The 150 TOP FUN THINGS TO DO in Toronto with Family

In honor of Canada celebrating their 150th anniversary a few years ago,  we are beyond excited for our global audience to enjoy our posts about this beautiful country! We have chosen Toronto as our city of the year in 2017 because of its friendliness to families, amazing attractions, diversity and culture. In light of our nation’s birthday, July 1st, we have 150 things to do in Toronto that is both family friendly and will be a lifetime of memories for your family. Some are obvious choices but we promise to surprise you. There is so many things to do in Toronto but these are some of our favorites. Here are our 150 things to do in Toronto as a family.

  1. CN Tower: Yes, the CN Tower, the beacon for all of those visiting Toronto. This beautiful tower was once the tallest free standing structure in the world! It helps visitors and locals alike know where they are. When you visit the CN tower, it has incredible views of Toronto and the greater GTA. You can eat at its famous revolving restaurant, peer at its 360 degree views and learn some history, or If you are truly brave, hang off the side of The CN Tower and get a once in a life time experience!
  2. High Park- This is more than just a day trip. High Park is 161 hectares of mixed recreational facilities, cultural facilities, parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and even has a zoo! Get lost in High Park and enjoy. The whole family will love it. Make sure to visit it in every season!
  3. Center Island- Center Island is about a ten minute ferry ride to one of The Toronto Islands. We love this place as it has an amusement park for kids, a number of restaurants and caters to special events! Spend a day at the amusement park and go down the famous log ride or grab your bikes and go for a ride! It’s family friendly with lots to do. We personally love to picnic at Center Island. You will be coming back here time and time again.
  4. The ROM- The Royal Ontario Museum is filled with works of art, sculptures and traveling exhibits. It is the largest museum in Canada and one of the biggest in North America. The second floor is so fun and interactive for kids, including a bat cave, dinosaur exhibits and more! You can dress up as a knight or dig for bones with your little paleontologist in training. It also has one of the best gift shops with unique and educational gifts. Make sure to buy the space food. We loved it! Become a member and get so many perks.
  5. Scarborough Bluffs- With nine parks across the bluffs, this is a great place to make memories. Bluffers Park has beach access. Feeling puckish? This area of Toronto has so many great places to eat. The views are incredible. Be sure to follow the instructions and warnings. The best time to go is in the summer but if you are a family of photographers, anytime of year is stunning.
  6. The Distillery District- Go back in time to see some of Toronto’s 19th Century architecture. This pedestrian only area is not only a place to get a pint, but is very educational. Art lovers galore, this is a place where Toronto artists feature their best paintings and sculptures. See theatre, music, dance and more! And if you are in Toronto around Christmas time, check out….
  7. The Christmas Market- Located at the Distillery District in Toronto, this makes you feel like you are in a winter wonderland. From the perfect Christmas tree in the center of the market to meeting Santa, you can shop around professional carolers, visit markets and experience the magic of Christmas time. Be sure to stay during the day and a night to see the Christmas tree light out. This place is full of magic and the joy of the Christmas season.
  8. The AGO- The Art Gallery of Ontario has over 90,000 works! We love that it boasts one of the biggest collections of African art in North America. They have a lot of works come into the museum and this museum is worth visiting time and time again.
  9. University of Toronto Campus- Not only is this one of Canada’s top Universities, but the grounds of the St. George Campus in Toronto are absolutely stunning. This blend of historical architecture and green space makes up what is truly Canadian. It is also where many movies have been filmed. If your family loves history or are movie buffs, you will love visiting this campus site.
  10. Rogers Center- The locals still call it the skydome. Catch a baseball game at this wonderful architectural feat and watch the Toronto Blue Jays win. With some of the most dedicated fans in the world, the Rogers Center has a ceiling that can open and close due to the weather. There are also a lot of festivals, concerts and more held here!
  11. Bata Shoe Museum- Fun for the whole family- The Beta Shoe museum has famous footwear from around the world. It is home to the world’s largest and comprehensive collection of shoes and footwear related artifacts. They often times have a lot to do for children. Great for the whole family.
  12. Ripley’s Aquarium- Go and see thousands of aquatic life from all over the world with your family. There is a playground, feeding sessions that you can see and a revolving floor to take you under the ocean!

 

  1. Casa Loma- Toronto’s crown jewel. This castle is a must see with estate gardens, vast rooms, a library, a conservatory, three must visit restaurants, stables, archery, haunted walks, escape rooms and much much more. Casa Loma is also the spot for many movie films. A great spot for the whole family.
  2. Kensington Market- Walk around one of our favorite places in Toronto. The diverse shops are fun to find the perfect unique gift. Go to all of the different restaurants. The people, the cultures, the vibe. Kensington is the place to bring your family.
  3. Graffiti Alley- Walk down this iconic alleyway where world famous graffiti artists have boasted some of their greatest works. It’s a great place to take pictures or stand back and watch the artists at work. It is also the space where Rick Mercer films his famous rants for the Rick Mercer Report.
  4. Princess of Wales Theatre- See a play at tis 2000 seat theatre on King Street at the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district.
  5. Lake Ontario- One of the five great lakes of North America, walk along this beautiful fresh water lake. Find all of the light houses. Check out the epic sunrises and sunsets.
  6. Toronto Eaton Centre- Check out the vast amount of stores and get your shopping on at this iconic mall. There is a store for everyone and is so much fun!

19, Younge and Dundas Square- the Times Square of Canada, with its own flare! Younge and Dundas Square is packed with people. If you love to people watch you will see bands, speakers and shoppers. Next to The Eaton Centre, you will not be bored in this area. Lots of places to sit and just look at the lights and ads.

  1. St. Lawrence Market- This iconic market is full of food merchants, artisans, butchers and more. Get your new favorite antique find or plan an epic supper here. Or just walk around the over 100 vendors and introduce your family.
  2. Toronto Zoo- This zoo is huge! Hundreds of animals live here with many outdoor pavilions to see. There is always an event or something to see at the zoo. They also have a large botanical collection!
  3. Union Station- Yes, you have to check out Union station as it has some incredible architecture. Take your children to see the major railway hub of Canada and maybe catch a glimpse at a Via Train.
  4. Tasty Tours Sweet and Savory Tour- Walk around Kensington Market with this tour and try some of Toronto’s best eats! From flavored popcorn to the best Poutine in Toronto, you must take this tour!
  5. Hockey Hall of Fame- Hockey is not just a sport in Canada, it is a history and a way of life. Take your children to this interactive site. So much to do for the whole family but you will be entertained all day.
  6. Yorkville- A wealthy neighbourhood downtown with a lot of high end stores. It is fun to shop or just walk by and see what is “in” in Toronto.
  7. Nathan Phillips Square- It is city hall for Toronto but there is beautiful skating in the winter and endless events in the summer. There is always iconic food trucks to try and something to see and do at Nathan Phillips Square.
  8. Fort York- This is an incredible piece of Toronto history. This landmark has the war of 1812 buildings and has a battle site and a visitor’s center. Go back in time with the whole family.
  9. Black Creek Pioneer Village- Go back in time between the 1790s and the 1860s in south central Ontario. Leave the present day and visit actors who will teach you about culture in that time period. It is a whole town! It is also a working village. Your children will have lifetime memories here.
  10. China Town- Going up Spadina Street is China town which has delicious restaurants, great shops and amazing people. It is fun, eclectic and full of wonderful things to see and do.
  11. Ontario Science Centre- Wow, this place is a great day trip with kids! They have so many scientific and technology exhibits, an IMAX cinema and touring shows. They also let you bring your own lunch!
  12. Gooderham Building- We love flatiron buildings. Teach your children about architecture by seeing this iconic flatiron building built in 1892.
  13. The Old Mill- One of Toronto’s iconic spas, hotels and restaurants. Stay overnight here at this centurion building and take the trails. Skiing, hiking and more. So much to see here and in that area. Minutes from High Park.
  14. Toronto Waterfront- over 46 kilometres for you and your family to walk across! It is so much fun. Restaurants are plentiful along the way. Make this a day trip. Walk or bike.
  15. Rouge National Urban Park- We love that this park has both forests, a beach and rolling hills. You can canoe, swim, fish and hike! A great day trip for the whole family.
  16. Mackenzie House- Check out this amazing museum and house from the 19th century. It is dedicated to politician and publisher William Lyon Mackenzie.
  17. Textile Museum of Canada- check out amazing patterns and fabrics. The hands on exhibits make it fun and engaging for children.
  18. Aga Kahn Museum- Contemporary architecture makes this museum a winner. It also has many exhibits exhibiting Islamic Culture. We love it here!
  19. Cabbagetown- Such a beautiful area. Plan nothing. Just walk and sight see with your family. The everyday experience is well worth the visit.
  20. The EX- At the end of the summer comes the EX, a two week adventure at Exhibition filled with rides, games, food and more. A staple of Toronto to mark the end of yet another summer.

