Your Summer Inspiration: Things to Do with Kids This Weekend and Beyond
Published: Jun 9, 2026
Summer weekends always seem to pass by in the blink of an eye. You want to make the absolute most of every sunny Saturday and Sunday, building memories that your family will look back on for years to come. Finding exciting, family-friendly activities across the region can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when you factor in driving traffic and finding parking. We know that as parents, you are constantly searching for fresh ideas to keep everyone entertained and engaged. Fortunately, you do not have to stress over the logistics of your next big outing.
GO Transit makes it incredibly easy and affordable to explore the entire region together as a family. You can skip the crowded highways and turn the journey itself into a fun part of your weekend adventure. Kids absolutely love riding the train, watching the scenery glide by from the comfortable seats on the upper level. To make your family outings even better, you can take full advantage of the $10 One-Day Weekend Pass. This incredible pass allows you unlimited travel across the network for a single day, leaving you with more budget for treats and tickets. Best of all, kids GO free! Kids 12 and under ride completely free on all GO trains and buses, making your family travel plans more budget-friendly than ever.
Fun Family Stuff Near Me Across the Region
When you start looking for things to do with kids this weekend, you will quickly discover a massive variety of summer activities waiting just a short transit ride away. Our region is absolutely packed with destinations that cater to all ages, energy levels, and interests. You can easily spend an entire day exploring beautiful local parks that offer plenty of green space for running, picnicking, and simply enjoying the warm weather. Many of these community hubs feature massive splash pads where little ones can cool off safely while you relax in the shade nearby.
Summer is also the perfect season to experience vibrant outdoor festivals happening right in your own area or in a neighbouring city. These community events often feature live entertainment, local food vendors, and dedicated interactive children's zones. If your family prefers learning through discovery, you can visit world-class attractions like interactive zoos and engaging museums. These spaces offer climate-controlled breaks from the heat alongside fascinating exhibits that captivate curious young minds. For those who love the great outdoors, the region boasts an incredible network of family-friendly hiking trails. You can pack a comfortable pair of shoes, grab your water bottles, and introduce your children to the beauty of local forests and conservation areas.
Things to Do with Kids in Toronto
Toronto is a vibrant hub of family entertainment, offering endless possibilities for a memorable weekend getaway. Your first stop should absolutely be Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, located just steps away from Union Station. As soon as you walk through the doors, your family will be transported into an incredible underwater world. Children are always mesmerized by the massive underwater tunnel, where sharks and stingrays glide gracefully right over their heads. The interactive touch tanks offer a hands-on learning experience that kids simply adore. And don’t forget to save on your admission with PRESTO Perks! Save 20% on general admission when you show your PRESTO card.
After marvelling at the marine life, you can head down to the waterfront and catch a ferry over to the Toronto Islands. The boat ride itself provides stunning views of the city skyline and serves as a thrilling mini-adventure for younger children. Once you arrive at Centre Island, you are treated to expansive beaches, shady picnic spots, and completely car-free walking paths. Families can rent a quadricycle to pedal around together or spend a few hours enjoying the vintage rides at Centreville Amusement Park. The atmosphere on the islands feels worlds away from the bustling city centre.
Before heading back home, consider taking a short transit ride over to the west end to visit the High Park Zoo. This delightful, free-admission attraction has been a local favourite for generations. You can stroll along the shaded paddocks and introduce your kids to bison, deer, llamas, and the famous capybaras. The surrounding park also features an incredible adventure playground designed like a wooden castle, giving kids the perfect place to burn off any remaining energy. Toronto truly offers an unmatched variety of engaging activities that make planning a full day of family fun entirely effortless.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Burlington This Weekend
If you are looking for a slightly more relaxed but equally engaging destination, Burlington is a spectacular choice for your next family excursion. A visit to the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens is a must for families who appreciate nature and beautifully manicured outdoor spaces. The expansive grounds provide endless opportunities for children to explore colourful flowerbeds, observe local wildlife, and wander through enchanting forest trails. The nature play areas encourage kids to interact with their environment, building structures from natural materials and learning about the local ecosystem. And don’t forget to save 15% off General Adult Admission when you show your PRESTO card.
After spending your morning among the blooms, make your way down to the picturesque Burlington waterfront. Spencer Smith Park is the crown jewel of the shoreline, offering a massive promenade with unobstructed views of Lake Ontario. Children love running across the wide-open grassy areas, while parents appreciate the gentle lake breezes. Right within the park, you will find the Nelson Splash Pad, which is an absolute lifesaver on a hot summer afternoon. The interactive water features guarantee endless giggles and provide the perfect spot to cool down before your next activity.
No summer weekend is complete without a sweet treat, so take some time for ice cream hopping in downtown Burlington. The charming downtown core is filled with fantastic local parlours offering everything from classic scoops to elaborate gelato creations. You can grab your favourite flavours and enjoy a leisurely waterfront walk or bike ride along the paved trails. The flat, accessible paths are perfect for strollers, scooters, and beginner cyclists of all ages. Burlington perfectly balances beautiful natural scenery with family-friendly amenities, making it a highly rewarding destination for your weekend transit journey.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Hamilton This Weekend
Hamilton is an incredible destination that seamlessly blends fascinating local history with massive outdoor recreation spaces. You can start your Hamilton adventure with a visit to the magnificent Dundurn Castle. This historic neoclassical mansion offers family-friendly guided tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into life in the nineteenth century. Children are often captivated by the sprawling kitchen gardens and the vast grounds, which offer plenty of space for a scenic morning stroll. The experience is both highly educational and deeply engaging for visitors of all ages.
Next, you can head down to the beautiful waterfront to explore the expansive Bayfront Park. This meticulously landscaped area features wide, paved trails that loop around the harbour, making it ideal for family walks or rollerblading. The park provides fantastic views of the water, and you can often spot swans and ducks paddling near the shoreline. From there, stop by William’s Fresh Café for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or lunch with a view of the water. And once you’re fueled up, check out HMCS Haida National Historic Site. Canada’s most famous naval warship and the last remaining Tribal-class destroyer in the world. Step aboard to explore the ship’s decks, engine rooms, and living quarters while learning about its remarkable service during the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Cold War. It’s a fascinating waterfront attraction that brings Canada’s naval history to life for visitors of all ages.
Leave the Planning to GO Transit for the Best Things to Do with Kids This Weekend
Planning the perfect family weekend does not have to be a source of stress or endless logistical headaches. With GO Transit’s $10 One-Day Weekend Pass, you can easily explore multiple destinations in one day without breaking the bank. The flexibility of unlimited travel allows you to hop on and off as you please, adapting your plans to suit your family's pace and energy levels. Knowing that kids 12 and under ride free adds an extra layer of relief to your weekend budget, allowing you to focus your spending on the experiences that matter most.
You can confidently leave the driving, navigation, and parking to the professionals while you focus on connecting with your children. Simply plan your trip and map out your journey from your local station to your chosen attractions. The spacious trains offer comfortable seating, washrooms, and the freedom to play games or read books together during the ride. Plan your weekend adventure with GO Transit today, discover amazing new places across the region, and make this summer one to remember for the whole family!
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that we connect communities by building and operating transit within the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples, for whom these lands continue to have great importance. Treaties between First Nations and governments cover these lands, and the promises contained in these Treaties remain relevant to this day. Metrolinx and its employees are committed to understanding the history of these lands and the continued impacts of colonization and take responsibility for actions to advance reconciliation. Metrolinx will continue to seek the knowledge, expertise and experience of Indigenous partners and commits to doing business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration.