Are you ready to head out on a family adventure and make a few memories with your kids? Maybe you’re finally ready to use some of those vacation days waiting for you before you lose them? If you said yes to at least one of those questions, Toronto may be a great place to consider for your family trip. There are so many things to do in Toronto. It is simple to add many of the best attractions in Toronto to your itinerary. In fact, I can do just that as I am personalizing your family vacation in Toronto. Today, I am going to share some of the best attractions in Toronto with you. This will ensure you get a head start while thinking about all the ways you can bond with your kids during this incredible time away from home.  

Best Attractions in Toronto 

Head Up to the Observation Area on the CN Tower 

The CN Tower is one of the best attractions in Toronto. It actually towers above the downtown area. So, you can’t miss it even if you wanted to!  

One of the best ways to experience this attraction is by heading up to the observation area. There are a couple of different levels to choose from. The highest observation level is the Sky Pod. You must take two different elevators to reach this level.  

The LookOut level has floor to ceiling windows. The Glass Floor level has an actual glass floor to look down through.  

An observation area that isn’t as popular is the Edge Walk. You can walk on a wide ledge on the outside of the main pod. This is a hands-free experience. However, you are attached to a safety harness and rope. If the kids want a few thrills, this may be the best option for your family!  

I recommend dining at the 360 Restaurant, which offers views directly from your table. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. If you choose to dine here, you will receive access to the LookOut and Glass Floor levels right from the restaurant.  

Visit the Royal Ontario Museum 

This museum in Toronto opened back in 1914. Inside, your family will discover numerous permanent collections. One exhibit is full of dinosaurs while another hold crystals. Pay close attention to the Michael Lee-Chin crystal. It was added to the museum in 2007.  

It can take half a day to see everything within the Royal Ontario Museum. Keep that in mind while planning your itinerary for your family vacation in Toronto.  

Explore the Distillery District 

The Distillery District is the oldest industrial neighborhood in Toronto. You won’t find distilleries there now though.  

Instead, this neighborhood is full of cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. They are all housed in restored Victorian buildings. This is one of the best places to walk around in Toronto, while finding souvenirs to take back home.  

Check Out the Marine Life at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada 

Marine life is everywhere inside Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. One of the best places to see it all inside the aquarium though is the Dangerous Lagoon. There is a moving sidewalk there. It happens to be the longest moving sidewalk in all North America!  

Stand on the moving sidewalk and watch as the fish and sharks are fed. Jelly fish, rays, and other marine life can be found throughout the other exhibits.  

Your favorite part of the day though might be when the divers enter the water to interact with the animals. These dive shows are scheduled throughout the day. I recommend finding out the times for the day of your visit and then planning your day accordingly.  

Eat Street Food Fusion at Kensington Market 

The street food fusion is the best at Kensington Market. Everyone in your family can try something different. Or you can order a few dishes and share amongst yourselves.  

In between bites of food, you can shop at the second-hand vintage boutiques or walk around the colorful streets.  

If you happen to be at the market during Pedestrian Sundays, you can join in on the lively street party.  

Explore the Scarborough Bluffs 

The Scarborough Bluffs can be found right along Lake Ontario. The bluffs are massive cliffs that loom high above sandy beaches and the sparkling water of the lake.  

This is one of the best areas for family photos. Or your next Instagram-worthy selfie!  No wonder it is on my list of the best attractions in Toronto! 

Head Out to the Toronto Islands 

There may be a time when your family wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. When that happens, I recommend heading out to the Toronto Islands.  

These small islands are full of sandy beaches, biking trails, and a small amusement park. The best part is you can catch a ferry throughout the day from the main ferry terminal in the harbor.  

While I recommend spending an entire day on the Toronto Islands, you can head over for a couple hours. It all depends on how full your itinerary is for your family vacation in Toronto.  

Learn About Science at the Ontario Science Center 

Did you know that 97% of parents say their kids learn something new about them while on vacation? Why not take that to the next level by having everyone learn something new at the Ontario Science Center?  

Imagine what you can all learn while exploring the indoor rainforest or watching a movie in the OMNIMAX dome theater. Or as you are having fun inside the science arcade.  

There is no limit to the laughs and memories you can have with your family while visiting this best attraction in Toronto.  

Enjoy a Picnic at High Park

You will discover a few parks in Toronto. However, if you want to visit the largest park, you must head over to High Park. This park has been a favorite of the locals and visitors since the 1800s.  

