Taking Small Children to the Toronto Zoo

Great Winter Activities for Families in Southern Ontario

Oct 17, 2009

The Toronto Zoo can be an ideal winter activity for kids of all ages. There are animals on display both inside and outside so there is always something to see.

This zoo is one of the largest in the world and it is open all year. Visiting the Toronto Zoo with children in the off season can be a great experience with a little planning and proper clothing.

What Zoo Animals are on Display in the Winter

Luckily there are four large indoor buildings to visit that will have animals on display all the time. The Americas and the Australasia buildings are the easiest to get to with flat surfaces all the way. While the route to the African Rainforest and Indomalaya building will encounter several gradual hills.

While all paths are well cleared of snow and ice, it should be noted that sometimes the wind here can make the smallest hill feel like a mountain. Especially with a stroller or for young children.

Kids will know that there are many animals suited to the cold Canadian winter and they are right. The new Tundra Trek exhibit is finally open and obviously the Polar Bears love the snow. Getting here is a fairly easy walk and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes from the front gate.

The zoo is always celebrating something and these annual winter events are educational and fun for the whole family. Plus many of the events offer discounted or free admission to the zoo.

The Boo at the Zoo party allows two children free with a costume per family and the adults have to pay regardless of what they wear. Head over to the Discovery Zone and drink some Boo Brew.

There is also free entrance to anyone attending the Remembrance Day service, 9:30 am until 11:00 am only. The ceremony is only about one hour long but it is outdoors in the Waterside Theatre so it can be cold and windy.

The Christmas Treat Walk is great fun for humans and animals! It is half price admission for everyone and all the animals included on the walk get a special holiday treat from the zoo keepers.

New Year’s Eve is a ticketed event and while the event details have yet to be released, the tickets are limited. Check the zoo website for updated information or call 416-392-5929.

Located on Meadowvale Road, north of Hwy 401 the zoo is open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm except for December 25 when the zoo is closed.

The Toronto Zoo is a fun family day and can be the perfect winter outing in Ontario.

The copyright of the article Taking Small Children to the Toronto Zoo in Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations is owned by Allison Anthony. Permission to republish Taking Small Children to the Toronto Zoo in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.