Things to Do in Toronto with Kids: Handbook to Kid-Friendly Fun

When you have little ones, vacations can take a bit more time to plan.

After all, kids need a lot of attention and can be fairly picky about what they like and don’t like. Follow along as we delve into the best things to do in Toronto with kids.

Plus, you have to plan around naps and feedings. It can all be a bit much. Luckily, though, there are plenty of things to do in Toronto with toddlers. The city wonderfully mixes city attractions with natural beauty, making it a top family-friendly city where little ones and parents will find countless things to enjoy.

From interactive museums to unique playgrounds and amusement parks, you’ll have fun with your tint tyke at these Toronto attractions. Imagine the joy on your kiddos’ faces as they discover a host of activities designed just for them. So, pack your bags and make your way to the city, eagerly awaiting your discovery.

1) Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum ROM has a wide array of interactive exhibits that cater to all ages. But you might not think kids would find anything fun to do here. Think again!

Two of the most popular areas for kids center around the life-size dinosaur bones and the Discovery Gallery. At the Discovery Gallery, kids can play dress up, dig up dinosaur bones, build castles, assemble puzzles, and so much more.

Every visit here becomes an adventure as your toddler marvels at enormous fossils, explores vast collections of vibrant minerals, and develops knowledge while having the best time.

Exterior view of Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto — Photo Credit: Royal Ontario Museum via Facebook

2) Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

There’s just something about an aquarium that captivates kids. As such, visiting Ripley Aquarium of Canada is easily one of the best things to do in Toronto Canada with kids. Exhibits are large, colorful, and interesting not only to toy kids but also to parental. Highlights include:

Dangerous Lagoon

This underwater tunnel, with a moving sidewalk, allows for optimum viewing of species like sharks, sea turtles, sawfish, and plenty of other fish.

Rainbow Reef

Bright and beautiful, toddlers love this exhibit as it’s like a scene straight out of “Finding Nemo.” See if you can find Nemo or Dory or watch one of the daily dive shows.

Discovery Centre

This is the place for toddlers to get interactive at the Aquarium. Take a deep-sea dive down a slide, play at a water table, experience marine life at the touch tank, and much more!

Planet Jellies

Journey into the ocean’s wonders, where the graceful jellies reign as underwater umbrellas of the sea. Ranging from majestic giants to petite marvels no bigger than a thumbtack, their diverse sizes tell a fascinating tale of marine life.
Head with your family to the wonders of the Planet Jellies gallery. As one of the world’s largest exhibits, this showcase invites children to explore the lives of four unique jelly species, beautifully presented in color-changing displays.

Ray Bay

The thrill of your upcoming adventure takes you to the esteemed Ray Bay gallery, a remarkable haven home to four unique stingray species and, surprisingly, a shark species. Marvel at the enchanting sight of rays moving gracefully in the water, like birds in flight.

These magnificent sea animals are sure to captivate the hearts of both young and old. Ray Bay offers a large viewing window allowing visitors to closely observe and connect with these fascinating beings.

Canadian Waters

Explore the underwater treasures of Canada with your little ones. It’s a well-known fact that Canada boasts some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and rich wildlife habitats. However, the country’s water bodies, filled with diverse creature habitats and aquatic species, truly take the crown as its outstanding treasure.

Shoreline Gallery

The Shoreline Gallery invites you and your toddlers for a unique adventure. This special place provides an exciting opportunity for you and your toddlers to encounter four types of stingrays!

Shipwrecks

A unique adventure awaits your toddlers. Dive into the rich history of maritime exploration with an engaging presentation that unveils the secrets of historical shipwrecks.

3) Centreville Amusement Park

It’s not every day you find an amusement park where toddlers can ride most of the rides available. However, at Centreville, that’s exactly what you can expect! As a result, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Toronto with toddlers. With a location on the Toronto Islands, this park has over 30 rides and attractions ranging from teacups, carousels, fire engines, bumblebees, and other kid-style rides.

Moreover, toddlers can ride many rides by themselves, but parents are more than welcome to join them.

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Allow your little ones to revel in the thrill of the Ferris wheel and enjoy a variety of games. From miniature train ri, a quaint carousel, to a relaxing ferry and to a playground, your youngsters will indeed find a world of amusement. Keep in mind that there is also a petting zoo, the Far Enough Farm, and a large park by the water available, so you can do it all when you visit Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island.

