Explore opportunities for a Toronto family vacation
Traveling to Toronto offers the chance to create unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Adults and children alike can find plenty of fun in this stunning world-class city no matter what they’re interested in. That includes a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities and attractions specifically designed with kids in mind. Additionally, you’ll find many accommodation options available that can make any family comfortable throughout their trip. With a comfortable place to rest in between your adventures, your family can venture through Toronto and get the most out of every spot you visit.
Things to do on a family vacation to Toronto
Everybody has different interests, and that includes the members of your family. Fortunately, you won’t have to play favourites here, as this city is home to a wide variety of attractions with something for everyone. There’s no shortage of family-friendly offerings, so you don’t have to hesitate to bring your little ones along for the trip. Some of the most iconic destinations in the city work perfectly for any itinerary delighting both kids and adults. Take a look at the top things to do during a family vacation to Toronto to see how this city can provide the ultimate adventure.
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is one of the most iconic destinations in the entire country for hockey fans. Kids and adults alike can view a massive collection of hockey memorabilia along with a showcase of honored players. Your family can even pose for a picture with the coveted Stanley Cup. Kids will especially enjoy the interactive exhibits like the NHLPA Be A Player Zone where they can square up against a virtual NHL goalie or reverse the role and try to block shots taken by NHL legends.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
The LEGO theme parks are always packed full of fun, but the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre has plenty to offer in its own right. Think of it as a scaled-down version of the larger theme park variety focused more on interactive activities, making it perfect for children to enjoy. This attraction features several themed play areas along with rides that are appropriate for younger kids. Additionally, you’ll find a 4D cinema here that creates an entirely new kind of film viewing experience that the entire family can enjoy. Just make sure you reserve your tickets ahead of time.
Casa Loma
When your family visits Toronto, you may not expect to find a castle there, but that’s exactly what Casa Loma has in store. In the early 20th century, this castle was built by a financier who always dreamed of living in a castle. It sports a medieval-style look and is open to self-guided tours that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find plenty of charming private rooms within, along with a great hall, a library, and a conservatory. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you may also want to take a look around the gardens that are vibrant and immaculately well maintained.
Ontario Science Centre
At the Ontario Science Centre, you and your family will find a wide variety of different exhibits that showcase the wonder of the physical world. You’ll find exhibits showcasing the depths of the rainforest, the functioning of the human body, and the far reaches of space. The Science Arcade portion even lets kids practice their own physics experiments that are as fun as they are educational. If your kids are young, they can visit the KidSpark section, which provides a play place specifically designed for kids under 8 years of age.
Canada’s Wonderland
Theme parks always add thrilling experiences to any trip, so consider Canada’s Wonderland on your Toronto family vacation. Here, you’ll find rides suitable for all ages, including relatively slow rides for the little ones in addition to high-speed coasters for teens and adults. You can even visit the Dinosaurs Alive attraction here, which has animatronic dinosaurs that look incredibly life-like. If you’re looking to cool off, stop by the waterpark section called Splash Works, which features 20 acres of fun with a lazy river, a wave pool, and water slides.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is one of the most iconic destinations in the city, and it’s home to a wide variety of fascinating species from all over the world. You’ll find more than 6 miles of walking trails within this zoo, so your visit could easily turn into an all-day affair. Among the most popular animals here, you and your family can see pandas, gorillas, polar bears and camels. Don’t hesitate to bring your young kids along for the trip since the zoo is completely stroller-friendly with walking paths that are wide and spacious. You can even rent a stroller or a wagon if you don’t bring your own.
Royal Ontario Museum
When your family visits the Royal Ontario Museum, you’ll find a wide variety of exhibits covering natural history and that of cultures from around the world. More than 30 galleries are available here, with each showcasing something special. Some of the most popular are the Age of Dinosaurs, the Age of Mammals, the Gallery of Egypt, and the Gallery of Biodiversity. Kids will especially enjoy the CIBC Discovery Gallery, which features plenty of hands-on exhibits that let them have fun while learning about the various topics on offer here.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Dive into Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada to let your family embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring fascinating marine life. Conveniently located at the base of the CN Tower, you’ll find a massive array of creatures, including those native to Canadian waters and others that are a bit more exotic. The Dangerous Lagoon section is trendy, as it allows you and your family to walk through an underwater tunnel as some of the ocean’s most dangerous predators swim around above. Additionally, this aquarium features a Discovery Centre for kids with hands-on activities and touch pools.
CN Tower
CN Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings in Toronto, as it dominates the city’s skyline. More than 550 metres tall, this tower offers incredible views of the city when you visit the observation deck near the top. The elevator ride up to the top offers stunning views in its own right as the walls and floor are completely transparent. If your family is feeling daring, you can also try the EdgeWalk, which is a fun activity that has participants walk on a ledge outside of the tower’s main pod, all while tethered, of course.
