Create ‘unforgettable memories’ at Children’s Festival

Mark your calendars! The Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 12 and features everything from live entertainment to activities like mini putt.

“The Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival is an annual tradition filled with fun, excitement and the chance to create unforgettable family memories,” says Mayor of Markham Frank Scarpitti. “It’s an opportunity for families to connect, and for kids to enjoy themselves and celebrate all that makes Markham a vibrant and welcoming community.”

Presented by Tim Hortons, the Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. outside of the Aaniin Community Centre at 5665 14th Ave. and is one of the largest annual children’s festivals in Ontario.

Enjoy live entertainment on the Main Stage throughout the day, including an interactive deejay, educational animal show, mad science show, magic show, Miss Maia Bubble Show, Chinese Collective Arts Association, circus drummer, and Global Dance Party with Chris McKhool. The welcome ceremony takes place at 1 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Discover activities and interactive experiences such as inflatables, sensory tables, STEM activities and mini putt. Meet the City of Markham’s mascot, Mille the Butterfly. A variety of vendors will be offering food and beverages for purchase.

In addition to the free activities and experiences, Play-All-Day passes are now available for purchase for unlimited access to giant inflatables, carnival games, the trackless train and more. The Play-All-Day pass is available online for $10 (+ HST). The price will increase to $15 (+ HST) on the day of the festival. Also available while supplies last is the Millie Doll and Play-All-Day Bundle, which includes a play-all-day wristband and a Millie plush toy. That bundle is $30 (+ HST) with an advance purchase online and $20 (+ HST) on the day of the festival.

Families are encouraged to review height restrictions that apply to select activities on the festival website or on signs that will be located at each attraction. Festival goers are reminded to take their reusable water bottle, as water refill stations will be available outside at the event site and inside Aaniin Community Centre.

There will be no public parking at Aaniin Community Centre on September 12, with the exception of designated accessible parking spots. Free parking will be available at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library at 7600 Kennedy Rd., where attendees can access a free shuttle service to the event site at Aaniin Community Centre (running every 30 minutes). Limited free parking will also be available at Middlefield Collegiate Institute at 525 Highglen Ave. Space will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Motorists should prepare for road closures and traffic disruptions during the festival on September 1, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. On 14th Avenue and Vanni Avenue, there will be one-way traffic only with vendor and resident access. On Vanni Avenue to Middlefield Road, there will be one-way traffic only with resident access. On Mumbai Drive and Middlefield Road, no left turns will be permitted.

For more information about the event, including the main stage schedule and details about activities, visit markham.ca/ChildrensFestival.

Photo from the 2025 Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival courtesy of the City of Markham.