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15 Ultimate Family Getaways in Ontario Kids Will Actually Enjoy

Clever Canadian Written By: August 2024

Forget malls. For a family getaway, we need places that are so incredible they will make our children leave their rooms and actually do something with the family—this time, no more eye-rolls and “this is so boring” lines.

Thankfully, Ontario is full of exciting places that are sure to create core memories for the family. We gathered our favourite vacation spots for the ultimate trip, from aquariums to amusement parks to quaint towns.

If you’re looking for ways to make travelling super memorable, here are the family-friendly getaways our team actually enjoyed—even our kids did!

See the majestic views of Niagara Falls

Media from niagarafallstourismcanada

Website: https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/ 

Location: 5704 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls Canada – Rainbow Bridge)

Contact: +1 (905) 356-6061, +1 (800) 563-2557 (Toll-Free)

Operating Hours:

  • Niagara Falls State Park: 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Attractions and Tours: Seasonal availability with varying hours

Attraction Passes

A getaway in Ontario isn’t complete without visiting the famous Niagara Falls. There are so many things to do here that a full weekend trip is the best option for families—there are many hotels in the area to stay in, given that this is a popular tourist destination.

A famous attraction is the Journey Behind the Falls, which will have you descend 125 ft to get to the observation deck. This gives you the best views of the falls from below—you’ll get soaked, but don’t worry because admission includes a free poncho.

For an adrenaline rush, you can zipline and see the Canadian and American sides of the falls at a speed of around 70+ kph. We also suggest visiting the falls in the morning and at night—the falls light up in the evenings.

Pro Tips:

If you want to see the best views, you can go to the Rainbow International Bridge, which connects Canada and the USA. But if you’re coming here, make sure you have your passport since you will be crossing the border.

Also, make sure you have cash because you need to pay the toll fee ($1 for pedestrians, $5 (US) and $6.50 (CAD) for vehicles.

Take a ferry ride to Toronto Islands

Media credit: toronto.islands

Website: https://www.toronto.ca/ 

Location: St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON

Contact: (416) 392-8193 (Ferry Contact)

Ferry Operating Schedule: Depending on the season; complete list of schedules

Ferry Return Tickets:

  • Adult – $9.11
  • Senior (65+) – $5.86
  • Youth (under 19 with ID) – $5.86
  • Junior (under 14) – $4.29
  • Infant (under 2) – $0.00

Toronto Islands is a must-visit if you’re looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. It consists of 15 small islands on Lake Ontario and is a quick ferry ride from the downtown area.

There are so many family-friendly outdoor activities you can do, like biking, kayaking, canoeing, boating, walking along the sandy beaches, or simply having a picnic in the park. There are rental shops, so you don’t have to lug around heavy equipment. 

Kids will enjoy the Centreville Amusement Park, which has over 30 rides and attractions. You and your family can hop on the Sky Ride, which will take you on a 15-minute ride in the amusement park.

Pro Tips:

There’s a quadricycle (for 2 adults + 2 small children) that’s ideal for families, and tandem bikes are also available for couples. But we suggest renting single bicycles because they’re easier to use, especially if it’s crowded or if you have teenagers.

Weekends can be crowded, so try to catch the ferry as early as you can (preferably before 10:00 am). 

Stroll through the scenic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Website: https://www.niagaraonthelake.com/ 

Location: Historic Old Town, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a gorgeous town in Southern Ontario and is the perfect family getaway for ultimate relaxation and fun. You can book a hotel for the weekend for a quick escape or stay longer and immerse yourself in this town’s idyllic beauty.

The first thing on your to-do list should be strolling the Historic Old Town—Queen Street is lined with charming local shops and picturesque buildings. It almost feels like you’re in a movie, and there are actual horse-drawn carriages here.

A family picnic in Simcoe Park is ideal on a summer day and you can plan a whimsical afternoon tea at the gorgeous Prince of Wales Hotel. Parents and guardians will enjoy the abundance of wineries, where you can sample delicious, award-winning wines.

Pro Tip:

Anytime is the best time to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, but we really love spring. It’s because of the warm weather and cherry blossoms. During this time, the streets are filled with vibrant flowers that will make your afternoon stroll even more enchanting.

See the sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

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Website: https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-canada 

Location: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto

Contact: (647) 351-3474, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
  • Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

Admission:

  • Adult – $45.00
  • Youth (6-13) – $29.00
  • Child (3-5) – $12.50
  • Senior (65+) – $29.00

Every family with little kids has to visit an aquarium. The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of those places you have to check out whenever you’re in Toronto—there are so many beautiful aquatic animals for everyone to see.

It’s the perfect quick stop when you visit Ontario. This will only take three hours out of your day to get the full experience, so a Toronto day trip is ideal.

The Dangerous Lagoon section is one of our favourite exhibits, where you can have close-up encounters with sharks.

If you’re staying in Toronto for the weekend, you can check out the Sleepover activity, where you’ll basically spend the night in the Dangerous Lagoon tunnel. It’s by reservation only, so book tickets early because they sold out.

Pro Tip:

If you’re a big family and want to save some loonies, visit after 5:00 pm and save $5 off the regular prices.

