The best Toronto PA day camp is one your child can join and you can reach before pickup. A great programme that ends two hours before work does not solve the problem.
Our first paid pick is University Settlement for downtown families. Its published day fee is $58 for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus a required annual membership. Toronto Premier Gymnastics is our strongest alternative for longer care, with paid options from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Start with your usual childcare provider and CampTO before paying private camp prices. For outdoor learning, choose High Park Nature Centre. For free programming, watch MLSE LaunchPad's registration window.
The big catch is the calendar. The next shared TDSB and TCDSB elementary PA day after Labour Day is Friday, November 20, 2026. An October camp listing does not mean your child's Toronto school is closed.
We checked these details on September 5, 2026. A published camp date is not proof that spaces remain. Some options below need a direct enquiry or have not opened registration yet.
The school dates to put in your calendar
For most elementary pupils, the TDSB calendar and TCDSB calendar list these PA days for 2026–27:
| Date | What parents need to know |
|---|---|
| September 2 and 3, 2026 | These have already passed. |
| November 20, 2026 | The next shared elementary PA day after school starts. |
| January 15, 2027 | Elementary PA day. |
| February 12, 2027 | Elementary PA day. |
| June 4, 2027 | Elementary PA day. |
| June 30, 2027 | Elementary PA day at the end of the school year. |
School starts on September 8. Thanksgiving is October 12. Winter break runs from December 21 to January 1, with classes back on January 4. March break is March 15 to 19.
Check your child's own school calendar before buying. Secondary schools, French-language boards, private schools and schools outside Toronto can have different dates. Some providers sell camps for several boards on the same website.
Do not buy an October 9 camp just because a search result calls it a “Toronto PA day.” That is not a general TDSB elementary PA day in 2026.
Our quick picks and honest ratings
These are editorial ratings for practical fit, based on published fees, hours and rules. They are not inspection scores, parent review averages or claims that we tested the camps.
Strong pick means the published offer clearly solves the named need. Conditional pick means a specific limit matters. Enquire first means an important date, price or care detail is still missing.
| Need | Our pick | Rating | Main catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower published paid fee downtown | University Settlement | Strong pick | Required membership adds to the first booking. |
| Care until 6 p.m. with a clear fee | Toronto Premier Gymnastics | Strong pick | Both care add-ons bring the listed cost to $85. |
| A day outdoors | High Park Nature Centre | Strong pick | Group readiness rules and a later morning start. |
| North York LEGO fan | Brick Labs | Conditional pick | $125 listed; pickup ends at 5 p.m. |
| Scarborough child with support needs | Variety Village | Enquire first | Intake and support capacity must be confirmed. |
| Free option downtown | MLSE LaunchPad | Conditional pick | Booking opens close to the PA day. |
| Art with flexible parent hours | Freehand | Conditional pick | A 3:30 p.m. finish leaves a large workday gap. |
| Meals and an 8 a.m. start in the east end | Beaches Sandbox | Conditional pick | $125 plus HST is a high day price. |
For basic care, we would not pay a premium just for an impressive activity name. A child who likes drawing does not automatically need a specialist art camp. Start with their comfort, the journey and your actual pickup time.
1. Your usual before-and-after-school provider: make this the first call
If your child already uses school-based care, ask whether the provider covers that PA day. Familiar adults and a familiar building can be more useful than a new activity.
The YMCA's current parent handbook describes full-day PA programming. Its standard care hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with local differences. That does not mean every site takes children for one day or includes the day in every family's bill.
Pro: This can be the least disruptive choice for a child who takes time to settle.
Con: Existing enrolment, site capacity and separate fees can limit access.
Ask for the exact date, daily fee, opening hours and whether your child already has a place. Ask separately about snow days. A scheduled PA day and an emergency school closure are different problems.
Our decision: Check this before searching across the city. Do not pay another provider until you know what your existing care includes.
2. CampTO: check the City before private camps
CampTO includes PA day programmes. The City's age bands include four and five, six to 12, and 13 to 16. Not every age group runs at every location or on every date.