40 Billy Bishop Airport- Also known as Toronto City Airport. This airport is on an island and home to Poter Airways. Make sure to fly out of this airport at least once to experience the beautiful views of this great city.

  1. BAPS Shri Swaminaryan Mandir Toronto- This beautiful traditional Hindu place of worship is STUNNING. A must visit for everyone.
  2. The Bentway- A new thing to do in Toronto! In the winter, skate under the Gardiner Expressway. A fun experience for the whole family.
  3. Concerts at the ACC- You have not lived until you have experienced a concert at the ACC. Check to see who is playing and get tickets. Toronto crowds are the best! Enjoy the music and the people.
  4. Toronto Maple Leafs Game- The fans are so loyal they bleed blue! The energy is addictive. Catch a Toronto Maple Leafs home game at the ACC while they are in season and you will walk away with a lifetime of memories.
  5. Canada’s Wonderland- over 200 attractions. 70 rides. The time of your life. Go to Canada’s wonderland with the whole family or get a season’s pass. They have an amazing waterpark as well! You will love it!
  6. Toronto Wolfpack- This is the newest professional sports team! Watch a rugby game and cheer on Toronto’s finest.
  7. The Toronto Argonauts- Toronto’s official football team in the CFL. You have to see a game. Lots of fun and you will love the fans!
  8. The Sports bars of Toronto- Yes, it can be hard to get tickets as Toronto fans are so loyal but you can have an amazing time in one of Toronto’s many sports bars. You can find many of them in and around Front Street.
  9. Ontario Place- once an iconic amusement park is now in a huge transition of become a park. Check this out and see a place in Toronto in transition.
  10. Ireland Park- A somber trip but a must see. Go see the memorial to the strong Irish who came over to Canada during the Irish famine. It makes you think. The art is incredible and touching. A great history lesson for the kids.
  11. Riverdale Farm- Check out this greenspace in the Danforth with a pool and an ice-skating rink!
  12. Don Valley Brick Works- This has a great farmers market and a beautiful nature area for the whole family to enjoy.
  13. Beltline Trail- Are you a family of runners? This would be a perfect day trip for your family. Walk (or run through this expansive trail.
  14. Todmorder Mills- Some historic buildings to Toronto. It has a wildflower preserve that is helping Ontario’s bee population among other environmental benefits.
  15. Greektown- Check out this fun village in Toronto. The restaurants are the best.
  16. Beach/Beaches- Call it what you may, this is an eclectic place to get your beach lifestyle on! The houses are neat to look at and your children will be begging you not to go home at the end of the day.
  17. Evergreen Brick Works- This community environmental centre has a Children’s Garden, a place to learn the basics of pottery and lessons on industrial heritage!
  18. India Bazaar- off of Gerard Street between Bathurst and Bloor is a marketplace that boasts South Asian Culture and Cuisine. Shop, eat, interact and enjoy.
  19. Koreatown- Have a family karaoke night, eat yourself into a culinary heaven or just enjoy some acupuncture with the family in this fun area of Toronto.
  20. Toronto Ghost Hauntings Research Society- If you have a family with a sense of adventure, there are free self-guided walking tours of downtown. Check out the former Toronto Stock Exchange, Old City Hall and more and find out what has been haunting it.
  21. Canada’s Walk of Fame- Visit the stars of your favorite Canadian actors, notables and people who have changed the face of this great country.
  22. CBC Museum- You have to see the CBC museum where your children can enjoy the exhibits of some of their favorite television shows.
  23. The Ultimate Chocolate Tour from Tasty Tours- Get to know some local chocolatiers and learn the history of chocolate. Leave this tour feeling like you are a chocolate connoisseur. Great for kids to get their chocolate fix and it’s a walking tour so they will “walk off” that sugar high.
  24. Literary Tour- Take in a self-guided Literary Tour for the readers in your family. Click here to see all of the wonderful places you can go to be immersed in books.
  25. Fairmont Royal York- Go inside the lobby and see these beautiful hotel where the Queen of England has stayed. A true piece of Canadian history. Skip over to Beni Hana for some delicious teppanyaki.
  26. Bay Street- The Wall Street of Canada. Go amongst the buildings of the big banks, corporations and insurance companies. Each building puts on a wonderful display at Christmas. Visit each building and see who has the best decorations.