When their tummies inevitably growl, numerous food stalls lay in waiting to keep those hunger pangs at bay. Take a pause from your Toronto toddler activities with restaurants. Delight your toddlers with the tempting treats from the Scoops Ice Cream Cart, or indulge their cravings for sweets at the Funnel Cake Emporium.

Entry to Centreville is free. However, there is a charge for the rides. You can choose to pay-as-you-go or purchase a day pass. Kids two and under ride free. Also, it would be best if, you took the Toronto Islands Ferry to get to the park.

4) Fantasy Fair

Another fantastic option for families that love amusement parks is the Fantasy Fair. This attraction has a twist, though: it’s all inside! That means it’s the ideal place to spend a hot afternoon in Toronto. As Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park, Fantasy Fair offers a lot to keep kids occupied. From the Dreamer’s Play village, a giant three-story play structure, to the Antique Carousel and Ships Ahoy Spinning Cups, kids have a blast here!

Entry to Fantasy Fair is free, but there is a charge for kids. Depending on how many rides your little one might like, you can opt to pay-as-you-go or purchase a day pass.

5) High Park

For outdoor fun, you can’t beat High Park. This park truly has it all. From a zoo with bison, llamas, deer, and other animals to an adventure playground with castles, ropes, swings, ladders, and slides. Don’t miss out on a trip to the extraordinary Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, a place known for its unique features largely inspired by kids and another impressive highlight in the list of toddler activities Toronto boasts. And during the spring, be sure to visit to witness the Cherry Blossom trees in full bloom.

In addition, High Park has beautiful walking trails, and picnic areas as well as lakefront access. Pack a tasty lunch, grab a comfy blanket, and create unforgettable memories filled with joy and laughter with your toddlers.

6) Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is another fantastic location where to take toddlers in Toronto with its variety of family friendly activities. It features family fun for those of all ages—even toddlers! Head to Planet Snoopy and KidzVille for toddler-appropriate rides and attractions. Here, they can enjoy Peanuts-themed entertainment and character meet and greets. You’re never too young to have fun at Canada’s Wonderland.

7) Toronto Zoo

Did you know that among the Toronto Zoo, Kids Zoo is specifically designed with little ones in mind? It’s super fun! Here, kids can experience close-up encounters with animals like pigs, goats, and miniature horses. In addition, there is a fun interactive tunnel, a giant aviary to explore, a two-story treehouse, and a splash pad nearby.

Of course, the rest of the zoo is also fun for toddlers as it features all sorts of wildli,fe from pandas to polar bears to gorillas. No wonder why this place is a favorite among families seeking one of the essential things to do in Toronto for toddlers.

8) Ontario Science Centre

As one of the more educational and fun outings, a visit to the Ontario Science Centre is a top choice for parents looking for things to do with toddlers in Toronto. When you visit, it’s best to head straight to KidSpark. This area is geared towards kids eight and under and will keep them busy for hours!

You can make a splash at the water play area, join a construction crew at Build-A-House, go shopping at an interactive grocery store, design your own roller coaster, and put on a puppet show. There’s seriously so much to do at KidSpark—it’s a must-visit!

Also, take time to explore these other attractions that make this science haven extraordinary for every curious mind:

Dinos in Motion

Have you ever been curious about what it takes to make a T. rex chomp its mighty jaws? Uncover this mystery with your kiddos at the newest hands-on exhibit, Dinos in Motion. This activity stands as one of the unique things to do in Toronto with kids. Let your toddlers marvel at the incredible collection of recycled dinosaur sculptures, each ingeniously built from eco-friendly materials and painstakingly modeled after authentic fossils.

Space Hall

Explore the wonders of the galaxy at Toronto’s Space Hall, an enticing destination for families with toddlers. Your little ones will marvel at authentic Martian meteorites, delve into the enigma of cosmic rays and black holes, and experience the thrill of a simulated rocket launch from a real space chair. The Space Hall perfects the balance between educational discovery and exhilarating entertainment for your family’s memorable vacation.

Weston Family Innovation Centre

At the Weston Family Innovation Centre, an exciting adventure awaits your toddlers. This vibrant space is dedicated to amplifying your child’s creative spirit. From various engaging activities that kindle creativity to an array of unique materials and cutting-edge digital tools, this center is more than just a play area.
Plus, it offers a unique opportunity for your young ones to partake in citizen science projects and tackle intriguing mind-thought-provoking problems.