Search the City's registration system for the date and your child's age. Then compare the location, actual fee and extended care listing. Do not use a summer camp price as a PA day quote.
Pro: It is the best first search for a nearby public programme and possible financial help.
Con: A listing across town is not useful if the commute makes pickup impossible. Younger children have fewer suitable choices. The City does not allow age overrides for children under six.
Use the City's free programmes and subsidies information to check help with fees. Read the programme's own care hours before paying.
Our decision: Search local CampTO places first. Keep a second choice ready instead of waiting for one popular listing to reopen.
3. University Settlement: our paid value pick downtown
Where: 23 Grange Road. Ages: four to 12. Confirmed upcoming date: November 20, 2026.
University Settlement lists $58 for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before care starts at 8:10 a.m. for $10. Care until 6 p.m. costs another $10. Both add-ons make $78, before the required annual agency membership.
The programme mixes active games, crafts and swimming, with activities subject to change. Children normally need to use the toilet independently. Discuss exceptions before enrolling.
Pro: A useful care window at a lower published fee than most specialist options here.
Con: It is not a $58 all-in first booking. Membership and late pickup charges matter. There is no same-day registration.
Income-based assistance has limited funding. Ask before paying. Read the refund terms carefully: a non-refundable deposit affects the amount returned.
Our decision: Start here if Grange Road fits your commute. Confirm the membership cost and your full basket total.
4. Toronto Premier Gymnastics: a strong choice for care until 6 p.m.
Where: 115 Simpson Avenue in Riverdale, or 1210 Birchmount Road, Unit 4, in Scarborough. Ages: four to 14, toilet trained.
The PA day page lists November 20, January 15, February 12 and June 4. The full day is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $60. A half day is $40.
Before care from 8 to 9 a.m. adds $10. After care from 4 to 6 p.m. adds $15. That is $85 for the listed day and both extensions. Gymnastics Ontario registration is included. Check the final payment screen for the full amount due.
Pro: The extra hours and their prices are easy to understand. Two branches give east-end families a useful choice.
Con: The cheapest headline price does not cover a long workday. A busy gym will not suit every child.
Our decision: Choose it for an active child and a late pickup. Select the correct branch before you pay.
5. MLSE LaunchPad: the free option to watch
Where: 259 Jarvis Street. Membership: ages six to 29, with programmes split by age.
MLSE LaunchPad says membership and programmes are free. Its PA day registration normally opens about a week and a half before the date.
Set up the correct parent and child accounts early. Then check the specific PA listing for age, hours and space. General membership does not reserve a camp place. The building's opening hours are not the programme's care hours.
Pro: This is a valuable budget option for a child who enjoys active programmes.
Con: The short booking window makes it a poor sole plan if you must arrange work cover months ahead. There is no on-site parking.
Our decision: Watch it and prepare your account. Keep other care in place until you receive an actual programme confirmation.
6. Total Baseball Training Centre: for a child who wants baseball
Where: 1550 Birchmount Road, Unit 128, Scarborough. Use the Birchmount Road entrance, not Canadian Road.
Total Baseball's camp page lists a November 20, 2026 PA day. The full day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at $80. The listed half-day fee is $45.
This is a specialist indoor training choice. Ask which ages and skill levels are in the PA group, what equipment to bring and whether a complete beginner will feel comfortable. Those answers matter more than a general promise of skill building.
Pro: It gives a baseball fan a clear reason to be excited about the day.
Con: A full day centred on one sport can feel long for a child who is only mildly interested. Do not assume care before 9 or after 4 is included.
Our decision: Choose it for genuine baseball interest. For general active play, start with a broader camp.
7. Variety Village: start here to discuss support needs
Where: 3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough. Confirmed fall date: November 20, 2026.
Variety Village does not require a membership for camp. Members receive booking advantages. The PA day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with general drop-off from 8 to 9 and pickup from 4 to 5.
