If you’re thinking about taking a family break in Toronto, you’ll be in for a treat. This super-safe city has an abundance of exciting and kid-friendly activities on offer. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 10 best things to do in Toronto with kids. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, there is something for every curious kiddo. So, join us to discover the exhilarating world of family fun, Toronto-style!
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Top ten Toronto attractions that you can visit with tots
1. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Imagine a kaleidoscope of colourful fish, mesmerising jellyfish and majestic rays. That’s what awaits you at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada! This astonishing aquarium is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Toronto with kids.
Your kids will be happy as clams exploring Ripley’s tunnels, tanks and lagoons. The interactive exhibits will help your nippers discover the wonders of the underwater world. And the touch tanks will help them get up close and personal with marine life.
Timed tickets are available online. It’s a good idea to book outside of their peak hours (11:00 – 14:00 on weekdays and 11:00 – 16:00 at weekends) to avoid hordes of fellow fish fanatics!
2. CN Tower
From the deepest of oceans to the highest of heights, prepare for the ultimate adrenaline rush at Toronto’s truly iconic CN Tower. This architectural marvel is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. It offers not only extraordinary views of the city but also thrilling experiences for kids.
Kids will love stepping onto the Glass Floor, where you can see straight down to the ground below. If that’s not enough, venture even higher to the SkyPod observation level! Or teeter out onto the edge of the tower at the daring Edge Walk!
The CN Tower is conveniently located in downtown Toronto and couldn’t be easier to get to.It’s open all year round from 09:00 to 22:00. So there are no excuses for missing this sky-high structure (unless you’re scared of heights, that is)!
3. Hockey Hall of Fame
Other than the CN Tower, the most Canadian of Canadian things are probably maple syrup, poutine and ice hockey. And the Hockey Hall of Fame is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Toronto with kids. Particularly if your little ones are into this fast-paced, ice-cool game.
This museum pays homage to the history and culture of Canada’s national sport. Your sports-mad sprogs can learn about the game’s greatest heroes.
You’ll see NHL memorabilia like the original Stanley Cup, one of Ice Hockey’s most coveted awards. You can even try your hand at shooting a real puck and stick against a computer-simulated goaltender.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is open daily from 10:00 – 18:00 and you can get your tickets on their website.
4. Royal Ontario Museum
Prepare for a journey through time at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). This awe-inspiring institution is a treasure trove of world-renowned art and culture. And it’s all made accessible for kids. Kids can explore dinosaur fossils, marvel at ancient artifacts and play with the interactive exhibits.
We recommend taking a look at their website for special events and discounts. Check out the Free Main Floor event for kids with live performances and family activities. There are workshops on fun topics for kids of all ages. Think Korean art and culture or creating colourful chromatography butterflies!
Top tip! Save a few pennies and go on the third Tuesday of each month. The museum is FREE for all ages between 16:30 and 20:30.
5. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Now you’ve fostered your child’s inner scientist. Next, ignite their creativity at the Art Gallery of Ontario, affectionately known as AGO. Pint-sized painters can admire avant-garde contemporary art and European masterpieces. Introduce your mini-Monet to works of art from world-renowned artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol.
AGO also offers interactive exhibits and workshops specifically designed for young art enthusiasts. Their family-friendly offerings include art-making activities, tours and dance parties!
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the best things to do in Toronto with kids. It’s open every day except Monday. Its opening hours are:
- Wednesday 10:30 – 21:00
- Thursday 10:30 – 17:00
- Friday 10:30 – 21:00
- Saturday 10:30 – 17:00
- Sunday 10:30 – 17:00
Oh, and it’s free every Wednesday night! You just need to pre-book your ticket online.
6. Centreville Amusement Park
Next up is Centreville Amusement Park, one of 89 amusement parks in Canada. You can find Centreville on the Toronto Islands. Kids of all ages will delight in its diverse range of head-spinning, stomach-churning rides.
This children’s paradise has it all. Classics like the Ferris wheel. Bumper boats that’ll make a splash. There’s even a petting zoo!
Just hop on a ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Within minutes, you’ll be whisked away to a world of laughter and giggles.
7. Toronto’s waterfront
A short walk along the beautiful shore of Lake Ontario will bring you to Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. Your kiddos can enjoy outdoor performances and gather round for story time.
Admission to the Harbourfront Centre is mostly free, with some events requiring tickets. Find out what’s on at the Harbourfront Centre on their website.
And within easy walking distance (10 minutes), you’ll arrive at the Music Garden, a lush green oasis in downtown Toronto. Bring a picnic and relax in this urban lung. In the summer, there are free concerts here.