9) SkyZone

Kids seem to have an endless amount of energy. Let them burn some of it off at SkyZone! Outfitted with trampolines and a massive foam pit, toddler time at SkyZone lets little ones go wild without the interference of big kids. Let them bounce, jump, and do it all over again until they can’t take any more fun!

Parents, you can participate in the fun, too, by engaging in a jousting game! The thrill comes from trying to knock off your competitor while balancing on a slim beam. Experience the joy of victory and the soft plunge into a foam pit if you fall.

Toddler time is available from Monday – Sunday, 9 am -12 pm.

10) Riverdale Farm

Farm visits might not instantly appear as a top choice when thinking of activities for toddlers Toronto. Nevertheless, they present an engaging and entertaining option for families adventuring through the city with their little voyagers.

Conveniently located in downtown Toronto Cabbagetown neighborhood, you’ll discover a real working farm. It’s quite a surprise yet really fun for families to visit. While you’re here, you can get an inside look at what it’s like to raise livestock like cows, pigs, and sheep and tour flower and vegetable gardens. In addition, there are wooded areas and ponds to explore. It’s like a real-life Old McDonald’s Farm for little ones!

11) Kidstown Water Park

If you’re visiting during the summer months, Kidstown Water Park will certainly rank high on your list of top things to do with toddlers Toronto. It offers a variety of water features, including a tipping bucket, spray rings, squirting aquatic animals, a slide, a wading pool, a splash pad, and so much more. As a result, this aquatic park is the perfect place for kids of all ages to cool down on a hot summer day.

12. Bata Shoe Museum

The Bata Shoe Museum is certainly a fun and unique stop for families traveling to Toronto. Packed with a myriad of shoes from different cultures and historical periods, you and your tots can explore the intriguing world of shoes at this remarkable museum.

Your kiddos will adore the opportunity to join in hands-on kid friendly activities, interactive demonstrations, and crafts designed to enrich their understanding of different kinds of footwear.

13. CN Tower

From an exhilarating elevator ride to the top, peering out over vast Lake Ontario and the sprawling cityscape from the observatory deck, to learning about the glass tower’s construction and historical significance – every moment spent here is sure to be etched in the memory of your older kids.

The thrill of ascending high above the city in an elevator followed by the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Toronto is an experience your family will remember long after the vacation ends. Afterward, treat your family to a hearty meal in the revolving restaurant located within the CN Tower Rogers Centre.

14. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto

Step into a world constructed entirely of LEGO bricks, where your little ones can explore a miniature Toronto at Miniland. This remarkable place boasts detailed replicas of iconic city landmarks, all carefully crafted with over 1 million LEGO bricks! The intricate detail leaves one in awe and provides an engaging opportunity for learning, as children can explore and familiarize themselves with these sights.

15. Hockey Hall of Fame

Traveling to Toronto with your adorable toddlers? Don’t miss out on the Hockey Hall of Fame. This vibrant, dynamic destination brimming with exhibits provides enthralling insights into Canada’s beloved sport of hockey. No matter if you’re a hockey enthusiast or not, the Hall of Fame promises entertainment for all ages.

Start your visit in the KidZone, a highly interactive area that delights even the youngest visitors. Your toddlers will be thrilled as they take a shot at miniature nets, call a classic game in the TSN/RDS Broadcast Zone, or even get their picture taken with The Stanley Cup!

What’s more, the tower also houses the 360 Restaurant, rotating gently as you dine, giving a panoramic view of the city. The kids’ menu is sure to keep the young ones satisfied, with numerous healthy and scrumptious options. It really is a dining experience like no other.

As you can see, having fun in Toronto with toddlers is easy. This city caters to all ages. As a result, parents can rest easy knowing there will be plenty of fun for everyone!

The city strikes the right balance between fun and education, filled with exciting activities and calm recreation. So, pack your suitcases full of excitement as Toronto brings you an array of attractions thoroughly designed for the entertainment of your little tots!

What Are Your Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Toronto?

Did we miss any of the fun things to do in Toronto? Share your insights! Leave a comment below.

Written by Anne Joyce Raymundo

Anne is a Filipino writer who formerly managed and created marketing strategies and materials for numerous websites and eCommerce platforms. Now, her voice...

Things to Do with Kids in Toronto: Your Go-To Handbook to Kid-Friendly Fun