Top Family-Friendly Attractions

Toronto offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions that promise fun and educational experiences for children of all ages. Here are some top picks to consider when planning your visit.

iArtS Museum

For a unique and fun experience, iArtS Museum is perfect for kids and adults to dive into an immersive world of illusion art! Experience larger-than-life 3D illusions, where visitors can interact with and be inspired by the interactive art. Capture hundreds of laughter-filled, funny photos during your adventure for lasting memories. Fun for all ages! Located in the heart of downtown Toronto!

CN Tower

The CN Tower, an iconic symbol of Toronto’s skyline, provides a thrilling experience for families. Since its renovation in 2018, the tower now features floor-to-ceiling Window Walls, allowing even the smallest visitors to enjoy panoramic views without needing to be lifted. The new Glass Floor installed above the original one offers a unique perspective and is strong enough to support the weight of 35 moose, providing a safe and exciting experience for children to explore.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is not just Canada’s largest museum but also a playground of learning and discovery for young minds. With exhibits specifically designed for families, the ROM offers a reimagined play-based learning space called WonderWorks. Here, children aged 3 to 8 can engage in interactive activities that stimulate curiosity and learning through play. The space is open to all, and entry is managed on a first-come, first-served basis, especially on busy days when the gallery reaches capacity.

Ontario Science Centre

A hub of interactive learning, the Ontario Science Centre is perfect for children eager to explore science in a hands-on environment. The centre features a variety of exhibits, including the Weston Family Innovation Centre, which encourages innovation and experimentation across various scientific fields. Young visitors can particularly enjoy the KidSpark zone, where they can engage in activities like building their own roller coaster or experimenting with water flow in the Water Play Area. The centre is designed to foster open-ended play, allowing children to explore their natural curiosity and creativity.

Each of these attractions offers unique educational experiences that are both fun and inspiring, making them perfect stops for a family outing in Toronto.

Experience Nature and Wildlife

Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo is renowned as Canada’s largest zoo, housing over 5,000 animals across 450 species. It offers a variety of engaging activities, including the Kids Zoo where children can interact with friendly animals like goats and alpacas, and Splash Island, a water play area perfect for summer fun. For those interested in a unique overnight experience, the zoo’s Bush Camp provides an adventurous stay under the stars in African tents.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, located in downtown Toronto, captivates families with its extensive collection of marine life, featuring over 20,000 aquatic animals. The aquarium is designed to be fully accessible, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the underwater exhibits and interactive activities, such as touching a stingray or watching a dive show. It’s an educational and fun destination that emphasizes marine conservation and offers a mesmerizing experience with its long underwater viewing tunnel.

High Park

High Park invites visitors to explore its extensive natural areas and recreational facilities. One-third of the park remains untouched and is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts all year round. Families can visit the High Park Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals and is open daily from dawn until dusk. For those seeking a more active experience, the park’s nature trails and Grenadier Pond, which offers seasonal fishing and skating, provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Amusement Parks and Activities

Toronto offers a variety of amusement parks that cater to families with children, providing thrilling rides, interactive experiences, and educational opportunities. Here are some highlights from three popular amusement parks in the city:

Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is a must-visit for families, offering a wide array of attractions for all ages. The park features numerous rides, ranging from thrilling roller coasters for the adventurous to gentle options for younger children. Seasonal events and live entertainment add to the excitement, making it a dynamic destination throughout the year.

Centreville Amusement Park

Centreville Amusement Park, located on Toronto’s picturesque Centre Island, offers a nostalgic charm with classic rides and attractions. This park is particularly suited for children aged 2 to 10, with rides like the antique carousel and the log flume providing gentle fun. The park is accessible by ferry, adding an element of adventure to the journey. Families can bring their own food, making it a budget-friendly option. Centreville is open from May through September, with the adjoining Far Enough Farm offering year-round enjoyment.

Legoland Discovery Centre

Legoland Discovery Centre provides an immersive LEGO experience with over 12 attractions and rides built from millions of LEGO bricks. Children can enjoy interactive activities such as building with a Master Model Builder, riding Merlin’s Apprentice, and exploring MINILAND. The centre ensures a safe visit by limiting the number of guests, making it necessary to book tickets in advance, especially during peak times like holidays and school breaks.

