Toronto is bigger than my entire home state back in Australia. A city where glass skyscrapers sit beside historic buildings, where lake life meets big city energy, and where travelling families quickly realise there is no shortage of family things to do in Toronto.

We spent two weeks exploring Toronto as a family and filled our days with everything from indoor skydiving to pirate adventures, splash pads to skyline views. Some days were loud and thrilling. Others were slow and simple. All of them reminded me why Toronto is such a fantastic destination for families travelling with children.

If you are planning a family trip and searching for the best things to do with kids in Toronto, this guide brings together everything we loved, plus a few newer attractions worth adding to your list.

Toronto With Kids. Is Toronto Good for Families?

Yes. Toronto is one of the easiest major cities in North America to visit with children. It combines big-ticket attractions like the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium with outdoor spaces, beaches, parks, and family-friendly neighbourhoods that make travelling with kids feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

If you are wondering whether Toronto is worth visiting with kids, the answer is absolutely. Many of the best things to do in Toronto with kids are located close together in the downtown waterfront and Entertainment District, which means less travel time and more time actually enjoying the experience. Public transport is simple, attractions cater well to families, and there is a strong mix of indoor and outdoor activities for every season.

Toronto also works well for different ages. Toddlers will love splash pads, playgrounds, and ferry rides to the Toronto Islands. School-aged kids enjoy interactive museums, aquariums, and theme parks. Teenagers tend to gravitate towards the skyline views, thrill rides, and the food scene. It is one of those rare cities where everyone finds something they enjoy.

3 Days in Toronto With Kids. Easy Family Itinerary

If you only have a few days for kids activities Toronto, this is a simple way to structure your visit without feeling rushed.

Day 1 – Downtown Toronto Highlights
Start with Ripley’s Aquarium, visit the CN Tower, then explore Roundhouse Park and the waterfront. Finish with dinner near Harbourfront and a sunset walk along Lake Ontario.

Day 2 – Toronto Islands Adventure
Take the morning ferry to Centre Island, enjoy Pirate Life, visit playgrounds and splash pads, and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach before heading back to the city.

Day 3 – Big Adventure Day
Choose between Canada’s Wonderland for thrill rides or a day trip to Niagara Falls. Both are unforgettable experiences for kids visiting Toronto for the first time.

Why Toronto Works So Well for Family Travel

Toronto strikes a balance that many large cities struggle with. It feels exciting without being chaotic. Attractions are modern and well organised, distances are manageable, and there is always a backup indoor activity if weather changes.

For families planning a Canada itinerary, Toronto is often the city where kids have the most fun. And when the kids are happy, everyone enjoys the trip more.

Where To Stay In Toronto With Kids

If you are visiting Toronto with kids, location matters more than anything else. Staying downtown near the Entertainment District or along the waterfront makes sightseeing much easier, especially with younger children who tire quickly.

We stayed in The Beaches area while housesitting, which turned out to be ideal for family travel. It felt relaxed and local, yet was only about 30 minutes by streetcar into the city. Being walking distance to playgrounds, Lake Ontario, and cafés made slow mornings easy before heading into the busier parts of Toronto.

For families booking hotels, expect family rooms in central Toronto to range between CA$280 and CA$450 per night in 2026, depending on season and hotel standard. Properties near Union Station, the CN Tower, or the Harbourfront are especially convenient because many major attractions are within walking distance or a short streetcar ride away.

Getting Around Toronto With Kids

We had access to a car for day trips like Canada’s Wonderland and Niagara Falls, but most city exploring was done using the streetcar. From Queen Street, it was simple, reliable, and surprisingly easy with kids.

Single fares were around CA$3.35 for adults, with children 12 and under travelling free. Weekend family passes often make public transport even better value if you plan to move around a lot in one day.

Fun Family Activities in Toronto From a Mum Who Tested Them All

INDOOR THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO WITH KIDS

Looking for things to do in Toronto in the winter? These things to do in Toronto during winter keep kids entertained and adults smiling, making it easy to enjoy the city even when it’s chilly. Whether you’re planning a full day of indoor winter activities or just a few hours of indoor excitement, these things to do in Toronto in the winter are perfect for family-friendly winter fun. While we didn’t visit Toronto in December, we do appreciate that even a Toronto summer, it’s sometimes better to be indoors.

1. iFLY Indoor Skydiving. One of the Most Exciting Indoor Things To Do in Toronto With Kids

Check discounted ticket prices here.

I always imagined skydiving when I was younger. The older I get, the more attached I feel to solid ground. Indoor skydiving felt like the perfect compromise.

After a short training session and safety briefing, we suited up and stepped into the wind tunnel. Watching Mia fly confidently was equal parts pride and disbelief. My son, at five years old, mostly went where the instructor gently guided him, grinning the entire time.

