27 Things to Do in Toronto That Kids Will Love

27 Things to Do in Toronto with Kids

This list will help you plan exciting outings, both in the city and a little beyond the Greater Toronto Area. Let’s start with the best Toronto attractions for kids.

1. CN Tower – A Must-Visit Toronto Attraction

Even as someone who lives in the city, I never get tired of going up to the top of the CN Tower. I’ve been in every season, and it’s always a memorable experience. My kids couldn’t wait for the speedy ride up in the elevator with it’s glass floor panels!

At 533 meters tall, the CN Tower is the tallest building in Canada and a true Toronto icon and once you get to the top, the incredible 360-degree views make it fun for kids to spot landmarks across Toronto from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Kids can also stand on the glass floor panels that look straight down to the city streets below.

For older, adventurous teens (13+), the EdgeWalk lets them strap into a harness and walk around the outside of the tower. While I have not been brave enough to do it yet, my cousins from England have and they still talk about the experience to this day.

📌 If you want to visit the CN Tower, Aquarium, Casa Loma and the Toronto Zoo with kids buy the Toronto CITYPass for significant savings on admission to Toronto’s most popular attractions.

2. Ripley’s Aquarium Canada – Home to Sharks, Stingrays, and Jellyfish

Ripley’s Aquarium, located right beside the CN Tower, is the largest aquarium in Canada and a hit with families and children. It is home to over 20,000 aquatic animals including sharks, jellyfish, turtles, stingrays, star fish … and so many more!

For me, the highlight was definitely the underwater tunnel with a moving walkway, where sharks, stingrays, and fish swim all around. I was also mesmerized by the very cool jellyfish display – seeing them lit up in different colours was quite spectacular.

In addition to the fish, the Aquarium is designed for children. Children can get close to the fish, there are underwater tunnels to crawl through, and there’s even an indoor climber. Stroller are allowed, although wagons are not permitted inside.

🦈 As one of Toronto’s most popular attractions, it’s best to pre-book your Ripley’s Aquarium tickets to skip-the-lines!
🎟️ Planning to visit the CN Tower and the Aquarium? Grab the Toronto CityPASS and save on all your must-see attractions in one go.

3. Centre Island and the Toronto Islands

Every year our family catches the ferry over to the Toronto Islands to enjoy a picnic, swim at the beach, and ride our bikes across the city’s largest park.

We usually bring or rent bikes and then explore kid-friendly spots like Franklin’s Children’s Garden and Far Away Farm. There are also several beaches, parks, playgrounds, gardens, and even Centreville, an amusement park ideal for young children.

While you can visit the Islands in the winter months, they are best explored in the warmer months between May and October. With so many things to do on the Toronto Islands, it’s a perfect way to spend a summer day in Toronto.

☞ Curious to know even more? Check out my ultimate guide to visiting Toronto’s Islands to learn even more about this must-visit summer attraction.

4. Little Canada – A Hidden Gem

Little Canada is one of Toronto’s newest attractions and I fell in love with this place the first time I visited. It was so much better than I expected. I went with my husband one cold winter day thinking we’d spend an hour or so. I was so wrong!

We spent hours looking at the 10 different regions – from Little Niagara to Little Toronto to Montreal, Quebec, the East Coast and West Coast! We were mesmerized by the miniature cities with working lights, cars, trains, and streetcars. The cities even transitioned from day to night.

Kids will love everything about this miniature world – and they have even made it easy for youngsters to see everything by building a special ledge so they can get a perfect view of the tiny worlds.

Little Canada is located in the heart of downtown, right across the street from Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge Dundas Square) and close to the first stop on Toronto’s Hop-on, Hop-off Bus.

Perfect for a cold winter day, a rainy-day activity, or an escape from the heat of summer, add Little Canada to your list of things to do with kids in Toronto – you won’t be disappointed!

