Family

The Best Family Outings with GO Transit and PRESTO Perks

Published: Mar 10, 2023

Updated: Mar 11, 2024

Embrace the winter season without worrying about the cost. GO has you covered with fantastic savings and access to a variety of chilly excursions. Navigate through the season's magic with ease on a budget – let GO be your guide to affordable and delightful family memories in the winter wonderland!

When you travel on GO, you don’t need to worry about parking and traffic. Plus, since kids aged 12 and under always ride free on GO, along with their favourite toy, taking the family out for an adventure is easy on the wallet and on stress levels. Save even more with GO Weekday Group Passes and Weekend Pass!

For exciting adventures that are convenient and affordable to get to with GO, you can’t beat the top attractions listed below, in addition to several more that are also accessible with GO. It's easy family fun! Pro tip: Use your PRESTO card to save on admission to all of these amazing attractions, with PRESTO Perks! Read below to choose your adventure, pull the kids away from their screens, and get ready for affordable family fun!

CN Tower

CNTowerUnion

© Destination Toronto

Experience the breathtaking views of Toronto like never before with a visit to the iconic CN Tower, a marvel of modern engineering and a symbol of Canadian pride. From the exhilarating Glass Floor, where you can stand 113 stories above ground, to the awe-inspiring views from the SkyPod observation deck, every moment at the CN Tower promises to be unforgettable. Whether you're a local looking for a day of exploration or a visitor eager to witness the beauty of Toronto from new heights visiting one of the seven modern wonders of the world couldn’t be easier or more convenient with GO Transit. The CN Tower is just a short 10-minute walk from Union Station, and we have multiple GO Trains and Buses available to get you to this iconic landmark!

Attention PRESTO Cardholders! Did you know that if you’re visiting the CN Tower between February 1st and June 27th, 2024 you can save 15% off General Admission Timed Tickets by presenting your PRESTO Card?

  • When: The CN Tower is open year-round from 10AM – 9PM!
  • Where: CN Tower, 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L9
  • Get there with GO: Travel by GO Train or Bus to Union Station. From there, the CN tower is a short walk west along Bremner Boulevard.

Hockey Hall of Fame

If you’re a hockey-loving family, the Hockey Hall of Fame is the outing for you! You can get an up-close look at the original Stanley Cup, and kids (and adults) will love putting their stick skills to the test with the interactive exhibits like Shoot Out and Shut Out in the NHLPA Game Time model rink. You’ll save 20% off regular admission rates with PRESTO Perks!

Immersive experiences await your family this March Break at the HHOF. Specials include daily giveaways, photo ops + more. Plan your March Breakaway today at hhof.com/marchbreak.

  • Where: 30 Yonge Street, Toronto
  • Cost:
    • General admission (age 14-64) - $25 ($20 with PRESTO discount)
    • Senior (65+) - $20 ($16 with PRESTO discount)
    • Youth (age 4-13) - $15 ($12 with PRESTO discount)
    • Children 3 & under - free
  • Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and then walk east along Front St. for about 10 minutes.

Gardiner Museum

If you think that a ceramics museum isn’t family-friendly, think again! Sundays are Family Day at the Gardiner Museum and you can “connect over clay” as you enjoy creative activities with your kids. This activity is free with your admission and a great opportunity for budding artists. Save 20% off your general admission with PRESTO Perks, and kids and youth are always free!

  • Where: 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto
  • Cost:
    • Seniors - $11 ($8.80 with discount)
    • Students - free with valid ID
    • Kids and youth 18 & under - free
    • Indigenous Peoples - free
  • Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and then connect to the TTC subway and travel to Museum Station.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, the dark and exciting Bat Cave — ancient and natural history comes alive at the Royal Ontario Museum! Kids will love the Hands-On Biodiversity Area and the Discovery Gallery. Save 15% off regular admission rates with PRESTO Perks! You can also enjoy free admission for everyone on the third Tuesday of the month (4:30pm - 8:30pm only) and free admission for post-secondary students all day every Tuesday.

Dont forget to check out our webpage focused on Climate Change: ROM + Climate Change.

The following is a list of all of the current and upcoming exhibitions:

  • Where: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
  • Cost:
    • Adult - $26 ($22.10 with discount)
    • Seniors - $21 ($17.85 with discount)
    • Student (with ID) - $20 ($17 with discount)
    • Youth (age 15-19) - $20 ($17 with discount)
    • Children (age 4-14) - $16 ($13.60 with discount)
    • Age 3 & under - free
    • Indigenous Peoples - free
  • Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and then connect to the TTC subway and travel to Museum station.

The Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest art museum in the region, and their permanent collection includes more than 10,000 works. The last Sunday of each month is Family Fun day, with hands-on activities and family-friendly tours offered. Best of all, you’ll get Buy One Get One Free on general admission with PRESTO Perks. Kids and students are always free and everyone can enjoy free admission on Thursdays.

  • Where: 123 King St. West, Hamilton
  • Cost:
    • Adults - $15
    • Seniors (65+) - $12
    • Students (6+) - free
    • Children (0-5) - free
  • Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to Hamilton GO Centre. From there, it’s an 8-minute walk via James St. S, Main St. W, and Summers Lane.

Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls

Hundreds of tropical birds are waiting for you at the World’s Largest Indoor Free-Flying Aviary, Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls. Feed nectar to friendly lorikeets ($), and marvel at over 40 other species of birds from around the world. You can enjoy 20% off general admission rates with PRESTO Perks!

  • Where: 5651 River Rd., Niagara Falls
  • Cost:
    • Adult (age 16+) - $19.95 ($15.96 with discount)
    • Children (age 3-15) - $15.95 ($12.96 with discount)
  • Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to Niagara Falls GO Station and then connect to the local WEGO bus system for a quick 8 minute ride (GO+WEGO Combo Tickets are a great option!). Or, if you prefer to walk from the station, enjoy a 25-minute stroll along River Rd.

Immersive Disney Animation

Disney Immersive 2024

At Immersive Disney Animation you won’t just see a whole new world, you’ll become part of it! Step inside your favorite Disney songs and stories - and see them come to life around you. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, there is something for everyone. It’s magical! Save with an exclusive offer on tickets with PRESTO Perks.

  • Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace, 1 Yonge St, Toronto
  • Cost: PRESTO Perks - save with an exclusive offer on tickets.
  • Get There With GO: Travel by GO train or bus to Union Station. Walk east on Front St to Yonge St., then turn right and walk south to the corner of Queens Quay.

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

Jurassic's World

Get closer to dinosaurs than ever before in Jurassic World: The Exhibition! Based on one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history, the exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in scenes inspired by the beloved movies. Walk through the Jurassic World iconic gates as an honored guest and gaze in wonder at a towering Brachiosaurus; come face-to-face with a Velociraptor; and get a rare up-close look at the most vicious dinosaur of them all, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring journey and remember, if something chases you… run! Located across from Square One Shopping Centre, it’s an easy GO bus ride to get to Jurassic World: The Exhibition and discover the dinosaurs! Now until April 30, 2024. With PRESTO Perks, you’ll save 20% off regular admission rates and 30% off on Family & Group bundle tickets!

  • Where: Across Square One Shopping Centre (199 Rathburn Rd West, Mississauga)
  • Cost: Tickets start at $21.49 Buy your tickets online!
  • Get There With GO: Take GO to Square One GO Bus Terminal.

Toronto Marlies

Catch the final puck drops of the season at Coca-Cola Coliseum — it’s just steps away from Exhibition GO Station. Save up to 20% on home games this season with PRESTO Perks

  • Where: Coca-Cola Coliseum, 45 Manitoba Dr., Toronto
  • Cost: Tickets start at $19. Buy your tickets online!
  • Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to Exhibition GO Station. Then it’s just a 3-minute walk east on Manitoba Dr.

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)

Explore the wonders of nature with your family at the Royal Botanical Gardens, where lush gardens, captivating exhibits, and interactive activities await. This spring at RBG, discover some of the most astonishing creatures on Earth at Nature's Superheroes: Life at the Limits. Save 15% off General Adult Admission when you show your PRESTO card.

  • Where: Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Cost: Buy your tickets in person.
  • Get There With GO: Take the GO to Aldershot GO and connect to Hamilton Street Railway or Burlington GO and connect with Burlington Transit

Other Great Budget-Friendly Family Outings

kids 12 and under always ride FREE

It will take a little longer to get to these places, but “it’s about the journey, not the destination” and kids will enjoy taking a transit adventure between GO Transit, TTC and other local transit partners. Of course, it helps that the destinations are ALSO amazing with PRESTO Perks!