When it was my turn, I fell forward, panicked for half a second, then suddenly floated. The wind caught me, and I burst into laughter. Apparently, smiling mid-flight results in drool flying sideways. Not glamorous, but unforgettable.

 

Address: 2430 Derry Rd E, Mississauga, ON
Price (2026): From approx. CA$89 per person for two flights
Age recommendation: 4+
Best season: Year-round. Perfect winter or rainy-day activity

 

2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. A Must-Do Toronto Family Attraction

Check discounted ticket prices here.

I almost skipped this one after visiting several aquariums recently, but I am glad we didn’t. Ripley’s Aquarium is built for families and is the perfect thing to do in winter in Toronto. Interactive displays, crawl-through tunnels, touch pools, and immersive exhibits kept the kids engaged the entire visit.

Even I was impressed. It balanced education and entertainment perfectly, which is harder than it sounds.

If you love this, maybe check out the Toronto Zoo.

 

Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Price (2026): Adults approx. CA$44, children approx. CA$29
Age recommendation: All ages
Best season: Ideal year-round. Go early on weekends

3. CN Tower. Classic Toronto Sightseeing With Kids

Check discounted ticket prices here.

You cannot miss the CN Tower. It dominates the skyline and is one of the most iconic things to do in Toronto with kids.

The glass elevators alone had Mia glued to the windows, and the glass floor was equal parts terrifying and thrilling. The views across Lake Ontario and the city are spectacular, especially on clear summer days.

 

Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Price (2026): Adults approx. CA$43, children approx. CA$30
Age recommendation: 5+ recommended for height comfort
Best season: Year-round. Sunset visits are special

 

4. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Easy Sightseeing in Toronto With Kids

Check discounted ticket prices here.

Walking an entire city with young kids rarely ends well. The hop-on hop-off bus gave us a relaxed overview of Toronto while everyone sat down for a while.

My youngest slept most of the ride while Mia quietly watched the city roll past. I enjoyed hearing the history without anyone asking for snacks every five minutes.

You guys can do this in Toronto during winter, but we do prefer it in Toronto summer to sit on top with the roof open.

Check out the Toronto Citypass while you’re here.

 

Address: Multiple stops throughout downtown Toronto
Price (2026): Approx. CA$60 adults, CA$30 children
Age recommendation: 4+
Best season: Late spring to early autumn

 

5. Little Canada. One of the Newest Indoor Attractions in Toronto for Families

Check discounted ticket prices here.

Little Canada is one of Toronto’s newer attractions and is genuinely impressive. It is a miniature world showcasing famous Canadian landmarks in incredible detail. Kids love spotting tiny moving trains, miniature cities, and hidden surprises throughout the displays.

It may feel like a calm break from the busier attractions, and surprisingly entertaining for adults too.

Address: 10 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON
Price (2026): Adults approx. CA$36, children approx. CA$24
Age recommendation: 4+
Best season: Year-round

6. Catch a Movie on Cheap Tuesday. Budget-Friendly Things To Do in Toronto With Kids

Sometimes travel needs a slow afternoon. Cheap Tuesday cinema tickets made this an easy decision. Air conditioning, popcorn, and happy kids after a big sightseeing day. Perfect.

Address: Various Cineplex locations
Price (2026): From approx. CA$6–8 on discount days
Age recommendation: All ages depending on film
Best season: Summer heat or winter cold escape

7. Indoor Playgrounds for Things To Do in Toronto in Winter

If you’re planning things to do in Toronto with kids and want ideas for rainy days or chilly winter afternoons, the city has plenty of indoor playgrounds and play centres where kids can burn off energy, climb, slide and explore in a safe, climate‑controlled space. These are perfect for families looking for indoor play in Toronto during winter or anytime the weather isn’t great.

Places like Kids Fun City and Kids Fun Town have large play structures and imaginative zones for climbing and running around, while Happy Kingdom Toronto and Adventure Alley Toronto offer creative playrooms and fun themed areas. For smaller kids there’s Liliput Playhouse or Midtown’s Tiny Tots Activity Centre, and family favourites like Level X Playland and Alpha Kidz Indoor Playground keep things lively for a range of ages. These indoor spots make it easy to enjoy playtime no matter the season or weather in Toronto.

8. Visit Casa Loma — A Fairy‑Tale Castle in the City

Check discounted ticket prices here.

Casa Loma is like stepping into a storybook. This historic castle lets kids and adults wander through grand rooms, towers, secret passageways and even watch a short documentary about the castle’s original owner while exploring at your own pace. It’s a fun indoor attraction for things to do in Toronto with kids, especially in cooler months when you want to mix a bit of history with adventure.

Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada.
Price (2026): approx. CA$40 adults, CA$35 youth (14‑17), CA$25 children (4‑13), free for kids under 3 (prices subject to change but representative of 2026 rates).
Age recommendation: 5+ (older kids will enjoy exploring the rooms and tunnels).
Best season: Great for winter or rainy days thanks to the indoor experience.

OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO WITH KIDS

Toronto has no shortage of sunshine‑friendly fun things to do with kids in Toronto. Whether it’s summer or a crisp winter day, there are plenty of ways to enjoy things to do in Toronto with kids outdoors while exploring the city’s parks, waterfronts, and islands. Here are our top picks:

9. Canada’s Wonderland. Best Theme Park Near Toronto for Families

If your kids love theme parks, this is one of the best family activities near Toronto. The park is enormous, packed with roller coasters, family rides, and a waterpark.

Mia loved the mix of thrill rides and gentler attractions. The parent swap system made it easy to take turns on the bigger rides without doubling wait times.

Watching the sunset from the top of Leviathan remains one of my favourite travel moments.

 

Address: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr, Vaughan, ON
Price (2026): From approx. CA$75–95 depending on date
Age recommendation: All ages. Thrill rides best for 8+
Best season: Late spring to early autumn

 

10. Toronto Islands Ferry and Centre Island. One of the Best Outdoor Things To Do in Toronto With Kids

A short ferry ride transports you away from the city into parks, beaches, and open space. The islands are car-free, which makes exploring with kids easy and relaxed.

The splash pads were an instant hit and resulted in very wet children and very happy parents.

Address: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
Price (2026): Approx. CA$9 adult return, CA$5 child
Age recommendation: All ages
Best season: Summer

 

11. Pirate Life Toronto. Interactive Family Adventure on the Water

Check discounted ticket prices here.

This pirate adventure was easily one of the highlights of our trip. Costumes, face paint, water cannons, and energetic actors kept the kids completely engaged.

Watching the Toronto skyline from the water while the kids searched for treasure made this one memorable for everyone.

 

Address: Centre Island Dock, Toronto Islands
Price (2026): Approx. CA$40–45 per person
Age recommendation: 4–10 ideal
Best season: Late spring to early autumn

12. Niagara Falls Day Trip. A Bucket List Experience Near Toronto

Check discounted ticket prices here.

Only about 1.5 to 2 hours from Toronto, Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the world. Seeing the scale of the falls through the kids’ eyes made the trip worthwhile.

We joined a guided tour so we could relax instead of navigating traffic.

Address: Niagara Falls, ON
Price (2026): Tours from approx. CA$120–160 per adult
Age recommendation: All ages
Best season: Spring to autumn

13. Roundhouse Park Miniature Railway. Simple Fun for Younger Kids

Right near the CN Tower sits a small park filled with trains. Kids can explore locomotives and ride a miniature railway loop around the park.

It is short, simple, and exactly the kind of unexpected activity kids love.

Address: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Price (2026): Approx. CA$3 per ride
Age recommendation: Toddlers to 8 years
Best season: Spring to autumn

14. Free Playgrounds and Splash Pads. Free Things To Do in Toronto With Kids

Some of our best days cost nothing. Toronto’s neighbourhood playgrounds and splash pads are everywhere in summer, and the kids happily burned off energy while we slowed down.

Bring spare clothes. Trust me.

Address: Various locations across Toronto
Price: Free
Age recommendation: All ages
Best season: Summer

 

15. Swim at The Beaches. Relaxed Family Time by Lake Ontario

The Beaches area offers calm water, long boardwalks, and space for kids to run freely. It is not tropical sand, but it is perfect for families wanting a slower day between sightseeing.

The nearby Donald D Summerville public pool is also free and great for younger swimmers.

Address: Woodbine Beach, Toronto, ON
Price: Free
Age recommendation: All ages
Best season: Summer

16. Stackt Market. One of the Coolest Family-Friendly Places in Toronto

Stackt Market is built from shipping containers and combines food stalls, open spaces, and rotating family-friendly events. Kids can move around freely while parents enjoy good food and relaxed vibes.

It felt modern, creative, and very Toronto.

Address: 28 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON
Price: Free entry. Food extra
Age recommendation: All ages
Best season: Spring to autumn

17. Harbourfront Centre & Waterfront Trails. Easy Outdoor Fun in Toronto With Kids

The Harbourfront area is perfect for walking, biking, and letting kids explore safely by the water. Festivals, outdoor performances, and seasonal activities often pop up here during summer.

It is an easy addition when visiting the CN Tower or aquarium nearby.

Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
Price: Mostly free
Age recommendation: All ages
Best season: Summer and early autumn

Google Map of All Attractions

Explore With Erin Wrap Up

Toronto surprised me. It managed to feel big and energetic while still being incredibly family friendly. Between theme parks, lakeside afternoons, indoor adventures and spontaneous playground stops, it is one of those cities where kids genuinely enjoy sightseeing as much as adults.

If you are planning a family trip to Canada, these are easily some of the best things to do in Toronto with kids. And if you find yourself on Toronto Island with a sour cream donut in hand, think of me. I am probably still dreaming about them.