25 Best Things to Do with Kids in Mississauga (From a Local)

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If you haven’t visited Mississauga, you are definitely missing out. Take it from a local, there are so many awesome things to do with kids in Mississauga, that you will have a hard time deciding where to start!

Hubby and I have lived the majority of our lives in Mississauga. This vibrant, multicultural, amazing and beautiful city is where we have chosen to raise our family.

From a ton of cultural events to gorgeous waterfront parks, attractions, and incredible dining opportunities, you really can’t go wrong.

We have put together a comprehensive guide to visiting Mississauga with kids. Everything from what to do, what NOT to miss, where to stay, and how to get around has been included in our post.

We hope that you enjoy our city as much as we do!

25 Awesome Things to Do with Kids in Mississauga

Mississauga has both amazing outdoor spaces to explore as well as culturally rich attractions.

As a result, you could spend several days checking out all that this wonderful city has to offer for families.

With so many awesome things to do with kids in Mississauga, where will you start?

1. Explore Port Credit

Port Credit is one of the prettiest areas of Mississauga. Dating back to 1720, this quaint village sits along the shoreline of Lake Ontario and still boasts its small-town charm.

Lined with unique shops, ice cream parlours, restaurants, beautiful parks, and a wonderful marina, Port Credit is really popular with locals and visitors alike.

Stroll the main street and enjoy the wonderful architecture, or meander your way through over 25 kilometres of walkways and trails in the various waterfront parks.

One of the most iconic places to visit (and photograph!) in town, is the Port Credit Lighthouse. Unfortunately, this lighthouse is not actually a historic structure.

⛯ Fun Fact: The original Port Credit Lighthouse actually separated from the mainland during a flood in 1908, and burned down years later. The one you see today is a replica of the original lighthouse and was built in 1991.

One of our biggest reasons to flock to Port Credit is for its annual festivals!

With events like Busker Fest, The Southside Shuffle, the Waterfront Festival, Arts IN the Port, and more, there are so many reasons that you should add Port Credit to your Mississauga itinerary.

2. Enjoy the Beach at Jack Darling

Not only is Jack Darling Memorial Park one of the best parks in Mississauga, but also one of the most popular for families with kids. Our kids love coming here.

The park not only sits along the waterfront making it quite scenic, but it is also home to an off-leash dog park, tennis courts, playgrounds, a splash pad, two massive picnic areas and several walking trails.

There is also a pretty great beach that is the perfect spot for swimming, paddling, kayaking, and windsurfing.

As we mentioned, Jack Darling Memorial Park is very family-friendly.

The park offers many great amenities including comfort stations, a large number of picnic tables and plenty of parking. The park is also free to enter, which is a definite bonus!

3. Go for a Stroll in Streetsville

Streetsville has always held a special place in our hearts.

Our family lives close by, so we have always attended the festivals, enjoyed the outdoor spaces, and of course, visited pretty much all the cafes and restaurants.

Although part of a larger city, the Village of Streetsville maintains its small-town charm.

Take a stroll through the neighbourhood and you will find beautiful historic buildings, boutiques, summer farmer’s markets, cafes, family-run businesses, and a ton of culturally diverse eateries.

Streetsville is especially known for its family-friendly festivals. And enjoying the festivities is something we have always done with our kids over the years.

During the summer, head to the Bread and Honey Festival in June, complete with a parade, carnival rides and concerts, or the Canada Day celebration on July 1st.

There is plenty of parking, but Streetsville gets pretty crowded, and you should check the website for road closures before heading into town.

And if you are visiting at the end of November, you definitely can’t miss the Christmas in the Village celebrations.

Visit Santa, shop at the indoor and outdoor Christmas Markets, and take part in many other family-friendly activities.

4. Admire Some Local Art

The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a small art gallery in downtown Mississauga. You can find it inside the city hall building, located across the street from Square One.

Although this attraction is quite small, with only four gallery spaces, admission is free and it is a worthwhile place to visit.