5. Hockey Hall of Fame – Perfect for Sports Lovers

The Hockey Hall of Fame is one of Toronto’s best tourist attractions, and with good reason! It’s home to the world’s largest hockey collection, including the iconic Stanley Cup, and has thousands of artifacts that trace hockey’s rich history.

I was there just a couple of weeks ago and had forgotten how interactive and engaging the museum is for visitors of all ages. While I loved the historic Great Hall and seeing the Stanley Cup, my husband liked the artefacts of iconic moments – like Sidney Crosby’s 2010 “Golden Goal”.

Kids will love the interactive activities, like testing their skills against life-sized animated goalies. Families can even download video clips of their experiences using a personalized code, which is a fun bonus.

The Hockey Hall of Fame is located right across from Union Station and is an excellent choice for hockey-loving kids, teens and sports fans. But, it’s about so much more than the history of hockey – it’s hands-on fun that brings Canada’s love of hockey to life for everyone!

✓ Still wonder if it’s worth visiting? Read my complete guide to the Hockey Hall of Fame for all the details – tickets, exhibits, and why it’s great for kids!

6. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Canada’s Largest Museum

→ Closed on Mondays

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of Canada’s best museums and it’s a perfect place to take the kids when visiting Toronto. I especially enjoy going on a rainy day or the middle of winter.

I will warn you, however, that the museum is huge! It is Canada’s largest, with over 13 million objects and four floors of fascinating galleries to explore.

Our kids were always wowed by the Age of the Dinosaurs exhibit, which has one of the best dinosaur collections in the world! Another favourite was always the Gallery of Gems and Gold with it’s sparkling jewels and treasures.

If you are visiting with toddlers, there is also an interactive play space, called WonderWorks, that is ideal for a break from the museum galleries if you have little ones with you.

✓ Still wondering if the ROM is worth visiting? My guide to the Royal Ontario Museum explains what to expect, tickets and hours.

7. Ride the Streetcar – Free for Kids

While people living in Toronto use the streetcars to get to work and around the city, for visitors it’s a fun (and inexpensive) way to explore Toronto’s neighbourhoods. When friends come to the city with young kids, we always take the streetcar downtown instead of driving. The kids love staring out the window as the streetcar weaves throughout the city streets.

With so many routes to choose from, you can easily hop on and off the streetcar to explore different areas of the city or get from one attraction to another without driving.

One of my favourite routes is the 505 or 504 streetcar. It starts at Broadview Station, passes by Riverdale Park, and continues along Queen Street into the downtown core. Another interesting route from Union Station where you can catch the streetcar underground before it surfaces and heads along the waterfront and past the ferry terminal to the Toronto Islands. But why not just jump on a streetcar and see where it takes you?

Kids under 12 ride the TTC (which includes the streetcars) for free and at just $3.25 for adults, riding the streetcars can be a unique and unexpected way to discover some of Toronto’s hidden gems while experiencing parts of the city you might not see otherwise.

☞ Want to understand more taking the streetcar? Read my complete guide to using public transportation in Toronto – perfect for first-time visitors!

8. Casa Loma – A Castle in the City

Casa Loma another one of Toronto’s most popular attractions. Built in 1914, this historic Toronto castle features 98 rooms, secret passageways, and beautiful perennial gardens.

I recently visited Casa Loma at Christmas – I came to experience Christmas at the Castle and then the Holiday Lights Tour through the gardens. It was so much fun! I loved walking through the elaborately decorated rooms, climbing the castle’s towers, and exploring the hidden tunnel running beneath the castle and nearby streets. And the holiday decor was fabulous!

Although I visited solo, there were many families enjoying Casa Loma. Kids were having fun hiding in some of the hidden passages, posing with wax figures movie stars, and watching the family-friendly shows.

If you are visiting Toronto at Christmas, Casa Loma should definitely be on your must-visit list. The rooms are beautifully decorated for the holidays, kids can have a visit with Santa, and there are lots of shows to watch.

One consideration when visiting Casa Loma with toddlers or infants is that strollers can not be brought into Casa Loma due to the number of stairs and small passages. This could impact some visitors who are travelling with young children.

