Toronto is probably one of the most underrated destination cities in North America, and is rarely on families' radar for travel with kids. It certainly should be.
Toronto is a big city, but it's also clean and safe for a city of this size. There are many neighborhoods here, which means families can easily find an area with an atmosphere they like. The people here are also friendly and helpful, and there are many things to do with the kids.
Toronto Beach
Most people don't immediately think beach when they think Toronto, but the city has a fun and quaint beach on the Lake Ontario shore just a short drive from downtown. In the summertime, kids will enjoy the water. There are also volleyball nets, boat rentals, shops and restaurants. This is an often overlooked attraction in Toronto.
Toronto Zoo
Toronto's Zoo is an impressive one, the largest in Canada and featuring the largest indoor gorilla exhibit in all of North America. This zoo has an amazing diversity of animals for children to admire, from bats and zebras to cheetahs and the Komodo Dragon.
Centreville Amusement Park
Take a short ferry ride to Centre Island to discover 30 amusement park rides and attractions, including a train ride, antique car ride, fire engine ride and pony rides. There are also restaurants on the island.
Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame
There is one museum that won't make the kids yawn: the Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame. Kids can pretend to be sportscasters, and they can pretend to be hockey players by shooting pucks at the net. It also features a ton of fascinating hockey artifacts, from the first days of hockey to gear from legends like Wayne Gretzky.
While you're in town, also check out Wayne Gretzky's restaurant (where hockey fan kids will like the burgers with 99 scorched onto the bun) or even try to get tickets to a Maple Leafs game (buy well in advance).
Toronto's St. Lawrence Market
Kids love farmer's markets, and the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto is a class act. It's a vast market filled with everything from maple mustards to fresh produce to fresh meats and cheeses. It's also just a fun and bustling place filled with bright colors that kids enjoy. If you get a hotel room with a kitchen or book an apartment rental for your visit, buy the ingredients for making a wonderful family dinner.
NASCAR Speed Park
Outside of Toronto in Vaughan is NASCAR Speed Park, fun for kids and adults who happen to be fans of auto racing. The park has five race tracks, racing simulators, and a rock climbing wall.
