Top Things to Do in Toronto with Family

Are you visiting Toronto with your family? You’re in for an adventure full of wonder, discovery, and moments that might surprise even the kids. From soaring views to kid-friendly museum exhibits, from leafy parks to island escapes, there’s something here for everyone. If your journey begins at Pearson Airport, taking the UP Express is one of the smartest moves you can make: you bypass traffic, relax on a comfortable train, and arrive right in the heart of the city at UP Union Station.  

Even better, kids 12 and under ride free, and teens and post-secondary students can enjoy discounted fares with PRESTO. There is also the Group Pass, where groups of 3-5 can save up to 36% on one-way adult fares, making travel easier when everyone’s heading to the city together. With your arrival sorted, here’s how to fill your days exploring Toronto! 

Arriving in Toronto on the UP Express at Union Station? There is a convenient place to store your luggage with BagsAway while you explore the city with your family. This service allows you to start your day hands-free, without the burden of carrying your bags. 

Best Toronto Landmarks to Visit with Family 

One of the first and most unforgettable Toronto landmarks you’ll want to visit is the CN Tower. Rising dramatically above the city, it offers a compelling mix of thrill and education. As you ascend in a glass elevator 114 storeys, the anticipation builds until you step onto the observation platforms. The glass floor lets you look straight down at the city below, while the Main Observation Level’s full-height windows give sweeping views across Toronto and Lake Ontario. For those seeking a more daring experience, the EdgeWalk invites brave souls (age 13+, by reservation) to walk the Tower’s exterior ledge in full safety harnesses. And don’t forget, you can save 15% on CN Tower’s timed general admission ticket and purchases at the Shop with PRESTO Perks when you show your PRESTO card. 

Right beside the CN Tower is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, an ideal companion destination especially for families with younger children or curious teens. You’ll wind through underwater tunnels where sharks and rays glide overhead, explore touch pools filled with sea stars and rays, and take in interpretive exhibits that explain how life beneath the waves lives and breathes. It’s not only visually stunning, but deeply educational. The whole family can also save here, with PRESTO Perks, get 15% off general admission when you show your PRESTO card.    

No landmark list in Toronto would be complete without a stop at the Toronto Sign (and its various iterations around the city). It might seem simple, but for kids and families it’s a “we made it!” moment—snap a photo against the backdrop of the skyline and let them capture that sense of arrival. That little landmark adds a layer of joy that isn’t about height or thrill, but about making memories. 

When you build your itinerary around landmarks like these, you get the advantages of a high “wow” factor and strategic logistics: they’re in or near downtown, so you won’t waste your day on commuting when you could be exploring. 

Things to do Downtown Toronto with Family 

Once you’re settled downtown, a day (or two) of concentrated exploration can bring the city to life. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the must-see spots for all ages. Its blend of natural history, world cultures, and rotating exhibitions gives kids places to roam, imagine, and learn. From dinosaur skeletons and gem collections to Indigenous and global art, there’s a lot to capture attention. Don’t forget to get your savings for the whole family, as PRESTO cardholders and GO Transit riders save 15% off regular Museum admission rates, including General Admission and Special Exhibitions. 

Not far from there, Little Canada brings a magical twist: a meticulously crafted miniature world that spans Canada’s landscapes, cities, and iconic scenes. It’s almost like walking through a storybook version of the country — kids delight in spotting little moving trains, cars, and dynamic lighting effects. This experience often becomes a highlight of their visit. 

When it’s time to slow down and soak in Toronto's waterfront, head toward Harbourfront Centre. With its wide promenades, public art installations, seasonal events, and lakeside views, it’s a delightful place to let everyone stretch their legs and breathe in the fresh air. Kids will enjoy watching boats, listening to the hum of activity, or catching pop-up performances. 

A Hop-on-Hop-off Double-Decker Sightseeing Tour with City Sightseeing Toronto can help you tie all these dots together—letting you ride comfortably between Toronto's must-see attractions while a guide fills in stories and context along the way. You hop off where you want and hop back on when you’re ready. It’s especially helpful when you have little ones whose legs fatigue, or when weather or time pressure limits how far you roam. Plus, with PRESTO Perks, you can save 15% on adult general admission, making it an even better way to explore the city!

If you’re visiting with the family on a layover, you can take advantage of the UP Express Long Layover Return Ticket, which gives you 7 hours on your layover to explore Toronto at a discounted rate, and there’s even a Family Long Layover Return Ticket for even more savings!   

And when you need a midday breather, the Eaton Centre offers more than just shopping. Its location and scale make it an easy stop-off, especially in inclement weather. Grab a snack, check out the interior architecture or glass ceilings, and get ready for your next adventure. 

Downtown Toronto allows you to cluster major attractions in manageable chunks—so you spend less time between sites and more time absorbing, exploring, enjoying. 

Free Things to Do with Family in Toronto 

Toronto is surprisingly generous with free family experiences, which makes pacing your trip more relaxed and budget-friendly. One of the top spots is High Park, walking distance from UP Bloor Station. It is a sprawling green sanctuary in the west end. It offers trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, gardens, and even a small free zoo. In spring, cherry blossoms draw crowds, and in summer you’ll find shade, cool breezes, and nature galore. 