🏰 Planning a Toronto trip with kids? Reserve your Casa Loma tickets early so you don’t miss this must-see castle.

9. Toronto Sign – Best Free Photo Spot

You can’t visit downtown Toronto without stopping by the iconic Toronto sign.

Located in Nathan Phillips Square the sign was originally created for the 2015 Pan Am Games. Now, it is one of Toronto’s most popular photo spots. Kids love sitting or standing inside the three-meter-tall letters and posing for pictures with the family!

In winter, Nathan Phillips Square is home to one of Toronto’s most popular outdoor skating rinks. You can rent skates here, so if you’re visiting Toronto in winter, bring the kids here and enjoy skating beside this iconic Toronto landmark.

Best Things to Do in the Greater Toronto Area

Toronto’s attractions extend far beyond the downtown core. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Here are a few great options for kids to explore!

10. Toronto Zoo – Canada’s Largest Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is Canada’s largest zoo and is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. We went to the Zoo so often when our children were young that we bought annual passes.

The Zoos has over 10 km of walking trails, indoor and outdoor animal exhibits, a splash pad, and animal feedings. With so much to see and do at the Zoo, it’s easy to spend a whole day at the Zoo with kids.

📌 Important note: The Toronto Zoo is not located in downtown Toronto. It is about 35 km from Union Station and you’ll need to consider your travel plans if you want to visit – but it’s absolutely worth the trip!

🦁 Get up close with animals from around the world – grab your Toronto Zoo tickets now and plan an unforgettable family day.
🎟️ Planning to visit the CN Tower, Aquarium, and Zoo? The Toronto CityPASS is worth purchasing for significant savings.

11. Canada’s Wonderland – Amusement and Water Park

Every May when Canada’s Wonderland reopens our family renews our annual passes. We love the rides and roller coasters so much, we go often enough that passes are worth purchasing.

With over 200 attractions, including 18 roller coasters, it’s one of the largest amusement parks in the country. Wonderland is the ultimate destination for kids and teens who love amusement parks with games, rides and roller coasters.

The park also has a 20-acre water park, Splash Works, included with admission. Wonderland is located a little north of the city, but it is possible to get there on public transportation.

📌 Important note: Canada’s Wonderland is open May to October every year. Wonderland also hosts Halloween Haunt in the fall and WinterFest in the winter.

12. Blue Jays – Jr Jays Days for Kids (April to September)

Our family – and extended family – are huge Blue Jays Fans and we go to at least five Blue Jays games every year at Rogers Centre. Everyone in our family – from toddlers to adult children – enjoy catching a Toronto Blue Jays game together.

The Blue Jays organization has worked hard to ensure every kid feels included, welcomed, and invited to love baseball as much as the adults.

For example, every Sunday is Jr. Jays Sunday and kids can explore Jr. Jays Zones, including the TD Park Social in the Outfield District. These zones feature games, activities, and prizes, and activities like face painting.

But even if it’s not Sunday, a Blue Jays game is a fun and entertaining outing with plenty of kid-friendly food and activities. There are new family-friendly spaces throughout the stadium – including video games, swings, and kid-friendly food.

The best part? After every Jr. Jays Sunday game, kids 14 and under can run the bases, just like their favourite players! Sign up is required, but it is free.

13. High Park – Toronto’s Largest Park

Toronto has so many parks and playgrounds – and High Park is one of the best, especially for children. It is Toronto’s largest park and including hiking trails, playgrounds, and even a zoo! It is also easily accessible by subway.

Our children always wanted to visit the Jamie Bell Adventure Park, near the Duck Pond. It has an awesome play structure that looks like a castle. It has everything from ladders and ropes to slides and swings. 

In summer, kids can cool off in the wading pool or outdoor swimming pool and in spring High Park is known as one of the best places in to see the cherry blossoms in Toronto – perfect for family photos!

