Begin your Toronto adventure with two of the city’s most exciting family attractions.

Start at the CN Tower, where the whole family can experience one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks.

Highlights:

• Panoramic city views
• Glass floor observation area
• Skyline photography
• Interactive viewing stations

Continue next door to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, one of Toronto’s best attractions for kids.

Explore:

• Underwater viewing tunnels
• Colourful tropical fish
• Sharks and rays
• Jellyfish galleries
• Interactive exhibits

The aquarium is especially popular with younger children while still being engaging for older kids and adults.

Walk along Toronto’s waterfront for a relaxed family break.

Explore:

• Harbourfront Centre
• Toronto Music Garden
• Waterfront parks
• Public art installations
• Lake views

Optional activities:

• Rent bikes
• Enjoy ice cream by the lake
• Take family photos with the skyline backdrop
• Ride the ferry (seasonal)

Lunch ideas

• Harbourfront cafés
• Casual waterfront restaurants
• Food halls
• Family-friendly patios

Toronto Islands

Take the ferry across Lake Ontario for one of Toronto’s most memorable family experiences.

The Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city with plenty of space for children to explore.

Activities:

• Bike rentals
• Beaches
• Walking trails
• Playgrounds
• Picnic areas
• Centreville Amusement Park (seasonal)

Highlights:

• Skyline views
• Sandy beaches
• Open green spaces
• Family-friendly outdoor activities

St. Lawrence Market & Old Toronto

Return downtown and explore one of Toronto’s best food destinations.

At St. Lawrence Market, families can enjoy:

• Fresh baked goods
• International foods
• Local specialties
• Fun snack stops

Nearby, explore the historic streets of Old Toronto.

Dinner ideas

• St. Lawrence Market vendors
• Family-friendly restaurants
• Casual Canadian dining
• Pizza or comfort food spots

Begin the day at the Royal Ontario Museum, where history, science, and culture come together.

Family favourites include:

• Dinosaur galleries
• Ancient civilizations
• Natural history exhibits
• Animals and fossils
• Interactive displays

The Royal Ontario Museum works well for different age groups because children can explore at their own pace while adults enjoy the cultural collections.

Explore the surrounding neighbourhood of The Annex.

Discover:

• Bookstores
• Cafés
• Independent shops
• Relaxed streets perfect for walking

Lunch ideas

• Cafés
• Casual restaurants
• Bakeries
• International food options

Option 1: Toronto Zoo

Spend the afternoon exploring one of Canada's largest zoos.

Discover:

• Animals from around the world
• Conservation programs
• Themed habitats
• Walking trails

Best for:

• Animal lovers
• Families with younger children
• Full-day outdoor experiences

Option 2: Ontario Science Centre Alternative Experiences

For families interested in science and discovery, choose interactive learning experiences around the city.

Options include:

• Hands-on exhibits
• Educational attractions
• Technology experiences
• Immersive learning spaces

Option 3: Casa Loma

For a more magical experience, visit Toronto’s famous castle.

Kids can enjoy:

• Towers
• Secret passages
• Gardens
• Historic rooms
• Castle-like architecture

Finish with a family-friendly evening activity.

Options:

• Theatre performance
• Dessert stop
• Evening walk
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Introduce children to Toronto’s multicultural side through two of the city's most colourful neighbourhoods.

Explore:

Kensington Market

Highlights:

• Colourful streets
• Vintage shops
• Murals
• Bakeries
• Unique snacks

Chinatown

Discover:

• Asian bakeries
• Bubble tea shops
• Markets
• Restaurants

Families can turn this into a fun food scavenger hunt by trying different snacks along the way.

Choose an experience based on your family’s interests.

Option 1: Little Canada

A miniature version of Canada featuring:

• Tiny cities
• Moving displays
• Detailed landscapes
• Interactive exhibits

Great for:

• Younger children
• Rainy days
• Families wanting a unique attraction

Option 2: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

A more creative experience for older children and teens.

Explore:

• Canadian art
• Indigenous collections
• Contemporary works
• Interactive exhibitions

Lunch ideas

• Kensington Market food crawl
• Chinatown restaurants
• Casual cafés

Finish your Toronto visit at the Distillery Historic District.

Families can enjoy:

• Cobblestone streets
• Historic architecture
• Public art
• Shops
• Dessert stops

Seasonal highlights:

• Christmas Market
• Outdoor installations
• Festivals

End with one final family-friendly activity.

Options:

• Sunset waterfront walk
• Skyline views
• Dessert cafés
• Evening ferry views (seasonal)