Top Things to Do in Toronto with Kids: Indoor & Outdoor
What to do in Toronto with kids? Consider wandering through the dinosaur galleries at the Royal Ontario Museum. Hop a ferry over to the Toronto Islands. Or go to big-ticket attractions like the Toronto Zoo or the Ontario Science Centre. This guide brings together some of the best indoor and outdoor things to do in Toronto with kids. Read on for more details!
NYC to Toronto
ORL to Toronto
CHI to Toronto
See all flights
Best Things to Do in Toronto with Kids
I’ve rounded up some spots that are actually worth your time. Whether you’re dealing with rainy-day boredom or looking for a sunny outdoor adventure, these places are kid-approved and parent-tested.
Head to Ontario Science Centre for hands-on fun
Top family-friendly places in Toronto to check out
- Ontario Science Centre – Hands-on exhibits, live demos, and experiments that keep kids exploring for hours. Perfect for curious minds.
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Dinosaurs, ancient cultures, and natural history that’ll wow the whole family.
- High Park – Massive playgrounds, walking trails, and even a little zoo. Great for running off extra energy.
- Toronto Islands & Centreville Amusement Park – Beaches, bike paths, and carnival rides all in one. Perfect for a full day of fun.
- Toronto Zoo – One of the biggest zoos in Canada, with animals from all over the world.
Travel tips for US families visiting Toronto
- Bring snacks, water, and small toys to keep kids happy on the go.
- Plan a mix of indoor and outdoor stops so kids don’t get bored or tired.
- Choose a hotel or spot near attractions to cut down on long walks or transit with little ones.
Indoor Activities in Toronto with Kids
Toronto has plenty of options that let kids move, explore, and stay engaged without worrying about the weather.
Explore Hands-On Museums and Learning Spaces
When you want something fun and educational, hands-on museums are a great choice. Look for places where kids can touch, build, experiment, and ask questions instead of just looking at displays.
🎨 Art & Culture Museums for Kids
Take your kids to see fun, unexpected footwear at Bata Shoe Museum
Museum | What's Fun | Best for Ages |
|---|---|---|
Creative spaces, family workshops, colorful exhibits | 4+ | |
Hands-on family days, cultural art activities | 5+ | |
Fun, unusual displays and craft activities | 6+ |
Reviews of Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
4.6/5
27 reviews
4/5
It's worth seeing. Admission is free on Wednesdays, and free for those under 24.
5/5
Not bad
5/5
It was worth seeing and I highly recommend it.
5/5
Fellow art-lovers: this is a place you don’t want to miss! They also offer different type of membership and binged-worthy annual pass!
5/5
Best museum in Toronto
🔬 Science & Discovery Museums for Kids
Have fun and take cool photos at Museum of Illusions - Wikipedia
Museum | What's Fun | Best for Ages |
|---|---|---|
Ontario Science Centre | Hands-on experiments, live demos, interactive play | 4+ |
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) | Dinosaurs, animals, interactive galleries | 5+ |
Optical tricks, interactive photo fun | 6+ |
🐠 Nature, Animals & Transportation
See sharks, rays, and colorful fish up close at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Museum | What's Fun | Best for Ages |
|---|---|---|
Sharks, touch tanks, underwater tunnel | All ages | |
Trains, outdoor exhibits, mini train rides | 3+ |
Reviews of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
4.5/5
34 reviews5/5
It's best to avoid holidays, otherwise your photos will be full of heads 😂
5/5
So many novel and interesting fish, it was an eye-opening experience!
5/5
Hours to spend: 3-4 hoursLOVE THEIR UNDERWATER TUNNEL! Recommend to plan this visit after your visit at CN tower or Cruise. Very educational experience that shows you the aquatic life in Canada’s waters. Very children friendly and accessible to those with disabilities. Gift shop have very unique items, NO ENTRANCE FOR PUBLIC. So do check things out before you leave.
5/5
so cool, we had a blast!
5/5
There are so many cute underwater animals and creatures. It is a paradise for adults and children and a very interesting place! praise
Let Kids Burn Energy Indoors
Some days, when you’re traveling with kids, they just need to move, and you can’t exactly do that in a hotel room.
That’s where Toronto’s indoor play spots come in handy. They’re perfect for rainy days, chilly mornings, or any time the kids need to burn off extra energy before dinner.
