Toronto is the capital city of the Province of Ontario, Canada. It is a vibrant city that offers many family-friendly activities and attractions.
From soaring heights at the iconic CN Tower to exploring historic neighborhoods, relaxing on the Toronto Islands, and enjoying thrilling rides at Canada’s Wonderland, there’s something for everyone.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Toronto with kids!
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7 Things to Do in Toronto With Kids
Table of Contents
- 1. Spend the Day at Canada’s Wonderland
- 2. Experience the Culture in Chinatown
- 3. Take in the Views From the Top of the CN Tower
- 4. Sample Different Foods at St. Lawrence Market
- 5. Take a Ferry to Toronto Island Park
- 6. Stroll Around the Distillery Historic District
- 7. Tour Casa Loma
1. Spend the Day at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland deserves the top spot as one of the best things to do in Toronto with kids.
This colossal amusement and water park guarantees a day of non-stop fun for the entire family!
They offer everything from thrilling roller coasters for older kids, to the KidZville and Planet Snoopy areas that are designed especially for younger visitors.
The park has 18 roller coasters. The most popular is Leviathan, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in all of Canada.
It reaches a peak height of 306 feet and reaches speeds of up to 92 mph.
The Drop Tower is also not for the faint of heart.
You’ll slowly ascend to the top of the 230-foot tower where you can take in the expansive views over the park before plunging 21 stories down in a matter of seconds.
The Behemoth takes you 230 feet in the air before speeding 78 mph down a 75-degree angle track.
As long as your kids aren’t prone to motion sickness, they’ll love the Shockwave with thrilling twists and spins high in the air.
The Bat will have you taking a double-take as you speed through corkscrew twists before reversing and doing it all over again.
If you’re visiting in the summer, the price of your ticket also includes admission to Splash Works.
This 20-acre water park includes a variety of water slides for all ages, a wave pool, splash pads, and even cliff jumping at Mountain Bay Cliffs.
The park also holds special holiday events throughout the year. Check Canada’s Wonderland website for more information and special discounts.
When we visited in July, they offered a special half-price summer special so tickets were only $39!
2. Experience the Culture in Chinatown
Old Chinatown in Toronto is a cultural gem where you can immerse your family in a rich history.
In the late 19th century, Chinese laborers came to Canada to work on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
After the railway was completed in the late 1800s, many Chinese workers settled in Toronto and other cities.
Toronto’s first Chinatown emerged around the Dundas Street and Elizabeth Street area in the late 19th century.
It was relatively small but served as a hub for Chinese immigrants where they could find comfort In familiar foods, services, and a sense of community.
During the mid-20th century, Chinese immigrants from different regions of China began settling in Toronto.
As a result, Toronto’s Chinatown began to expand westward along Dundas Street. It became more diverse with various dialects, regional cuisines, and cultural traditions.
Today, Toronto’s Chinatown is not confined to a single location but is comprised of several interconnected neighborhoods.
The main areas include Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street West, and Kensington Market.
These areas are known for their bustling markets, authentic Asian cuisine, colorful street festivals, and cultural celebrations.
Visitors can wander the vibrant streets, savor delicious dim sum at traditional restaurants like Rol San or Lee Garden, and explore unique shops filled with Asian treasures.
Don’t miss the chance to try bubble tea or boba smoothies and sample some of the best dumplings and hand-pulled noodles in the city.
Some of the best restaurants in Chinatown include Ajesen Ramen, Fudao Noodle House, Yunshang Rice Noodle, Homemade Ramen, and Hey Noodles.
3. Take in the Views From the Top of the CN Tower
No visit to Toronto is complete without ascending the CN Tower, a true architectural wonder.
Soaring at 1,814 feet tall, this iconic structure offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario.
Kids will love riding the glass elevator to the observation deck and stepping onto the Glass Floor for a birds-eye view of the city.
They also have fascinating exhibits chronicling the history of the CN Tower.
Tickets are a bit pricey, so I would highly recommend purchasing a CityPASS that gives you access to 5 top attractions in Toronto (including the CN Tower) for a discounted price.
You can sometimes see discounted tickets on Groupon as well.
