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Top 10 Things to Do in Toronto with Kids
- Explore the marine world at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
- Watch your favourite animals at the Toronto Zoo
- Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Ontario Science Centre
- Indulge in sweet treats at the St. Lawrence Market
- Get creative at the Art Gallery of Ontario Kids' Area
- Have a fun day at Centreville Amusement Park
- Experience thrilling rides at Canada's Wonderland
- Shop and unwind at High Park
- Let your imagination soar at the Legoland Discovery Centre
- Stay cool at the Wet 'n' Wild Toronto
Toronto is teeming with a plethora of delightful activities and attractions that cater to families with children of all ages! With such a vast array of things to do and see, you’ll never have a dull moment in this bustling metropolis.
Curious about what this terrific city has in store for you and your kids? We’ve compiled a list of the top attractions to fill your day with joy and wonder so keep on reading!
Explore the marine world at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Website: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 647-351-3474
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is where you and your kiddos will be absolutely wowed by marine life; it’s definitely one of the top spots to visit with kids in the city!
It has a whopping 20,000 aquatic animals from both fresh and saltwater habitats, mesmerising exhibits, and interactive touch pools that’ll thrill the little ones!
The kiddos can gently touch some horseshoe crabs or bamboo sharks in the Discovery Center touch pools. Don’t worry; the friendly staff will be right there to guide you and answer any questions.
Plus, there’s a dedicated play area for kids to let loose and have a blast!
Local tip: Try to visit during the weekdays or early mornings on weekends to avoid the crowds and make your Ripley’s experience even more enjoyable!
Watch your favourite animals at the Toronto Zoo
Website: https://www.torontozoo.com/
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-392-5900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 7 PM
The Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 450 species, so there’s no shortage of animals to marvel at!
One of the coolest areas is “The African Savanna,” where zebras, rhinos, and cheetahs are just a few of the majestic creatures you’ll encounter.
The zoo offers a ton of hands-on learning experiences for your young ones. And, of course, don’t miss out on visiting the Giant Panda Experience or riding on the Zoo’s conservation carousel.
Local tip: Try to visit early in the morning when the animals are most active and the Zoo is less crowded.
Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Ontario Science Centre
Website: https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/
Address: 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON
Contact details: +1 416-696-1000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Kid-friendly and chock-full of amazing exhibits, the Science Centre offers hands-on experiences that will keep your little ones engaged and entertained. Watch their eyes light up in the Science Arcade with engaging demonstrations.
Or better yet, let them have a go at creating their own scientific experiments in KidSpark, a learning playground designed for kids aged eight and under! What’s more, the Science Centre isn’t just for the mini-humans in your life.
The whole family can venture through space in the Planetarium, discover the mysteries of the human body in the AstraZeneca Human Edge, or take a journey through the forest in the Cohon Family Nature Escape.
Local tip: Consider visiting midweek or arriving early on weekends to beat the crowds and make the most of your visit.
Indulge in sweet treats at the St. Lawrence Market
Website: https://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
Address: Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-392-7219
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday 7 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
St. Lawrence Market has over 100 vendors selling all sorts of deliciousness. Make sure to visit Carousel Bakery, home to Toronto’s iconic “Peameal Bacon Sandwich”.
But here’s the thing: St. Lawrence Market isn’t just about food—it’s an experience. Along with the delicious spread, the market also offers cute little shops selling a variety of goods, from lovely crafts to colourful toys.
Local tip: Head over on a Saturday morning when the Farmers Market is set up. You’ll get the freshest produce and the yummiest treats!
Get creative at the Art Gallery of Ontario Kids’ Area
Website: https://ago.ca/
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-979-6648
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday – 10:30 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday and Friday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
In AGO, your kids can unleash their inner artists while also having a ton of fun. From making artwork that they can take home to interactive exhibits that allow them to touch, play, and create, it’s all about hands-on learning!
The creativity continues with the gallery’s family-friendly art courses and workshops. Trust me, it’s not your regular painting class; whether it’s sculpture, photography, or digital arts, your young ones get to explore and try it all!
Local tip: Make sure you check out the AGO’s website before your visit, as they often have special family-centric events that you won’t want to miss!
Have a fun day at Centreville Amusement Park
Website: http://www.centreisland.ca/
Address: 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-234-2345
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:30 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 AM to 8 PM
Just a short ferry ride away from downtown Toronto, Centreville is like stepping into a different world. It has over 30 rides and attractions perfectly suited for young kids—and for those young at heart!
And when the kids have had their fill of the rides, you can escape to Far Enough Farm, located within the park. It’s a lovely petting zoo where city kids can get up close and personal with farm animals.
Local tip: Try visiting on a weekday if possible—there are fewer crowds and shorter lines for the rides.
Experience thrilling rides at Canada’s Wonderland
Website: https://www.canadaswonderland.com/
Address: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON
Contact details: +1 905-832-8131
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Just a short drive from downtown, Canada’s Wonderland is a gigantic theme park boasting tons of thrilling rides, and fantastic entertainment. With more than 200 attractions, including 17 roller coasters, the kids will surely enjoy themselves.
Your kids can also meet their favourite characters from Peanuts in Planet Snoopy and take a ride with Thomas & Friends in the KidZville area. They can also cool off at Splash Works, a massive 20-acre water park.
Local tip: Try to plan your visit for a weekday, as the lines for the most popular rides tend to be shorter.
Shop and unwind at High Park
Website: http://www.highparktoronto.com/
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-338-0338
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
High Park is like an oasis right in the heart of the city. You can pack your sandwiches, throw a frisbee around, or simply lay back on the grass while your kids explore the playgrounds—sounds like a perfect family day out!
The park also features great hot spots for shopping and yummy snacks. The Grenadier Cafe offers lovely take-out options that you can enjoy in the park, and there are fabulous local businesses all around the park.
Local tip: Visit during the spring to catch the beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom—it’s an ethereal experience!
Let your imagination soar at the Legoland Discovery Centre
Website: https://toronto.legolanddiscoverycentre.ca/
Address: 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr, Vaughan, ON
Contact details: +1 905-761-7066
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Legoland Discovery Centre in Toronto is a wonderland filled with millions of colourful LEGO bricks, captivating displays, and mind-blowing creations that are sure to unleash yours and your kids creativity.
It has this MINILAND section where you can find iconic landmarks of Toronto and the surrounding area, all crafted using, yes, you guessed it, thousands of LEGO bricks.
Here, your tiny builders-in-training can attend workshops, hop on thrilling rides, and dive into huge piles of LEGO bricks to create their own masterpieces. Oh, and let’s not forget the cinema, where you can watch LEGOs come to life in exhilarating 4D movies.
Local tip: Book your tickets online in advance—it’s easy, it’s more affordable, and it guarantees entry.
Stay cool at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Toronto
Website: http://www.wetnwildtoronto.com/
Address: 7855 Finch Ave W, Brampton, ON
Contact details: +1 416-369-0123
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Absolute sunshine, gushing water slides, refreshing pools—Wet ‘n’ Wild is a tropical paradise that guarantees an unforgettable day. The park boasts adrenaline-pumping slides like the ‘Klondike Express’ and the calmer ‘Lazy River’.
It also offers a fab kids’ area complete with mini-slides, a rain tree, and a tipping water bucket. Little kiddos can also enjoy the dreamy carousel and ‘roller’ coaster style ride.
Local tip: Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunblock, towels, and waterproof shoes (especially for those hot surfaces).