The crucial detail is that one-to-one support is available only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Intake approval, support availability and the full fee must be confirmed. A waitlist entry is not an approved place.
Pro: It has an explicit process for discussing individual support.
Con: Extended hours do not automatically extend that support. The website's 2026–27 list also contains incorrect year labels for some winter dates. Ask for a corrected booking confirmation.
Our decision: Make this an early enquiry when your child needs extra help. Do not build your work schedule around unapproved support or a general drop-off window.
8. High Park Nature Centre: our outdoor pick
Where: November 20 is at the Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive. Ages: four to five, six to eight, and nine to 12.
High Park Nature Centre lists November 20, January 15, February 12 and June 4. The main day starts at 9 a.m., with pickup from 3:45 to 4 p.m.
Published fee choices start at $100 for the youngest group and $96 for older groups. Higher fee tiers support the programme. Extended care from 8:30 a.m. and until 5 p.m. is listed at $16 per day. The Happy Camper Fund offers help with costs.
Pro: Outdoor play gives children a proper change from a school day.
Con: Children need to manage the group setting and toileting. One-to-one support is not provided. This is not an 8 a.m. childcare solution.
Our decision: Choose it for a child who enjoys being outside. Check the camp building for each date, since later camps can use a different centre location.
9. Art Works Art School: a strong creative choice with a strict cancellation rule
Where: 327 Jane Street. Age groups: four to six, seven to nine, and 10 to 13.
Art Works lists November 20 and 27, January 15, February 12 and June 4. Match the date to your school board.
The fee is $88.99 plus tax. Drop-off starts at 8:30 a.m. Activities run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aftercare from 4 to 5 p.m. costs $18.99 plus tax. Ask how the 3:30 to 4 p.m. handover works.
Pro: Age groups let older children avoid a programme designed mainly for kindergarten pupils.
Con: The school says it cannot offer a refund or credit unless a waitlisted child fills the space. That is a real risk if your plans change.
Bring lunch and snacks. Expect outdoor time when weather allows.
Our decision: Book when the date is firm and your child wants a day of art. Do not buy it as a flexible backup.
10. Freehand School of Art: better for flexible work hours
Where: 3315 Yonge Street. Ages: JK to Grade 6.
Freehand lists November 20, January 15, February 12 and June 4, with registration described as opening soon when checked.
The full day is 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $115 plus HST, or $129.95. Half days cost $62 plus HST. Materials are included. A minimum of six children is needed for a camp to run.
Pro: This is a focused art option for a child who likes making things.
Con: The full day covers only six hours. That leaves a large gap for most office commutes. A minimum-enrolment cancellation can also upset your care plan.
Our decision: Choose it when an adult can handle the shorter day. For a normal 9-to-5 work schedule, it is poor value unless you already have the missing hours covered.
11. MakerKids Bloor West: for coding, building and robotics
Where: 2451 Bloor Street West. Groups: Grades 1–2 and Grades 3–8.
MakerKids lists November 20 and other 2026–27 dates, including dates for schools with different calendars. Its PA day enrolment links show $125.
The main day runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Before care from 8 a.m. and aftercare until 5 p.m. are separate bookings. Check their current prices and your chosen date at checkout.
November 20 includes a circuits theme, with robotics and 3D printing listed for the older group. Screen breaks and outdoor time are part of the stated plan.
Pro: A good fit for a child who wants to make things with computers and electronics.
Con: It is expensive for basic care. It also includes screen use, so it will not suit a family seeking a completely screen-free day.
Our decision: Pay the premium for real interest in the projects. Double-check the date attached to the enrolment link.
12. Evoke Martial Arts: enquire first in Leaside
Where: 1669 Bayview Avenue, Suite 200. Ages: five to 12.
Evoke's PA day page describes a 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. programme, with drop-off from 8:45 and pickup until 5. It says non-members can join.
The page had been updated in August 2026, but its upcoming dates and price were not fully posted when checked. It also gives mixed lunch instructions: one section mentions pizza, while another tells families to bring lunch.
Pro: It is a useful local lead for an active child who likes games and martial arts.