The AGM, which opened in 1987, has both permanent and rotating exhibits, with over 500 works of art in its collection.

Although the art exhibitions change throughout the year, you can always expect to find something unique to catch your eye.

And the best part is, that you will always find works by local and Indigenous artists, as well as regional, national, and international pieces.

And if you don’t think the AGM would be one of the awesome things to do with kids in Mississauga, you should reconsider!

The Art Gallery of Mississauga doesn’t only have art exhibits. It also hosts live performances, regular yoga classes and children’s art classes.

5. Splash Around at Lakefront Promenade Park

Lakefront Promenade Park is the largest waterfront park in Mississauga.

With more than 40 hectares (104 acres) of public space, picnic areas, beaches, a marina, and tons of walking trails, it is also one of the most popular parks in the region.

Located approximately 9 minutes east of the popular Port Credit area, Lakefront Promenade Park is the perfect place to spend a warm summer’s day.

The beach, which is an inlet off of Lake Ontario, is much warmer, shallower and more contained, than any of the other beaches on the lake.

The kids will also love the large playground and splash pad, or watching the boats come into the Lakefront Promenade Marina.

You will find plenty of parking, public washrooms, and other amenities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable.

6. Scream for Ice Cream

Did you know that Canadians purchase MORE ice cream during the winter than they do in the summer? I am not even kidding.

That said, Mississaugans are probably no different. But no matter what time of the year you are visiting the city with kids, ice cream is ALWAYS a good idea!

And we have no shortage of places to find this delicious treat.

From specialty shops where you can find ethnic ice cream varieties (like pistachio from Pinochi), to places like Nani’s Gelato where you can always find dairy-free and vegan flavours, there is something for everyone.

Of course, if you are looking for an iconic ice cream shop in Mississauga, then you need to go to Dairy Cream.

This shop has been around since 1958 and serves the absolute best dipped cones, sundaes, shakes, frostys, and funnel cakes around. DEFINITELY try the funnel cakes!

Don’t be too surprised to find a line out the door either. But trust us, it’s worth the wait!

7. Shop in One of the Country’s Largest Malls

Square One Shopping Centre is Ontario’s largest shopping mall and the second largest in all of Canada.

Located right in the heart of downtown Mississauga, the mall has over 160,000 square metres of retail space and over 360 shops and services.

Not only is the mall open every day, but it is also extremely accessible.

With Mississauga’s main transit bus terminal located on the mall property, and a major highway adjacent to the mall, getting there couldn’t be any easier.

There are five anchor stores within the mall as well as 13 coffee shops, two supermarkets and around 65 places to eat. This is in addition to its plethora of shops and services.

And if shopping is not on your list of things to do with kids in Mississauga, you will also find a movie theatre and a ton of awesome places to eat at Square One’s Food District, inside the mall, as well as on the adjacent property.

8. Chase Waterfalls at Wahoosh Falls

Did you know that there is actually a hidden waterfall right in Mississauga?

I’ve lived in the city for most of my life and did not discover this fact until just recently!

Wahoosh Falls is located right behind the University of Toronto Mississauga and is accessible by a number of small pathways.

The falls sit over Mullet Creek and empty into the Credit River.

And, there is actually a second small waterfall just further down the ravine.

Of course, the 10-foot-tall cascade doesn’t come close to Hamilton’s gorgeous Tew’s Falls, but it’s still more than you’ll find in Toronto!

Unfortunately, when we went to see the falls, the walkway had been closed off with fences and a gate.

Apparently, the city of Mississauga is trying to refurbish the area along Mullet Creek, so you can only view the falls from the street at this time.

9. Smell the Roses at Riverwood Conservancy

Riverwood Conservancy really is one of Mississauga’s hidden gems.

The entrance to this sprawling 150-acre park is tucked away behind the Erindale GO Station at The Credit Woodlands.

The park runs along the Credit River, spanning between Burnhamthorpe Road and Highway 403.

