Is Toronto Worth Visiting with Kids?

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As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is definitely bustling. I have to admit. I don’t like driving in the city, but I do love everything it has to offer. From a fabulous food scene to shows and concerts, sporting events and a ton of attractions, there is plenty to keep you busy on a day trip or even an extended visit. But is Toronto worth visiting with kids? I would definitely say YES, it is!

Is Toronto Worth Visiting with Kids?

Coming from someone who once lived in Toronto, I would say YES! Toronto is definitely worth visiting with kids. With so many things to see and do, a variety of cultures to experience, exciting attractions, and world-class class restaurants to try, Toronto definitely is a great destination to visit, regardless of your kids’ ages.

6 Reasons Why Toronto is Worth Visiting with Kids

There are a ton of reasons why people should visit Toronto. However, families have different considerations when choosing places to vacation. So we have put together a short list of reasons why Toronto is worth visiting for families.

1. Safe for Families

Toronto is generally a pretty safe city for tourists to visit. In fact, Toronto was ranked second in the world in 2021 on the Safe Cities Index, making it North America’s safest city to visit.

But just like most major cities, violent crime does happen, and certain parts of the city should be avoided by tourists. Of course, using some common sense, safeguarding your valuables, and travelling as a group, will definitely help in keeping everyone safe and having a good time.

2. A Plethora of Great Restaurants

The food scene alone makes Toronto worth visiting with kids! Our amazing city is very multicultural, so when it comes to choosing a place to eat, the possibilities are almost endless.

Have a picky eater? No problem! Want to try authentic Indian food and not have to travel to India to get it? No problem!

And if you are stuck on which restaurant to try, ask a local! They will happily tell you all about the best hidden gems in the city.

3. So Many Incredible Festivals

Once again, this is where Toronto’s multiculturalism shines. There are a ton of festivals that take place throughout the year all over the city.

And the best part is, most of the festivals are extremely family-friendly, have activities or areas specially designed for kids, and usually have amazing food tied to the event. There are even festivals specifically designed for kids (like TIFF Kids).

From the Redpath Waterfront Festival to Salsa on St. Clair, the Toronto Food Truck Festival, to Taste of the Danforth, you will find all kinds of family-friendly festivals (many of which are free to attend) that make Toronto worth visiting with kids.

4. There Is Street Art Everywhere

Just like many other major cities in North America, street art has become quite popular in Toronto. From incredible murals to sculptures, water features, and seasonal art, the streets of Toronto have become an awesome place to see local artists’ handiwork.

Easily one of the most iconic spots, and home to the most photographed street art in Toronto, is Graffiti Alley. This street art is ever-changing and tends to reflect political and social activism in the city. Kensington Market, The Junction, Bloor West Village, Moss Park and Queen Street West are all places where you can find some amazing street art (and take that perfect Instagrammable photo).

5. So Many Awesome Day Trip Opportunities

If you have some extra time to spare, you can always head out of Toronto and take a quick day trip to see more of the surrounding area. There are actually a lot of great places to visit that are under two hours from downtown Toronto.

Head to Niagara to see the iconic Falls, or head to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a wine-tasting tour (many are kid-friendly!). The small town of Elora is amazing for its quaint shops, scenic hikes, good restaurants and cool festivals.

🚌 Book a Guided Tour of Niagara with Transportation from Toronto here.

6. Tons of Things to Do Both Indoors and Outdoors

Whether you are looking to spend some time indoors or outdoors, Toronto has plenty of options for your family. Choose from world-class museums, art galleries, science centres and more for your rainy-day (or freezing cold) indoor fun.

If you want to be outdoors, visit one of Toronto’s many parks and green spaces (High Park is great for kids), head to Toronto Island, rent a bike and ride along the waterfront trail, or just go for a stroll through one of the city’s amazing neighbourhoods.

21 Best Things To Do In Toronto with Kids

Is Toronto worth visiting with kids? Well, no matter what your interests and the time of the year you are visiting, with the ton of cool things to do in Toronto with kids, I would have to definitely say YES!

1. Brave the CN Tower EdgeWalk

You can’t possibly come to Toronto and NOT visit the iconic CN Tower! But if the idea of exploring the observation decks, Glass Floor and rotating restaurant don’t sound exciting enough for you, then you need to try the EdgeWalk!

The CN Tower EdgeWalk is the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk and the first of its kind in North America! Put your courage to the test as you circle around the top of the Tower’s main pod, 356 m above the city. And it’s open for kids 13 years and older.

2. Bike Around the Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands is the largest urban car-free community on the continent. As a result, the island has a ton of trails that are perfect to go for a stroll or a bike ride.

The Toronto Islands also have incredible beaches, quaint shops and cafés, and even a small amusement park, making the Islands the perfect place to spend the day.