Another gem is Riverdale Farm, tucked into an urban neighbourhood. This working farm feels worlds away from the city’s bustle. Children can wander among animals, peek into barns, and feel the connection to rural life—all without an entry fee. After meeting the animals, head to St. Lawrence Market to stroll through the historic market. Even if your family isn’t buying much, walking the aisles of this storied food market, sampling small bites, and studying vibrant displays is a sensory-rich experience. 

Toronto’s lakefront is also a constant invitation. Wander along the waterfront pass by piers, watch boats, dip your toes in edges, and let the skyline views anchor your strolls. Public art and benches make for easy moments of pause. In Toronto’s west end, head to Trinity Bellwoods Park for a leisurely stroll, stop in for a treat at one of Toronto's best cafes, and play on the jungle gym! 

If you time your visit to Toronto right, the city often hosts free festivals, outdoor concerts, movie nights in parks, and public exhibitions. Local event calendars (e.g. Eventbrite, city listings) often reveal opportunities that families can head to without planning too far ahead. Beyond those, walking tours can be a meaningful way to explore the city on foot and connect to stories you might otherwise miss!  

Indoor Family Activities in Toronto 

When Toronto's weather doesn’t cooperate (or your group needs a break from outdoor walks), indoor venues offer a range of immersive, entertaining options. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament provides a time-travelling evening of knights, horses, jousting, and showmanship. It’s a theatrical dinner with action and spectacle — a favourite for families looking for more than just a meal. 

For hockey fans or those curious about Canada’s national sport, the Hockey Hall of Fame is the perfect stop. It blends history, interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and even the famed Stanley Cup for a photo op. Whether your family follows hockey or not, this museum delivers hands-on fun wrapped in cultural significance. Don’t forget to take advantage of PRESTO Perks and save 20% off regular admission rates when you show your PRESTO card. 

Then there’s the Museum of Illusions, which truly bends your brain in the best way. Visitors navigate rooms full of mirror mazes, distorted rooms, optical illusions, and fun photo stations. It’s a place where kids can experiment, laugh, puzzle, and take wacky pictures to remember. Use code PRESTO20 when booking online or show your PRESTO card in person to save 20% on your tickets with PRESTO Perks! 

Don’t forget small local art studios, craft workshops, indoor play centres, and drop-in family programming at community centres. These tend to give a more relaxed, flexible option—you can dip in for an hour or stay longer depending on energy levels. Also, cinemas or IMAX shows (especially nature or science features) can be a restful midday break and a way to recharge before heading back outside to explore.  

Outdoor Family Activities in Toronto 

One of the classic family outings is to take the ferry to Toronto Island, where adventure awaits. It’s the kind of mix kids love: gentle rides, a petting farm, mini-golf, beaches, and open green spaces. The balance of activity and nature makes it ideal for families! 

Renting bicycles or scooters and cruising along the waterfront trails is another great way to combine movement with cityscape and nature in one go. In addition, during the warmer months, many parks host free outdoor concerts, movie nights, and festivals—check local listings to see what’s happening during your stay. And for little kids, splash pads or water play areas turn a walk into an instant joy moment. 

Botanical gardens, sculpture walks, and outdoor public art installations round out low-stress outdoor options. Places like Allan Gardens Conservatory or the Toronto Music Garden let you soak in beauty at your own pace! 

When the skies are blue and spirits are high, Toronto’s outdoor options shine. High Park returns here as a gem—combining gardens, wooded paths, playgrounds, open meadows, and shady picnic spots. On a sunny day, nothing beats packing a lunch and letting everyone explore freely.  

For an immersive animal experience, the Toronto Zoo offers multiple habitats and pavilions across biomes—Africa, Indo-Malaya, the Tundra, and beyond. Plan to spend a full day so you can visit close to 3,000 animals, catch special Meet the Guardians Talks and explore 10km of walking trails surrounded by the picturesque Rouge National Urban Park. Show your PRESTO card at the gates and you’ll save 20% off general admission or 10% off an annual membership for cardholders.

Tips to Make Your Toronto Trip with Family a Win 

Start early when possible—many of Toronto's top attractions see crowds in late morning or afternoon. Purchase combo or multi-attraction passes (like CityPASS or bundled tickets) and save on many Toronto attractions with PRESTO Perks. Be mindful of transit time: the UP Express gives you a fast, stress-free city arrival, and using Toronto’s subway, streetcar, or buses helps you avoid gridlock. Always plan a backup indoor option for weather surprises, and aim for a balanced mix of high-energy and low-key time so kids (and adults) don’t burn out. 

Pack layers, snacks, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes. Check attraction websites in advance for reservation windows, timed entry, or seasonal hours. Finally, leave room for spontaneity—sometimes the best memories come from a street performance, a small art gallery, or a quiet park bench moment. 

Toronto is a city where dramatic landmarks, cultural depth, kid-friendly surprises, and accessible green space all meet. With the UP Express making your arrival easy, this plan lays a foundation so your family can explore more, stress less, and return home with stories to tell!