Family outings in Toronto
Toronto offers families a mix of big attractions and green spaces on the shores of Lake Ontario. Downtown has the aquarium, the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum, while the Toronto Islands, a few minutes away by ferry, promise beaches, bikes and a small amusement park in summer. The network of parks, from High Park to the ravines, lets you take a breather between visits. Since summer 2026, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed families again in a temporary location at Harbourfront Centre.
Must-do activities
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
An underwater tunnel with sharks and rays, touch tanks; at the foot of the CN Tower.
Toronto Islands and Centreville
Ferry from downtown, beaches, bikes and the small Centreville amusement park in season.
Toronto Zoo
One of the largest zoos in Canada, organized by world regions. Bring good walking shoes.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Dinosaurs, bats and interactive galleries; a must on a rainy day.
High Park
A large park with a wooden playground, a free small zoo and trails; very lively in spring.
Ontario Science Centre (Harbourfront)
A temporary location at Harbourfront Centre since summer 2026, pending the future centre at Ontario Place. Check the programming before you go.
Free parks and playgrounds near Toronto
- 🌳 Arnell Plaza
- 📚 Toronto Public Library - City Hall
- 🛝 Nathan Phillips Square Playground
- 🏖️ HTO Beach
- 🌲 Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve
- 🌳 The Pasture
- 📚 Great Library
- 🛝 Roundhouse Train Playground
- 🏖️ West Landing
- 🌲 Tommy Thompson Park
- 🌳 Courthouse Square
- 📚 Library Building
Making the most of Toronto as a family
Whether you live in Toronto or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in Toronto
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around Toronto, often with free cancellation.
See activities on GetYourGuide →See experiences on Viator →
Partner links: FamiSwipe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Family outings not to miss
→ Discover activities in Toronto on FamiSwipe
Combine with this trip
To get out of the city: Collingwood and Huntsville for the outdoors, Prince Edward County for its beaches and farms, London, Ontario for a family stop. For a bigger trip, Chicago.
FAQ
What can kids do in Toronto when it rains?
Ripley's Aquarium, the ROM, the Science Centre at Harbourfront and the underground PATH network, which links several downtown buildings indoors.
What are the free family activities in Toronto?
High Park and its small zoo, Riverdale Farm, the beaches and the parks along the lakefront. FamiSwipe shows the parks and playgrounds near you.
Is the Ontario Science Centre open?
Its historic building closed in 2024. A temporary location opened at Harbourfront Centre in summer 2026, pending the new centre planned at Ontario Place.
How do you get to the Toronto Islands?
By ferry from the Jack Layton terminal, at the foot of Bay Street. In summer, arrive early: lines can be long in the afternoon.