Do you call Toronto home, or will be passing through this winter? Escape the cold with these 5 family-friendly indoor destinations in Toronto.
We are very fortunate to live in, and have our daughter grow up in, a city full of activity and opportunity. Regardless of your age, from young to old, there is something for everyone in Toronto.
We are very fortunate to live in, and have our daughter grow up in, a city full of activity and opportunity. Regardless of your age, from young to old, there is something for everyone in Toronto.
While I would much prefer to be outside with the little one, sometimes the indoors calls. Like now that the weather is getting colder. Our days at the park have instead turned to days at the local science centre and aquarium. Which is perfectly fine with the both of us.
There are so many indoor activities for children and young families in Toronto. Are you looking to escape the cold, or will be passing through Toronto this winter? Be sure to add these family-friendly indoor destinations in Toronto to your list of must-sees! PLUS don't forget to enter the giveaway (at the bottom of the list) for your chance to WIN one of two Family Passes to our favourite indoor destination to visit in the city!
5 Family-Friendly Indoor Destinations in Toronto
1. Ontario Science Centre
Activities for young children:
- KidSpark is science fun for the youngest visitors! Kids eight and under, along with their caregivers, can play and learn in an area designed just for them - watch science demonstrations, build your own roller coaster, rock out in a music studio, blow giant bubbles and more! KidSpark also includes a toddler area, where those just learning can have fun developing their motor skills by exploring shapes, sounds and textures.
Location: 770 Don Mills Rd, Toronto, ON M3C 1T3
Winter hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-4:00pm; Saturday 10:00-8:00pm; Sunday 10:00-5:00pm
Visit their website here.
Visit their website here.
2. Toronto Public Library
Activities for young children:
- Baby time (birth to 18 months plus adult) involves bouncing and tickling rhymes, songs and stories.
- Toddler time (19 months to 3 years plus adult) includes stories, songs and rhymes.
- Family Time (children age 5 and under plus adult) involves stories, songs, rhymes and activities.
- Leading to Reading is a free program for children Grades 1 to 6 in need of extra support in reading and writing. Children are matched with a volunteer, who will work with them one-on-one for one hour every week, at a specified time during the school year.
With over 100 branches across the city, reading programs and story times and locations can vary. A list can be found here.
Location: Various locations across the city. Check website for one near you.
3. Royal Ontario Museum
Activities for young children:
- The Patrick and Barbara Keenan Family Gallery of Hands-on Biodiversity will be of particular interest to young children, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to examine and handle hundreds of specimens. The gallery encourages visitors to touch skin, skulls, and other animal specimens, teaching the value of all life on earth and their complex eco-systems.
- The CIBC Discovery Gallery is a fun and engaging “mini-museum” for the youngest visitors. This interactive space is filled with touchable artifacts and real specimens and includes a special area for pre-schoolers, with puzzles, toys and costumes to try on, and is supervised by experienced gallery facilitators. This interactive space offers an abundance of hands-on activities and real artifacts that bring to life the mystery, excitement, and fascinating journey of discovery.
Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
4. Art Gallery of Ontario
Activities for young children:
- The Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre is perfect for the youngest visitors and their adult friends. Activities include art-making, constructing, storytelling, costume play, making new friends and exploring. Visit at 11:00am on Friday mornings, for a offers a creative story time just for the little ones!
Location: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
Winter hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday & Thursday 10:30-5:00pm; Wednesday & Friday 10:30-9:00pm; Saturday & Sunday 10:30-5:30pm
Visit their website here.
Visit their website here.
5. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Activities for young children:
- From a water table to marine-themed play structure, pop-up tanks and one of the Aquarium’s three touch tanks, the Discovery Centre is full of activities your little ones will love!
- There are three Touch Tanks located throughout the Aquarium. Those of all ages can have their chance to touch a horseshoe crab, cleaner shrimp, bamboo shark and cow nose ray! Friendly and informative educators will help you touch the animals, while teaching you about the amazing creatures at your fingertips.
- Catch a live interactive Dive Show at either Ray Bay or Rainbow Reef! Listen to an educator tell you about these unique habitats, while a diver feeds the animals and communicates with the audience. Dive shows run ever two hours, starting at 11:15am and ending at 5:15pm.
Location: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9
Please remember, information can change, including hours, admission, exhibits and activities. It is important to check the attraction’s website before visiting to avoid disappointment!
** The giveaway is now closed, and the winners have been contacted. Thank you to everyone that entered!**
Where are your favourite indoor spaces to visit with your children during the winter months? I'd love to hear!
Giveaway passes were graciously provided by Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, however, all opinions are 100% that of To & Fro.
