Things to Do in Toronto with Kids
Published: Aug 25, 2023
Downtown Toronto is the perfect place for a family day trip! There are so many things to do in Toronto with kids, and a ride on GO Transit to get there is part of the excitement for kids of all ages (and adults, too). Don’t forget, Kids 12 and under ride free on GO!
Because there are so many attractions in Toronto, it can be a little overwhelming to organize an outing with kids, but don’t worry — we’ve created an awesome Tourist for a Day itinerary that you can use to plan one day in Toronto that your kids will LOVE!
If you have time off during the week, the crowds at popular attractions may be a little lighter Monday through Friday, and GO Weekday Group Passes offer great value for 2 - 5 adults (remember — the kids ride free!). You can plan an outing with your friends who also have kids!
If weekdays don’t work for you, no worries! Kids of all ages (and adults) will have just as much fun visiting downtown Toronto on a Saturday or Sunday, and GO Weekend Passes are the easy and affordable way to travel.
Plus, if you’re a PRESTO cardholder, you can even save on some admission tickets and dining locations!
It’s Time to GO!
Your fun-filled day doesn’t start when you get to Toronto. It starts when you board your GO train or bus! There’s no need to add the stress of planning for inevitable traffic jams or an endless search for parking downtown. Your outing begins with relaxation and free GO Wi-Fi Plus!
Kids love travelling by train or bus — it feels like a different kind of adventure! You can even get them extra excited for the trip before you leave by making a GO Toy Pass for their favourite toy. Maybe it wants to be a Tourist for a Day in Toronto, too!
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Visit an Iconic Toronto Attraction
Okay, you’ve arrived in downtown Toronto, but where are you going now? You need to head to one of the iconic Toronto landmarks. Pick one as the first stop on your Tourist for a Day itinerary!
CN Tower
It doesn’t get any more “Toronto” than the CN Tower! Are you and your kids brave enough to walk on the Glass Floor? It’s an exhilarating experience!
Toronto City Hall & Nathan Phillips Square
Admire the architecture of City Hall while you and your kids sit in Nathan Phillips Square and enjoy some snacks! Depending on when you visit, there may be a special event taking place in the square.
Casa Loma
Would your kids love to visit Toronto’s castle? They’ll delight in the secret passageway, the spiral stairs up to the tower, and the underground tunnel to the stables.
Catch a Sports Game
If you’re a family of sports fans, your list of things to do in Toronto with kids has to include attending a game! Toronto has outstanding teams in all the major sports and since it’s easy to get to all the stadiums, one of these will be the next stop on your Tourist for a Day itinerary!
Toronto Blue Jays
If you just went to the CN Tower, you’re right next to the Rogers Centre so you might as well go to a Blue Jays game! If your kids love baseball, you’ll score a homerun in their books when you take them out to the ball game. Plan your visit for a Sunday so they can take part in Jr. Jays Sundays!
Toronto FC
Do your kids love to cheer for the GOOOALS?! Then they’ll be pumped to see professional soccer in action at a Toronto FC match.
Toronto Argonauts
Touchdown! You’ll score big time with your little football fans when you take them to an Argos game. The Argos also play at BMO Field (so easy to get there with GO)!
Explore Neighbourhoods around the City
Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods and each one has its own unique vibe. For the final stop on your Toronto tour, choose one of these vibrant neighbours and do some exploring!
Toronto’s Harbourfront & Islands
When it comes to great things to do in Toronto with kids, you can’t beat a trip to the Toronto Islands! Walk along the harbourfront and then take a ferry ride over to the Islands. Let your kids explore William Meany Maze and Franklin’s Garden, and enjoy a picnic lunch under the trees!
Queen Street West
Do you have teens who love cutting-edge fashion? They’ll love browsing the hip boutiques along Queen Street West.
Entertainment District
Take in a show! Are your kids into theatre? Get tickets to a performance at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, the Princess of Wales Theatre or Toronto Symphony Orchestra and your kids just might give YOU a standing ovation!
Yorkville & The Annex
Checking out the designer boutiques in Yorkville will appeal to your trend-setting teen. Then walk west along Bloor St towards the Annex, where you can visit the Gardiner Museum!
Distillery District
The Distillery District’s iconic cobblestone streets are perfect for an afternoon or evening stroll. Try a segway or walking tour with GO Tours. PRESTO card holders save 20% with promo code PRESTOPERKS20. After your tour, grab a coffee at Balzac’s to fuel up after all that fun!
Family Activities All Year Around
Now that you know about all the amazing things to do in Toronto with kids, you’re probably thinking, “I can’t do everything in one trip.” You’re right, and that’s the perfect reason to go back again another time!
Plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities in Toronto are perfect for a visit in any season and, with your PRESTO card, you can access admission discounts for lots of options! You don’t need to decide whether to “Go Big or Go Home”. With GO Transit and PRESTO Perks, you’ll get big savings and big fun, and then we’ll take you home!
Hockey Hall of Fame
Save 20% off regular admission rates with PRESTO Perks! If you’ve got little hockey fans in your family, you might want to plan a special trip to Toronto for this attraction. They’ll love the interactive exhibits, and it’s an easy walk from Union Station!
ROM
Use PRESTO Perks to save 15% off regular admission rates! There’s discovery fun for the whole family at the Royal Ontario Museum. The Bat Cave, Age of Dinosaurs, and Hands-on Biodiversity Gallery are must-see areas when you’re visiting with kids.
Save with PRESTO Perks
Find out how and where you can show your PRESTO card to get discounts on some of Ontario's top attractions, through the PRESTO Perks program.
Grab a Quick Bite
You’ve had such a busy and fun-filled day with your kids in downtown Toronto! You’re just about ready to head home, but you’re likely all hungry after all the sightseeing. Luckily, there are some amazing dining options right inside Union Station and surrounding neighbourhoods!
Convenience is important when the kids are tired and need to eat NOW, but the bonus is that these eateries are also delicious and you can use your PRESTO card to take advantage of a 20% discount on all food and non-alcoholic beverages when you dine-in at any one of them.
If your family loves fried chicken, you have to taste the Southern-style flavours at Union Chicken.
For the ultimate burger, take the kids to Mikey’s Smash Burgers. It’ll be a hit!
Or, if you and your kids are fans of authentic Italian cuisine, try Amano Italian Kitchen for a taste of Italy!
Alright, now that your bellies are full, hop on your GO train or bus and head home. You’ve spent one day in Toronto and made a dozen memories!