14. Toronto Sightseeing Hop-on/Hop-off Bus

If your kids are like mine, walking long distances can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why we always choose to take a sightseeing bus when we visit any new city, and Toronto’s is a great option!

The hop-on-hop-off bus takes you to all the major attractions, like the CN Tower, the ROM, St. Lawrence Market, Casa Loma, Kensington Market and the Distillery District. 

It’s a fun way to get an overview of the city and lets you choose which spots to explore further. Even as a Toronto local, I really enjoyed my recent trip on the bus. I learned so much about the city and enjoyed seeing my city from a unique perspective.

I definitely feel Toronto’s sightseeing bus is worth trying, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city!

🎟️ Want an easy way to get around with kids? Book the hop-on hop-off bus and hit all the top sights at your own pace.

15. Woodbine Beach in the Beaches Neighbourhood

If you want to experience Toronto like a local, come to Woodbine Beach located in the Beaches neighbourhood. It is a perfect place to spend the day with children. It has a huge beach, several playgrounds, splash pads, and bike trails.

Walk or ride your bike along the wooden boardwalk beside Lake Ontario, go swimming, build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, or enjoy some refreshments on a patio overlooking the lake. Woodbine Beach is also dog friendly!

Spending the day at Woodbine Beach is the perfect way to relax and take a break from sightseeing any time of year. Enjoy spring gardens in bloom, the incredible foliage in the fall, or the art installations on the beach in winter.

After some time at the beach, Queen Street nearby has plenty of excellent cafes, restaurants, and outdoor patios to enjoy. Most articles won’t include Woodbine Beach on their must-visit list, but as a Toronto local, I can honestly say that this is the perfect place to spend a day with the family on your next trip to the city.

☞ Curious to know more about the Beaches neighbourhood? Read my guide to the Beaches neighbourhood for all the details.

16. Riverdale Farm – A Free Year-Round Farm in the City

Riverdale Farm is where the locals with kids go. The working farm is located in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood, is open year-round and is FREE to visit.

We always came here to explore the barns, meet animals including cows, pigs, and goats, and walk along three kilometres of trails. We found Riverdale Farm particularly beautiful in the fall. 

Riverdale Farm is an ideal place to visit with young children who will love getting close to the farm animals and running along the outdoor trails.

17. Evergreen Brick Works for Outdoor Play

Evergreen Brick Works is a former brick factory turned environmental hub and a favourite spot with locals. We often come to enjoy the heritage buildings, walking trails, and year-round Saturday Farmers’ Market and gardening store.

After we walk through the trails or shop at the Farmer’s Market, we always grab a snack at the café and enjoy its outdoor patio.

Kids will love exploring the Children’s Garden, designed to highlight the benefits of outdoor play and learning. They can also visit the natural ponds to spot turtles and other wildlife, or enjoy many trails throughout the park. In winter, there’s even an outdoor skating rink.

18. Young People’s Theatre

For a live theatre experience tailored to children, Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre is an excellent choice. As Canada’s largest and oldest professional theatre for young audiences, it offers high-quality productions designed specifically for kids.

Past shows have included family favourites like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Where the Wild Things Are. Tickets are reasonably priced, making it an affordable way to enjoy live theatre in the city with your family.

19. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto

If you have a LEGO lover in your family, a visit to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre may be worth adding to your itinerary. We like to visit when we are in the area, or when we’re looking for something to do on a rainy day.

Located in Vaughan Mills Shopping Mall near Canada’s Wonderland, the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is a perfect indoor activity for families with younger kids. It’s designed for kids aged 3-7, with several LEGO build and play zones.

One of the highlights is seeing Toronto landmarks like the CN Tower recreated in LEGO and the huge Canadian flag which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest LEGO brick flag.

I will share, however, that it is quite small and we saw the entire exhibit in less than an hour. If you’re already in Vaughan, it’s a fun spot to spend a few hours with the kids.

✨ Not a full theme park – but perfect for a fun indoor play break. Grab your LEGOLAND Discovery Centre tickets before you go.