Con: Missing dates, prices and clear food instructions make it impossible to compare a complete booking today.
Our decision: Ask for the November 20 offer in writing. Confirm food, tax, care hours and the second-floor access your child needs. Treat it as an enquiry until those answers arrive.
13. Boulderz: for children who want to climb
Where: 80 The East Mall, Unit 9, Etobicoke, and 1444 Dupont Street, Unit 16, in the Junction Triangle. PA day ages: six to 12.
Boulderz lists November 20 and February 12 PA days. The PA offer mentions a pizza lunch.
Open the booking for your chosen gym to confirm the daily fee, start and finish times, equipment and any extra care. Do not carry over the summer camp's hours or rental charges without checking. Several camp types share the page.
Pro: Climbing offers a clear change from classroom work and ordinary gym games.
Con: A child who dislikes heights, close-fitting rental shoes or noisy indoor spaces may not enjoy it. Booking details still need to be checked by branch.
Our decision: Choose it when your child wants to climb. Ask how beginners are introduced and supervised before booking a whole day.
14. Lake St. George: a northern option with lunch included
Where: 950 Bethesda Side Road, Richmond Hill. This is outside Toronto. Ages: five to 12.
TRCA's Lake St. George camp lists October 26, November 20, January 15 and June 4. Registration was described as coming soon when checked.
The day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $75, including lunch. The listed extended-care option adds $20 for coverage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. That makes $95 with the extension.
Pro: The food and outdoor setting make the published price easier to compare.
Con: The drive is a serious drawback for central Toronto families. The refund policy is strict, with no refund inside 30 days.
Our decision: Consider it if home or work is already north of the city. A cheaper camp does not save much if it adds a long round trip twice a day.
15. Beaches Sandbox: long hours and lunch, at a premium
Where: 2181 Queen Street East. Ages: five to 10.
Beaches Sandbox lists November 20, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The price is $125 plus HST, or $141.25. A Subway lunch is included.
The programme combines creative activities, games and cooking. Check food requirements and allergies with the organizer before paying.
Pro: The 8 a.m. start and included lunch make the day simpler for nearby working parents.
Con: This costs much more than the lower-priced options in this guide. A 5 p.m. pickup can still be tight if your workday ends at 5.
Our decision: Choose it when the Queen Street location saves you a difficult commute. We would not cross the city for it just to avoid packing lunch.
16. Jardin Infantil Academy: cooking and outdoor time near High Park
Listed address: 1691 Bloor Street West. Ages: four to 12. Confirm the day's actual meeting point and indoor backup location.
Jardin's homepage shows a 2026–27 TDSB camp calendar. Its detailed PA page still includes the previous school year, so ask for the current fee and hours before booking.
The stated camp format includes cooking, outdoor activities, lunch and two snacks. The general schedule is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with paid extensions. The older page's starting price of $105 is not a verified November quote.
Pro: Cooking gives children a useful hands-on activity, and provided food reduces packing.
Con: The mixed page dates make a fresh confirmation essential. A calmer activity option does not by itself confirm one-to-one care.
Our decision: Ask for the November 20 plan, total price, meeting point and food arrangements together. Book only once they fit your child.
17. Power Soccer: choose the camp venue, not the office
Current listed camp venue: Toronto City Sports Centre, 32 Curity Avenue. Check the venue on the individual booking.
Power Soccer's PA day search lists November 20, January 15 and February 12. Groups include ages four to five, six to seven, and eight to 15.
The listed full-day price is $80 plus HST. Morning and afternoon options are $50 and $45 plus HST. The full day covers 6.5 hours, with the page describing care extensions around a 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. day. Confirm the extension price because the care wording also refers to weekly fees.
Pro: Age groups and half days give soccer fans useful choices.
Con: The main day is short for working parents. The company's office address is not your drop-off point.
Our decision: Book for a child who wants soccer. Put the camp venue from your confirmation in your map app.
18. BGC Dovercourt Club: ask about local care with an early start
Where: 180 Westmoreland Avenue.
