When you’re visiting Toronto with your family, there are things on your checklist that you just have to experience! From activities with animals to locations where the kids can get rid of extra energy…there are options across the board.
The CN Tower
When you visit the city, the first thing that should be on your list of things to do is the CN Tower. Not because it’s an amazing experience from start to finish, but because that view is breathtaking for the entire family!
Know ahead of time that there is a real fear that certain members of your family could have, which is heights! Most folks know about the glass floor, but they may not know that there are two elevators that actually have glass floors in them as well.
Have fun, take photos and check out our CN Tower Tips article!
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
When Ripley’s opened back in 2013, the downtown core needed something new as the last thing to open in Toronto was the HHOF in 1993. This 135,000 sq ft facility will put you face to face with sharks, fish and thousands of other species!
We love spending time in the dangerous lagoon, mostly because of the moving sidewalk and the clear glass tube. There’s also a ton of interactivity for your kids, including the opportunity to get hands on with stingrays.
If you want a discount on the tickets with your family, check out the potential of the Sea to Sky combined admission with the CN Tower. The aquarium is also part of the CityPASS program.
Toronto Zoo
Lions, Tigers and bears – oh my!
I love the zoo. The message of conversation and protecting habitat is huge with me, so when you step foot into this huge attraction (seriously, 710 acres!) you’re in a different world.
Make sure that you prepare your family for the walking aspect, so:
- wear good shoes
- bring snacks and water
- charge your phone and be ready with photo opportunities!
Because the Toronto Zoo isn’t really in the downtown core, you may look at the various options of getting out there, including public transit. If you’re going with a large group though, you may want to consider a rideshare program like UBER, as you’re going to be paying for parking if you drive out there anyway.
The Royal Ontario Museum
They have dinosaurs. Enough said!
Also Awesome Attractions
- Legoland Discovery Centre at Vaughan Mills
- Rec Room on Bremner (across from the CN Tower)
- Blue Jays Game
Potentially Skip
Not saying these attractions aren’t great, but they’re not as family friendly as others.
- Bata Shoe Museum
- Gardiner Museum
- Aga Khan Museum
- Mackenzie House
Hope this was helpful! There are always more attractions to consider, but our goal is give you a starting point for a fun adventure in Toronto.