4. Sample Different Foods at St. Lawrence Market
The St. Lawrence Market is a historical treasure that has been a culinary destination since 1803.
It first began as a modest wooden building where farmers and vendors sold fresh produce and goods. Throughout the years, a new building was constructed and renovations took place.
The most recent renovations were in the 1970s when it became the hub for fresh food and culinary creations that you see today.
This iconic landmark has been named one of the “10 Great Food Markets Around the Globe” by National Geographic.
The indoor bustling food hall features 120 different vendors specializing in foods from around the world.
This is the best place in Toronto to shop for local cheeses and meats, handmade baked bread, fresh produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet treats.
There are also food stalls serving a variety of dishes to give you a taste of Toronto’s diverse culinary scene.
Even if you have picky eaters, there is something for everyone!
Here are some of the best food stalls to visit at St. Lawrence Market:
- Carousel Bakery: Famous for its Peameal Bacon Sandwich, a Toronto specialty. It consists of peameal bacon on a bun, often topped with mustard and served with pickles.
- St. Urbain Bagel: Enjoy freshly baked Montreal-style bagels, known for their chewy texture and delicious flavors.
- Uno Mustachio: Grab a mouthwatering sandwich, particularly the veal or chicken sandwiches. The bread is soft, the fillings are generous, and the flavors are exceptional.
- Scheffler’s Deli: Try the homemade pierogies and Eastern European specialties like cabbage rolls and sausages.
- Churrasco’s: Indulge in Portuguese-style barbecue chicken and sandwiches with rich spices and flavors.
- Domenic’s Fish Market: For seafood lovers, this is the place to go for fresh catches of the day.
- Vegetarian Food Stall: Enjoy a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including samosas, wraps, and salads.
- Carousel Foods: This stall offers a diverse range of international dishes, including Thai, Indian, and Middle Eastern.
- Buster’s Sea Cove: Serving fresh seafood dishes such as fish and chips, lobster rolls, and chowder.
5. Take a Ferry to Toronto Island Park
Toronto Island Park consists of 15 small islands on Lake Ontario that are connected by bridges and pathways.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands became a popular recreational destination with amusement parks, hotels, and cottages.
However, a series of storms and the creation of a large breakwater in the early 1900s led to erosion and the disappearance of Hanlan’s Point Amusement Park.
Today, the natural beauty of the Toronto Islands has been restored and you’ll find a combination of residential areas and natural parkland.
Toronto Island Park can be reached by a short 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto, but it’s a world away from the concrete city jungle.
Here, you can spend the day biking, hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the sandy beaches.
The pedestrian ferry departs from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and has routes that take passengers to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island.
I would recommend taking the Centre Island Ferry to Centre Island Beach where you’ll find bike rentals, food stands, the William Meany Maze, and the popular Centreville Amusement Park.
This family-friendly amusement park features a vintage carousel, classic rides, games, and the Far Enough Farm free petting zoo.
The Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co. is a great option for waterfront dining on Centre Island.
Centre Island is a great jumping-off point to explore the other islands, and one of the best ways to explore the island is on a bike tour.
Toronto Island Park is the largest car-free neighborhood in North America and is best explored by bike.
On the tour, you’ll utilize the extensive network of bike paths, bridges, and boardwalks to visit the different islands and attractions.
If you visit Ward’s Island, be sure to stop by Ward’s Island Beach, grab a bite to eat at Riviera Ward’s Island Kitchen, visit the Franklin Children’s Garden, and admire the charming homes at the nearby Algonquin Island.
If you are taking the Hanlan’s Point Ferry, just be aware that Hanlan’s Beach is a clothing-optional beach so it might not be the best option if you’re visiting with kids.
However, the nearby Gibraltar Point Beach is less crowded and also features the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.
This historic lighthouse was built in 1808. It is one of the oldest buildings in Toronto and is even rumored to be haunted.
If you want to explore the islands by water, consider renting canoes or kayaks, or taking a sightseeing cruise around the harbor and islands.
6. Stroll Around the Distillery Historic District
Spend the afternoon strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Distillery Historic District, a preserved and revitalized industrial complex with a rich history.
