Exploring Toronto with Kids and Finding Unforgettable Family Fun

One of Canada’s most famous museums, the ROM is packed with fascinating exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and Indigenous Canadian history. The “Bat Cave” is a favorite among kids, offering a realistic walk-through of a dark cave filled with lifelike bat models. The Discovery Gallery allows children to touch real fossils, dress up in historical costumes, and dig for dinosaur bones. The museum frequently hosts family-friendly events and scavenger hunts to make learning even more engaging.

A must-visit for hockey fans, this museum celebrates the history of Canada’s favorite sport. Families can see the Stanley Cup, play interactive shooting and goalie games, and explore exhibits about legendary players. The 3D film and memorabilia displays make the experience even more immersive. Kids will love trying on hockey gear and stepping into a replica NHL dressing room. It’s a great mix of sports history and hands-on fun.

One of Toronto’s oldest and most famous markets, St. Lawrence Market is a fun place for families to explore. Kids will love sampling fresh-baked goods, cheese, and fruit from local vendors. The market often hosts cooking demonstrations and special events, making it an interactive experience. The nearby Berczy Park, with its whimsical dog fountain, is a great spot to let kids run around after a visit to the market.

A working farm in the middle of Toronto, Riverdale Farm gives kids a chance to see cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens up close. Families can walk through historic barns, watch farm demonstrations, and enjoy scenic trails around the property. The nearby park has playgrounds and picnic spots, making it a great stop for a relaxed outdoor day. Best of all, admission is free.

This hands-on science museum is perfect for curious kids. Interactive exhibits cover space exploration, physics, human biology, and the environment. Highlights include the planetarium, the rain forest simulation with a live waterfall, and the “Science Arcade,” where kids can experiment with electricity and motion. The “Kidspark” area is designed for younger children with water play stations, building blocks, and simple science experiments. The Science Centre also features an IMAX dome theater showing educational films about nature and space.

This living history museum takes families back in time to the 1800s. Costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, baking, and weaving, giving visitors a glimpse of life in early Canada. Kids can try old-fashioned games, ride a horse-drawn wagon, and explore historic buildings like a schoolhouse and general store. Seasonal events, such as maple syrup festivals and holiday celebrations, add to the immersive experience.

Home to over 5,000 animals from around the world, the Toronto Zoo offers a mix of outdoor and indoor pavilions, making it great for any season. The zoo is divided into regions, including the African Savanna, Indo-Malaya, and Tundra Trek, where families can see polar bears, giraffes, tigers, and more. The Kids Zoo area allows young visitors to interact with goats and rabbits. In the summer, the zoo features a splash pad, while in winter, the indoor rainforest and pavilions provide a warm retreat. Special programs include zookeeper talks, feeding demonstrations, and seasonal events.

Located in Vaughan, just outside Toronto, this indoor attraction is a dream for LEGO-loving kids. It features a LEGO-themed play area, a 4D cinema, a miniature Toronto made of LEGO bricks, and interactive rides like Kingdom Quest. The Master Builder Academy offers hands-on workshops where kids can learn to create their own LEGO masterpieces. There’s also a soft play area for younger children. It’s an ideal spot for creative play, especially on rainy days.

This massive aquarium is one of Toronto’s top family attractions, featuring over 20,000 marine animals. The highlight is the Dangerous Lagoon, a moving walkway that takes visitors through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. Kids will love the interactive touch pools where they can feel horseshoe crabs and small sharks. The aquarium also features a jellyfish exhibit with mesmerizing color-changing lights, as well as daily dive shows and educational programs. It’s an immersive experience that brings the wonders of the ocean to life.

In the winter, Nathan Phillips Square transforms into a lively outdoor skating rink, complete with festive lights and music. Families can rent skates and glide under the iconic Toronto sign. During the rest of the year, the square hosts concerts, cultural festivals, and public art displays. It’s a central gathering spot that captures the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

This massive amusement park, located just outside Toronto, is a top family destination with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and a large water park. For younger kids, Planet Snoopy offers gentle rides and character meet-and-greets. Older children and thrill-seekers can enjoy roller coasters like the Leviathan and Behemoth. Splash Works, the park’s water park, features wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides, making it perfect for hot summer days. Special events like Halloween Haunt and WinterFest provide fun throughout the year.

Located on the Toronto Islands, this charming amusement park is perfect for young children. It features gentle rides like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and mini roller coaster. Families can also visit Far Enough Farm, a petting zoo with ponies, goats, and llamas. The island itself is a great place for biking, picnicking, and relaxing on the beach. A short ferry ride from downtown Toronto makes the journey part of the fun.

Train-loving kids will enjoy exploring historic locomotives and learning about Toronto’s railway history. Located near the CN Tower, this museum features restored train cars, a mini train ride, and a hands-on simulator that lets kids “drive” a locomotive. Roundhouse Park also has open green spaces for running and playing. Nearby, the Steam Whistle Brewery offers non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, making it a great stop for parents as well.

This eco-friendly attraction offers outdoor adventures, markets, and hands-on activities for kids. Families can explore scenic trails, bike along the Don Valley, or participate in nature-themed workshops. The Children's Garden features climbing structures, sand play areas, and garden beds where kids can learn about plants. Weekend farmers' markets and seasonal events, like pumpkin festivals and outdoor skating in winter, make it a dynamic family destination.

The Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city with beaches, parks, and walking trails. Families can rent bikes or kayaks to explore the scenic surroundings. Hanlan’s Point Beach and Ward’s Island Beach are great for swimming, while Franklin Children’s Garden is a whimsical spot inspired by the beloved Franklin the Turtle books. The islands are also home to picnic areas, playgrounds, and bird-watching spots, making it a great all-day outdoor adventure.

Toronto’s largest park offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Kids can explore the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, a giant wooden castle-themed play structure with towers, slides, and climbing areas. The park also has a small zoo featuring animals like bison, deer, and llamas. In the spring, the cherry blossoms attract visitors with their stunning pink blooms. Families can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and even an outdoor theater with Shakespeare performances in the summer.