8. Casa Loma
Visiting Casa Loma is like stepping into a real-life fairytale. This majestic castle was built over 100 years ago as a residence for Sir Henry Pellatt. Now, it’s a fabulous museum.
Inside, you’ll find stunning rooms filled with gorgeous artwork and antique furniture. Don’t worry if that doesn’t sound too suitable for your brood. It’s not a typical “look but don’t touch” kind of place.
There are interactive exhibits and displays that will keep your lively little ones entertained as they learn. And they’re sure to love clambering through the secret passages and climbing up the grand staircase.
Outdoors, it gets even better. The castle grounds are like a magic wonderland. Let the kids run wild in the sprawling garden. There’s even a tower you can climb for breathtaking views. You’ll see the Toronto skyline, the gardens below, and maybe even a glimpse of a unicorn or two! Just kidding, no unicorns, unfortunately! But there IS a hidden unicorn carved high up on one of the towers – see if you can spot it!
Visitar la Casa Loma es como entrar en un cuento de hadas en la vida real. Este majestuoso castillo se construyó hace más de 100 años como residencia de Sir Henry Pellatt. Ahora es un fabuloso museo.
En su interior, encontrarás impresionantes salas repletas de magníficas obras de arte y muebles antiguos. No te preocupes si eso no te parece demasiado adecuado para tu prole. No es el típico lugar de “mira pero no toques”.
Hay exposiciones y muestras interactivas que mantendrán entretenidos a tus pequeños mientras aprenden. Y seguro que les encantará trepar por sus pasadizos secretos y subir por la gran escalera.
En el exterior, es aún mejor. Los terrenos del castillo son como un mágico país de las maravillas. Deja que los niños corran como locos por el extenso jardín. Incluso hay una torre a la que puedes subir para disfrutar de unas vistas impresionantes del horizonte de Toronto, de los jardines que hay debajo y, tal vez, ¡hasta vislumbrar un unicornio o dos! Es broma, desgraciadamente no hay unicornios, pero hay un unicornio escondido tallado en lo alto de una de las torres, ¡a ver si lo encuentras!
Casa Loma is open every day from 09:30 – 17:00.
9. St. Lawrence Market
Now, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Toronto with (or without!) kids is … eat! We recommend taking your fledgling foodies to St. Lawrence Market. This Toronto institution has been serving up fresh food and good vibes since the 19th century.
With over 100 vendors, there’s something for everyone (even the fussiest of eaters)! The more sophisticated can indulge in artisanal cheeses and freshly shucked oysters.
And, of course, there is a range of more child-oriented fare on offer. Think yummy pastries and authentic poutine (a traditional Canadian dish made mainly of chips and cheese!) No matter your palette, there’ll be something to get your taste buds doing a happy dance.
During the summer months, St. Lawrence Market offers special children’s events at Market Street for Kids. Bring your budding chefs along for magic acts, face painting and hula hoop shows served up alongside the best food around.
10. City Sightseeing Bus
And, last but certainly not least, hop on our very own City Sightseeing bus! If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore Toronto with your little explorers in tow, this is it.
Sitting up on our top deck is, in a nutshell, fun. It’s like a magical adventure on wheels, designed to keep both kids and adults entertained.
And here’s the cherry on top: you can hop off and on at our many stops! See the city’s top sights without having to worry about parking or navigating confusing streets. We’ll take you to all the fantastic attractions on this list and more. It’s a bit like having your own personal chauffeur!
Embrace your inner child, Toronto-style!
And there you have it! We’ve come to the end of our list of the 10 best things to do in Toronto with kids. Whether your little ones are animal lovers, thrill-seekers, or wannabe artists, Toronto has something to offer every young adventurer.
So, pack your sense of adventure, grab your camera and get ready to make unforgettable family memories in this delightful, child-friendly city!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Toronto is a playground for kids, quite literally! There are hundreds or parks in this green city. Some of the best in the city centre are Trinity Bellwoods Park and Queens’ Park. A bit further out are High Park, with playgrounds and even a mini zoo and Riverdale Farm, where your kids can meet real farm animals!
Toronto is packed with educational activities that will have your kids learning while having a blast. The Ontario Science Centre is a must-visit, with its interactive exhibits that make science fun and exciting. For history buffs, the Royal Ontario Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and dinosaur skeletons that will leave your kids wide-eyed in awe!
Age restrictions for attractions in Toronto can vary, but many attractions offer something for everyone. The Toronto Zoo, for example, has exhibits and activities that cater to all ages. Just be sure to check the specific attraction’s website beforehand to see if there are any age restrictions or guidelines to keep in mind.