10 Things to do in Toronto with Kids

Because of its geographical location, its organised transport system and because it is one of the most important cities in Canada, Toronto is a very popular destination for families. Since many families come to the capital of Ontario with children, this city also has several alternatives to discover it with little ones.

Some of the best things to do in Toronto with kids include visiting Legoland Discovery Centre, taking a bike tour, touring the local zoo, visiting the Ripley Aquarium, checking out the interactive exhibits at the Art Gallery of Ontario, taking a break at High Park, touring the Ontario Science Centre and catching a game of ice hockey, Canada's national sport.

The world of imagination and creativity at the Legoland Discovery Centre in Toronto is also a favourite with children. This LEGO building block discovery centre offers a unique experience that combines fun with learning, with exciting attractions designed for all ages.

One of the centre's main activities is MiniLand, where Toronto comes to life in the form of a LEGO scale model. Children can explore the intricate details of the city built with millions of bricks, from the popular CN Tower to the SkyDome, creating an educational and entertaining experience. In addition, the centre is home to interactive attractions such as the Brick Factory, where children can learn how the iconic LEGO blocks are made.

For thrill-seekers, Kingdom Quest and Merlin 's Apprentice offer exciting and challenging adventures. In these games, children can embark on quests and compete for the title of LEGO master builders. In addition, Legoland Discovery Centre features play areas where children can unleash their imaginations by building and creating unique structures.

The centre also encourages children's imaginations in interactive workshops and special events that provide opportunities for children to immerse themselves further in the world of plastic bricks. From building and testing vehicles on the race track to meeting live LEGO characters, this site combines the magic of building with the joy of exploration for the whole family.

Cycling around Toronto with kids is a fun way to discover the city as a family. With its extensive bikeway system and safe streets, Ontario's capital city offers a perfect environment for the little ones.

There are many places to cycle in the city, especially if you plan to visit Toronto in the summer when the weather is pleasant, but the Distillery District is one of the most picturesque. With its cobblestone streets and restored brick buildings, this historic neighbourhood offers an experience not to be missed. There, in addition to the bike ride, you can explore the local shops and enjoy a stop for local ice cream or chocolate at one of the neighbourhood shops.

Another popular site is the Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario, which offers an ideal option for a scenic stroll. This extensive trail allows you to discover panoramic views of the lake and takes you to iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre. Children will enjoy the thrilling ride as they lose themselves in the natural and urban beauty of the city.

Finally, High Park is a green oasis that combines playgrounds, picnic areas and bike paths. Here, children can enjoy ample space to run and play. And if you're planning to visit Toronto during Christmas, you'll find a giant Christmas tree and illuminated pathways in this park, creating a magical atmosphere that the little ones will love.

If you want to live a tailor-made experience, you can't miss Little Canada, a theme park famous all over the world because it reproduces on a scale of 1:87 the natural beauties and the most representative cities of the country. This site offers an ideal tour for the little ones, but not only they will get genuine fun, as the park proposes activities for the whole family, such as workshops and video rooms.

At Little Canada, you'll find models depicting churches, stadiums, mountains and the famous skyscrapers that light up the Canadian skies in great detail. In addition, in each of the works you can learn about the recreated universes, especially when it comes to the Little Toronto model, which faithfully reproduces Fort York, Casa Loma and the CN Tower.

Inspired by the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, this site also includes a faithful representation of Niagara Falls and works by local artists that line the walls of the theme park's rooms, taking you on a surprisingly immersive experience.

Casa Loma is a mansion that replicates Scotland's Balmoral Castle and is now one of Toronto's top tourist attractions. If you visit this site with children, the little ones will be treated to an architectural fairytale and historical adventure.

This majestic mansion, with its tall towers and lush gardens, captures the imagination of young and old alike from the moment they set foot on the grounds. The guided tour provides an educational experience that combines the charm of the castle with the fascinating story of Sir Henry Pellatt, the creator behind Casa Loma who was encouraged to dream big when he built the castle.

During the tour, children can discover the mysterious passageways, corridors and rooms of this centuries-old castle. The Vision Tower offers panoramic views of Toronto, allowing little explorers to observe the city from above, while underground tunnels and secret passageways add a tinge of excitement to the visit.

In addition, during tours, children can participate in interactive activities designed especially for them, such as treasure hunts and discovering hidden details in the mansion. If you plan to visit Toronto in December, you'll find a room at Casa Loma that recreates Santa's workshop at the North Pole.

Attending interactive exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto with children is not only an educational and creative experience, but also stimulates their imagination and fosters an early appreciation of art. The interactive exhibitions at the AGO are designed to actively engage young visitors, allowing them to explore the world of art in a dynamic and participatory way.

In these exhibitions, children will have the opportunity to experiment with various forms of artistic expression. They can immerse themselves in painting, sculpture and other art forms through hands-on activities that stimulate their creative abilities. Interactive exhibits often include stations where children can paint, sculpt, and participate in collaborative projects that promote individual and collective expression.

In addition, the AGO often hosts events and workshops specifically for children, where artists and educators guide them in creating their own works of art. These immersive experiences not only allow children to express their creativity, but also give them a deeper understanding of the diversity of art forms and styles.