Head out for a hike on the trails, and traverse the habitats of more than 475 species of plants, while walking through the forest and across wetland boardwalks.

There are many hiking trails at Riverwood Conservancy to choose from. Some trails only wind their way within the park itself, while others connect to lengthier paths (the Culham Trail).

Don’t forget to explore MacEwan Terrace Garden, where you will find over 7000 plants, including shrubs, trees, perennials, and ornamental grasses.

The majority of the gardening is done by volunteers, and you can even apply to help out if you’re interested.

Classes at Riverwood

But what makes Riverwood Conservancy truly unique, is the land is part of a charity created to help educate visitors on environmental conservation.

Programs like ‘Education Naturally’ take students into a living laboratory where they can learn hands-on about wildlife, plant life, and geological features.

So if you are looking for one of the really unique things to do in Mississauga, head to Riverwood Conservancy. We come here several times a year, and the kids always enjoy it.

Stroll through the wonderful gardens, and maybe consider signing up for one of their astronomy nights, bird-watching sessions, or one of the painting or sketching classes offered by Visual Arts Mississauga.

10. Ice Skate at Celebration Square

Celebration Square is the heart of Mississauga. Located across from Square One Shopping Mall, this is where you will find all the action!

This free outdoor entertainment space is home to some of Mississauga’s main cultural events and festivals.

It’s a great way to learn about the food and heritage of countries like Italy, Japan, India, and Egypt.

And you should definitely have Celebration Square on your Mississauga itinerary, as this is one of the most family-friendly spots in the city.

During the summer, the kids can splash around in the fountain, play in the playground, enjoy an open-air concert at the amphitheatre, have treats from one of the many food trucks, or settle in for a summer movie night.

Summer also means public art, yoga and free fitness classes in Celebration Square.

Winters in the Square

And while Celebration Square is awesome in the summer, our favourite time to visit is during the winter time.

Not surprisingly, Celebration Square is quite busy during the winter as well.

This is when the Square is transformed into a huge skating rink, complete with music and skate rentals.

Grab a hot chocolate from one of the vendors and spend the afternoon gliding around the rink with the city as your backdrop. It’s one of our favourite places to ice skate in Mississauga.

If you are visiting around Christmas, enjoy the hundreds of twinkling lights during a night skate.

And let’s not forget the festivities around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! Get ready for a party with concerts, local celebrity appearances, the big countdown, and lots of fun.

Enjoy a skate, or just find a spot in the Square to take it all in!

11. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Tea Room in Robinson Bray House

One of my daughter’s favourite experiences was having a ‘grown-up’ tea party with Mom.

For this reason, we thought that this might be a fun thing to add to your list of things to do with kids in Mississauga.

Whether it’s a casual cuppa or a more formal high tea you fancy, the Robinson Bray House is where you need to go.

This tearoom is nestled into a gorgeous century home right in the heart of Streetsville.

Built in 1885 and owned by at least 2 families (the Robinsons and the Brays), it has since been restored and houses several independent businesses, including the Tea Room.

In 1983, Robinson Bray House was designated a building of “architectural and contextual value” by the City of Mississauga.

The Menu

At Robinson Bray House you can tuck into dainty sandwiches, quiche, devon cream and scones, and an assortment of delicious sweets.

All are served with your choice of loose-leaf tea.

Whether you are looking for a traditional tea like English Breakfast or Darjeeling, or perhaps something a little more exotic like Caramel Cream Tea or even Canadian Blueberry, you are sure to find something that appeals to you.

Choose from one of three Formal Tea services, or just make your selections from the Dining Menu.

Either way, it will be a delicious way to spend some time in Mississauga.

12. Catch a Show or Sports Event at Paramount Fine Foods Centre

Formerly the Hershey Centre, the Paramount Fine Foods Centre is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex and is the perfect place to visit if you are a sports fan.