Your day can be spent walking the trails, checking out the views, and taking family photos. Or you can simply spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy a picnic lunch.  

The choice is always yours and I can make your vacation dreams come true as I personalize your family vacation itinerary in Toronto.  

Head Down to Niagara Falls 

Niagara Falls is a fabulous place to visit during a family vacation. You could honestly spend a few days in Niagara Falls either before or after your family vacation in Toronto.  

However, if you only have a day to spend, you can easily venture down there from Toronto. You can choose to drive yourself or I can arrange for a guided tour. Most of the tours include a Niagara Cruise, which takes you close to the water of the falls.  

When you are in Niagara Falls, you won’t want to miss stopping at the Floral Clock or the Whirlpool Rapids. The charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is another place you may want to visit if you have the time.  

And I know Niagara Falls isn’t one of the attractions in Toronto. However, it is an incredible place to visit and make memories with your family.

Grab a Bite to Eat at the St. Lawrence Market 

If you love going to farmer’s markets, you must check out the St. Lawrence Market when you are in Toronto. This is an excellent place for purchasing fresh meat, cheese, and produce. You will also find specialty items and flowers for sale.  

Of course, if you want a full meal, some vendors will have you covered with ready to eat options. Or you can just grab a cup of coffee before sitting down to do a little people watching.  

Take a Tour of Casa Loma 

Sir Henry Pellatt had this castle constructed back in 1914. There are almost one hundred rooms inside this castle. Three dozen of those rooms are bathrooms.  

I don’t know about you, but I would love to have that many bathrooms in my home. Especially when we have a houseful of kids, and the lines are long! Although, cleaning them all would not be fun!  

Anyway, you can see many of those bathrooms, as well as decorated suites, towers, and stables. Oh, don’t forget to keep your eyes open so you don’t miss the secret passages or the eight-hundred-foot tunnel.  

Watch the Fun at Yonge Dundas Square 

New York City has Times Square. Las Vegas has The Strip. And Toronto has Yonge Dundas Square.  

This is a popular gathering spot in the city. You can grab a spot at one of the seating areas. Finding one by the dancing fountains is best, so you can enjoy the views.  

Concerts are held within this square during the summer months. I recommend checking out the schedule to see if you are interested in attending one during your family vacation in Toronto.  

Wander Around Little Italy 

Do you love eating Italian food? If you said yes, a trip to Little Italy in Toronto should be near the top of your list of things to do. You will find Little Italy surrounding Collect Street.  

There are plenty of Italian restaurants to choose from in Little Italy. You can dine in one or simply walk along the wide sidewalks.  

Take the time to check out the statues of famous Italians that are scattered along the Italian Walk of Fame.  

Check Out the Bata Shoe Museum 

Do you love shoes? Does your daughter love shoes?  

If you said yes, then a visit to the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto is a must!  

Inside the Bata Shoe Museum, you will find shoes that date back forty-five hundred years all the way through now. There are fourteen thousand other artifacts mixed in with the shoes.  

Some of the more popular shoes you will see include Elton John’s silver platform boots, Queen Victoria’s ballroom slippers, and Elvis’ blue patent loafers.  

Step Back in Time at the Black Creek Pioneer Village 

Over at the Black Creek Pioneer Village, your family can learn how people lived in the 1860s. There are more than forty historical buildings to see. In and around those buildings are costumed interpreters, who go through the daily routine people would have had more than one hundred years ago.  

Imagine the shock on your kids’ faces as they watch people doing laundry and cooking the old-fashioned way!  

Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame 

Hockey lovers will enjoy spending a little time inside the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. You can all walk into a replica of the Montreal Canadians’ dressing room and see a collection of memorabilia. The highlight of your visit though will be seeing the original 1893 Stanley Cup.  

Take Selfies at Graffiti Alley 

One of the best places to take selfies in Toronto is Graffiti Alley. You can also take family photos near the painted windows and doors.  

You will find this alley near Queen Street West and Richmond Street West.  

These are the best attractions in Toronto. You can add many of them to your itinerary, along with other attractions your family wants to see. I can easily create a personalized itinerary for your family trip to Toronto after we have a planning session. I use that session to learn more about your family’s likes and dislikes, so I can create a fantastic vacation everyone will love.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Toronto or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to sign up for a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.