  27. Ride the UP train from Union Station to Pearson Airport- Take the luxurious route from Union Station to Pearson airport and see another side of Toronto in a very unique way!
  28. The Museum Stop on The Subway- A very decorative stop to let you know you are right at the ROM, check it out with your kids!
  29. Wards Island- Take the ferry to Ward’s Island where over 300 beautiful cottagesque homes exist.
  30. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse- It’s considered haunted and has a huge history behind it. One of Toronto’s most enduring ghost stories. An adventure for the whole family.
  31. Ride the TTC- The famous “red rocket” is a Toronto staple. See it go through winter storms and hot summer days. Makes for great photography.
  32. OCAD Building- Look at one of the most interesting pieces of architecture that Toronto has to offer. Inspire your children with this iconic building.
  33. Humber Bay Arch Bridge- Take a family walk on this famous bridge in Toronto by the lake!
  34. Butterfly Garden- See the butterflies, turtles, birds and more. Sit and have these beautiful creatures land on you. A great experience for your children to learn how beautiful nature is, while learning to respect it.
  35. Walk in Rosedale- Rosedale has beautiful homes, go take a family walk and enjoy the quaint streets, beautiful homes and landscapes.
  36. Sheldon Lookout- Come here at sunset with the family and see a beautiful view of Toronto. A great place to take a family photo and a nice long walk.
  37. Sherway Gardens- Shop until you drop at this high class mall!
  38. Woodbine Centre- Inside this mall is an indoor amusement park that is perfect for young children. See this on a rainy day or a winter’s day. Food courts are within the mall. There are even some fun things for adults to enjoy!
  39. Famous People Players Dinner Theatre- A celebrity themed puppet show performed by a special needs troupe with a prix fixed price dinner. Yummy dinner, stellar shows always.
  40. Bloor West Village- A great way to meet the local families. Great restaurants, festivals and schools.
  41. Nuit Blanche- Art encompasses Toronto! Bring the whole family to see what artists are up to. Fun, walkable and inspiring.
  42. TD Toronto Jazz Festival- In July TD Bank puts on a stellar collection of jazz singers. Enrich your kids with this attractive music genre.
  43. Toronto Ribfest- Get your taste buds worked up with your family by taking them to Toronto’s Ribfest, usually at the end of June.
  44. Taste of the Danforth- When the best restaurants come out on Danforth and you and your family get to test out all of the delicious eats
  45. Busker fest- Ontario’s largest street performer festival. Over 100 artists, musicians, arcticians and more come out to entertain you from all over the world. This happens at the beginning of September.
  46. Redpath Waterfront Festival- Starts today! Go meet the most talked about rubber duck in the world! Weighing in at 30,000 pounds, this duck will be the focal point of this year’s iconic waterfront festival.
  47. Jazz Night at Ripley’s Aquarium- Spend the evening touring the fish with live jazz music. Your children will love this relaxed evening event at Ripley’s Aquarium.
  48. Hop on Hop off City Sight Seeing Bus- On peak season these busses come every 15 minutes to take you to 21 stops all over the city! Sit on the bus for the two hour ride and get a boat pass to the islands included in your fare. Nothing beats that!
  49. Archery At Casa Loma- Take an archery class on the iconic Casa Loma grounds with your whole family. Great for the older kids.
  50. Visit the Spaghetti Family- Just a short walk from Union Station, visit the Spaghetti Factory, a delicious Italian food restaurant with some of the best décor in the city! Make sure to sit in the old tram inside!
  51. Heart and Stroke Ride on the Gardiner- If your family is an avid cyclist, be sure to ride on top of the Gardiner Expressway when they close it down for The Heart and Stroke Foundation. A great cause, some great views.
  52. Find all of the Moose statues across Toronto- Take a tour across this great city and photograph yourself with each iconic moose!
  53. The Hug Me Tree- It gets painted every year but it is a great place to take your picture next to!
  54. Graffiti on Queen- Check out some of the pieces, murals and tags on Queen Street.
  55. Pose with the Tembo elephant statue in the financial district! Your children will love it.
  56. Spadina Museum- Welcome to the 1930s where the Austins will show you what life was like in Toronto during this time period. A great history lesson for the kids!
  57. Osgoode Grounds- A great place to people watch, play in the park or just curl up and read a book with the kids. Great all year round but recommend autumn.