Spend the afternoon cheering on our local teams at a Mississauga Steelheads hockey game or a Raptors 905 game.

Of course, Paramount also hosts a myriad of other events. We went to see a Stars on Ice performance a few years back, and it was awesome!

The smaller venue, not having to fight traffic to get into downtown Toronto, and the abundance of free parking, make attending an event or game at Paramount so much more appealing.

13. Check Out the Music Walk of Fame

If you happen to be visiting Port Credit Memorial Park, be sure to check out the Music Walk of Fame.

It is located adjacent to the large playground and parking lot but unfortunately is not well-signed.

The Mississauga Music Walk of Fame pays tribute to a growing number of local stars and musical talent who have a connection to the city.

From local legend and jazz pianist Oscar Peterson to transplant Ronnie Hawkins, you will definitely recognize many names on this list.

Streetsville band Billy Talent, blues guitarist Jeff Healey, The Mamas & The Papas singer Denny Doherty, and former MuchMusic VJ and CBC Television talk show host George Stroumboulopoulos, all claimed Mississauga as a home during their careers.

14. Search for the Best Donuts in the City

🍩 Donuts are pretty popular in our house (if you know, you know 🤣). So I can pretty much guarantee that we know all the best spots to find these little bits of fried heaven.

And we are not talking the usual coffee shop fare (sorry Tim’s). We have found some pretty spectacular shops in Mississauga that serve up the best specialty donuts around.

For a retro but very cool vibe, head to Daddy O Doughnuts. With over 30 rotating flavours to choose from, there’s something for everyone!

Whether you’re a fan of classic flavours or more adventurous options like Butterbeer, Maple Bacon, Homer Simpson, or even the Chai Sugar Twists, Daddy O Doughnuts has got you covered.

Daddy O also has some of the best vegan donuts in Mississauga. In fact, they have an entire menu of vegan flavours which really is impressive. My favourite was definitely the Vegan Blueberry.

15. Learn About History at Benares House

Another great place to learn about Mississauga’s history is Benares Historic House.

Located in South Mississauga, this Georgian-style estate has been home to four generations of the Harris and Sayers families and covers 165 years of living history.

Benares Historic House was built in 1857, with several parts of the home and outbuildings dating back to 1837. The house was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1977.

In 1985, Benares House was restored to reflect daily life in the World War One era and was later opened to the public as a museum.

As one of the more educational things to do with kids in Mississauga, the Benares Historic House features an interpretive gallery, rotating exhibitions and displays, as well as original family possessions, all spanning four generations.

🍽️ Fun Fact: Today, more than 95% of the artifacts on display are original to the Harris family and the home. This includes the furniture, dishes, letters, and pictures.

16. Walk a boardwalk at Rattray Marsh

If going on a unique hike is on your list of things to do with kids in Mississauga, look no further than Rattray March.

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is definitely one of Mississauga’s hidden gems.

Located just west of Port Credit and easily accessible from Jack Darling Park, it is one of the most unique places to go for a hike in the city.

The wetlands at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area are home to the only remaining waterfront marsh between Burlington and Toronto.

The walking trails and raised boardwalks allow you to explore the area without impacting the sensitive ecosystems, or, getting your feet muddy.

Visitors can wander the peaceful trails on their own, or take part in one of the park’s guided nature tours.

The tours are awesome and will teach you more about the bird species, animals, reptiles and amphibians that call the park home.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Wood Warblers, Eastern Kingbirds, and Spotted Sandpipers, as well as for beavers, foxes, deer, and even turtles that live in the Rattray Marsh.

At the end of the boardwalk, take the Waterfront Trail to one of the best and least-known swimming spots in Mississauga.

17. Learn About Maple Syrup at the Bradley Museum

If heading to a Maple Syrup Festival is high on your list of things to do while in Mississauga, and you happen to be visiting during the spring, head over to the Bradley Museum for their Maple Magic.

Mississauga’s annual maple syrup festival takes place over two weekends in March and is a family-friendly and sweet way to learn a little history.