These amusement parks not only offer fun and excitement but also foster learning and creativity, making them ideal destinations for family outings in Toronto.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Casa Loma

Casa Loma, a Gothic Revival style mansion, stands as a historic house museum in midtown Toronto. Constructed between 1911 and 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt, it now serves as a landmark that offers various kid-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the mansion with a multimedia audio guide, which includes enhanced visual descriptions and video content to accommodate guests with special needs. The estate also hosts numerous events and has been a popular location for film and television shoots.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Black Creek Pioneer Village offers a dive into 19th-century rural Ontario life with over 40 historical buildings and exhibits. This open-air museum features heritage buildings, gardens, and a chance to interact with farm animals. Visitors can explore the village at their own pace, and discovery stations throughout the site provide educational opportunities included in the general admission. The village is particularly vibrant during its 65th season, offering events like “Changing The Narrative” and activities to help care for the village’s animals.

Hockey Hall of Fame

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame offers an immersive experience into the history of ice hockey. The venue includes the historic Esso Great Hall, which features a stained-glass dome and houses major NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup. The Concourse Level provides a versatile event space with interactive exhibits and a replica Montreal Canadiens dressing room. Visitors can also enjoy a “behind the scenes” guided tour of the extensive artifact and archival collections.

Day Trips and Short Excursions

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls offers a spectacular day trip for families, located just 130 km from Toronto. Families can enjoy the convenience of private tours, which include pick-ups from accommodations in the Greater Toronto Area and the flexibility to explore kid-friendly attractions such as the Bird Kingdom and Butterfly Conservatory. Not only do these tours provide an intimate family experience, but they also allow for personalization, like skipping winery visits in favor of more child-appropriate activities.

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm

Chudleigh’s Farm, established in 1967 in Milton, Ontario, has evolved from a simple apple-picking spot to a full-day family adventure. The farm offers a variety of activities, including scenic tractor wagon rides, a nature trail with swing ropes, and interactive play areas featuring slides and lookout towers. Families can also learn about farm life through interactions with animals such as goats, chickens, and alpacas. The farm operates on a timed entry system to ensure a pleasant visit for all guests.

African Lion Safari

Located in Hamilton, Ontario, African Lion Safari is a drive-through wildlife park committed to the conservation of wildlife species. It offers an array of activities suitable for all ages, including the Safari Venture and Toddlers’ Playground. Though the playground is not monitored, it allows children to “monkey around” in a safe environment. For families with older children, the Wake Up the Wild Adventure provides an even more thrilling experience, although it requires children to be at least 8 years old.

Conclusion

Exploring Toronto with children unveils a rich tapestry of activities that span educational experiences at iArtS Museum and at the Ontario Science Centre, thrilling adventures atop the CN Tower, and interactive fun at Ripley’s Aquarium, to name a few highlights. These destinations, each fostering learning, imagination, and excitement, are quintessential stops that promise families not just a day out but a treasure trove of memories and discoveries. This guide encapsulates the essence of Toronto as a playground for the young and the young at heart, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s best family-friendly pursuits.

As this exploration comes to a close, remember that Toronto’s charm lies not just in its vast array of activities but in the moments and connections they foster. Whether it’s witnessing the awe in your child’s eyes at the sight of underwater marvels, sharing the thrill of a first roller coaster ride, or unraveling the mysteries of history together, Toronto stands as a beacon for families seeking both adventure and learning. Encourage further exploration, foster a willingness to dive deeper into its cultural tapestry, and let Toronto’s myriad offerings inspire a lifelong love for discovery in the young minds you’re guiding.

FAQs

1. What are some entertaining activities for children in Toronto?

In Toronto, there are numerous fun activities to do with kids. Some of the top attractions include iArtS Museum, the CN Tower, Toronto Island Park, St. Lawrence Market, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Distillery Historic District, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

2. Is Toronto a suitable place for children?

Absolutely! Toronto offers a plethora of kid-friendly options such as museums, galleries, amusement parks, and farms. Notable places for families include iArtS Museum, the CN Tower, the interactive exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum, and Canada’s largest aquarium.

3. What are some activities to do in Toronto today?

Today in Toronto, you can explore iArtS Museum, Kensington Market, Chinatown, and the Art Gallery of Ontario on a self-guided tour. Other activities include the Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour, an exhilarating 120km aerial tour of Toronto with iflyTOTO, the Original Haunted Walk of Toronto Ghost Tour, and a 1-hour Toronto Harbour Tour with live narration.

4. How can I have fun with my kids without spending a lot?

There are numerous ways to enjoy time with your kids on a budget. Consider having a reading marathon, writing stories together, playing soccer, painting or drawing, building a fort with blankets or cardboard boxes, going on a hike, having a sunset picnic at a park or beach, or playing board games.