98- Toronto International Film Festival- Catch a movie with your older children and learn what is the latest and greatest movies coming out right now!

99- Celebrity Watch during the film festival- You never know who you are going to see or meet during TIFF week!

100- Colbourne Lodge- See 19th Century period pieces and take the kids back in time! A great day date with your family.

101- Gibson House- Visit the house of the man who helped map early Toronto! A great history lesson for the children.

102- Ride the Go Train to different train stops across Toronto- Exhibition and Mimico to name a few

103- Visit the Toronto Staple, the Mr. Christies tower in Mimico!

104- Montgomery Inn- Montgomery’s Inn Museum highlights the historical role played by the inn as a tavern, farm, local gathering place and community hub in the development and history of Etobicoke.

105- Toronto Reference Library- For the bibliophile in your family. Locals should get a card. Visitors will love the immense amount of books.

106- Thomson Memorial Park- Enjoy these walking trails in Scarborough with the whole family!

107- Scarborough Museum- is set along the walking trails of beautiful Thomson Memorial Park, once the farm fields of Scarborough’s first settlers and now a popular heritage community.

108- Zion School House- See how school looked when it was in session in 1869!

109- Dentonia Park- This Par 3 course has 18 holes, each with a unique elevation between green and fairway with picturesque water hazards.

110- Toronto Boat Cruises- Day or evening sails available for the whole family!

111-Pirate Life- Become a pirate with our crew, dress in costume, face paint tattoos and pirate names! Fire the water cannons and haul up the loot, because we are all pirates arrrgh 😉

112- Skyzone Indoor Trampoline Park- Great for the winters or a rainy day, let your children bounce out their energy!

113- BATL Axe- For you and your older children. Throw axes and have a great time! Who has the best accuracy?

114- Take the Go Train from Toronto Union to Niagara Falls and back! Take a weekend trip to Niagara Falls and see the Golden Horseshoe. The GO Train has trains that run in the summer to Niagara Falls.

