YZD Play on the Runway Toronto | RollerSkating, INDYBike, Velomobiles & Family Fun at Downsview Airport

Experience YZD Play on the Runway at Toronto’s Former Downsview Airport

What happens when you close an airport runway to airplanes and open it to people instead?

We found out at YZD Play on the Runway, one of Toronto’s most unique annual community events. Held on the former Downsview Airport runway, this one-day celebration transforms an active piece of aviation history into an enormous playground where thousands of visitors walk, bike, skate, scoot, and roll down the runway.

Jeff and I joined the fun to experience everything this family-friendly event has to offer. We laced up our roller skates for the first time in years, watched Jeff test his hula hoop skills, climbed aboard the massive INDYBike - a 16-pedal, 8-rider 'bicycle' that requires teamwork to get moving, and explored some incredible transportation innovations.

Human-Powered Innovation Meets Family Adventure

One of the highlights of the day was seeing the University of Toronto Human Powered Vehicle Design Team’s incredible streamlined human-powered vehicle. Although it resembles a tiny airplane, it’s actually a high-performance velomobile, designed for speed and efficiency using only pedal power. Jeff even had the chance to take it for a ride!

Throughout the day, the runway was filled with families, cyclists, skaters, and curious visitors enjoying interactive exhibits, food vendors, live entertainment, and hands-on activities. Even Santa showed up on rollerblades. It was a wonderful reminder of how creatively public spaces can be reimagined once their original purpose comes to an end.

If you’re looking for one of the most unique free events in Toronto, YZD Play on the Runway deserves a spot on your calendar. Whether you’re visiting with kids, or you’re simply a kid at heart, this event offers a memorable day of fun, innovation, and community.