🚲 Purchase tickets for an Evening Bike Tour of the Toronto Islands here.

3. Walk Through the Glass Tunnel at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

If the kids are fascinated by life under the sea, then you need to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. There you will find Dangerous Lagoon and the longest moving sidewalk in North America.

Containing approximately 2.9 million litres of water, Dangerous Lagoon is the most popular exhibit at the aquarium. Watch as the sharks, sea turtles, eels, and other fish swim above you as you make your way through the 96 linear metres (315ft) long acrylic tunnel.

4. Enjoy Nature at High Park

High Park is Toronto’s version of Central Park in NYC. High Park offers extensive walking trails, gardens, picnic areas, a small children’s zoo, wading pools, and playgrounds for the kids.

In the spring, High Park becomes a hotspot to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. But no matter what time of year you visit, High Park is a must-see when in Toronto.

5. Brush Up on Your Stats at the Hockey Hall of Fame

Canadians love their hockey, so a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must. Explore the world’s largest hockey collection, from the Stanley Cup to hockey artifacts like original goalie masks, there is a ton to see.

And the kids will love the interactive areas like the Goodyear Shootout, Slapshot Trivia and Broadcast Zone.

🏒 Purchase your tickets to the Hockey Hall of Fame here.

6. Spend the Day at the Toronto Zoo

What kid doesn’t like a visit to the zoo? And the Toronto Zoo is pretty amazing, considering it is home to over 5,000 animals (including invertebrates and fish) representing over 500 species.

With one of the world’s most taxonomically diverse collections of animals on display, a Kid’s Zoo, Waterside Theatre, Splash Island, and several restaurants and gift shops, it’s pretty easy to spend an enjoyable day at the zoo with the family.

7. Explore Casa Loma – Canada’s Only Castle

Casa Loma is the iconic castle located in midtown Toronto. Originally built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellattas as a home, today it is owned by the City of Toronto and is considered a treasured heritage landmark.

During the year, Casa Loma plays host to a variety of events like Legends of Horror in October and Christmas at the Castle in December. Tours are available all year long, as are the immersive Escape Rooms located in the castle tunnels.

🏰 Purchase your tickets to Casa Loma here.

8. Learn Something New at the Ontario Science Centre

Always a favourite attraction for my family, the Ontario Science Centre is where you can find awesome rotating and travelling exhibits, fun hands-on learning areas, amazing demonstrations, and even a Planetarium and IMAX theatre.

Science definitely becomes cool in the Science Arcade, or learn how the human body deals with danger in The Human Edge exhibit. No matter what you are interested in, the Ontario Science Center is sure to capture your imagination and provide the kids with hours of entertainment.

9. Eat Tons of Fair Food at the CNE

One of the most iconic things to do in Toronto with kids is to visit the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) or “The Ex“. This incredibly popular fair takes place the last two weeks of August and has been running continuously since 1879.

Aside from rides, cool shows, games, crafts and other exhibits, the major draw is the food. In fact, every year food vendors at The Ex put out new, and sometimes really weird and gross, food items for visitors to try.

From ketchup and mustard soft serve to deep-fried butter, charcoal pizza, purple slime soda, and so much more, you can eat your fill at the CNE’s Food Building.

10. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

If you are a fan of visiting museums, then the ROM will not disappoint. From travelling exhibits to the permanent galleries filled with interesting specimens and displays, it is impossible to leave without having learned something new.

From the immersive experience of the Bat Cave to learning about the Ice Age and the extinct species of deer named Torontoceros, the museum covers a wide variety of subjects, time periods, and cultural collections.

🦖 Purchase your tickets to the Royal Ontario Museum here.

11. Cheer Really Loudly at a Toronto Maple Leafs Game

If you are visiting Toronto during hockey season, then you really need to go see the Maple Leafs play at the Scotiabank Arena. Toronto fans are loud, engaged, and LOYAL to say the very least, making the hockey games extra fun to go to.

And don’t get hung up on trying to get great seats. We have sat in the rafters and the kids have had an absolute blast!

12. Try Some New Foods at the St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is definitely a Toronto institution and a must-see. Originally built in 1803, the Market played host to many city events, including lectures, meetings and exhibitions.

Today, the Market is made up of three buildings, and houses some of the best eats in the city, from fresh produce and artisan cheeses to multicultural foods, baked goods and meat. You will also find rotating exhibits related to the art, culture and history of Toronto, a Farmer’s Market, and the Sunday Antique Market.

🍔 Purchase your tickets for a Food Tour of the St. Lawrence Market here.

13. Take a Selfie with the Toronto Sign

Looking for that perfectly Instagrammable photo? Then head downtown to City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square, where you can take a selfie with the Toronto sign that highlights our Indigenous culture.

