The Best Things To Do in Toronto with Kids
This is a guest post by Kristi Heath, whose web site can be found at www.buskerfly.com.
Toronto is Canada`s biggest city and nearly half its population was born outside Canada, so it is ethnically diverse. Most of Toronto’s major attractions are located centrally or are easily accessible by public transport. The city hosts many events highlighting different cultures, so whatever time of year you plan on visiting Toronto, it`s worthwhile picking up a local paper to check out the festivities. There are two free weekly newspapers focussing on entertainment, Eye Magazine and the NOW newspaper, which provide information.
As a entertainer for family audiences in Toronto for approximately twenty-five years, I`ve had the chance to visit just about anywhere in the city that can host an event. Here are some of my selections, along with choices from my kids (aged 9 and 12).
The initial five attractions on the list are what I`d refer to as the major attractions. Most individuals have heard of these places, but I`ll try to provide a little insider info on when it`s a good time to visit. The following five are less widely known, though offer a lot for kids of all ages and can be done fairly cost effectively.
Helpful Tip number one: if planning to visit at least 3 of the initial five attractions, purchase a Toronto City Pass. It enables entry to all 5 locations within a 9-day period at a much lower cost than individual tickets purchased separately. As of January 2021, it is US$ 77.65 for adults and US$ 52.88 for children.
1. CN Tower (and Rogers Centre)
The CN Tower in Toronto, while no longer the world`s tallest, remains an impressive structure and worthwhile attraction. For the full experience, the Look Out + Glass Floor ticket package provides optimal value. The Sky Pod add-on, taking visitors slightly higher, is arguably unnecessary considering its additional cost. Other package options primarily seek to maximize revenue. More financially comfortable visitors can purchase them if desired. With a super fast glass elevator ride, one reaches the observation level where the brave can walk upon the transparent floor to view the ground far below. Especially scenic is visiting just before sunset to witness the city`s transition from day to night. During Labor Day weekend in early September, it`s also an ideal spot to view the air show performances occurring in the afternoons. As the CN Tower adjoins Rogers Centre, formerly SkyDome, spectators can catch a baseball or football game there on the same day. If Rogers Centre`s roof is open during a game, onlookers can peer inside from the CN Tower`s summit.”
2. Casa Loma
Toronto`s only fortification. if you come from Europe, I`d guess this wouldn`t be such a significant attraction for you, but if you`re from North America, it`s somewhat entertaining to explore a fortress (albeit a relatively youthful one). Casa Loma has a couple of prime occasions to visit – December when they host unique performances all month and during their Renaissance Pageant on the first week-end in July. Purchaser be cautious – this destination is for people who have the Toronto City Pass, otherwise you might want to give this a miss and head to the Art Gallery of Ontario instead (which has lots of great things for youngsters).
3. Ontario Science Centre
This particular location is quite special to me, and it truly is fantastic! It is also extremely large and interactive! In recent years, the OSC has made great efforts to appeal to people of all ages. There`s KidSpark for younger children (if you have little kids, trust me, you might end up spending the whole day in this area) and the Weston Innovation Centre for older children and teenagers, which is also very busy and fun. There`s a challenge zone where you`re given a problem to solve (e.g. how to rescue a cat from a cave without crossing the lava field in front of the cave). Visitors are then free to explore a variety of shelves containing various materials to try building a solution. This is very enjoyable! The OSC has numerous special exhibits, a rain forest, an OMNIMAX theatre, a small planetarium and much more. Many additional activities and shows take place during March break (mid March). If visiting during this period, avoid the 11 am – 2 pm entry time – it`s incredibly crowded. Go later, as their hours are extended during these nine days.
4. The Royal Ontario Museum
This institution recently underwent renovations. After adding an architectural element to the front of the building (the ROM Crystal) that some found questionable, they recently redesigned certain displays. There’s a completely new bat habitat (likely the favorite part for most youngsters). They also have a fantastic dinosaur exhibit and numerous hands-on displays for children. My own preferred section is the preserved birds (I`m guessing that`s not the proper scientific designation, and I realize this isn`t about me, it`s about children, so I`ll continue….)
