Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fifth largest in North America, so you can easily spend several days to explore this lively city and do not miss funny things to do in Toronto with children. However, if you just visit a long weekend, you will want to choose some superior attractions to get an idea of the city and its unique multiculturalism.
As a second stop on our Canadian road trip, we had two days to explore Toronto between the Niagara and Montreal falls. I knew that we never put it in everything, so we had to choose (sorry mom, we had to jump the Bata shoe museum!) If you are also wondering what to get into your visit, these are our best choices!
The best things to do in Toronto with children
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If you plan to visit a lot of attractions in Toronto, I would recommend trying to get a Toronto Citypass For the family to potentially save money on admission.
CN round
You cannot leave the city without going to the observation bridge from the most famous benchmark in Toronto, the CN tower. After a renovation in 2018, the main level of observation includes glass walls from floor to ceiling, offering a transparent panoramic view of Toronto. Unfortunately, the outdoor terrace level and the original glass floor are not open to guests for the moment due to renovations, but there are still many ways to enjoy view.
Customers can buy tickets at time entry up to 30 days in advance for the main level of observation, which is 1,136 feet up. To go even higher, you can book a ticket for the Skypod, which is 1,465 feet above the city, making it one of the highest observation platforms in the world.
If you do not want to wait for the lines, there is even a primary VIP level, which gives you priority access to elevators and observation levels, including Skypod with the recording in front of the line, an exclusive (private) elevator, the next Skypod time interval available and a priority elevator.
For teenagers looking for thrills, you may want to look in the Edgewalk. You must be at least 13 years old and weigh at least 75 pounds. (and the 13-17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult) but that exploits you to walk along the outside of the CN tower from 116 floors. This is the highlight of the highest world in the world and the first of its kind in North America. I don’t know about you, but it seems terrifying enough!
A much colder way to enjoy the view is to dine at 360 the restaurant of CN Tower. Keep in mind that 360 guests must spend a minimum of $ 75.00 for food per person (excluding children aged 12 and under), but this includes access to the main observation of the CN tower after your meal.
If you simply visit the main observation level, always plan to spend at least an hour at the CN tower.
Canada Ripley Aquarium
If you have time after the CN tower, head just next to Canada Ripley Aquarium. Simply keep in mind that he helps buy online post -time tickets to save time and ensure entry when you wish. The Ripley Canada Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 aquatic animals, the longest tunnel of the longest underwater vision in North America and more than 100 interactive opportunities, including the opportunity to have an interaction in water with the bite rays.
This area of the CN tower is really filled with attractions. If you have train lovers, take a little time to also check Roundhouse Park. The park is home to a live miniature miniature rail and other outdoor exhibitions illustrating the railway heritage of Toronto, as well as the locomotive plate 120 feet long, fully restored and operational.
Saint-Laurent Market
One of my favorite stops was Saint-Laurent MarketWho National Geographic has appointed the number one food market in the world. With older children, it would be fun to take a gastronomic tourBut it was always a fun place to explore. Since we went early in the morning, we picked up bagels at the bakery and pancakes at a stand at the bottom. To see more, I visit a little later to try more ethnic markets and food stands.
If you have not gone to some of the major food markets in Europe (such as the Bocheria in Barcelona), it is ideal for children to see the incredible fresh products, the butcher’s counters and the fishing markets.
Hockey renowned temple
If you travel with hockey fans (and they let you go to Canada if you don’t like hockey?), Then a visit to the Hockey renowned temple is another essential when visiting Toronto with children. We were able to print coupons for admission to reduced prices Site attractions Ontario (And even saved in the hockey store.)
Throughout the exhibitions, I had to endure the battle between the Bruins fan and the Icelanders fan and apparently endless on the Stanley Cup (I was more interested in the architecture of the room in which it was kept.)
However, even I clashed when we arrived at interactive exhibitions. Children and adults like a chance to try the goalkeeper or take pictures against virtual players. They can also try video hockey games and explore a cloakroom model.
Even if I’m not a hockey fan, I still thought it was a very cool experience. I have now gone to Basketball Hall of Fame from Springfield Ma and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in Kansas City. One of these days, we will finally be able to CoopStown for the temple of the renowned baseball too.
