picnic, relax on the beach, walk around, take pictures of the skyline…and it’s also budget-friendly, which is a bonus!
Practical information: Accessible by ferry, with regular departures. Ferry tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal. Check the weather and ferry schedules before heading out.
Have a Birthday Banquet 1300s Style
Step back in time and celebrate your birthday with a feast fit for a king (or any royal, really!) at Medieval Times!
Nothing says “celebrate” quite like a medieval party…and if you don’t believe me, take a look at the tabs palaces used to rack up back in the day.
If a thrilling live show featuring jousting, sword fighting, and horsemanship while dining on a hearty, four-course meal sounds like your idea of a good time, then this is for you.
Practical information: Shows are scheduled regularly; booking in advance is recommended. Ticket prices vary and include dinner and the show. Special birthday packages may be available for added festivities.
Have a Birthday Battle at Battle Axe
Unleash your inner warrior with an axe-throwing session at Battle Axe!
Perfect for an adventurous birthday celebration, this activity combines skill, competition, and a whole lot of fun.
You don’t need to be a seasoned thrower to enjoy this activity - complete beginner or axe-wielding ace, the experienced coaches will guide you through the basics and help you perfect your technique.
With friendly competitions and a lively atmosphere, it's a unique way to mark the occasion - and let out any frustrations you might want to get rid of.
Practical information: Open daily; booking in advance is recommended, especially for groups. Sessions are typically one to two hours, with all necessary equipment provided. Check the Battle Axe website for pricing and age restrictions.
Find More Things to Do in Toronto with CityDays
So there you have it! 15+ birthday ideas in Toronto to try next time you’re stuck for ideas.
Remember that no matter what you decide to do on your morning, afternoon or evening out with your friends, family or coworkers, there’s nothing like teamwork to make the dream work.
That’s why we at CityDays create fun, interesting and challenging trails around the world to help you immerse yourself in a city’s culture, history and curios.
Want to find out more?
Check out all our available activities in Toronto here and embark on an adventure in the city you’ll never forget: CityDays awaits!