20. Reptilia Zoo

Our family really enjoys the Reptilia Zoo also located in Vaughan, just north of the city. This intimate reptile zoo has over 250 animals, including snakes, turtles, frogs, iguanas, and alligators, there’s so much to see.

Our kids especially enjoyed watching live shows and daily feedings. About 75% of the animals are rescued, adding an important educational element to the visit. It was really interesting to see the staff preparing food and interacting with reptiles throughout the zoo.

If you’re willing to travel a little, Reptilia is a great choice for families looking for something unique to do with kids in Toronto.

21. Visit Niagara Falls – Worth the Day Trip

I may be biased, but if you’re visiting Toronto with kids, a day trip to Niagara Falls is a must! Less than two hours from Toronto, it’s perfect for a day or weekend getaway.

Kids will love the attractions here, from the Butterfly Conservatory to the thrilling Hornblower Niagara Cruise, which takes you right up to the falls. Other family-friendly activities include Bird Kingdom, the Aero Car, Niagara Takes Flight, and, in the summer, fireworks over the falls.

Our kids were always excited to go to Clifton Hill after seeing the falls. They like to go on the ferris wheel, play arcade games, and laugh at the cheesy haunted houses, and wax museums. There’s certainly plenty to keep the whole family entertained!

☞ Looking for even more family-friendly activities in Niagara Falls? Read my ultimate guide to visiting Niagara Falls with kids for all the best things to do!

22. Ashbridges’ Bay Skate Park

If you’re looking to get outside with your skateboard, I am going to suggest this large skate park in Toronto’s east end. Ashbridges’ Bay Skate Park is where the locals come to skate – and it’s one of the best in city. It sections suitable for both beginners and experienced skateboarders and it’s a particularly great spot for teens who want a break from sightseeing.

Located across from Woodbine Beach and easily accessible by TTC, this park will give your kids or teens a bit of a different Toronto experience.

23. Kew Gardens Park – A Local Favourite

Are you looking for another great park for kids in Toronto? Then I highly recommend Kew Gardens Park, located in the Beaches neighbourhood. My kids spend hours upon hours here growing up.

The fenced playground includes swings, a large climbing structure, and lots of space to run around safely. In the summer, the park also has a wading pool, perfect for cooling off on hot days.

It’s easy to get to Kew Gardens by streetcar and after some time in the park you can head down to the beach or to one of the many excellent restaurants on Queen Street.

24. Outdoor Ice Skating in Winter

If you’re visiting Toronto in the winter, then Toronto has so many awesome spots to go outdoor skating with kids. Head to Nathan Phillips Square, with the iconic Toronto Sign as a backdrop or visit Harbourfront where you can skate with views of the CN Tower.

Most Toronto skating rinks are free to use, and many offer skate rentals – so it’s easy to enjoy this classic Canadian winter activity with your family.

25. Play Shinny Hockey – A Canadian Tradition

Shinny hockey is an informal and fun way to enjoy winter on Toronto’s outdoor rinks. Full equipment isn’t required, but hockey gloves and a neck guard are recommended for safety.

Many rinks around the city have scheduled drop-in times for Shinny, where players bring their own skates, sticks, and pucks to join a game.

Some of my favourite spots for Shinny are Greenwood Park, Jimmie Simpson Park, and McCowan District Park. It’s a great way for kids and adults alike to get outside and enjoy Canada’s favourite winter sport!

26. Go Sledding in a Toronto Park

Once the snow falls, tobogganing – or sledding – is a popular winter activity for kids in Toronto. The best time to go is right after fresh snow has covered the city.

One of the top spots for sledding is both Riverdale Park East and West in the east end. Other great options include Birchmount Park and Cedarvale Park. 

So if you are here in the winter, bundle up, grab your sleds, and head out for some classic Canadian winter fun!

27. Visit WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland

WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland is one of the best holiday activities for kids in Toronto. From November to January, the park transforms into a festive wonderland filled with dazzling lights, holiday performances, and holiday activities.