14. Admire Some Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America. And with a collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranging from contemporary art to amazing works by Indigenous and Canadian artists, it should come as no surprise that the AGO attracts approximately one million visitors annually.

The AGO is not just an art gallery either. From their Multisensory Art Cart to a variety of classes (like Clay and Ceramics) and Let’s Chat sessions, visitors have the opportunity to learn all about art in a variety of ways.

🎨 Purchase your tickets to the Art Gallery of Ontario here.

15. Go on All the Rides at Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is definitely a must-see if you are travelling with kids. As Canada’s largest theme park, it is home to 200 attractions including 17 roller coasters, two children’s areas and a 20-acre water park called Splash Works. 

Wonderland also hosts special events throughout the year such as Halloween Haunt in October and WinterFest in December. And if it’s your first time visiting Wonderland, don’t leave without trying their signature funnel cakes. They are the best around!

16. Go Shopping at the Eaton Centre

If you love to shop, then spending some time in Toronto’s largest mall is just the thing. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, and right on a subway line, the Eaton Centre boasts 230 stores and covers 2 downtown city blocks!

Not only will you find a ton of brand-name stores, but you will also find a modern food court, several restaurants, and a ton of specialty shops. And if you happen to be visiting around Christmas, their holiday displays are definitely Instagram-worthy!

17. Visit the Museum of Illusions

One of the most unique attractions that make Toronto worth visiting with kids, is the Museum of Illusions. With over 80 illusions, holograms, installations and exhibits, this incredible museum provides visitors of all ages with an intriguing visual and sensory experience.

Whether you decide to navigate the Vortex tunnel or test your inner scientist by trying to solve the Dilemma games, the illusions, holograms, installations and exhibits are sure to leave you amazed!

🎟️ Purchase your tickets to the Museum of Illusions here.

18. Catch a Performance at the Mirvish Theatre

Opened in 1920 as a combination of vaudeville and motion picture theatre, what is now known as the Ed Mirvish Theatre, was considered the largest and most elegant cinema in Canada.

Today, the Ed Mirvish Theatre hosts some of the best productions in Canada. From Hary Potter and the Cursed Child to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, you will find many popular and family-friendly productions that you may be interested in seeing.

19. Catch a Festival at the Harbourfront Centre and Toronto’s Waterfront

Harbourfront Centre, located right on Toronto’s waterfront, is a not-for-profit cultural organization that hosts events and activities meant to enliven, educate and entertain the city’s diverse community.

From summer concerts and festivals to kids’ camp, and an incredible Nordic Light Display during the winter, the Harbourfront Centre always has something interesting going on.

20. Stroll through Kensington Market

Kensington Market is an open-air food and clothing market. Located in one of Toronto’s most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods, the market is home to some pretty cool shops, cafes, restaurants and patios.

In fact, this multicultural marketplace is known for its independent spirit, colourful shop fronts, vibrant murals, and awesome Pedestrian Sundays events. You are sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, a great meal, or just to people-watch, in this incredible market.

🚶‍♀️ Purchase tickets for a walking tour of Kensington Market here.

21. Enjoy an IMAX Movie at the Ontario Place Cinesphere

Why not catch a movie on the BIG screen at the Ontario Place Cinesphere, the world’s first permanent IMAX theatre? With a screen that is 80 feet (24 m) wide by 60 feet (18 m) high and a bucket of popcorn by your side, movie night is sure to be a blast!

And while you are at Ontario Place, be sure to walk the trails for some of the best views of the Toronto skyline.

What Is Toronto Known For?

As we mentioned earlier, Toronto is Canada’s largest city. It is known for being one of the world’s most multicultural cities and being a leader in business, finance, and technology.

In fact, Toronto is also a leader in the entertainment industry. Often referred to as Hollywood North, you would be surprised at just how many popular movies and TV series have been filmed in Toronto.

When is the Best Time to Visit Toronto?

The best time to visit Toronto is from about May until October. Of course, the peak tourist season occurs during the summer months, when the weather is warmest.

This is usually when you will find the most festivals occurring in the city, as well as when the sidewalks are filled with pedestrian marketplaces and patio restaurants. This, unfortunately, is when you will also find the most crowds and the highest prices.

The end of November until the end of December is also another fantastic time to visit Toronto. You will have to dress much warmer, but this is when the streets come alive with amazing Christmas Markets and Holiday festivities.

Christmastime is also busy in Toronto. So if you are planning to visit at this time of the year, you should plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Toronto?

If this is your first visit to Toronto, then we would definitely recommend staying for at least a week. We guarantee that you will have no trouble spending the week in Toronto enjoying the trendy city vibes and attractions, dining out and exploring the city like a local.