Yonge-Dundas and Nathan Phillips Squares
We explored more from the city by checking Yonge-Dundas and Nathan Phillips Squares. Yonge-Dundas Square is a bit like a short weather, but with a large outdoor space with outdoor tables to relax and fountains, which were irresistible, even on a cold day. It is also a space of outdoor events and while we were there, they settled for a film screening in the evening.
Nathan Phillips Square is in the heart of the city, located right next to the town hall building. It’s a good place for people looking and photos with Toronto’s sign. In winter, Nathan Phillips Square has an outdoor ice rink and there are free events and concerts in summer.
Blue Jays Game at Rogers Center
We were lucky by timing our visit when our home team, the Boston Red Sox, played Toronto Blue Jays. My unconditional SOX fan had to go (she did a poster and everything!) My fears of obtaining a dirty look (or worse) to support the SOXs were unfounded. I was surprised by the number of fans going to Toronto to come to the game. It seemed that at least a quarter of people had it on Red Sox equipment.
It was a great experience (in addition to the fact that they won). Watching a dome match was a new experience and the stadium was incredibly clean and well equipped. The little one thought it would be a great idea to get a room in the attached hotel and watch the match from our room next time.
Precautionary center
The Harborfront center is located right next to the Westin Harbor Castle hotel and not far from the CN tower and the Roger Center. With a lot of green space to run, as well as a playground and paddling pools, it is an ideal place for children to take a break in town. There is also an outdoor ice rink in winter. From there, you can catch the ferry to the Toronto Islands.
If you have more time
If you have more than two days to spend in Toronto with children, there is still a lot to do. Some that you can find in other places, but others are specific to Toronto. Here are some:
- Casa Loma – Children could be surprised to see a Gothic renewal, a castle style manor in the center of Toronto. This landmark is one of the most popular attractions in Toronto, so be sure to book online tickets in advance.
- Ontario Scientific Center – This museum of interactive sciences is not located in the city center, but is worth arouse your child’s imagination and curiosity.
- Ontario Royal Museum– Presentation of art, culture and natural history of the whole world. It is one of the largest museums in North America and the largest in Canada.
- Toronto Zoo – The biggest Canada zoo with animals from seven zoogegographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia and Canada.
- Crossing in the islands of Toronto to cycle, kayaking or relaxing on the beach on the central island. You can also visit the downtown amusement park. You can also take a Port.
- Legoland Discovery Center Toronto
- You can also make one day excursions to Niagara Falls, the magnificent Niagara-on-the-Lake, or Stratford for the Shakespeare Festival.
Where to stay in Toronto with children
We stayed at Westin Harbor Castle hotel And although the service is a little uneven, we have upgraded towards the rooms of the sight of the lake. I love this place when you visit Toronto with children because you are right on Ontario lake next to Harbor Square Park. This gives a lot of room to play, beautiful views and easy access to ferries to the islands if you want to hit one of the beaches.
Find a hotel in Toronto
Not surprised given its size, Toronto is a noisy and congestioned city, in a state of constant growth and construction. But what surprised us was the number of exterior cafes and colorful flowers that seemed to bring a burst of color and life in the city. We hope to come back one day to explore more!
Where to eat
Toronto is a very diverse city and if you have time to visit some of the neighborhoods and enclaves, you will eat very well. In fact, if I visit older children, I would certainly reserve a Secret gastronomy visit or a visit to Kensington Market and Chinatown. However, with young children, you probably want something practical and family. Some options that we appreciated are:
- Amsterdam Brewhouse is conveniently located on the port of Port near the Westin.
- Before the baseball match, we stopped for a delicious tapas dinner in good Patrical Restaurant before heading to the stadium.
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Tamara Gruber is the founder and publisher of We3Travel. Former director of marketing and travel advisor, Tamara is a award -winning and expert travel writer recognized in family trips. Tamara is a member of Satw, Natja, Ifwtwa and Adventure Travel Trade Association, and headquarters to the Board of Directors of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimeTofly.com and the co-host of the Mavens Travel Podcast Podcast.