Enjoy a variety of maple-themed activities for the whole family, and learn more about the history and creation of maple syrup.

Join an outdoor guided tour of the maple sap line in the 70-year-old maple grove, before heading over to a Maple Candy and Taffy demo in Bradley House.

Before you leave, don’t forget to visit the Barn to do a little syrup tasting with pancakes!

And if you still have a craving for more maple, stop in at the Gift Shop where you will find a ton of Canadian maple products.

If you are visiting at other times of the year, Bradley House is still a great way to spend the afternoon with kids.

The buildings at Bradley Museum date back to the 1820s, so it’s a great way to peek into some of Mississauga’s history.

Take a guided tour to learn more about how the buildings on the property were built, who lived in them, and what artifacts are on display today. Visiting the museum is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

18. Take a Selfie with a CF-100 Airplane Statue

Many people don’t realize how much of Mississauga’s history is tied to aviation.

From the original Malton Airport and Victory Village to the production of the cutting-edge Avro Arrow, and of course today, to being home to Canada’s largest airport, the city has a deep-rooted connection to Canada’s aviation industry.

Located in the former Village of Malton, the Victory Village neighbourhood had its beginnings during World War II.

At this time, Canada played a vital role in aircraft production for the war effort.

After the war, Victory Aircraft was dissolved, eventually becoming Avro Canada Limited.

It was at A.V. Roe Canada’s Malton plant that the Avro Jetliner, the CF-100 “Canuck” and the legendary CF-105 “Avro Arrow” all-weather jet interceptors were developed and produced.

Today, you can find a CF-100 Canuck, mounted on a pedestal in Malton’s Paul Coffey Park, just east of the former A.V. Roe property.

It serves as a monument to the area’s past glory and is the perfect place to take a selfie if you are an aviation fan.

Having grown up in Malton, this monument always takes me back to the hours spent playing in this park or skating at the arena.

And speaking of parks, Paul Coffey Park is the perfect place to bring the kids.

The park features a unique children’s playground complete with castles and dragons, turrets to climb on, as well as slides and swings to burn off some energy.

19. Planespot at Danville Park

And since we are on the topic of airplanes, there is a great place in Mississauga to do a little plane spotting!

The Airplane Viewing Platform at Danville Park is the perfect place to watch planes taking off and landing from Pearson International Airport.

Located just off Highway 410, you have to walk up a pretty steep hill to reach the viewing platform.

But don’t worry, the path is paved and there are benches along the way in case you need to catch your breath!

At the viewing platform, you will find an enormous metal paper airplane, a few benches to sit and enjoy the view, as well as several interpretive plaques documenting Canada’s aviation history.

The viewing platform can get a little loud with the sound of the highway, but your sightlines to the airport are awesome!

Our youngest, Mr. Bump, loves airplanes, so we have spent a few afternoons plane-spotting from this park.

The park is also home to cricket pitches, a tobogganing hill, and plenty of green space. There is also plenty of parking and public restrooms available onsite.

20. Run a 5k Race on a Runway

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to go for a run on the airport tarmac? Every year in September, Pearson International Airport holds its family-friendly Toronto Pearson Runway Run.

Definitely one of the most unique things to do with kids in Mississauga is the Toronto Pearson Runway Run.

This event gives you the opportunity to run a 5k timed race, or walk a 2k route right on the airport runway!

And because of the extremely flat and smooth surface of the tarmac, the Runway Run is completely accessible for any age or fitness level.

But make sure to register early, as this popular event sells out every year!

One of the biggest and best reasons to run this race is that the other runways at Pearson are still live!

This means that airplanes are taking off, taxiing, and landing while the race is going on! Talk about a front-row seat to all the action!

Post-Race Fun

When we did the race as a family, Mr. Bump, who wants to become a pilot, was mesmerized!

This was his first-ever 5K race, and he could barely contain his excitement! Talk about one happy little boy (he was 6 at the time)!