Toronto Zoo

At the largest zoo in Canada, you’ll explore animal exhibits in seven geographical areas. From tigers to giraffes to grizzly bears, everyone in your family will find their favourite animal here. Together, you can learn how the Toronto Zoo is working to protect endangered species and their habitats. With PRESTO Perks, you’ll save 20% off regular admission rates!

Ontario Science Centre

Little scientists will love discovering and exploring at the Ontario Science Centre! Kids can learn-through-play in the popular KidSpark area and explore hundreds of hands-on exhibits throughout the Science Centre. Learn about space, electricity, the human body, rainforests and much more. Save 20% off regular admission rates with PRESTO Perks!

  • Where: 770 Don Mills Rd, Toronto
  • Cost:
    • Adults (age 18-64) - $22 ($17.60 with discount)
    • Seniors (65+) - $16 ($12.80 with discount)
    • Students (with ID) - $16 ($12.80 with discount)
    • Youth (age 13-17) - $16 ($12.80 with discount)
    • Children (age 3-12) - $13 ($10.40 with discount)
    • Infants (under 3) - free
  • Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore East line to Danforth GO Station and connect the TTC.

Aga Khan Museum

At North America’s first museum showcasing exclusively Islamic Arts, Aga Khan Museum, you’ll see art from historic and contemporary Muslim communities. On Sundays, there are family-friendly activities included with your admission. With PRESTO Perks, you can get 20% off regular admission rates and enjoy 10% off at the gift shop!

  • Where: 77 Wynford Dr., Toronto
  • Cost:
    • Adults - $20 ($16 with discount)
    • Seniors - $15 ($12 with discount)
    • Students (age 14-17, or full time post-secondary with ID) - $12 ($9.60 with discount)
    • Children (age 6-13) - $10 ($8 with discount)
    • Ages 5 & under - free
  • Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore East line to Danforth GO Station and connect the TTC.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Take a step back in time at this living history museum, Black Creek Pioneer Village. Both you and your kids will love discovering how people lived, worked, and played in the mid 19th century in rural Ontario. Explore the schoolhouse, tinsmith shop, printing office, general store and more. Hands-on activities will make your family feel like they’ve really travelled to the past. You’ll save 20% off regular admission rates when you use PRESTO Perks!

  • Where: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, North York
  • Cost:
    • Adults (ages 15-64) - $16.40 ($13.12 with discount)
    • Seniors (65+) - $13.10 ($10.48 with discount)
    • Students (age 14+ with ID) - $13.10 ($10.48 with discount)
    • Children (age 4-14) - $12 ($9.60 with discount)
    • Toddlers (age 3 & under) - free
  • Get There With GO: Take the Barrie line to Downsview Park GO Station and then connect to the TTC.

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Bring Your Child's Fave Toy Along with GO Toy Pass!

Stuffed Teddy Bear holding GO Toy Pass, create now button

Between saving the universe, attending fancy tea parties or just going along for a ride, today’s toys are busier than ever. Now, not only do kids GO free, but their best friends do too with the FREE GO Toy Pass! This pass will have the toy’s photo and details, along with important GO safety messaging on the back of the card to ensure safe and fun adventures.

More Ways to Save on GO Transit

While kids 12 and under ride GO for free and PRESTO Perks offer great savings on attractions, parents and guadians can take advantage of some other fantastic savings on GO to really get the best bang for your buck. Consider these options when planning your next family adventure!

Weekend Pass

For weekend adventures, be sure to use a $10 One-Day Pass for unlimited GO travel on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday. They’re perfect for saving money and taking you everywhere you need to GO for a weekend adventure! Buy your GO Weekend Pass now!

Weekday Group Passes

Taking on a family adventures with a group throughout the week? Look no further than a GO Weekday Group Pass! Perfect for outings with multiple adults, or when you’re playing ‘tour guide’ to your visiting family members! Groups get unlimited travel throughout the GO network starting at $30 for 2 people. Buy your Weekday Group Pass now!

Fare Discounts

We’ve increased discounts on some of our fares to help customers save more money. Our discount for all youth aged 13-19 and full-time post-secondary students has increased from 22.5% to 40% off the regular adult fare. Also, you can transfer for free when travelling between GO and most local transit agencies. Riding with GO is more affordable than ever!

Start planning your outings now!