What to See and Do in Toronto with Kids
The Best Attractions for Families with Children in Toronto, Ontario
Aug 11, 2009
Packed full of family-friendly attractions, Toronto offers something for everyone. From science and nature to art and culture, the city is home to many events and attractions making it a year-round family destination.
The CN Tower: Visit the Observation Deck for Outstanding Views of Toronto
As the world’s tallest free-standing structure, the CN Tower boasts impressive views of the city and Lake Ontario. A staggering 1815 feet tall, the Space Deck and Sky Pod feature activities such as a motion-theatre ride, a film on the tower’s construction, and telescopes for visitors to use. A glass bottom viewing floor a staggering 342 m above the ground is located on the Look Out level, as well as an outdoor observation deck.
The Royal Ontario Museum has Family-Friendly Exhibits
The Royal Ontario Museum, known simply as The ROM, recently underwent an architectural overhaul, drastically changing the exterior of the building with the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal and modifying the many galleries inside. The collection began in 1857, and stands as North America’s fifth largest museum. Many world-class international traveling exhibits come to The ROM such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and treasures of King Tutankhamen. Equally impressive is the museum’s permanent collection. The excellent natural history galleries feature specimens of animals, birds, and plants, as well as a dinosaur gallery featuring many complete dinosaur skeleton reconstructions.
The Hockey Hall of Fame: Interactive Exhibits and Hockey History
The Hockey Hall of fame has fifteen exhibit areas with trophies, equipment, and memorabilia dedicated to the sport of hockey. Home to the Stanley Cup when it is not making its presentation rounds, the Hockey Hall of Fame proudly displays the original Cup and trophies, and the players, and builders who have made a name for themselves in the sport. The NHL Zone is dedicated to the history of the league and its players, as well as several other displays on women’s hockey and international superstars. Interactive zones allow visitors to get in the game by taking shots on goal, as well as visit a recreated Montreal Canadiens dressing room.
The Toronto Zoo: A World-Class Zoo Open Year Round
The third largest zoo in the world, the Toronto Zoo has been open since 1974 and is divided into six geographic regions across over seven hundred acres. The six geographic zones- Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain- feature animals from each region in recreations of their natural habitats. The newest region to be revitalized is the Tundra Trek featuring Arctic animals, and Stingray Bay where visitors can touch and feed stingrays.
Ontario Place and the IMAX Cinesphere
Open from May to October, Ontario Place is located on Toronto’s waterfront. Consisting of three different artificial islands with activity zones, Ontario Place is both an amusement park and nature site geared towards family fun. The Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival from August through October is a major draw for tourists and locals alike. Also on-site is an IMAX theatre called the Cinesphere, the world’s first permanent IMAX theatre. Open year-round, the Cinesphere usually focuses on nature and science films, and documentaries.
Ontario Science Centre: Hands-on Discovery
Opened in 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has undergone recent renovations and is home to many outstanding exhibits and traveling exhibitions in nature and science. Perfect for kids, the Ontario Science Centre allows for hands-on exploration of all of its exhibits, encouraging children to look, touch, and feel while learning. One of the newest additions is The Science of Spying, an interactive exhibit which allows visitors to take on the role of a spy using hands-on equipment. Also new in 2009 is Lizards and Snakes: Alive, which features live reptiles from five continents.
Riverdale Farm: The Country in the City
Established as a small community zoo in 1888 in the heart of downtown, Riverdale Farm is open to the public year-round. Specializing in farm animals such as sheep, goats, and pigs, the farm also holds many seasonal events such as sheep shearing, farmer’s markets and festivals, and the facilities can be booked for children’s birthday parties.
Canada’s Wonderland: Over 200 Attractions and 60 Thrill Rides
Located outside the downtown core of the city in neighboring Vaughan, Ontario, Canada’s Wonderland has long been a favourite for kids of all ages and adults too. Easily accessible by car or public transit with the GO bus, Canada’s Wonderland has more than 200 attractions including 60 thrill rides and is open from May to October. With a premier water park and children’s zones, Wonderland constantly adds new rides and attractions to its collection. During the month of October, Wonderland runs Halloween Haunt, a horror-based amusement park with mystery mazes in addition to its thrill rides, perfect for teenagers and older family members.
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