Looking for things to do with kids in Toronto? From getting up close with sharks and dinosaurs to riding amusement park rides and exploring some of the city’s best parks, Toronto is packed with family-friendly attractions for every age and interest.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, looking for something to do on a rainy day, or simply want to keep the kids entertained during school holidays, these are some of the best things to do with kids in Toronto.
Pocket Planet Canada is a 45,000 sq ft immersive miniature world in downtown Toronto where visitors can explore detailed animated scenes of iconic Canadian places, take part in scavenger hunts, and even 3D-scan themselves as mini-figures.
As one of the largest aquariums in all of Canada, Ripley’s Aquarium is home to over 20,000 animals, from rays and sea turtle to jellyfish, sharks, and starfish. Both you and the kids can explore life under the sea, as well as learn about our very own Canadian Waters. There are also hands-on experiences and animal encounters your kids will love!
If you have some music fans in your family over the age of 8, going to a Candlelight concert is an enchanting experience. The Candlelight series invites audiences to listen to renditions of their favourite music by timeless composers and modern-day icons at unique venues like The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. From Taylor Swift to Halloween Classics, these performances cover a wide range of music genres.
Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO® Art is officially open in Toronto, showcasing more than 130 incredible sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya made entirely from millions of LEGO® bricks. The immersive display features everything from human figures and everyday objects to LEGO recreations of iconic artworks like Starry Night, The Scream, and Mona Lisa. Visitors can also see a massive 20-foot T. rex skeleton, endangered animal sculptures, and Sawaya’s famous “Yellow” piece, along with interactive areas where guests can build their own LEGO creations.
The Royal Ontario Museum is a must for curious kids, especially those who can’t get enough of dinosaurs. Wander through galleries filled with fossils, ancient creatures, natural history and cultural treasures from around the world. It’s also a particularly good rainy-day activity when everyone needs to escape the weather. Discover over 13 million artworks, witness one of the world’s best collections of dinosaurs, and enjoy the largest display of minerals and gems in Canada.
With more than 5,000 animals representing over 450 species, the Toronto Zoo is one of the easiest places to spend an entire day with the family. Kids can see everything from giraffes and gorillas to polar bears and kangaroos, while attractions such as the Kids Zoo, Kangaroo Walk-Thru and Gorilla Climb Ropes Course add even more to the experience. This fall, don’t miss their new attraction, Glow in the Wild.
Let the kids live out their castle dreams at Casa Loma. Explore grand rooms, secret passages, towers and underground tunnels while learning about one of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks. The castle also hosts seasonal programming and special events throughout the year.
Hop on the ferry to Toronto Island and make a beeline for Centreville Amusement Park. The family-friendly park has classic rides, midway-style attractions and Far Enough Farm, making it an easy choice for a summer day out. Pair the rides with a picnic, bike ride or beach time on the island for a full-day adventure.
You don’t need to leave the city to enjoy a farm day. Riverdale Farm offers kids the chance to see farm animals including cows, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens in the heart of Toronto. It’s also one of the city’s easiest free family activities.
Just outside Toronto in Vaughan, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is an easy GTA day trip for LEGO-loving kids. Expect themed play areas, LEGO builds, rides and interactive experiences designed with younger children in mind. It’s especially handy for rainy days.
Take the little ones to glide under the city lights at this iconic outdoor skating rink, one of Toronto’s most popular winter attractions. Skate rentals are available onsite, and you can grab a hot chocolate afterwards as a family from nearby vendors to keep cozy.
Head to High Park for one of Toronto’s best free family outings. Kids can explore the trails, visit the High Park Animal Display, play at the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground and spend some time at the High Park Nature Centre. Combine a visit with a stop at its small animal attraction. The free High Park Zoo features animals including capybaras, bison, llamas, peacocks and deer. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already spending the day exploring the park.
If your kiddos love hockey, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-visit! Established in 1943, you’ll find can see a vast collection of hockey memorabilia, jerseys, and the Stanley Cup in this museum dedicated to Canada’s beloved winter sport. There’s also a gift shop where you can pick up some authentic NHL and Hall of Fame merch or gifts.
Take your little ones back in time to experience 19th-century village life with winter crafts, activities, and historic demonstrations at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Watch costumed actors bring history to life as they show traditional baking, candle-making, and blacksmithing. Kids can even try their hand at making butter, weaving, or blacksmithing with the help of staff.
Give kids a bird’s-eye view of the city from the CN Tower. The observation levels offer spectacular views across Toronto and Lake Ontario, while the glass floor is guaranteed to get a reaction from adventurous little ones. For older kids and teens, the EdgeWalk offers an even more thrilling experience, although age and height restrictions apply.
An art gallery might not immediately sound like a kid-friendly outing, but the Art Gallery of Ontario has plenty to capture young imaginations. Look for colourful, unusual and interactive works, and check the gallery’s family programming before visiting. Better yet, children under the age of 9 always get to visit for free.
Younger kids can learn through play at KidSpark, the Ontario Science Centre’s children’s experience currently operating at Harbourfront Centre. Designed for children 10 and under, the interactive space includes pretend-play areas, building activities, science experiences and imaginative exhibits. It’s particularly useful for families looking for an educational activity that doesn’t feel like school.
When temperatures climb, head to Wet’n’Wild Toronto for a day of water slides, splash zones and pools. Younger children can stick to gentler attractions while older kids tackle the bigger slides.
For a free indoor activity, take the family to Allan Gardens Conservatory. The tropical plants, flowers, ponds and warm indoor environment make it an especially good escape during cold or rainy weather. The wide, stroller-friendly paths are also well suited to families with younger children.
Turn lunch into an adventure at St. Lawrence Market. Wander through the stalls, let everyone choose something different and introduce kids to foods they might not normally try. It’s also close to several downtown attractions, making it easy to combine with another activity.