After you cross the finish line, the fun does not end there! Parked on the runway are two aircraft, a commercial jetliner and a cargo plane, available for guests to explore.

Pearson Airport’s emergency services (fire, police, ambulance) also have their specialized vehicles there to see.

And don’t forget to visit the “bird guys” to meet the falcons that help to keep our runways free from birds and small animals.

21. Dig in at the Mississauga Rotary Ribfest

One of the yummiest things on my list of things to do with kids in Mississauga is attending RibFest.

The Amacon Mississauga Rotary Ribfest Drive-Thru event is known for having some of the best ribs around!

The event usually takes place at the beginning of summer in the parking lot of the Erin Mills Town Centre.

The Rotary Club contributes to Mississauga’s charitable organizations, so be sure to come hungry and enjoy some fun while supporting a great cause!

And if beef or pork ribs are not your thing, RibFest vendors also offer chicken, coleslaw and baked beans.

Other food vendors offer sweet summer corn on the cob from Ontario Corn Roasters, Tiny Tom’s Mini donuts, French fries, blooming onions, funnel cakes, beaver tails, popcorn, ice cream, candies, Indian food, Halal, Asian street food, fried pickles, salads, kimchi, spring rolls, and gluten-free alternatives.

As you can tell from the above photo, we LOVE Ribfest! Mr. Bump (pictured above) will devour an entire portion on his own!

Date and Location:

July 14 – 16, 2023.
Friday & Saturday – 11 am – 11 pm
Sunday 11 am – 7 pm

22. Have a Picnic in Erindale Park

At 222 acres, Erindale is Mississauga’s largest park. This incredibly peaceful urban green space sits along the Credit River and is the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic.

Hike the trails for views of the Credit River and ravines, do a little bird watching, fish for salmon or trout in the river, or just stroll through the forest.

The kids can enjoy the large playground while you cook up a delicious meal on the grills in the picnic area!

If you are visiting Erindale during the winter, the kids will love the giant tobogganing hill!

23. Run a Marathon

So although running a race may not have been on your list of things to do with the kids, it’s a really popular event, so we thought it was worth a mention!

And you don’t have to be an avid runner to take part in this yearly event.

The Mississauga Marathon takes place the first weekend of May and has been going strong since its inception in 2004.

The race even acts as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. 

If a full marathon seems a little daunting, the race weekend also includes a half-marathon, a 10k run/walk, a 5k run/walk, as well as a kids’ 2k fun run/walk.

The race weekend is pretty popular and tends to draw quite the crowds.

The Mississauga Marathon has become a family event for us. Hubby and I have run the half-marathon several times, with Mr. Rush (our oldest son) having completed his first half at 11 years old, and Miss Sunshine (our oldest daughter) having run the 10k race.

The two younger kids will probably be ‘initiated’ next year!

24. Solve a Crime at a Police Museum

Mississauga is home to one of the largest municipal police services in the country. Peel Regional Police takes care of both Mississauga and Brampton, but their headquarters are in Mississauga.

There, you will find a small, but super interesting, police museum outlining the service’s history.

Once called the Mississauga Police, the service amalgamated with other municipal police agencies to form the regional service it is today.

The museum houses historical artifacts, uniforms, police gear, photos, and other interesting exhibits.

25. Check Out the Cherry Blossoms at Kariya Park

If you are visiting Mississauga in the Spring, make sure to head over to Kariya Park to see the Sakura (cherry) blossoms.

From late April into early May, you can experience the gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom in this incredibly hidden little garden.

This tranquil, Japanese-style park is named after Mississauga’s sister city of Kariya, Japan.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you stroll through the gardens, which also feature incredible Magnolia trees.

Although the park is open all year round, peak cherry blossom season lasts only for about a week to 10 days.

And take it from me, the park will be pretty crowded, as this is one of the best places in the city to see the Sakuras.