Go to the world of wild animals at the Toronto Zoo

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Website: https://www.torontozoo.com/ 

Location: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto

Contact: (416) 392-5900, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Subject to change on a seasonal basis

Admission Tickets (Ticket prices vary per date)

A family-friendly destination is the Toronto Zoo, which is the largest in the country. It has 700 acres of land home to over 300 species and 3,000 animals.

You will see animals from all over the world, such as cheetahs, snow leopards, spotted hyenas, snakes, owls, sloths, white-headed vultures, and red pandas. It only takes roughly three to four hours to get the full zoo experience. 

There are attractions here as well, like the Tundra Air Ride that will take you to the top of the Tundra Trek area.

Pro Tips:

If your kids are tired, a convenient way to go around the place is by riding the Zoomobile (tickets are $9.00 each), which will go around designated stops so you can see the animals without walking too much.

Don’t forget to bring your kid’s stroller. The rental fee for a double stroller is $11.50 plus tax.

Go on a short vacation at Fern Resort

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Website: https://fernresort.com/ 

Location: 4432 Fern Resort Rd, Ramara

Contact: (705) 558-9794 (Local), 1 (800) 514-2171 (Toll-Free), [email protected]

Fern Resort at Ramara, Ontario, is an all-inclusive place that has been around since 1895. This is a perfect vacation spot for families because there are plenty of activities for all ages for the ultimate getaway.

A 1-week stay is ideal, but there are 2-day packages as well if you want a weekend trip. You and your family won’t get bored—you can play beach volleyball, swim at the indoor pool, go fishing, kayak the waters, practice archery skills, and bike along the nature trail.

This resort offers vacation packages, and the available activities depend on the time of your booking. If your Ontario getaway is in winter, they have gear included in the prices should you join the activities.

Pro Tip:

Make sure you wear appropriate attire for all activities. No bathing suits are allowed in the dining room, so bring cover-ups and slippers.

Camp in luxury at Glen Oro Farm

Media from glenorofarm

Website: https://www.glenoro.com/ 

Location: 2574 Line 10 N, Hawkestone

Contact: [email protected]

Price: $275 – $600 per night + agritourism administrative fee and HST

Who says family getaways don’t have to be luxurious? Indulge in a stay at Ontario’s Glen Oro Farm, which offers an extravagant country experience that will be totally memorable for the whole fam.

This eco-retreat takes you to a whole new world, surrounded by nature but you get to stay in a stylish room—well, either tent or dome because this isn’t like the usual hotels. The domes offer a view of the stars while you sleep.

If you have older children (12 and up), you and your family can explore the trail rides while riding on horses. If you’re lucky, you can even spot some wild animals roaming about, like deer, foxes, and rabbits.

Pro Tips:

This destination isn’t for families with young kids. While children are allowed to stay, there are some risks you need to consider, such as wood stoves and slippery steps.

Also, loud noises aren’t tolerated in this retreat since the main focus is peace and quiet. So, if you’re unsure if your kids can behave in this place, it’s best to skip this and wait a few more years.

Get close to nature at Algonquin Provincial Park

Media from algonquin_pp

Website: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin 

Location: Highway 60 at km 43, Algonquin Provincial Park, Unorganized South Nipissing District (Visitor Centre)

Contact: (705) 633-5572

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

Admission: $21.00 per vehicle (day use)

Canada is home to many beautiful provincial parks, including Algonquin Provincial Park. If you’re an outdoorsy family, this is a memorable weekend getaway in Ontario, surrounded by nature and away from work emails and homework.

For a quick trip, a weekend stay at the campground is ideal, but day trips are also possible since you can hike the trails. There are three bike trails, including the Old Railway Bike Trail that suit all ages because the terrain is easy and the surface is flat.

Families can engage in water activities as well, such as canoeing and boating. In the winter, there are maintained trails for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Pro Tip:

If you’re staying in the campground, check the website for the available facilities. Not all grounds will have flush toilets and laundry facilities.

Unlock thrilling adventures at Canada’s Wonderland

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Website: https://www.canadaswonderland.com/ 

Location: 9580 Jane Street, Vaughan

Contact: (905) 832-8131

Operating Hours:

May – December (selected days only from September to December)

  • Sunday – Wednesday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Friday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Opening hours are subject to change

Admission:

  • Regular Gate Price: $85.00
  • Junior/Senior Gate Price: $85.00

Online tickets occasionally have discounts

A trip with the kids is not complete without visiting an amusement park. Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario is the ultimate destination for thrilling and fun rides.

People of all ages can enjoy this spot, with exciting attractions for kids and adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters for teenagers and adults. You can also cool off at Splash Works, a water park with 17 rides and attractions.

Pro Tips:

Bring your debit or credit cards because Canada’s Wonderland is strictly a cashless amusement park. If you only have cash, there are cash-to-card kiosks where you can transfer your money to prepaid debit cards you can use inside and outside the park.

Explore the Bonnechere Caves

Media credit: amaccetin

Website: https://www.bonnecherecaves.com/ 

Location: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville

Contact: 1 (613) 628-2283, 1 (800) 469-2283 (Toll-Free)

Operating Hours:

  • Seasonal availability, Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tickets are first come, first served.

