Whatever you like to call Toronto – the Six, Hogtown or the Big Smoke – this is one of Canada’s top destinations for families with kids in tow. While older travelers rave about the food, nightlife, and arts scene, for families it’s all about the museums, the water, and the green spaces. Add in Toronto’s welcoming nature, its cultural diversity, and its safety, and you have a perfect family city break.
Toronto’s rich multiculturalism is a significant factor in its appeal for families. Varied communities have filled the city’s diverse neighborhoods with energy, world foods, and culture. Moreover, top-tier attractions such as the CN Tower and LEGOLAND are guaranteed hits with younger travelers. As an added bonus, the transit system easily transports city dwellers and visitors across Toronto.
Parents seeking an exciting, safe, and memorable destination will find Toronto an ideal choice. Here are essential tips for families traveling to the capital of Ontario with kids.
Why Toronto is a Great City to Visit with Kids
The world’s sixth-safest city, Toronto is an excellent destination for parents looking for a welcoming, stress-free family vacation. Consequently, the wide range of activities on offer increases its appeal, from harbor cruises to trips to urban beaches – best enjoyed in the warm summer months. With numerous attractions in and around the city, each day in Toronto promises to be both eventful and memorable.
The best things to do in Toronto will keep kids mentally stimulated, culturally rewarded, and physically active – precisely what you want from a family vacation. Here are top recommendations.
The CN Tower Offers Toronto’s Best Views
Towering 1,815 ft above the city, the CN Tower is Toronto’s most recognizable landmark and a popular attraction for tourists. With views rivaling an airplane on takeoff, the tower promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking a vertical thrill. Once at the top, visitors can marvel at stellar views from the Observation Deck or enjoy a 360º panoramic view of the Big Smoke from the revolving 360 Restaurant. The high-speed, glass-fronted elevator ride to the Glass Floor, which offers views straight down 1,122 ft to ground level, is sure to impress kids. The whole family will cherish the memories created at this iconic site for years to come.
Toronto Zoo is a Must for Animal Lovers
A top destination for animal enthusiasts, the Toronto Zoo guarantees an exciting day out for parents and children alike. Located in the northeast corner of the city, covering 710 acres, the zoo highlights the regions of the world from which its animal inhabitants hail, allowing families to explore Australasia, Eurasia, and Africa without leaving Ontario. Structured guided tours provide educational insights for kids, but it’s just as much fun to explore at your leisure. It’s accessible via bus 86A from Kennedy station during summer or on weekdays at other times of the year.
Head to Centre Island for Relaxation
Beloved by city-dwellers and tourists, Centre Island is a must-visit destination for families in Toronto. Half the fun is getting to this green island park via a 15-minute ferry ride across Lake Ontario from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at Queens Quay. Alongside breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline, the park offers great picnic spots, games by the beach, and bike rentals for family-friendly exploration. Additionally, the island features a summertime amusement park with rides suitable for both kids and adults.
LEGOland Discovery Centre: A Hands-On Experience
A 30-minute drive northwest from the city center, the LEGOland Discovery Centre is dedicated to this legendary children’s toy. The center features ten LEGO Build and Play Zones, a 4D theater, two LEGO-themed rides, and three million LEGO bricks – enough to keep young hands occupied for hours. If kids resist taking a lunch break, the on-site LEGO-themed café offers family-friendly options for hungry youngsters. This center is nestled within the impressive Vaughan Mills shopping center, allowing families to combine an activity with a bit of retail therapy.
Ontario Science Centre: Perfect for Inquisitive Minds
Open for over 50 years, the Ontario Science Centre is a key cultural attraction and a go-to stop for families, schools, and anyone fascinated by science. This museum, attracting approximately one million visitors annually, is filled with interactive displays, and an IMAX theater showcases immersive documentaries related to nature. Exhibits address significant scientific issues of our time, from renewable energy to climate change. The center fosters curiosity and critical thinking, featuring knowledgeable staff available to answer kids’ questions.
High Park for Summer Picnics
Situated inland from Sunnyside Beach and easily accessible from the Bloor West Village shopping strip, High Park offers a 399-acre natural escape from the urban hustle. Families flock here year-round for outdoor activities, enjoying hiking trails, a zoo, a large pond, playgrounds, picnic areas, eateries, and more. The park is renowned for its blooming cherry trees in spring, attracting blossom enthusiasts worldwide, reminiscent of the Japanese sakura experience. For a fun and budget-friendly day out, High Park is unbeatable and easy to reach via the High Park subway station.
Take a Harbor Cruise for Family Fun
A cruise on Lake Ontario against the backdrop of the city skyline adds a dash of adventure to any family trip. Between May and September, cruise operators depart from the waterfront beside Queens Quay Terminal or York Quay Centre, with most packages offering a buffet lunch. Trips on the vintage sailing ship Kajama are particularly memorable. For a more budget-friendly option, the public Toronto Island Ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal provides access to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, or Ward’s Island.
Enjoy Toronto’s Beaches
While beaches may not be the first thought when considering Toronto, the city boasts some lovely sandy spots, both man-made and natural. In the summer, visitors should head to Sugar Beach on Queens Quay East or Bluffer’s Park Beach – a lively, shallow-water lake beach situated just east of downtown at the foot of the rocky Scarborough Bluffs. Alternatively, a day out can be enjoyed at the various beaches on the Toronto Islands.
Recommended Neighborhoods for Families
Toronto is celebrated for its cultural diversity, reflected in its array of neighborhoods, each settled by communities from around the globe, including China, India, Cambodia, Greece, Italy, and the Caribbean. Exploring beyond downtown offers free cultural immersion alongside colorful, affordable cuisine.
Beyond major attractions, areas such as Chinatown, Kensington Market, Danforth Village, and the West End are particularly interesting for parents and kids. Chinatown dazzles with vibrant stores, authentic restaurants, and street vendors selling unique items, providing a feast for the senses.
Kensington Market is famous for its eclectic mix of people and a wonderful place for teens to find vintage and reclaimed fashions. Located just around the corner from Chinatown, “the Market” offers artsy shops, thrift stores, diverse eateries, and cozy coffee shops, all family-friendly.
When it comes to accommodation, staying downtown positions you close to prominent attractions, but it comes at a premium. Consider alternative accommodations, such as Airbnb options in Bloor West Village (with great shopping), Danforth Village, and the Beaches, providing a small-town atmosphere with various parks and beaches.
How to Get Around Toronto
Toronto is constructed on a grid, and the affordable and efficient Toronto transit system – known as the “TTC” (Toronto Transit Commission) – simplifies exploration. The subway features two main lines, ensuring easy access to the northern and southern parts of the city and suburbs to the east and west. Stations are strategically located near major intersections and busy areas. For those preferring to remain above ground, the TTC boasts a robust bus and streetcar fleet, offering a leisurely sightseeing experience for families who enjoy a slower pace.
Tips for Toronto Weather
Although Toronto shares a similar latitude with Florence, Italy, the North American continental climate can bring unexpected chills in the colder months. Temperatures from May to September peak around 88℉ (31℃) and can drop to a cool 37℉ (3℃) in spring and fall. During the winter months, temperatures rarely exceed 41℉ (5℃), so be prepared for lows around 3℉ (-16℃) while factoring in wind chill. If chilly weather doesn’t deter you, be sure to spend some time at the public outdoor ice-skating rink at the Harbourfront Centre.