Here are some great indoor climbing spots where families often go:
Toronto Climbing Academy interior view
- Toronto Climbing Academy – beginner-friendly lessons and guided climbs, great for first-timers.
- Joe Rockhead's Indoor Rock Climbing – classic gym with routes for all ages and skill levels.
- Boulderz Toronto / Etobicoke – bouldering centres where kids can climb safely without ropes.
Tip: go earlier in the day or on weekdays if you want to avoid crowds.
Get Creative with Arts and Workshops
If your kids enjoy quieter activities, creative spaces can be a great alternative.
Art studios and hands-on workshops let kids paint, build, craft, and try new skills at their own pace. These activities are ideal when you’re looking for something calmer, or when your child enjoys expressing themselves through art rather than physical play.
Some places to check out:
Find a Class | Young Rembrandts
- Paintlounge – kids can try pottery, painting, and other crafts in a relaxed, guided environment.
- Young Rembrandts Toronto – drawing and art classes that make learning fun for school-age kids.
- The Creative School (U of T Kids Programs) – occasional workshops for kids to explore arts, crafts, and design.
Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Toronto with Kids
When the weather’s nice, Toronto really comes alive, and there are so many ways to get the kids outside without running out of things to do. The city has tons of green spaces, waterfront spots, and outdoor experiences that make it easy for kids to burn energy and have fun.
Parks, Nature, and Animals
Family fun with playgrounds, trails, and free zoo at High Park
- High Park – This one’s a classic. Huge playgrounds, walking trails, and even a little free zoo with animals like bison and peacocks. It’s perfect for letting kids roam while you enjoy a coffee on a park bench.
- Toronto Islands – A short ferry ride takes you to beaches, bike rentals, picnic spots.
- Riverdale Farm – Right in the city, this working farm lets kids get up close with cows, pigs, and sheep. It’s free, and honestly, kids love the hands-on vibe.
Outdoor Attractions and Adventures
Toronto Zoo
- Toronto Zoo – One of the biggest zoos in the country, with themed habitats and splash pads in the summer. It’s easy to spend a whole day here.
- Canada’s Wonderland – For thrill-seeking kids and teens, the rides range from gentle family-friendly coasters to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters.
- Harbourfront Centre – Waterfront walks, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly events make this a nice spot to just stroll, grab a snack, or catch a live show.
Reviews of Toronto Zoo
4.5/5
11 reviews
5/5
Visiting the Toronto Zoo is an exhilarating experience filled with adventure and discovery. As you wander through the expansive grounds, you'll encounter diverse wildlife from around the globe. The zoo features themed habitats like the Canadian Domain, where native animals roam, and the African Savanna, showcasing majestic lions and giraffes. Interactive exhibits, such as the Discovery Zone, engage visitors of all ages. The serene beauty of lush landscaping and educational programs enrich the visit, making it not just entertaining but informative. Whether observing playful pandas or vibrant birds, the Toronto Zoo offers unforgettable memories in a stunning natural setting.
5/5
In the meantime the government will be continue
5/5
The Toronto Zoo is a zoo located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Encompassing 287 hectares (710 acres),the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada averaging around 1.2 million visitors a year.The zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain. Some animals are displayed indoors in pavilions and outdoors in what would be their naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels.
5/5
The toronto zoo is an awesome place with a large variety of animals and birds and feels like an oasis of greenery.Goos place to chill out with the kids and family along with learning about the fauna and flaura of the word..Must see place when in Canada
5/5
I went with my daughter last year it was so fun. We finished the enclosures walking around the whole day.
Free Things to Do in Toronto with Kids
If you’re traveling with kids and trying to keep costs down, Toronto actually has a surprising number of free options.
Let the little ones run wild in city parks or splash around in summer splash pads, hit the sand at Woodbine or Cherry Beach, or check out storytimes and programs at local libraries.
There are also plenty of free museum days and cultural events that are worth keeping an eye on, perfect for filling your day without spending a fortune. Honestly, you’d be surprised how much fun you can have without opening your wallet!
