ROM, Toronto Zoo, Science Centre, Ripley's Aquarium, free parks — the best family activities in Toronto by age group, from toddlers to teenagers.
Toronto with kids is surprisingly easy. The city has world-class museums, giant parks, a great aquarium, islands, beaches, and a zoo — all within a short transit or drive. The hard part is choosing. This is the guide locals use.
We've organized this by age group so you can skip to what's relevant. Everything here is personally vetted by people who have actually done it with kids.
Ripley's Aquarium is the best-run family attraction in downtown Toronto, full stop. The shark tunnel — 96 metres of moving walkway under a tank of sharks, rays, and sea turtles — will genuinely stop kids in their tracks. Jellyfish displays, touch tanks, and a massive ray habitat. It's well-paced, never feels rushed, and is right beside the CN Tower so you can do both in a day.
Official tickets → — Check Ripley's Aquarium tickets and entry times
The Toronto Islands are 15 minutes from downtown by ferry and feel like a different world. Ward's Island has residential charm and quiet beaches. Centre Island has Centreville Amusement Park — rides scaled for ages 2–10 — and giant splash pads. The beach at Centre Island is excellent in July. Take the ferry, rent bikes, and spend a half-day. It's one of the best free (minus ferry cost) things to do with kids in the city.
View Toronto Islands → — See what the Toronto Islands have to offer
High Park has a free zoo (yes, really — bison, capybaras, peacocks, llamas), a giant splash pad, a huge playground, and Grenadier Pond for duck-feeding. 400 acres of parkland. In late April, the cherry blossoms are world-class. Kids can be here for four hours and not get bored.
View High Park → — Full High Park guide and tips
The Ontario Science Centre at Harbourfront Centre is the best rainy-day option in Toronto for kids aged 5–14. Hands-on exhibits across 86,000 sq ft, a planetarium at the Space Deck, and the Innovation Station for creative making. KidSpark is designed for ages 10 and under. It can fill a full day, and unlike many science centres, it doesn't feel dated.
View Science Centre → — Plan your Ontario Science Centre visit
The EdgeWalk — walking around the outside of the CN Tower on a 1.5m ledge 356 metres up — is for the brave (must be 13+, $225). The standard observation deck and glass floor are accessible for everyone and absolutely worth it. Book tickets online to save time and money. On a clear day you can see Niagara Falls.
Official tickets → — Check CN Tower tickets and entry times
The Toronto Zoo is enormous — 287 hectares with over 5,000 animals across 500 species. It needs a full day. The African Savanna and the Tundra Trek are the standout sections. The former giant panda pavilion (home to Da Mao and Er Shun until their 2024 return to China) remains a visitor landmark. Take transit (Sheppard to Kennedy, then the 85A bus) — parking is a nightmare on weekends.
View Toronto Zoo → — Plan your Toronto Zoo visit
Kids ride free Children 12 and under ride TTC for free. You don't need to do anything — just take them through the turnstile with you.
Rainy day plan Ripley's Aquarium → lunch at Harbour Square area → Royal Ontario Museum. That's a full day, entirely indoors, and the kids will be exhausted by 4pm.
Where to eat with kids St. Lawrence Market is excellent for kids — the variety means everyone finds something, and it's quick. Kensington Market on a Saturday has enough street food variety to keep any picky eater happy.
Beach options The Beaches neighbourhood (accessible via Queen streetcar east) has clean sandy beaches, a boardwalk, and a free splash pad at Kew Gardens from mid-June. It's genuinely one of the best summer afternoons you can have for free.
See All Things To Do → — Browse all Toronto family activities
WTF Toronto creates guides using independent editorial research, official sources, local knowledge and firsthand experience where available. Commercial relationships are disclosed where applicable.