BGC Dovercourt's registration page describes PA day care from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. It asks families to contact the club for the price.
The page mixes current information with older programme details. Confirm the 2026–27 date, age group, membership requirement and fee directly. Do not treat the displayed general membership price as the cost of a PA day.
Pro: The advertised hours are much closer to a full working parent's day than many specialist camps.
Con: The public page does not provide a complete current booking quote. Nearby club branches can offer different programmes.
Our decision: Make this an early local enquiry if Westmoreland fits your route. Ask about help with fees, but do not assume approval or a free place.
19. Mischief Makers: a creative option for older children
Where: 247 Coxwell Avenue. Ages: eight and up.
Mischief Makers lists November 20, January 15, February 12 and June 4 for 2026–27. Registration was described as coming soon when checked.
The camp day is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Optional late care runs until 6. Ask for the PA day price. The weekly summer fee on the same page is not a daily quote.
Pro: This is a better age fit for an older child who finds young-child camps dull. Making and choosing projects can offer more freedom than a tightly scheduled sports day.
Con: The afternoon includes open creative time and can include movies. Do not expect every hour to be a taught workshop.
Our decision: Shortlist it for an independent child who likes making things. Check the project, support level and late-care fee before booking.
20. Brick Labs North York: LEGO with a useful care window
Where: 41 Scarsdale Road, Unit 12. Ages: five to 13.
Brick Labs lists $125 for a single day, with a November 20 Pokémon building theme. The camp window is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday camps include pizza lunch. Indoor building alternates with outdoor activity.
The calendar also serves other boards and independent schools. Check your date and choose North York in the booking system. The provider also has a separate East York booking.
Pro: This is a useful North York choice for a LEGO fan, with a longer day than several specialist camps.
Con: It is a premium day fee. A 5 p.m. finish still leaves no room for a long commute after a 5 p.m. work finish. Confirm the final total and food needs.
Our decision: Choose it for both the location and the activity. Do not pay the premium if your child mainly needs general play and care.
Twenty booking checks that prevent expensive mistakes
A camp can look perfect online and still fail on one small detail. Use this list before payment. Most of it takes only a few minutes.
- Match the school date. Use your child's school calendar, not a camp's broad list of board dates.
- Check the year. January after November 2026 is January 2027. Mixed-year pages need a direct answer.
- Use your child's age on camp day. A birthday next month may not meet the rule today.
- Check grade rules too. “Ages five to 13” in a site's menu may cover several programmes. The camp itself may start at Grade 1.
- Write down the earliest drop-off. Opening the building does not mean staff have accepted your child into care.
- Work backwards from pickup. Add your trip from work and a delay buffer. A 5 p.m. finish is not enough if you leave work at 5.
- Book care add-ons separately. A note saying extended care is available does not add it to your registration.
- Ask about late pickup charges. These can make a small saving disappear quickly.
- Compare the full price. Include tax, membership, equipment, meals, extended care and travel.
- Check food in writing. “Pizza included” may apply to summer Fridays rather than the PA camp you chose.
- Explain allergies early. Ask about ingredients, food brought by others and the camp's emergency plan.
- Discuss toileting needs. Do not assume a kindergarten age range includes hands-on toilet help.
- Describe the support your child actually needs. Explain communication, transitions, mobility, breaks and any one-to-one help. A label alone gives staff too little information.
- Confirm support hours. A camp's early care may not include the same staff or support as the main day.
- Ask about group size and age mix. An eight-year-old can have a very different day with younger children than with peers.
- Read the cancellation terms before paying. Look for deposits, account credits, transfer fees and minimum-enrolment cancellations.
- Check the meeting point. Use the branch, unit and entrance on the booking confirmation. An office address can be different.
- Finish pickup permissions. Add every approved adult and ask which ID they need. Do not rely on an informal message to another parent.
- Keep the actual confirmation. A cart, enquiry, payment attempt or waitlist message is not the same as a confirmed place.