Ticket Prices:

  • Adult – $22.00
  • Senior (65+) – $20.00
  • Youth (13-17) – $15.00
  • Children (4-12) – $14.00
  • Under 4 – Free

Cave enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Bonnechere Caves in Ontario, just 1.5 hours from Ottawa. This cave is open to all ages—yes, including kiddos and seniors.

This is an educational tour but it remains a fun adventure because you will descend deep underground. This is an hour-long guided tour, where you’ll see stones that are around 450 to 500 million years old.

Pro Tips:

If you’re taking your baby, bring a baby carrier because Bonnechere Caves isn’t stroller-friendly. 

Also, wear comfortable shoes (low-heeled are required) and a light sweater. Even in the summer, the caves have cool temperatures around 10 to 12°C.

Embark on a wild adventure at African Lion Safari

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Website: https://lionsafari.com/ 

Location: 1386 Cooper Rd, Cambridge

Contact: (519) 623-2620, 1 (800) 461-9453 (Toll-Free)

Operating Hours: Varies per season, full list of 2024 hours

Admission: Varies per season, full list of 2024 admission rates

Hamilton’s African Lion Safari will take you on a wild safari adventure. Parents and kids will definitely enjoy this because it feels like an up-close and personal experience with wild animals.

Families can enjoy the 9 km drive through the game reserves, where you will see lions, zebras, deer, giraffes, and baboons. Some baboons do climb on cars, so keep your windows up.

You can opt for the Safari Tour Bus, so you don’t have to bring your car and risk baboons jumping on your hood. The bus is air-conditioned and has big windows, giving you full views of the game reserves.

Pro Tip:

Check the weather app before booking your ticket. Some attractions will close due to inclement weather, and the safari doesn’t offer refunds or rain checks.

Set off on a whitewater adventure

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Website: https://wildernesstours.com/ 

Location: 1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls

Contact: 1 (888) 723-8669, [email protected]

Prices:

  • Adults (18+) – $139.00 – $169.00
  • Youth (5-17) – $99.00 – $114.00
  • Spring/Sept Adult – $119.00 – $149.00
  • Spring/Sept Youth – $79.00 – $109.00

Prices vary per day

Braving the river waves is not just for adults anymore. An hour’s drive from Ottawa, Wilderness Tours offers whitewater rafting adventures for families. 

Children as young as five can join the fun, challenging Class 2 and 3 rapids and on the Ottawa River. This family-friendly adventure lasts four to five hours and includes gear and lunch.

Pro Tip:

To save some money, book a spring or September date. 

Stop by the charming small town of Elora

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Website: https://elorafergus.ca/ 

Location: 10 E Mill St, Elora (Elora and Fergus Tourism)

Elora is Ontario’s hidden gem, located in Wellington County. This gorgeous town is known for its 19th-century limestone architecture, and when you get there, you’ll appreciate the beauty of the houses, buildings, and shops.

Take a stroll in the downtown area and shop ’til you drop. Once you’re tired from all the walking, we suggest unwinding at the Lost + Found Café for good food, great coffee, and a charming atmosphere. 

But your Elora getaway isn’t complete without witnessing the stunning views of Elora Gorge. The Grand River flows here, where you can go tubing, surrounded by 22-metre-high limestone cliffs.

Pro Tips:

We suggest visiting Elora in the spring or summer for warm temperatures, which is also ideal if you plan on tubing the Grand River.

If you’re here on a Saturday, go to Bissell Park for the Elora Farmer’s Market. It’s full of homemade goodies you and your family can bring back home—keep an eye out for yummy water buffalo milk and cheese.

Have a short vacation in Prince Edward County

Media from visitthecounty

Location: Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County will probably tick all your family getaway boxes. This beautiful nature-filled destination is the ultimate vacation spot because you can relax, indulge in delicious local food, and bask under the sun on the shores of the beach.

If you’re into delicious meals, go to the Wellington Community Market on Saturdays from May to October.

Check out the yummy peameal bacon on a bun from PEC Lions Club, the sparkling lemonade from Lemonade Dave, and the lip balm made from beeswax by Honey Pie Hives & Herbals.

Pro Tip:

Before visiting Prince Edward County, make sure you have a plan, especially if you’re visiting specific places. Some shops may close on random days, so make sure you check their socials for updates

Stay at Blue Mountain Ski Resort

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Website: https://www.bluemountain.ca/ 

Location: 190 Gord Canning Dr, Blue Mountains

Contact: 1 (705) 419-2409

For unforgettable family winter getaways, the Blue Mountain Ski Resort offers many thrilling outdoor activities. You can book a weekend or a week-long stay at the lodges near the resort.

Every single winter sport you can think of, you’ll find it here. Kids will have a blast because of the activity programs and day camps, where they can learn winter sports via one-on-one or group lessons.

What makes this place the ultimate staycation spot is everything is right here—it’s like a little town. There are so many shops, restaurants, and cafes that you won’t get bored.

Pro Tip:

There are pet-friendly hotels, so you can bring your furry companion to complete the family. The Westin Trillium House has pet-friendly rooms.

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