Top 10 Things To Do In Toronto With Kids
Toronto could be the perfect destination for your holidays. Whether you’re a local to the 6 or looking to spend a few days in the city, there is so much to enjoy in your trip. So if you’re looking for things to do in Toronto with kids, this list is made for you.
1. Wonderland Canada
Wonderland is Canada’s biggest and most prominent amusement park. With more than 200 attractions, Wonderland has something for you, no matter your age. Two specialized kids’ areas, a few rollercoasters, a drop tower for adults, and a swan lake all guarantee that no one will be bored in Wonderland.
Everything about Wonderland is indeed wonderful, but SplashWorks is the focus for the day. Splash Works is a 20-acre water park with 17 slides, a lazy river, a cliffside jump, and so many more water activities. What better way to spend your summer days than splashing around in water with your family?
The spray ground is completely safe for children with zero depth, and the Lakeside Lagoon pool doesn’t reach a depth of more than 19” either. So you can safely let your kids run around and play in these areas. This park is also wheelchair accessible.
2. High Park Nature Centre
If you’re looking to nurture the love of nature in your kids, then High Park may be the perfect trip for you. One of the best free things to do in Toronto with kids, High Park Nature Centre offers fishing, skating, exploring, and even swimming for no charge at all. Enjoy a day under the sun with your kids, completely free of cost.
High Park also has many camps, clubs, events, and workshops for all age groups. Educational, fun, and very hands-on, this park is one of the best Toronto attractions for kids. All children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult in all activities.
A notable feature of High Park is its Happy Camper Fund Bursary. If finances are limiting your options for camps and such, make sure to apply for some help.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
If your little ones are interested in sea life, the Ripely Aquarium may be the perfect place for you. Ripley’s is one of the best aquariums in the world, and rightfully so.
Enjoy attractions such as the Rainbow Reef with mesmerizing colors, the Ray Bay with graceful stingrays, and Planet Jelly with hundreds of glowing jellyfish. This aquarium is one of the best places to visit with kids in Toronto, even if your trip is only for a half day.
Take a look at how the aquarium runs with the life support system section, let your kids unearth treasures in the shipwrecks, and take a walk through North America’s biggest underwater viewing tunnel. Make sure to spend at least 2 hours to explore this attraction.
4. Toronto Zoo
If you want something that takes up your whole day, then Toronto Zoo may be the answer. This zoo has 3,000 animals and 10 kilometres of walking trails. Make sure to prepare for a physically taxing day.
Some people recommend splitting this trip into two, especially if you have young children accompanying you. Strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are all available for rent. You can plan a picnic day at the designated areas or enjoy the cafe and restaurant amenities. This zoo is one of the best kid attractions Toronto has to offer.
5. Toronto Botanical Garden
The botanical gardens can be the perfect learning experience for you and your kids. You can prepare for a day under the sun as the outdoor gardens have something to offer for each season.
Toronto’s Botanical Gardens are designed to teach. If just enjoying the beautiful garden on a sunny day doesn’t cut it for you, then consider booking a guided tour with one of the volunteers. You can also book a free tour in July, so don’t miss out.
6. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is an all-season location, but summer is the best season to visit. This beautiful group of waterfalls is about 12,000 years old and the strongest current in North America. You can plan your day around visiting the park and the many activities it has to offer.
Cave of Winds, Maid of Mist, and the top of the Falls Restaurant are just a few of the things Niagara Falls State Park has to offer.
There are also plenty of hotels in Niagara with great views of the waterfalls that can guarantee enjoyable experience to their guests in this wonderland.
7. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a historic castle located in midtown Toronto. If you want your day trip to include a little history, then this is the place for you. Sir Henry Pellatt built this site in 1914. He was a British financier who followed in his family’s footsteps in business.
While this castle is great for a taste of history, be mindful that it may not be appropriate for very young children. With exhibits such as The Dark Side Tunnel and The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, you may leave this one for your older kids or skip some parts.
8. Roger Centre Stadium
Let’s say baseball is a bonding point for you and your kids, and you want to nurture that connection. Roger Centre Stadium can do exactly that for you. The stadium belongs to The Toronto Blue Jays, but at this point, it’s more of a historic site.
Roger Centre Stadium is in downtown Toronto and very easy to access. If you’re looking to visit this landmark,
9. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto
If your little ones harbor a love for LEGOs, then consider taking them to LEGOLAND Toronto. LEGOLAND Toronto is an easy half-day outing located at Vaughan Mall. With tons of interactable LEGO-themed activities, this Discovery Centre has everything to keep your kids occupied.
If you’re looking to plan a trip to Vaughan Mall and visit this site, consider reading our LEGOLAND Toronto piece for more detailed explanations.
10. Wet ‘n’ Wild Toronto
Last but not least is another waterpark cause what’s the point of summer without those. Wet ‘n’ Wild, formerly known as Wild Water Kingdom, is a waterpark for all ages. If you’re visiting with young children we recommend booking a Cabana as it makes everything much easier.
Lunch is to be had inside the park. There’s an outdoor picnic area and a Wet ‘n’ Wild Junior section for the younger folks. Make sure to plan ahead and buy your tickets in advance for an easier walk-in experience.
Honorable Mentions
You could also enjoy the many hockey arenas in Ontario. If your children are the more sporty type, a hockey game could be the best afternoon plan for you. Alternatively, if your kids are teenagers and in their “kid things are cringe” phase, give them a chance at Honda Indy Toronto. This weekend is all about cars, so if you want to seem cool to your teenagers, this may be the perfect weekend plan.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on quality time. If you live around Ontario, don’t miss out on all the things to do in Toronto with kids. Enjoy it while it lasts! It won’t be long before you’re saying, “They just grow up so fast”.
FAQs
1. Where Can I Take My 5-Year-Old in Canada?
There are lots of things on our list that could safely entertain a five-year-old. To name a few, all of LEGOLAND is perfect for that age group. Toronto Zoo and Ripley’s Aquarium are also completely safe and very entertaining to the younger children.
2. Is Toronto Worth Visiting With Kids?
Yes. Toronto includes some of the best and biggest waterparks, amusement parks, camping and nature-related activities. If you’re looking to make an entertaining trip as a family, then Toronto could be a great choice.
3. Is Montreal or Toronto Better for Kids?
Toronto is certainly the more kid-friendly of the two. If you’re picking a city to live in between Toronto vs Montreal, results may vary, but for a trip, Toronto has more attractions for children while still being entertaining to adults.
