Things To Do In Toronto For Families

Toronto is a vibrant, diverse city located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital, and is home to nearly 3 million people. Toronto is a city of immigrants, with more than half of its residents born outside of the country. This mix of cultures and peoples has resulted in a fascinating and eclectic city, with endless opportunities for exploration, learning, and recreation. Toronto is also well-known for its lively arts and cultural scene, diverse neighbourhoods, world-class restaurants, and beautiful parks and trails.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation to Toronto or just looking for something fun to do with your family, there are plenty of activities that will appeal to all ages. From museums and theme parks to outdoor activities and unique attractions, there’s something for everyone in Toronto. Here are some of the best things to do in Toronto with your family.

Explore the Distillery District

The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most popular attractions. Located in the historic Gooderham and Worts distillery, the Distillery District is now a pedestrian-only area filled with unique shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes, and performance spaces. It’s also home to several outdoor art installations as well as the popular Toronto Christmas Market during the winter months. Take a stroll down cobblestone laneways and explore the many boutiques and galleries offering a wide range of wares from antiques and vintage finds to fashion, jewelry and art. The Distillery District is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family.

Visit The Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Canada’s most acclaimed museums and a must-visit for families. With 40 galleries and over 6 million artifacts, the ROM offers something for all ages. Kids will love exploring the dinosaur galleries and interactive exhibits while adults will appreciate the art, culture, and natural history exhibits. The ROM also has several special events throughout the year including summer programs, family days and holiday events.

Attend a Festival in Toronto

Toronto has no shortage of festivals throughout the year, from music and art to food and film. There’s something for everyone in Toronto’s vibrant festival scene. Some of the most popular festivals include the Caribana Carnival, Luminato Arts Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto Pride Week, and the Toronto Jazz Festival. These festivals are great ways to experience Toronto’s diverse culture and to have fun with your family.

Take a Tour of the CN Tower

The CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks. Standing at 553 meters tall, it’s one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the tower or take in 360-degree views from the observation deck or glass-floored SkyPod. During summer months, visitors can even take a walk along the ledge at the top of the tower! This is an amazing experience that your family won’t soon forget.

Go Shopping at Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a vibrant neighbourhood located in downtown Toronto. This historic district is well-known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, music venues, and street art. It’s also home to some of Toronto’s best vintage clothing stores. The Market is a great place to explore with your family and find unique gifts or souvenirs to take home.

Explore Toronto’s Parks and Trails

Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful parks and trails. From waterfront parks and gardens to urban green spaces and nature trails, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration in Toronto. Visit High Park for biking, hiking, swimming, and more or explore the city’s many waterfront parks like Tommy Thompson Park or Centre Island. There’s something for everyone in Toronto’s outdoor spaces.

Take a Tour of Casa Loma

Casa Loma is an iconic castle located in downtown Toronto. Built in 1914 as a residence for financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma features stunning architecture and gardens as well as secret passageways and tunnels that are perfect for exploring with kids. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle or explore on their own. Casa Loma is sure to be a hit with your entire family!

See a Show at the Second City

The Second City is one of Toronto’s most popular entertainment venues featuring improv comedy shows and live performances from some of Canada’s top performers. There are several venues throughout the city where you can experience this unique form of entertainment with your family. The Second City is an excellent option for families looking for something fun and different to do in Toronto.

Take a Tour of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of Toronto’s most popular attractions. Located in downtown Toronto, this underwater wonderland features more than 13,500 aquatic animals from 450 species including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses, eels, and more. Kids will love exploring this interactive aquarium while adults will appreciate the educational exhibits. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is perfect for families looking to learn more about the underwater world.

Book a Tour on Viator: Food Tour Through Kensington Market

Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods. This bustling area is filled with an array of cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries that have been part of this community for generations. On this tour you’ll have the opportunity to explore the neighbourhood with a knowledgeable guide who will show you some of its hidden gems as well as local favourites like St. Lawrence Market. You’ll also have the chance to sample some delicious food from around the world along the way! Book this tour on Viator here.

Book a Tour on GetYourGuide: Haunted Tour Through The Distillery District

Experience a spine-tingling tour through one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods! The storytellers on this tour will share tales of suspense as you wander through alleyways and cobblestone streets of The Distillery District while visiting some of its most haunted locations. You may even experience some paranormal activity along the way! Book this tour on GetYourGuide here.

Book a Tour on Viator: Bike Tour Through Graffiti Alley

If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore Toronto’s street art scene then this bike tour through Graffiti Alley is perfect for you! Your knowledgeable guide will show you some of the city’s best graffiti art as you ride through downtown Toronto’s hidden alleyways and laneways filled with colourful murals and street art from local artists. Book this tour on Viator here.

Toronto is an exciting city with plenty of activities for families to enjoy. From exploring downtown neighbourhoods by bike or on foot to visiting world-class museums or taking part in local festivals, there’s something for everyone in Toronto! Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, there are plenty of things to do in Toronto that everyone can enjoy together!