Toronto with Kids

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toronto a good city to visit with kids?

Toronto is an excellent family destination. It has world-class attractions built specifically for children (Ripley's Aquarium, the Ontario Science Centre at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto Zoo), several excellent free parks (High Park with its free zoo and splash pads), safe and clean transit, and a huge range of restaurants that welcome families. The city is very walkable and stroller-accessible in most areas.

What is the best neighbourhood in Toronto for families?

The Annex, Leslieville, the Beach, and High Park neighbourhoods are particularly family-friendly with parks, playgrounds, and a relaxed pace. For visiting families, staying near the waterfront or Bloor/Yorkville gives easy access to both the family attractions in the downtown core and the parks.

What is the best Toronto attraction for young children (under 6)?

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is spectacular for young children — the moving walkway under the shark tank is genuinely awe-inspiring even for toddlers. High Park's free Adventure Playground and free zoo are excellent for all ages. The Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island is purpose-built for young children.

Are Toronto's transit and sidewalks stroller-friendly?

Most of Toronto's downtown core is very stroller-accessible, with elevator access at major subway stations. The PATH underground system is largely accessible. The major parks (High Park, Toronto Islands, Waterfront) are all stroller-friendly. Some older streetcar stops require a step up.

What are the best free things to do in Toronto with kids?

High Park (free zoo, adventure playground, splash pads), the Toronto waterfront, the Beach boardwalk, Centreville Amusement Park rides (rides purchased separately, entrance free), the Toronto Public Library (extensive free children's programming), and Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) events are all excellent free options for families.

Is the Toronto Zoo worth visiting?

The Toronto Zoo in Scarborough is a large, accredited zoo with 5,000+ animals across 10 zoogeographic regions. Adult admission is $37, youth (4–17) $27. Budget a full day — the zoo covers 287 hectares. Accessible by TTC (Route 85A) or by car. Very popular on school holidays — arrive early.

Family-friendly Toronto attractions

Toronto works well for visiting families because major attractions, waterfront parks, museums, farms, and free outdoor spaces are spread across the city and connected by the TTC. Plan around the ages in your group, stroller access, weather, and the time needed to cross the city.

Things to do in Toronto with kids

• St. Lawrence Market — St. Lawrence · 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON : A historic Toronto food market with the peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery, specialty vendors, and a current schedule that includes the South Market and Saturday Farmers' Market.
• Pilot Coffee Roasters — Distillery District · 49 Colborne St, Toronto, ON : Toronto's most respected specialty coffee roaster. Pilot sources direct from farms around the world — Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya — and every cup is executed with scientific precision. The Distillery District café is the showpiece.
• Richmond Station — Financial District · 1 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON : Top Chef Canada winner Carl Heinrich's farm-to-table flagship. Every ingredient is sourced from named Ontario farms and the menu rotates with the seasons. The dry-aged burger at lunch is the Financial District's finest meal.
• Toronto Ribfest — Centennial Park / Etobicoke · Centennial Park, Etobicoke, ON : One of North America's largest rib festivals runs every summer — championship BBQ teams from across Canada and the US arrive with massive smokers and compete for the Golden Ribber award. The smoke alone from Centennial Park's pits can be smelled from the 427. Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, corn, and more — all judged by the crowd.
• WingFest Canada — Vaughan · Assembly Park, Vaughan, Ontario (just north of Toronto) : The first-ever WingFest Canada — a two-day outdoor festival at Assembly Park in Vaughan celebrating community, culture, and culinary creativity. The GTA's best wing creators compete for the public vote across classic heat levels, creative originals, and international styles. Taste, vote, and celebrate with a beer garden, live entertainment, and proceeds supporting Mackenzie Health Hospital.
• Maple Taffy Season (Sugar Shacks) — Various · Distillery District (seasonal booth) + day trips to Halton Hills, Kemptville : Every March and April, sugar shacks and maple syrup farms within an hour of Toronto run maple taffy season — hot maple syrup poured on snow, instantly solidifying into a chewy taffy you peel off with a popsicle stick. Fulton's Pancake House in Kemptville and Brookridge Farm are the GTA closest options, and the Distillery Market runs a maple taffy booth in early spring.
• Farmers' Markets (Summer) — Various · Wychwood Barns (601 Christie St), Trinity Bellwoods, Dufferin Grove, and 30+ more : Toronto's summer farmers' market scene is exceptional — over 30 markets citywide from May through October. The Wychwood Barns Market (Saturdays), Trinity Bellwoods Market (Tuesdays), and Dufferin Grove (Thursdays) are the finest. Local vegetables, fresh bread, preserves, Ontario cheese, eggs, cut flowers, and artisan pastries make Saturday morning shopping a full experience.
• The Keg Steakhouse — Various GTA · Multiple GTA locations — Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, Etobicoke : Canada's most beloved steakhouse chain is a different animal (literally) at the GTA suburban locations — the Mississauga, Vaughan, and Markham Kegs have the same consistently excellent prime rib, garlic toast, and butter cake, but with easier parking and slightly less downtown pressure. A reliably excellent special occasion dinner.
• Dozzano's — Parkdale / Roncesvalles · Parkdale area, Queen St W, Toronto, ON : Parkdale's neighbourhood slice shop — Dozzano's makes big, satisfying New York-style pizza slices for the Parkdale neighbourhood with a no-nonsense approach: good dough, quality cheese, simple toppings, sold by the slice or the pie. The kind of reliable neighbourhood pizza place every neighbourhood needs and few have.
• Soma Chocolatemaker — Distillery District / Kensington · 55 Mill St (Distillery District), Toronto, ON | 443 King St W : Toronto's world-class bean-to-bar chocolate maker — Soma sources cacao from specific farms in Venezuela, Brazil, Madagascar, and Ecuador and transforms it into bars and hot chocolates that have won international awards. The Distillery District shop is a destination, and the hot chocolate in winter is the definitive Toronto cold-weather experience.
• The Good Neighbour — Parkdale · Queen St W, Parkdale area, Toronto, ON : Parkdale's plant-based café and community hub — The Good Neighbour serves vegan breakfast and lunch in a warm, community-focused space with a commitment to accessibility: low-cost options always available, a genuine effort to be welcoming to everyone. The full breakfast is the best value vegan brunch in the west end.
• LOUIX LOUIS — Financial District / Downtown · 325 Bay St, 31st Floor (St. Regis Hotel), Toronto, ON M5H 2R2 : The most spectacular brunch room in Toronto — LOUIX LOUIS is on the 31st floor of the St. Regis Hotel at 325 Bay St, with panoramic city views from every table and a Sunday brunch buffet that includes free-flowing sparkling wine. The view alone justifies the price; the cooking makes it a genuine occasion.