Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Toronto: Fun Activities for Families
Whether you’re just visiting for the weekend or living in the area, Toronto has many fun attractions. Sure, the food and music scene is great, but Toronto also has plenty of kids’ activities that are walkable, stroller-friendly, and guaranteed to tire your kids out by naptime. Check out the 10 best things to do in Toronto with kids.
Toronto Zoo
Spanning over 700 acres, the Toronto Zoo is open every day, year-round. Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo also features beautiful botanical gardens and aquariums. Little explorers will love the Kids Zoo, where they can dig for dinosaur bones, climb through tunnels, play in a shaded outdoor sandbox, and zoom down a two-storey slide.
Thrill-seekers can tackle the Gorilla Climb ropes course, catch an immersive show at the VR Theatre, or get creative with face painting and henna. During the warmer months, be sure to pack swimsuits for a stop at Splash Island, the zoo’s water play area.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium will delight any kiddo who loves the ocean and all its creatures. The aquarium’s showstopper is its walk-through tunnel, where you’ll glide along a moving walkway surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. There’s also a breathtaking floor-to-ceiling shark tank wall, plus live shows and talks about everything from jellyfish to sharks.
Tickets are $46 for adults and $13.50 to $30 for children. If you plan on visiting the CN Tower next door, consider buying the Toronto CityPASS®, which gives you access to both attractions at a reduced rate.
CN Tower
What’s more Canadian than the CN Tower? While the dizzying heights may be better suited to older children, it’s worth the ride up for the city views. The main draw is the observation level, where kids can test their courage by stepping onto the glass floor and peering over 1,100 feet to the ground below.
There’s also a kid-friendly play area near the gift shop to burn off some energy, and several on-site cafés where families can grab snacks or meals between activities. If your kids have sensory sensitivities, book tickets to CN Tower’s Low Sensory Mornings for a more calming experience.
Little Canada
Step into a world where everything is teeny-tiny and wonderfully detailed at Little Canada. This attraction brings Canada’s most iconic landmarks to life in miniature displays. Feel free to wander at your own pace or sign up for a 90-minute guided tour.
Kids especially love the interactive touches, like the “Where’s Maurice?” scavenger hunt, where they search for a mischievous moose hidden in the displays. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Littleization Station for the Little Me experience, where you can get a 3D-printed mini version of yourself to either take home or add to the exhibits.
Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is a working, 7.5-acre farm in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood. Kids can wander along scenic wooded trails and ponds to take in the sights and sounds of a real farm without leaving the city. While kids aren’t allowed to touch the animals, they can get a close look at the farm’s sheep, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens, plus views of flower, herb, and vegetable gardens.
If you’re planning a longer visit, you can reserve picnic tables in advance and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature. For a better picnic experience, consider bringing a portable fridge-freezer like the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer and keep everything fresh all day, especially on hot summer afternoons. If you plan on running multiple devices, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator is an eco-friendly option for additional power.
Young People’s Theatre
Want to get out of the elements? Take your kids to see a show at the Young People’s Theatre. This kid-first theatre features fun shows like “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Shrek The Musical.”
Beyond the shows, the theatre hosts Playdate events twice a month for children aged 11 months to 5 years old. These sessions feature soft play surfaces, sensory-friendly toys, and a 30-minute song circle filled with music, playacting, and fun activities.
LEGOLAND
If your kids want a fun, hands-on experience, visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Check out the LEGO 4D Cinema (complete with wind, rain, and snow effects), the colourful Duplo Village designed for toddlers, the Merlin’s Apprentice ride, and the action-packed LEGO Ninjago City Adventure play area. The centre also hosts special events throughout the year, including dedicated Homeschool Days with discounted pricing.
Museum of Illusions
Step into a world where nothing is quite what it seems at the Museum of Illusions. This interactive spot offers mind-bending exhibits that will leave kids (and adults!) giggling, guessing, and snapping tons of photos.
Kids can crawl across the ceiling (or at least look like they are), tower over their parents in the Ames Room, and shrink down to doll-size in other perspective-bending illusion rooms. Other highlights include the Cloning Table, the dizzying Tilted Room, and a gallery where you can use your phone to reveal hidden illusions.
Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is the largest amusement park in the nation, so this destination is a crowd-pleaser with attractions for kids, teens, and adults. From gentle carousels and flying canoes to towering drop rides and adrenaline-pumping coasters, there’s something here for every bravery level. There’s even a dedicated Kidsville area just for toddlers and a sprawling splash park perfect on hot days.
Woodbine Beach
Enjoy a relaxing day by the water at Woodbine Beach, which sits at the edge of Lake Ontario. This 3-kilometre-long beach is the perfect outdoor activity for children, complete with swimming, sand castles, and amenities like showers and foot washes.
Kids can burn off energy on the playground or explore the boardwalk and nearby trails, featuring outdoor fitness equipment and picnic shelters. For extra comfort on hot days, bring a portable air conditioner like the EcoFlow WAVE 3 to keep your picnic area cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Entertain My Kids in Toronto?
There are so many family-friendly attractions in Toronto for kids of all ages. Learn about animals at the Toronto Zoo, ride roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland, or relax lakeside at Woodbine Beach. The city also offers plenty of indoor activities like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Young People’s Theatre, and the Museum of Illusions.
Where To Take a 4-Year-Old in Toronto?
Younger kids will love the Kids Zoo area at the Toronto Zoo, Duplo Village at LEGOLAND, and the free playground at Riverdale Farm. Young People’s Theatre also offers special Playdate sessions for children aged 11 months to 5 years old.
Family Adventures in Toronto Create Lasting Memories
Toronto has something for everyone. Try any of the 10 child-friendly destinations on this list to entertain and educate your kids while enjoying some much-needed time out of the house. For longer outings or full-day adventures, keep snacks and drinks fresh on the go with the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer so you can focus on fun, not finding the nearest concession stand.