5. The Toronto Zoo
These feathered creatures aren’t stationary! Get on your footwear!! There’s such a lot to see here that you likely won’t have the ability to conquer it in a day, so strategize your route thoroughly. The hominids are generally pleasurable to observe, but many other animals like naked mole rats and meerkats can continue you amused for a very long time. If you’re going to in the summer season ensure to deliver your bathing fits – there’s a magnificent water based theme park termed Splash Island and an area called Youngsters Zoo geared to kids beneath 9. Plenty of unique functions at the zoo – Boo at the Zoo for Halloween and unique New Year’s Eve shows.
6. Ashbridges Bay
Toronto has a location on a huge lake, a Great Lake – a reality that escapes numerous area locals because of how much advancement has been along the waterfront. There is a small beachfront on the eastern end of the city, so if your kids just want to dig in the sand, or watch beach volleyball, kiteboarders or windsurfers, this is the place to go. Regrettably, the lake has some pollution, so heed warnings about water safety. There’s a pleasant boardwalk to stroll, in line skate or bike on and the Beaches area is great for grabbing an ice cream cone or boutique shopping (window or otherwise).
7. Kensington Market
Should you travel with kids who enjoy throwback shopping, this location is quite suitable! A great amount of pre-owned clothing retailers and a really nature loving feel. The Blue Banana store is fun for all, so it`s worthwhile paying a visit if you`re in the region. There are all kinds of world cuisine in the marketplace (jumbo empanadas, anybody?), fishmongers, coffee purveyors, bakeries, health food shops – you name it. It`s also superb for meat and cheese, so grab some items to take with you to number 8 on the list.
8. High Park
Depart from the underground transportation stop in High Park, cross the main road and enter a magnificent greenspace. Within the park lies an exhilarating Adventure Playground replete with wooden citadels, inclines and the customary assortment of recreational equipment. A diminutive “zoo” exists freely – a smattering of mountain goats, yaks, peacocks and related fauna. You can inspect the delightful Grenadier Pond – and if present at the end of April, behold the cherry blossoms in full bloom. A restaurant stands within the park and all manners of foot races, stunt vehicle derbies and other unique occasions persist throughout the solar circuits. A small motorized transport is accessible to guide you through the park (I wouldn’t designate it a railcar, but it isn’t upon tracks) The park encompasses a huge area, so plan for an alfresco meal and lingering.
9. Toronto Islands
Another excellent spot to have a picnic and ride bikes or inline skates. Take the ferry over to Centre Island and stop at CentreVille – a small theme park with all sorts of rides and things for kids to enjoy. The Islands are pedestrian traffic only and when you disembark the ferry you’ll appreciate a splendid view of Toronto. You can rent canoes to navigate through the waterways between the three islands (Centre Island, Ward Island, and Olympic Island). There’s also Franklin’s Children’s Garden – a pleasant little area for the younger set to explore. There are beach areas, a hedge maze, playgrounds and more – spend the day discovering.
10. Ethnic Neighbourhoods
This category encompasses such a broad range that doing it full justice is impossible. Toronto is generally split into neighborhoods differentiated by ethnicity, promising abundant enjoyment merely choosing a nationality and wandering its quarter. Large China towns (3!), India town, Greek Town, Little Italy and so on. Check out Pacific Mall for an explosion of Asian culture or take a tour of the ornately constructed $40 million BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandim Hindu temple. Both experiences are remarkably diverting in their own manner. Additionally, my youngest child mentioned Tim Hortons – a prevalent Canadian retailer famous for donuts and sandwiches.
About the content creator: Kristi Heath has lived in Toronto for 25 turns. She has been performing her own unique style of physical comedy around the planet since she was 18, counting engagements with Cirque du Soleil and shows in Japan, Korea, Europe, New Zealand, Singapore and coast to coast in Canada and the US. She is the mother of two boys, aged 9 & 12.
