Family Attractions in Toronto
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photo credit: Marcin Wichary
The north shore of Lake Ontario sparkles with the glistening sun by day and the Toronto city lights by night. The lively waterfront will entertain the entire family year round with concerts, parades and events. Follow Queen Street down to the shore. Better yet, park the car and walk down to the miles of sandy beach and boardwalks. Have lunch at one of the unique restaurants and stop at a quaint shop for new bathing suits. Enjoy a day sunning, then soak up the rest of the family attractions in Toronto.
Main Attractions
photo credit: Chris!!!!!
Disneyland in Toronto is the only way to describe Canada’s Wonderland. They introduce new rides every year in addition to their current 60 rides. But, it doesn’t stop there. The 300 acre park offers over 140 attractions. For the tiny tots, KidZville offers rides and attractions with just their size in mind. Splash through the water park and take a break with a live show.
Chudleigh’s
If your family lives in the city, Chudleigh’s will teach something new through the cultural differences of living on a farm. Apple picking, pony rides, and hay rides are just the beginning of a whirlwind of fun. Kids and parents alike will enjoy finding their way out of the straw maze. At the end of the day you can go home with homemade cider and apple pie.
Playdium
This 33,000 sq. ft. house of joy has over 200 games and simulators to respond to any age group. It has a go-cart track, rock wall climber, mini golf course and batting cages. Take a break and have lunch at their family friendly restaurant and then get back in the fun.
Museums
photo credit: Mtl_Shag
The “ROM” is not only Toronto’s largest museum, it’s Canada’s largest as well. It includes galleries of Chinese and Korean art as well as works from the Bronze age to modern times. Their newest galleries, “Canada’s First People” and “Gallery of Ancient Cyprus” were opened just three years ago. The kids will love the Ancient Egyptian Gallery with several mummies on display as well as the hands-on Biodiversity Gallery with its living beehive, a cave and hardwood forest.
Hockey Hall of Fame
If you have sports fans in the family, they won’t want to miss viewing all of the hockey artifacts. They will be awe-struck walking through the IIHF Honor Roll which includes bios and pictures of the finest hockey players and executives. But, this is not just a “walk-through-and-see” sort of sports museum. There are hockey related hands-on games and theaters.
Children’s Own Museum
Who would ever guess their would be a museum created solely for children between the ages of 2 and 8. It may be the only place you never have to tell you child, “Don’t touch.” Everything is interactive and hands on at this museum. All the activities are meant to stimulate a child’s pure imagination and creativity. The Children’s Own Museum may have been created for children, but it’s bound to bring out the child in every parent.
Festivals
Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival
The cultural festival takes place annually along the Lake Ontario waterfront. The First Emperor of China is shown every night in the magnificent Cinesphere. Chinese culture will be experienced by visitors through entertainment, food and art. The festival begins July 31, going to the end of August.
Scotiabank Buskerfest
Want to experience something unique to Toronto? This festival takes place during the end of August. This is too much fun to miss if you are visiting Toronto during this time. Featuring world renowned street acts, buskers, from Sweden, the U.S., Hungary, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, England and, of course, Canada’s best. Located in the historic St. Lawrence Marketplace admission is free with a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation.
Parades
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the floats, music, marching band and the leprechauns. It takes place on the Sunday closest to March 17th, rain or shine. Bring enough lawn chairs for everyone in the family and stake out your spot. The parade route begins at Bloor and St. George, finishing at Nathan Phillips Square on Queen street. The parade starts an noon, but it’s best to be settled in an hour early.
Beaches Lions Annual Easter Parade
What could be better than bunnies and chocolate. If you are vacationing in Toronto during the Easter holiday, make it extra special by attending the Lions parade. The parade route runs along Queen Street E., from Victoria Park to Woodbine.
Toronto Santa Clause Parade
It’s hard to believe the Toronto Santa Clause Parade started out with a single float with Santa waving at the top. Today it boasts 25 bands and 25 plus floats. It’s held annually in mid November, starting at 12:30 pm. It’s advised to leave your car back at the hotel and take public transit to Bloor or the top of University, arriving at least an hour early.
Educational Mixed With Fun
photo credit: RC_Fotos
Known for its interactive education and special summer events, the Toronto Zoo is a great place for kids and adults alike. Tour their many animal habitats and enjoy an extra event such as the Great Barrier Reef Exhibit or the Stingray Bay-A Touching Experience.
Ontario Science Center
The OSC, Ontario Science Center, has a hands-on approach that teaches kids to love science with adults learning a thing or two as well. There are 800 exhibits within their ten separate exhibit halls. Films and slide shows can be seen in their mini theaters. No need to worry about lunch, there are two restaurants on site. Plan on spending a full day at the OSC, there’s more than enough to capture the delight and imagination of every member of the family.
The tallest free-standing building in the world, the CN Tower’s glass elevator takes you to the glass-floor observation area where you can see the city in overview mode. Then travel onward to the top floor for lunch or dinner at the CN restaurant. When driving travel to Front Street West where you can’t miss the 1,815 skyward pinnacle. Celebrate a family member’s birthday at the tower’s birthday room. The whole family will enjoy learning about the architecture and history of the CN Tower.
Family Attractions in Toronto
Wherever you decide to spend your family vacation time in Toronto, you won’t be disappointed. There are more entertainment choices than you will be able to attend in one trip. It’s fair to say you’ll be planning your next vacation before you leave the hotel room. Perhaps next year the itinerary will include Wild Water Kingdom, the Hungarian Monument or Toronto’s Chinatown.
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