Toronto Pumpkinfest will have a lineup of rides and food trucks
Popular free options by season:
Season | Free Things to Do |
|---|---|
Spring | Parks, flower gardens |
Summer | Splash pads, beaches |
Fall | Nature walks, festivals |
Winter | Outdoor skating rinks |
Note: The top fall festivals for families near Toronto include PumpkinFest Toronto, Markham Fair, and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Toronto
When you’re traveling with kids, the right hotel can save your sanity. Toronto has lots of family-friendly options, from spacious rooms to spots with kitchens or pools, all near attractions kids will love. Pick the right one, and everyone starts the day happy and ready to explore.
The Omni King Edward Hotel
5-Star Hotel
Enjoy the night at the Omni King Edward Hotel
- Classic, comfortable option right downtown, great base for exploring museums, the harbour, and quick transit rides.
- Offers connecting rooms/adjoining rooms, cribs on request, and extra beds available to make rooming with kids easier.
- With childcare service & children's breakfast available.
Ace Hotel Toronto
4-Star Hotel
Pick up a pleasant night at Ace Hotel Toronto
- Fun, stylish choice if you’re after a place with personality.
- Rooms are comfortable and modern, and its location in the lively Queen West area means easy access to cafes, shops, and fun neighborhood walks with older kids.
- Family rooms, children welcome stay!
The Novotel Toronto Centre
4-Star Hotel
Kids stay easily & for lots of fun at Novotel Toronto Centre
- Children’s meals that can appeal to younger tastes without extra fuss.
- Free cribs/infant beds available, helpful if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler and don’t want to bring your own gear.
- The hotel offers kid‑friendly games and a snack bar/deli that makes quick meals or treats easy between outings.
Reviews of The Novotel Toronto Centre
9/10
92 reviews
10/10
Newly Renovated Executive King Room
Excellent location, very convenient for getting around. You can even walk to the attractions. The breakfast was delicious too! The staff were warm and welcoming, but the hotel didn't provide disposable slippers. I hope they can offer them in the future.
10/10
Newly Renovated Superior King Room
Novotel Toronto Centre has an excellent location- 8 to 10mins walk from Union Station, St Lawrence market, 5 mins to Berczy park. No Frills is also just next to the hotel, very convenient to get urgent stuff or snacks. There is also a whole stretch of restaurants and pub just right opposite of it.
Staff are friendly, amenities are complete. The room is rather spacious, modern, clean, and with enough lighting. I especially like their shower stall (I'm not a bathtub person) with good water pressure for both the rain shower and shower head..
10/10
Newly Renovated Superior King Room
Great location, good restaurant and helpful staff. We booked two adjacent rooms for us and family and had comfortable space in the rooms for chatting. Taxi drivers found it easy to park.
10/10
Newly Renovated Superior King Room
The location is great. It's a 10-minute walk from Union Station. There are markets and marts nearby, and it's easy to get to the city center.
10/10
Newly Renovated Superior King Room
The location is excellent, the supermarket is within walking distance, it takes 5 minutes to walk to St. Lawrence, 10 minutes to walk to Union Station, and then walk forward to CN Tower.
The room is clean and tidy, the staff is nice.
The breakfast is good.
Final Thoughts: Planning Family Fun in Toronto
Toronto makes it easy to plan memorable family outings. Whether you’re looking for indoor things to do in Toronto with kids, outdoor adventures, or free activities, there’s something for every family and every season.
Save this guide, mix and match activities, and you’ll never run out of kid-approved things to do in Toronto.
FAQs about Things to Do in Toronto with Kids
What are the best indoor activities for kids in Toronto?
Hands-on museums, indoor play spaces, trampoline parks, and creative workshops are perfect for rainy or cold days.Which parks in Toronto are great for families?
High Park, Riverdale Farm, and Toronto Islands are top picks with playgrounds, walking trails, and kid-friendly attractions.Are there kid-friendly festivals in Toronto?
Yes! PumpkinFest, Markham Fair, and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair are great seasonal events for families.What free activities can families enjoy?
City parks, splash pads in summer, public libraries with storytime, beaches, and free museum or cultural event days.Which hotels in Toronto are good for families?
Novotel Toronto Centre, The Omni King Edward, and Ace Hotel Toronto offer family rooms, pools, cribs, and kid-friendly amenities.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
About
Payment methods
Our partners
Copyright © 2026 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.