Discover kid-friendly things to do and good eats in cosmopolitan Toronto

One of the largest cities in North America and the biggest in Canada, Toronto can be overwhelming. There’s a dizzying number of major attractions to visit, trendy neighborhoods to check out, and chic shops to browse. What makes the city feel more personal are its pockets of fierce cultural pride, from Little Iran to Chinatown to Little India. The city’s numerous museums, cutting-edge art and theater, and world-renowned restaurant scene make it an exciting place for adults. And for kids, there’s no limit of fun things to do in Toronto. You can take your family to see dinosaur skeletons at the Royal Ontario Museum, meet a huge array of living creatures at the Toronto Zoo, or take a ride on a Lake Ontario ferry. 

Reasons to go:

• World-class culinary scene: Toronto’s far-ranging dining options include everything from cozy Caribbean eateries and lively Turkish cafes to glitzy Canadian restaurants helmed by renowned celebrity chefs. There’s also the massive St. Lawrence Market, a year-round historic market complex filled with stalls for various treats like specialty cheeses, local produce, and artisanal bread.

• Film festivals and cinemas: Every September, film stars and directors head to the city for the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where the public can also get a chance to see screenings of buzzworthy films and documentaries. Year-round, cinemas like the 1920s-era Regent Theatre and the plush TIFF Bell Lightbox showcase independent films and documentaries.

• CN Tower: The crown jewel of the city skyline, the CN Tower remains a top attraction for good reason. When visiting, you can choose your experience: take in the views through floor-to-ceiling windows at 1,136 feet in the air, make a dinner reservation at the revolving 360 Restaurant, or test your daredevil limits on the EdgeWalk experience.

• History and architecture: Downtown Toronto is chock full of landmark buildings and period architecture. In the Distillery District, preserved Victorian-era industrial buildings house art galleries and refined restaurants, while in Old Town you can spot the eye-catching 1892 Flatiron (Gooderham) Building. 

Things to do in Toronto

With a mix of museums, outdoor recreation, and quirky sights, Toronto is an ideal city for family-friendly fun. Here are some top spots to visit. 

• Toronto Islands: For an exciting summer excursion between May and September, you can take a scenic ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, a small cluster of islands in Lake Ontario. Kids love Centre Island, home to the old-school Centreville Amusement Park and a small petting farm. There are also sandy swimming beaches for cooling off and mellow bike trails that traverse the islands.

• Wildlife encounters: You don’t have to go far to get close to animals in Toronto. Located next to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has thrilling exhibits like the “Dangerous Lagoon,” a moving sidewalk from which you can glimpse sharks and sea turtles through a glass tunnel. In the east end, the sprawling Toronto Zoo features animals from around the world and has a Kids Discovery Zone, with a splash pad and interactive animal shows.

• Cool museums: Always a favorite with kids, the Royal Ontario Museum showcases original dinosaur skeletons, a simulated bat cave experience, and a hands-on biodiversity exhibit. The Bata Shoe Museum offers stroller tours and kids’ activities on weekends, and the Ontario Science Centre has plenty of interactive displays, including a play zone and outdoor exhibits. 

Ready to explore Toronto for your next vacation? Book a room with Radisson Hotels Americas today and find fun for the whole family.