The Art Gallery of Ontario, which is among Toronto's best museums, is also an interesting attraction for adults, as they can discover some of the greatest works of art in history, such as Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night.

If you're planning to tour the city at a hectic pace, a good alternative is to take a break between tours in High Park, one of Toronto's largest and most famous green spaces. If you're planning to visit Ontario's capital city with children, this urban oasis offers not only expansive areas and serene lakes, but also a variety of games and activities for the little ones to enjoy.

The park has strategically placed playgrounds where children can let their imaginations run wild on safe play structures. Swings, slides and interactive games provide opportunities for children to socialise and have fun while adults relax in the park's surroundings.

High Park's open fields are ideal for family play. There are also specific areas for sports, allowing children to participate in more structured activities if they wish. The park is also one of the meeting places for Toronto's best tours, so if you plan to join a guided tour, it's likely to start there.

If you prefer a natural science alternative for the kids, then the Toronto Zoo is the place to be. Offering fun for young and old, you can explore the wildlife of a variety of animal species in their own habitat.

From lions to monkeys, giraffes, hippos and zebras, there are many exponents that make up this animal kingdom. In addition, the zoo hosts daily educational talks and live presentations, giving children the opportunity to deepen their understanding of wildlife and participate in immersive experiences.

The Children's Discovery Area also offers interactive activities and hands-on participation. There, little ones can feed tame animals and take part in hands-on activities.

With picnic areas and shaded walkways, the Toronto Zoo is also a perfect place to enjoy a day outdoors. The zoo experience is not only entertaining, but also inspires a commitment to species conservation.

Walking through Toronto's Graffiti Alley with kids is a vibrant adventure that combines urban creativity with the city's youthful energy. One of Toronto's most bohemian spots, this alley is famous for being home to local street artists who have transformed its walls into colourful and expressive canvases. As you walk down Graffiti Alley, you'll discover an open-air gallery where every corner tells its own story.

The explosion of colours, the depiction of quirky characters and the inspirational messages adorning the walls will amaze the little ones and keep the adults entertained too. The creativity that emanates from this alleyway becomes a source of inspiration for the little ones, awakening their own artistic sense and encouraging individual expression.

In addition to being a showcase for street art, Graffiti Alley is also one of the most picturesque places to take photographs in Toronto. Every corner offers a new perspective, from giant murals to smaller, more detailed graffiti. And with its proximity to Kensington Market, it's a great place to combine with some of the city' s best food tours.

The Ontario Science Centre is one of the most prestigious science centres in North America and a favourite with children, offering a fascinating immersion into the world of science and technology. A variety of interactive experiences designed especially for young learners stimulate curiosity and encourage discovery among young children.

One of the most popular attractions for children is the KidSpark area, a space dedicated to young scientists in training. Here they can participate in hands-on experiments, explore fundamental scientific concepts and have fun in creative play. Interactive displays in KidSpark range from physics to biology, offering a wide range of fun and educational activities.

In addition, the Ontario Science Centre 's planetarium is a highlight for children and their families. Immersive projections take little ones on a journey through space, where they can explore the wonders of the universe. They'll also find exhibits dedicated to human anatomy, renewable energy and technological innovation, providing hands-on, participatory learning opportunities.

Ice hockey is Canada's national sport and attending an NHL game in Toronto will allow you to immerse yourself in the city's sporting scene. If you're planning to visit in October, when the league's regular season begins, you'll have the opportunity to catch a game of the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of Canada's most iconic teams and the city's biggest stars.

Plus, these games offer an experience full of energy, excitement and colour, creating an atmosphere that will leave the kids in awe. Attending a game as a family is not only a great plan if you plan to visit Toronto with little ones, but also allows you to get discounts and better prices on group packages.

During the intermissions of the games, children can enjoy additional entertainment ranging from ice rink performances to quizzes and interactive games. Many arenas also offer food and beverage options that cater to the tastes of the little ones, making the experience a complete event that will leave no one indifferent.

If you want to see one of the most fascinating places in Toronto, you can't miss out on exploring the Ripley's Aquarium. This marine world will amaze young and old alike, especially with the underwater tunnel, which allows you to walk safely under huge tanks of water, surrounded by sharks, turtles and brightly coloured fish.

Ripley's Aquarium is not only a place to observe, but also to interact. Tactile areas allow children to touch starfish, sea urchins and other marine animals, offering an educational and hands-on experience. At the same time, interactive exhibits, such as Dangerous Lagoon, introduce visitors to realistic underwater environments, providing an unforgettable immersive experience.

One of the venue's main attractions is Planet Jellies, an exhibit featuring jellyfish in a luminous environment. Children can marvel at the grace of these eye-catching sea creatures while learning about their fascinating biology. In addition, the aquarium hosts shows and educational presentations that add an informative and exciting touch to the experience.

For a complete aquatic adventure, Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto offers a variety of exhibits ranging from Canadian habitats to tropical reefs. In addition, this site also has a restaurant area, where you can have lunch or dinner with the family.