Kids can enjoy the skating rink, meet Santa, and experience select rides that remain open during the event. 

It’s a magical way to celebrate the holidays and take in the beautiful Christmas lights. Tickets are required, but it’s a memorable outing for the whole family.

Ontario Science Centre (Closed Until 2029)

One of Toronto’s best things to do with kids was the Ontario Science Centre – until it closed in 2024. It used to be one of our family’s favourite places to visit, but it has been permanently closed in its original location.

There is currently a small, temporary exhibition KidSpark at Harbourfront, but the Science Centre is not expected to reopen until 2029 in it’s new location at Ontario Place.

Top Toronto Family-Friendly Hotels

Now that you’ve seen how awesome the city is for kids, you may be wondering about the best places to stay in Toronto with kids. Here are my top two recommendations for family-friendly hotels in Toronto.

1. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel – Best Indoor-Outdoor Pool

The Sheraton Centre is my top pick for families visiting Toronto. Its location is perfect – right beside the Toronto Eaton Centre and across the street from Nathan Phillips Square, home to the iconic Toronto sign and winter skating.

We recommend this to our friends and family who are looking for a modern hotel steps in the heart of downtown and steps from public transportation.

The indoor/outdoor pool is also a standout feature, especially for kids. It’s heated and accessible all year, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the city.

Why Families Love It:
✔️ Large, heated indoor/outdoor pool open year-round
✔️ Family-friendly atmosphere
✔️ Prime location near shopping, attractions, the PATH, and public transportation

☞ For modern accommodations, an amazing roof top pool in a central location, book the family-friendly Sheraton Centre in the heart of downtown Toronto.

2. Chelsea Hotel Toronto – Waterslide and Family Zone

The Chelsea Hotel is a dream for families. It’s the only downtown Toronto hotel with a 130-foot indoor corkscrew waterslide, part of a fun-filled family pool area. For parents seeking some quiet time, there’s a separate adults-only pool on another floor.

This hotel goes the extra mile for families, with a dedicated family zone that includes a kids’ center for crafts and video games and a teen lounge featuring vintage arcade machines and a pool table. Its location near the Eaton Centre and public transportation makes it convenient for exploring Toronto’s top attractions.

Why Families Love It:

✔️ 130-foot indoor corkscrew waterslide
✔️ Family pool and separate adults-only pool
✔️ Dedicated family zone with a kids’ centre and teen lounge
✔️ Convenient downtown location near shopping and public transit

☞ Book the Chelsea if you want great value, a hotel with a large indoor pool and a waterslide. It’s a fun and practical choice for a family stay in downtown Toronto.

How to Plan the Perfect Toronto Trip with Kids

Toronto is such a fun city to explore with kids.

Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, teens, or a mix of both, you’ll find a mix of iconic attractions, hands-on experiences, and outdoor adventures that actually keep everyone happy (yes, even the adults).

As a Toronto local who has explored all of these spots with my own kids, I can confidently say that choosing the right mix of activities makes all the difference in your trip.

From must-see attractions like the CN Tower and Toronto Zoo to unexpected gems like Little Canada, plus relaxing days at Woodbine Beach or the Toronto Islands, there’s no shortage of ways to create unforgettable family memories.

If you’re planning your trip, use this guide to balance those big-ticket attractions with slower, outdoor experiences – it’s the easiest way to keep things fun (and meltdown-free) for everyone.

Toronto might just surprise you… and end up being the family trip your kids talk about for years.

Before You Go: More Information About Toronto

As you plan your visit to Toronto, here are some additional articles that may help you decide what to do and where to visit.

• Things to do in Toronto for First Time Visitors
• 3 Days in Toronto: The Perfect Toronto Itinerary
• Ultimate Toronto Islands Guide: All You Need to Know
• Is the Sightseeing Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Worth it?
• Is the CN Tower Worth Visiting?
• Royal Ontario Museum Toronto Guide