Top 5 Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Toronto

Get a CityPass for yourself and your children to gain access to world-class destinations, such as the CN Tower, Toronto Zoo, Royal Ontario Museum, and Casa Loma. The sights and attractions in and around Toronto are legendary. Consider this your handy guide on how to make the most of your visit to Toronto with kids in tow.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the city
Scale the 1,776 steps of one of the world’s tallest structures and take in the breathtaking views of the city, the lovely lake, and beyond (if the weather is good). There are plenty of family-friendly things to do within the tower, such as dining at Horizons Restaurant or the 360 Restaurant, climbing higher observatories (Skypod and Lookout), and trying out the thrilling EdgeWalk. The outdoor walk lasts for about 30 minutes, and the crew can take a video and photos of the entire experience. Obtain a ticket or a CityPass ahead of your visit.

Drive to the US-Canadian border to see the majestic Niagara Falls
There are several strong contenders for the title “best place on earth,” but the winner in Canada is undoubtedly Niagara Falls. The word “Niagara” comes from the Iroquois Indian word “Onguiaahra,” which means “the strait.” The cascades of Niagara can be broken down into three different groups: the American falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls. If you are planning to visit the Falls, go during spring or summer.

There are plenty of ways to experience the beauty of Niagara Falls. For example, through skywheel (Canada’s largest observation wheel with fully-enclosed gondolas), from your cabin window if you book a property near the Falls, or by ferry at Hornblower Niagara Cruises. You need to wear rain ponchos for the mist but still expect to get wet. After all, this trip is an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

Royal Ontario Museum is also for kids
Worried about bringing the kids to Canada’s largest museum? It’s definitely okay to take curious children to the kid-friendly Royal Ontario Museum to explore the six million objects showcasing art, culture, and natural science. The museum is open from 10AM until 5:30PM daily, except on December 25.

Visiting with a toddler? He or she will surely find many cool things to do, such as looking at all the mirrors, counting various shapes, seeing a replica of a bat cave, and discovering the gigantic moose. For hands-on experience, the Discovery Gallery is a fantastic place for kids, but be careful not to touch the dinosaurs. You can gaze at them and take lots of photos and selfies. Cap off your visit by dropping by the gift shop on Level 2.

Toronto Zoo
The Royal Ontario Museum may house thousands of fascinating animal bones, but nothing beats seeing an animal alive and face-to-face at the Toronto Zoo. The zoo, which first opened to public on August 15, 1974, has many claims to fame. With over 5,000 animals and 450 different species, the zoo represents biodiversity. Children especially adore the white lion cubs, baby pandas, and polar bears - the cutest celebrities of the zoo.

Enter with your CityPass, and go on a free guided walking tour. Kids will also be thrilled by a tour around the Giant Panda Interpretive Centre, the Gorilla Rainforest, and the massive, mesmerizing aquarium. The zoo is part of major conservation projects, so you will notice how the exhibits try to imitate animals’ natural habitats.

Discover the secrets of Casa Loma
Casa Loma is Toronto’s most enchanting house that’s open for the public. Popular among the locals as a wedding and party venue, this majestic castle is inspired by Gothic architecture. It was the home of the late Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt.

If you buy a CityPass, a visit to this iconic landmark is included in the ticket. Roam the halls, wander through the spectacular suites, discover secret passages, and climb up the towers. It doesn’t take much imagination to picture yourself living within these stone walls, arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, and spending the afternoon in the gorgeous 5-acre gardens. When it comes time to leave the castle, most visitors look forward to coming back again.

Few tourist spots could beat what Toronto has to offer, especially for families on vacation. No wonder why it draws thousands of international visitors each year. Have you traveled to Toronto lately? What are your favorite things to do in Toronto with the kids? Share pictures, insider tips, and stories through our Facebook page.