115- Polar Dip Toronto- You and your teens can take the plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario for your New Year’s Resolution! On January 1st, you can do this with your family for charity.

116- Roy Thompson Hall- See the orchestra with your children!

117- Ed Mirvish Theatre- The best entertainment in Toronto. Bringing musicals, dramas, comedies and more to the theatre stage for over 50 years.

118- Royal Alexandria Theatre- The Royal Alexandra Theatre is a National Historic Landmark building of 19th-century design.

119- University of Toronto Planetarium- Explore the night sky over Toronto and travel to the farthest reaches of space and time in a fascinating planetarium show presented by the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics.

120- Cinesphere- Ontario Place has reopened the iconic Cinesphere to the public. The theatre is open year round and offers a variety of films for all ages.

121- Sony Centre For Preforming Arts-The country’s largest soft seat theatre that hosts a variety of international attractions and starts. A heritage building.

122- LEGOLAND- Discovery Centre is the ultimate indoor LEGO playground with 2 rides, 10 LEGO build & play zones, a 4D cinema & much more!

123- St. Michael’s Cathedral- This beautiful gothic-style cathedral is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

124- Hanlan’s Point- it has a public beach and is located on the Toronto Islands.

125-Sugar Beach- a fun, urban beach park in Toronto.

126- Old City Hall- Castle-like building, built in 1899 in the Romanesque Revival style, features a clock tower, “Friends of Old City Hall” exhibit and a War Memorial.

127- Edward’s Gardens- a botanical garden located between Leslie and the Bridle Path off Lawrence Avenue.

128- The Gardiner Museum- A ceramic museum that has tours, exhibits, classes and more for the whole family!

129- Harbour front Centre- A key cultural organization on the waterfront. It has ice skating in the winter and great shops.

130- Anshei Minsky Synagogue Welcome to the Anshei Minsk Synagogue. The Minsk is the downtown Toronto shul. It’s located in the Kensington Market area of downtown Toronto. Kensington market is rich in history and provides both residents and visitors to Toronto with a unique experience.

131- The Beach Village- a wonderful family walk looking at these beautiful homes!

132- Dine On Top of The Park Hyatt before it closes for renovations in November!

133- Helicopter Tour over Toronto- Take the family and see the CN Tower and the city like you have never seen it before!

134- Edge Cn Tower- Walk around the CN Tower. It’s scary but exhilarating!

135- Take the PATH Under all of these amazing buildings in the business district

136- Walk up Younge Street, one of the longest streets in the world and see all of the shops and restaurants.

137- Royal Conservatory of Music- Catch a symphony with the whole family

138- See the Nutcracker during the holiday season and make it a holiday tradition.

139- Take the old Town History Tour with Tour guys. The tour is free but be sure to tip your excellent tour guide!

140- Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours- Outdoor Activities infused with Aboriginal Culture for Urban Learners – Available in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Nature Tours (Eco Tour + Cultural Teachings) and Fishing Tours (Fishing + Cultural Teachings) available.

141- Indigenous Arts Festival- Each June the Indigenous Arts Festival at Fort York National Historic Site celebrates traditional and contemporary music, dance, theatre, storytelling, literature, crafts, and food created by indigenous artists

142- Food Truck Alley- Taste test at Jarvis and Queen Street!

143- Shopping on Bloor- If you love brand names, this is the perfect shopping date for your family!

144-See a Toronto Raptors Game!

145- Square at ACC when the Raptors are playing and go to Jurassic Park!

146- Toronto FC- See a Toronto FC game at the BMO Field

147- Medieval Times- Go back to the Medieval Times dinner and tournament with the whole family!

148- Wendy’s by Pearson Airport- Go airplane watching and sit in the parking lot and watch the planes come in.

149- Trillium Park- the park with the million dollar views for the whole family!

150- Queens Park- A great place to visit with your budding politician. Learn more about politics here.