But if you are visiting Mississauga during the spring, Kariya Park is a must-see. Just be sure to head over early in the day, and definitely during the week, for the smallest crowds.

Where is Mississauga Located?

Mississauga is Canada’s sixth most populated city and is located approximately 30 minutes west of Toronto.

This amazing city sits along the shores of Lake Ontario and spans over 280 square kilometres.

Often considered a suburb of Toronto, Mississauga is a truly unique and vibrant city in its own right.

With a culturally diverse population, incredible restaurants and attractions, and world-class shopping, there are a ton of awesome things to do in Mississauga.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun Fact: Mississauga actually has a considerably larger population (766,000) than Detroit (688,000), Boston (656,000), Washington (660,000), Denver (650,000), and Vancouver (600,000).

A Little Bit About Mississauga

Although Mississauga was only established as a city in 1974, its history dates back to the 1600s.

This is when European settlers arrived, acquiring land from the Indigenous people through various treaties.

The name of the city came from the Mississaugas, an Ojibwa band that settled along the banks of the Credit River.

The name “Mississauga” roughly translates to “River of the North of Many Mouths”.

Today, the city is a consolidation of former villages and hamlets. Port Credit, Meadowvale, and Streetsville are all small towns in a big city, but together, contribute to Mississauga’s unique diversity.

Fun Fact: Before retiring from her political career in 2014, Mississauga’s mayor ‘Hurricane’ Hazel McCallion was the world’s oldest Mayor. She served as mayor for 36 years until the age of 93!

What is Mississauga Known For?

Mississauga is home to Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest and busiest airport.

Pearson Airport will also connect travellers to seven major highways, making it a breeze to start your journey, no matter where you want to head.

Unfortunately, Mississauga was also put on the map when a train carrying a tanker filled with 90 tonnes of liquid chlorine derailed, throwing the entire city into chaos.

The Mississauga train derailment, also known as the Mississauga Miracle, occurred on Saturday, November 10, 1979.

The derailment of the 106-car CP Rail freight train from Windsor, Ontario triggered the biggest exodus of people in Canadian history. 240,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes.

🚂 Fun Fact: The ASL (American Sign Language) sign for ‘Mississauga’ is a train falling off the tracks.

Where to Stay in Mississauga

There is a whole range of accommodations available in Mississauga. Depending on which part of the city you are interested in visiting, you will find hotels, motels, and VRBO rentals.

Whether you need to stay near Pearson Airport, are looking for something in the heart of the city, or are hoping for waterfront accommodations, you are sure to find it in Mississauga.

How Do You Get to Mississauga?

As we mentioned, Mississauga is only a short drive from Toronto. If you do not have access to a vehicle, you can get to Mississauga via public transit or the Go Transit system.

If you are coming from a distance, you would fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport. From Pearson, you can easily take public transit, a taxi, or rideshare into the city.

How Do You Get Around Mississauga?

Mississauga is a really easy city to navigate if you do not have access to your own vehicle.

With a first-class public transportation system, you can not only get around the city but there is also easy access to neighbouring cities like Toronto.

If you are not inclined to take the bus, Taxicabs and rideshares are also readily available.

And although the city does have an extensive trail system as well as bicycle lanes on the roadways, Mississauga does not offer a bike-share program at this time.

When is the Best Time to Visit Mississauga?

The best time of the year to visit Mississauga is from May through to October. This is when the weather is warmer, and when the sidewalks come alive with patio eateries, cultural events, and pedestrian markets.

If you are visiting to take advantage of our snowy weather, then January and February provide the best opportunity to find snow that sticks around.

There are plenty of places that are just a short drive from Mississauga, where you can go alpine or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating with the family.

Where to Eat in Mississauga

One of our favourite things to do with kids in Mississauga is to try out a new restaurant. And finding a great place to eat in the city is not very difficult.

Mississauga is very culturally diverse. This is definitely reflected in the many popular eateries, large restaurant chains, as well as small family-owned places that are available for you to explore.