- Build a backup that an adult can carry out. A library visit is only a plan if someone can go with the child when supervision is required.
Pack for the programme, not just the weather
Label a water bottle, lunch bag and clothing. Bring indoor shoes if requested. For outdoor camps, pack layers and spare socks. For art, send clothes that can get messy. For swimming, follow the provider's own swim and change-room instructions.
Ask what equipment is supplied before buying new gear for one day. A specialist camp should tell you what is essential and what can be borrowed.
A simple full-cost comparison
Write one line for each finalist:
Camp fee + tax + required membership + care add-ons + equipment + transport = the amount to compare.
Then write the time you must leave home and the time you must leave work. A slightly dearer camp near your office can be the better buy. A bargain an hour away can cost you the working time you were trying to protect.
Do not book two non-refundable camps while you decide. Read the cancellation terms first. If you are waiting for a lower-cost place, ask the backup provider when its refund window ends.
Other leads worth checking, with their limits
Scarborough Gym Elites describes PA day camps following the TDSB calendar, with early and late care. Its official camp page is useful, but the complete current price and available dates were not independently confirmed in its booking system during this check. Ask before counting it as secured care.
Toronto Gymnastics International has separate PA camp registration and age categories. The public booking page did not expose a usable current camp list during our final check. We have not carried forward an older fee as a verified November price.
TheraBounce in North York lists a 2026 PA and holiday camp at $170 per day, with support for varied needs. Ask which upcoming dates are offered, the hours and the staffing plan for your child. This is a specialist enquiry, not a claim that November 20 has space.
Toronto Kidz, Scarborough Music Theatre and ROM also appeared in PA day searches. The specific offers we could confirm were for dates that had already passed. They remain useful places to check for a new announcement. An old “book now” page is not enough.
When you have an adult free for the day
An outing can cost less than camp, but it does not provide workday care. Our rainy-day Toronto guide can help with an indoor plan. For a lower-cost cultural outing, read how Toronto library attraction passes work. Our cheap Toronto book guide is useful for a quiet day together.
Keep the plan realistic. Working from home is still working. A child who needs active supervision will not be safely occupied for eight hours by a list of activities.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Toronto elementary PA day after Labour Day 2026?
For most TDSB and TCDSB elementary pupils, it is Friday, November 20, 2026. Check your own school calendar before booking, especially for French-language, private and secondary schools. Camp providers can list dates for several boards.
What is the cheapest PA day camp in Toronto?
There is no honest city-wide winner without checking the child's age, location and available spaces. Start with existing childcare, CampTO and free MLSE LaunchPad programming. University Settlement has a low published paid day fee among the options compared here, but required membership and extra care affect the total.
Can a four-year-old go to a PA day camp?
Some programmes accept four-year-olds, including age-specific options in this guide. Age, grade, toilet independence and group readiness are separate rules. Confirm each one before booking, especially if your child has just started kindergarten.
Are PA day camps open until 6 p.m.?
Some offer care until 6 p.m., usually as a separate paid option. Others end at 3:30, 4 or 5. Check the individual booking and make sure any extra support your child needs also covers those extended hours.
Does a PA day camp fee include lunch?
Some do, while others require lunch and snacks from home. Read the offer for that exact date, because a site's summer-camp meal promise may not apply to PA days. Confirm allergies and any substitute meal before payment.
Does a waitlist mean my child has a camp place?
No. A waitlist means you are waiting for an opening or an approval. Keep your existing care plan until the provider sends a clear confirmation for the correct child, date, location and hours.
Are library programmes a substitute for PA day childcare?
Do not assume they are. A public activity and a supervised drop-off camp are different services. Check the programme's age and adult-supervision rules, then make sure a named adult can cover every part of the day.
How should I choose between two camps my child likes?
Start with the care hours and support needs, then compare the full cost and journey. Ask your child which activity they actually want. If both work equally well, choose the one with the easier pickup and clearer cancellation rules.
Choose two realistic options now. Confirm the calendar and full cost, then book the one that covers the day you actually need.