In 1832, James Worts and William Gooderham founded the Gooderham & Worts Distillery which produced whiskey and other spirits.
This eventually became one of the largest distilleries in North America.
During 1916-1927, the prohibition in Ontario led to a decline in the distillery’s operations. In 1957, the distillery finally closed its doors for good.
The 47 buildings that made up the Gooderham & Worts Distillery remained abandoned for years until the early 2000s when it underwent extensive revitalization efforts.
The historic Victorian industrial buildings were carefully preserved both inside and out, and in 2003, the Distillery District was born.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history, I would highly recommend taking an inexpensive historic walking tour or a segway tour of the Distillery District.
Today, the Distillery District is the perfect blend of a hip New York City neighborhood mixed with the romantic cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes of Europe.
This unique neighborhood is considered the premier arts, culture, and entertainment hub in Toronto with plenty of family-friendly entertainment.
It boasts restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, cafes, theaters, studios, artisanal shops, and various events.
Your kids will especially love the outdoor summer movies series.
Here are a few of the best restaurants and shops in the Distillery Historic District:
- Archeo: Offering Italian cuisine in a stylish setting, Archeo is known for its wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes.
- Cluny Bistro: A French-inspired restaurant with a stunning interior. It’s the perfect place for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Their seafood and steak dishes are highly recommended.
- Mill Street Brewery: Enjoy craft beer and a diverse menu at this brewpub. They offer a range of beers brewed on-site and tasty pub fare.
- Soma Chocolatemaker: For chocolate lovers, this is a must-visit. Soma offers handcrafted chocolates, truffles, and hot chocolate.
- Balzac’s Coffee Roasters: A cozy café with a historic charm, known for its freshly pressed coffee and homemade pastries.
- Wildly Delicious: A gourmet food shop where you can find artisanal sauces, condiments, and gourmet gifts.
- Distill Gallery: An art gallery featuring contemporary Canadian art and design, perfect for art enthusiasts.
- Distillery District Theatre: Check out live performances, including theater, dance, music, and comedy.
- Toronto Christmas Market: During the holiday season, the Distillery Historic District transforms into a magical Christmas market with festive decorations, food stalls, and entertainment.
*Related Post: 12 Bucket List Things to Do in New York at Christmas
7. Tour Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a grand historic mansion with a fascinating history.
The Gothic Revival-style mansion was built between 1911 and 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, a wealthy Canadian financier and industrialist.
With the help of 300 men, the almost 200,000-square-foot castle took about 3 years to complete at a cost of $3,500,000.
It features 98 rooms with secret passages and modern amenities. It was considered a remarkable feat of architecture for its time.
Unfortunately, Pellatt couldn’t keep up with the high costs of building and maintaining the mansion and he was forced to sell the property in 1924.
Over the years, Casa Loma has served various purposes. It was used as a luxury hotel during the 1920s and 1930s. It also served as a training facility for the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II.
The City of Toronto acquired the mansion in 1937 as a result of unpaid property taxes.
After some renovations, Casa Loma was open for public tours and has been a popular tourist attraction and event venue ever since.
The mansion is generally open to the public year-round. Check the Casa Loma website for current hours and admission prices.
Admission to Casa Loma is also included with a City Pass. It’s a great value if you are planning to visit multiple attractions in Toronto.
The tours are self-guided audio tours so that you can explore the mansion at your own pace while still learning about its history and architecture.
While touring Casa Loma, you’ll be able to see the stunning Conservatory, Sir Henry Pellatt’s Suite, the Great Hall, the Secret Passageway, the Scottish Tower, the Estate Gardens, and the Casa Loma Stables.
A few of the permanent exhibits include the Dark Side of Toronto photo exhibit and the Classic Car Collection located in the stables. There are also rotating exhibits on display.
Casa Loma often hosts special events, including themed tours, holiday celebrations, and evening events. Check their website for event listings and details.
For a unique way to experience the mansion, check out the escape room located inside the tower, or make reservations at the upscale BlueBlood Steakhouse.
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I hope this guide helps you discover the best things to do in Toronto with kids!
While you’re in the area, be sure to see our guides for the best things to do in Niagara Falls and Thousand Islands.
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