Are you looking for fun things to do in Toronto for families? For many reasons, Toronto is one of Canada's most popular family destinations.
Toronto's cultural diversity, aquarium, zoo, and museums scream "fun for all." One of the city's best features is how the public transit system connects you to everything you want to see, so you don't have to worry about parking when you explore. First, we'll discuss why Toronto is such a family-friendly vacation spot, then look at the best attractions for you to take the kids.
Why Toronto Is a Family-Friendly Destination
There are plenty of reasons why the largest city in Canada is a hot spot for family-friendly activities.You could catch a Blue Jays game, or even have a family picnic at one of Toronto's beautiful parks. Let's explore more reasons why Toronto is great for families.
Readily Available Public Transit
Public transit in Toronto is easy to navigate, and you can travel more than one way. For example, you can ride the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus system to all the city's major attractions. Also, many attractions are close to the TTC Subway station. If you plan to stay in downtown Toronto, you can get around on one of many streetcar routes. Downtown, you and your family can visit the city center district, where you can find access to food for on-the-go meals.
The ferry is a great way to travel to one of the three Toronto islands. You can take the ferry to Centre Island and visit the nostalgic Centerview Amusement Park. Always a hit with children, the ferry departs from the docks at Bay Street. Once you arrive, you can ride the Ferris wheel, take a spin on the carousel, and even hitch a pony ride.
Attractions That Both Children and Adults Will Love
For families with kids taking day trips to Toronto, there are attractions for everyone to enjoy. You can go up the CN Tower which can be thrilling for the whole family. For the thrill-seekers in the family, consider EdgeWalk!
If your group is made up of sports fans, taking a tour of the Hockey Hall of Fame can be educational and fun.
Lots of Delicious Food
The Toronto food scene is a melting pot of cuisines from all over the world. There are also plenty of kid-friendly restaurants to try. For example, you can go to Piano Piano, an Italian restaurant with a kid-friendly menu. Barque Smokehouse offers BBQ and more, with a children's menu and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Great Hotels and Places to Stay
Some hotels cater to families in Toronto. For example, you can stay at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto, which offers a family fun zone and a pool with a waterslide — not to mention a sauna and a hot tub for the parents to wind down.
The Hilton Toronto is in Downtown West and within walking distance of many museums, restaurants, and shops. They offer large family rooms with an indoor and outdoor pool for the kids to splash around.
Toronto's Wide Variety of Fun Activities for Families
There are many attractions in Toronto for families to enjoy. You don't always have to spend money, either. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities that Toronto has to offer. For example, you can visit the architectural marvel of Toronto City Hall.
Toronto Zoo
One of the best things to do in Toronto for families is to visit the zoo. The Toronto Zoo is home to many different animals from all over the world. You and your family can hop on the Zoomobile and tour the zoo by bus instead of walking. The Zoomobile is an excellent idea if you have kids in a stroller —it'll give you a much-needed chance to sit down. If visiting in the summer, there are several hands-on, kid-friendly activities, including a Gorilla Climb obstacle course with ropes and a 2-acre splash pad.
Casa Loma
What could be more fascinating than exploring an exquisite castle? Built at the dawn of the 20th century, this over-the-top mansion has been featured in many Hollywood films and television shows. You and your family can check out the lavish rooms, the Great Hall, the Conservation Room, and the Stables at the grand Casa Loma castle. You can even make your way through the underground tunnel that leads to the stables and try to find the hidden passages throughout the castle rooms.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum, or ROM, is a vast art and cultural museum with over six million pieces. Kids will love traveling back to the Age of Dinosaurs and checking out the collections of bones and fossils. Then you can explore the Age of Mammals gallery, which has over 400 different items spanning from the extinction of the dinosaurs to the existence of today's mammals. Of course, the exhibit also features some extinct animals, like the saber-toothed cat.
City Cruises Toronto
Enjoying City Cruises Toronto is one of the best fun family activities Toronto has to offer. First, you can see the breathtaking skyline of Toronto and enjoy a bite to eat with your family on the brunch, lunch, or sunset dinner cruises. Then, you can float down scenic Lake Ontario and have a sightseeing adventure.
Ontario Science Centre
You can take the family to the Ontario Science Centre for a fun-filled experience with the bonus of interactive learning. Both older and younger kids will find the extensive rainforest at the Living Earth exhibit exciting. The Space Hall features a planetarium where you can learn about space and meteorites. Before you leave, you'll want to check out the IMAX theater, an immersive cinematic experience the kids are sure to remember.
Enjoy the Many Kid-Friendly Attractions That Toronto Has To Offer
Toronto is a fun destination when traveling with kids of any age. If you're planning a trip to Toronto, why not check out Toronto CityPASS® tickets and save money at five of Toronto’s most popular attractions?
Lodging in Toronto
Need lodging for your trip to Toronto? Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comHeader image Courtesy of Canada Lands. CN Tower designs are marks of Canada Lands Company Limited. Used with permission.