Whether you are looking for casual eats or elegant meals, you’ll find it all. We have included a short list of some of our favourite places to visit, but feel free to do a little of your own ‘research’!

Solstice Restaurant & Wine Bar

Located in Clarkson, The Solstice Restaurant and Wine Bar is, by far, our favourite restaurant in Mississauga. Family-owned and operated, the Solstice serves Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

Whether you are looking for a nice place for a date night, somewhere to celebrate a special family event or just somewhere to indulge in an awesome meal with a great glass of wine, the Solstice will not disappoint.

From homemade pasta (try the Orecchiette – Hubby’s fave!) to amazing pizza, seafood and steak, you really can’t go wrong. Just make sure you leave room for one of their incredible housemade desserts!

Watan Kabab

Watan Kabob is where you the find the best Afghani food in Mississauga. With three different locations in the city to choose from, this family-friendly restaurant serves a variety of Afghan dishes made from the freshest ingredients.

Watan Kabab offers 100% Halal dishes from beef kabobs to tandoori chicken and fresh fish. My favourite is the Chicken Kabob Wrap which is flavourful, packed with chicken and veggies, and HUGE! You definitely won’t leave hungry!

El Mariachi Tacos And Churros

Located in the heart of Streetsville, El Mariachi offers authentic Mexican food made with real Mexican ingredients.

This colourful little restaurant offers both indoor dining, as well as outdoor patio seating in the summer and heated igloos in the winter!

Enjoy their tacos (my faves were the Baja, Carne Asada, and Crispy Avocado Tacos), enchiladas, fajitas, and many other delicious menu items. Their drink menu, including frozen cocktails as well as non-alcoholic options, is pretty great too.

But definitely leave room for their Churros! Cinnamon sugar dusted and served with Dulce de Leche, these things are addictive and delicious!

Summit Garden Chinese Cuisine

Located near the Oakville/Mississauga border, you will find the Summit Garden Chinese restaurant.

Tucked away in a strip mall, this restaurant is unassuming, until you enter the front door and realize how grand it really is.

Specializing in Cantonese and Szechuan, Summit Garden has a pretty extensive menu that includes authentic regional dishes, a separate dim sum menu, as well as many mainstream favourites.

Our go-to’s are from the dim sum menu and include Mango Pudding, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Pork Siu Mai, Steamed Rice Noodle Rolls with Vegetables, and Steamed BBQ Pork Buns.

Snug Harbour Seafood Bar and Grill

Located right on the waterfront in Port Credit, this incredible seafood restaurant is perfect for both special celebrations and casual family dining.

Enjoy the view of the marina from both the dining room and the outdoor patio during the summer.

The Snug Harbour Seafood Bar and Grill menu is laden with, you guessed it, incredible seafood dishes! Whether it’s clams, mussels, seafood pasta, fish and chips, or oysters you crave, you are sure to find a dish that tickles your fancy!

Of course, Snug Harbour also offers amazing charcuterie boards, pizza, steak, burgers, chicken and ribs for those who are not fans of seafood (or in Hubby’s case, have shellfish allergies).

Masrawy Egyptian Kitchen

Located just outside of Streetsville, this relatively new eatery is truly one of Mississauga’s hidden gems.

Although on the small side, this gorgeous restaurant also offers covered patio seating during the summer.

Masrawy serves up some incredible Egyptian cuisine. Incredibly aromatic dishes like the Hawaoshi and Moussaka Masri were absolutely delicious.

The kids enjoyed their Fatta (braised lamb shank), where the tender meat fell from the bone! And although we were far too stuffed to partake, their dessert menu is definitely worth a peek!

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Things to Do in Mississauga with Kids – FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do with Kids in Mississauga

We hope that this ultimate guide to things to do with kids in Mississauga has got you excited about visiting our incredible city.

As a local, I couldn’t be more proud of where we live, and all the wonderful things that you can experience while visiting.

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