Toronto Subway MapWhen it gets that cold in the winter, there’s no excuse for laziness during the good weather.  Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and has so many activities and special sights to offer for childrenKids in Toronto have lots to choose from.  You can pick any corner of the city and education and experiences will abound.  Here’s a fun list of stuff to do while you’re in the Big Smoke. 

  1. Head to a Blue Jays game. (hotdogs optional)
  2. Walk in the Pride parade and open some communication with the kids.
  3. Toronto Island and Centreville Amusement Park offers rides, cool gardens and of course the fun ferry ride.
  4. The Toronto Zoo makes for a great educational and exciting day.
  5. Canada’s Wonderland is a dream for kids right across the country.  Give yourself a couple of days!
  6. Create your own photo shoot around UofT.  Hart House and the Soldier’s tower are stunning.
  7. Fringe it.  Tons of kids’ shows happen in outdoor venues in June/July.
  8. AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario).  Check out their art programs for kids and don’t miss Jamie Kennedy’s frites.
  9. ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) always has fantastic exhibits and a great play/learning area.
  10. Festivals: Caribana, Jazz, Taste of the Danforth.  Check your listings and Just do it.  Bring water.
  11. Canada Dry Festival of Fire.  And make sure to check out article on Fireworks with Kids.
  12. High Park.  Why not set up a soccer game or bring a picnic to Dream in High Park?
  13. Toronto FC.  Celebrate the World Cup this year by teaching them about soccer.
  14. Ontario Place. (Check out the play all summer pass!)
  15. Hit the Beach.  In the east end along Queen you’ll find a kid/dog-friendly world.
  16. Queen’s Quay: the events and markets are super fun, and you can stay cool.
  17. Distillery District.  Dress in costume and transport your family to another time and place – ‘Chicago’ was filmed here, you know.  (Or just check out the amazing art and brewery).
  18. Ontario Science Centre.  Cool for all ages (oh, and the Harry Potter exhibition is now on).
  19. Hockey Hall of Fame.  If you have sons or a spouse who sits in front of the TV every Saturday night, drop them here while you head to Bloor Street for some shopping.
  20. Riverdale Farm.  In the heart of Toronto’s historic Cabbagetown district, this treat is especially great for the young kids.

Toronto and the surrounding areas have amazing activities for families throughout the year.  Embrace the subways, take in the sights, and give the kids experiences to last a lifetime.

Looking for Family Activities in other cities?  Check our Family Activities in Victoria article!

– Jill Amery, Former resident of Toronto

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