But if you are short on time, then 3 days in Toronto will allow you to see the best of the city, while getting a real taste of what Toronto activities are on offer.

Is it Worth Visiting Toronto for a Day?

Yes! Toronto is worth visiting for a day. However, you would have to be incredibly selective in what you would want to see and do.

Our recommendation would be to stay in the downtown area, and select attractions that are close together to make the most of your time. For example, you could visit the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and St. Lawrence Market, and maybe even catch a show in the evening.

How To Get Around Toronto

By Plane

If you are flying to Toronto from abroad (or even from other parts of Canada), chances are, you will be flying into Toronto’s Pearson Airport. And the easiest way to get from Mississauga to downtown Toronto is by the UP Express.

You can also fly from destinations within Canada or the US to Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. Located right in the heart of the city, the airport is smaller but would be extremely convenient if you were staying in the city.

✈️ Find the best prices for flights to Toronto here.

By Car

Of course, you could always rent a car and drive into the city. The advantage would be having the vehicle available for your family for the entire trip. But driving around the city can be a real hassle, and that’s not even taking into consideration finding parking (and the cost of parking).

🚗 Find the best prices for car rentals in Toronto here.

By Bus

Another great way to get around the city, while taking in some of the famous sights, is by taking a guided bus tour. These types of tours will help you see the most popular attractions quickly, and are perfect if you have a tight timeline.

You could also do a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour that would allow you to see the city at your own pace. Many of the most popular attractions can be seen this way, and you won’t have to worry about parking!

🚌 Book your Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour here.

Public Transportation

One of the most cost-effective ways to get around the city is by taking public transit. The public transit system in Toronto is referred to as “the TTC” (which stands for Toronto Transit Commission).

Toronto is connected by 4 subway lines, as well as numerous other bus and streetcar routes. And although it isn’t the most luxurious way to travel, the TTC is clean and pretty safe to use.

The fare is $3.25 for an adult and you can pay in cash, purchase tokens, or get a Presto card so you can tap each time.

By Rideshare or Bikeshare

Lastly, you can get around the city by taking Uber, a taxi or limo service, or by bicycle. Toronto, like many other major cities, has a Bikeshare system where you can rent a bike for 30-45 minutes.

There are tons of “bike stations” across the city where you can easily rent one, get to where you need to go and return it to another station later. And yes, you will see many locals using the bikeshare system even in winter!

🚲 Toronto even offers bicycle tours all year long! Click to book your tour today.

Where To Stay In Toronto

Toronto is a big city. As a result, you will not have trouble finding accommodations to suit your family’s needs and budget.

Our recommendation is to make sure to plan ahead and book early. Many hotels book up fast during the summer, around Christmastime, or during special events and festivals (like Caribana Toronto).

Luxury Hotels

If you are looking to stay in the heart of the city, and your budget is not really a concern, then there are a couple of hotels that we would definitely recommend.

Fairmont Royal York

The Fairmont Royal York has all the exceptional qualities and luxuries you would expect from a Fairmont hotel. From gorgeous rooms and suites to incredible amenities like a restaurant, free bikes for customers to use, an indoor pool and fitness centre, parking, as well as an included breakfast, you couldn’t ask for more.

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto at Yorkville

Not only is the Four Seasons Hotel situated in a posh neighbourhood, but you can relax comfortably in your thick terry bathrobes while admiring the incredible city views from your floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also offers an expansive spa and full-service fitness centre, indoor lap pool and hot tub, as well as an incredible restaurant.

Mid-Range Hotels

DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown is conveniently located right by the Toronto Eaton Centre and St. Patrick Subway Station. The hotel boasts an indoor heated pool, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness centre.

The suites offer a kitchen with a fridge/freezer, a microwave, a stovetop and utensils, which is perfect if you are staying for several days with a family in tow. And speaking of kids, they will be happy to know that guests of DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Toronto are always greeted with warm chocolate chip cookies in the lobby.

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre

Located just a short distance from many of Toronto’s main attractions, the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre is a perfect home base for your city adventure. The hotel offers several onsite dining options, as well as an indoor pool and gym.

Budget Hotels

Unless you are willing to stay in a hostel or travel outside of the city, the options for decent budget-friendly hotels are pretty slim. And realistically, the money you would save on a hotel is probably going to be spent getting you back into the city.

🏨 Find the best rates on all Downtown Toronto hotels here.

Is Toronto Worth Visiting FAQs

Below are just a few quick tips and pieces of information that we did not want to leave out of this post.

Final Thoughts

Is Toronto worth visiting with kids? We would definitely say YES! Between all the incredible things to see and do, the culture, the experiences, and the friendliness of Canada’s largest city, I would absolutely recommend families visit Toronto.

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