Where to stay on a family vacation to Toronto
If you’re looking to get the most out of your family vacation to Toronto, you’ll need to make sure that you book an accommodation that the whole family will be satisfied with. Fortunately, the sheer diversity available in the Toronto area makes finding something suitable easier than ever before. What you need to consider is what neighbourhood you want to book. Take a look at the most popular neighbourhoods for families embarking on an unforgettable vacation to Toronto.
Downtown
The Downtown area is the beating heart of the city, and it will put you close to some of the best attractions around. Toronto as a whole is largely a family-friendly city, so the downtown area reflects that quite well. You’ll find fun activities like the CN Tower and the aquarium here, along with several different rental options. Apartments and condos will be the most common here, but don’t think that means you won’t have access to space. Even large families can find accommodations that let everyone sleep comfortably.
Chinatown
If you’re planning a family trip to Toronto on a budget, Chinatown is one of the best options available. Not only is this district vibrant and close to quite a few popular attractions, but the rentals here are quite affordable, relatively speaking, even if you opt for something like a house rather than an apartment or condo. Several restaurants are conveniently located within Chinatown as well, and they all tend to cater to kids just as much as they do adults. Plus, the public transportation here makes it easy to explore the rest of Toronto from Chinatown.
West Queen West
Families who are interested in immersing themselves within the local culture may want to consider booking their rental in West Queen West. This is the cultural hub of the city, where you’ll find peaceful cafes and galleries that let your family explore the more artistic side of the city. Additionally, you’ll find quite a few open green spaces and cafes as well where you can relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Plenty of rental options are available as well, from apartments and condos to full houses, all conveniently located by some of the top attractions in town.
Harbourfront
When you book your stay by the Harbourfront, you can enjoy stunning views of the water and easy access to some of the best attractions in town. Plus, if you plan on visiting the Toronto Islands, you’ll be just steps away from the ferry. This is also where you’ll find several of Toronto’s beaches that let your family enjoy some fun in the sun without having to leave the city. Additionally, the Harbourfront Centre is located here, and it hosts entertaining family-friendly events virtually every week. If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, you’ll also find the Festival of Lights here that truly illuminates the neighbourhood.
Best accommodation types for a family vacation to Toronto
On your family vacation to Toronto, finding the right kind of accommodation is essential to getting the most out of your trip. While anyone visiting a city may think they’re limited to apartments and condos, Toronto’s offerings are much more diverse. When you’re bringing your family along, what matters most is ensuring everyone has all the space they need to sleep comfortably and access the essential amenities. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far to meet those qualifications in this city. Discover which accommodation type would work best for your family trip.
Apartments/Condos
Apartments and condos will be the most common type of rental you’ll find in town by far. If you want to put your family right at the centre of the action in this city, it’s your only choice, though you’ll find a few exceptions. Booking an apartment doesn’t mean your family will be cramped, however, as some of the rentals available are huge. Luxury condos can even come with amenities you may not have expected, like a large balcony and access to your private hot tub. In general, however, apartments tend to be the most affordable kind of rental, so keep that in mind if you’re planning your trip on a budget.
Houses
Renting a house is one of the best ways to get that comforting home away from home feeling during your trip. You’ll have plenty of space, and amenities like a full kitchen are more commonplace. If you’re bringing your pet along on the trip, houses are more likely than apartments to offer access to a private outdoor space, which can certainly be helpful. However, keep in mind that houses tend to be located further away from the downtown area compared to apartments. However, with Toronto’s public transportation options, that shouldn’t hinder your ability to see the top spots in town.
Pool
No matter what kind of rental you opt for, nothing can quite beat having access to a pool. Many of the rentals in town offer easy access to a pool that lets you and your little ones splash around at the end of the day or whenever else you like during the pool’s open hours for easy fun that will keep kids and adults alike happy. Keep in mind that private pools are typically only available in high-end luxury rentals, so most cases will have you sharing a pool with other residents or visitors in the area. Even so, the pools in Toronto are well-maintained and offer fun for the whole family.
Hot tub
After a long day trekking through Toronto, you’ll need to relax. Even booking a high-quality rental with Egyptian cotton sheets can’t match the relaxation offered by a hot tub. When you have access to a hot tub, you can let relaxation and rejuvenation take over and enjoy being prepared for the next day’s fun. Hot tubs are especially relaxing if you’ve spent the day not only adventuring through the city but keeping an eye on your kids as well. While most rentals with hot tubs offer them as part of their shared pool, you’ll find some that offer a private hot tub that you can enjoy whenever you like.
Garden or backyard
Booking a rental with a garden or backyard area can go a long way towards making your trip the best it can be. You and your family can enjoy the outside without having to leave the rental, and it’s especially useful when you bring your pup along for the trip. Rentals with a garden or backyard area are often pet-friendly, giving your dog a place to run around without having to take them out on a proper walk or to a nearby dog park. Additionally, many travellers find it much easier to relax outside, and when you have your own garden or backyard, you don’t have to share your outside space with anyone else.