Things To Do In Toronto With Kids – Your Guide To Outdoor Urban
Planning a family trip to a major city like Toronto can feel like a challenge, especially when your crew is more at home on a trail than on a sidewalk. You might worry about finding enough green space to keep the kids from climbing the hotel walls.
I promise you this: Toronto is a hidden gem for outdoor-loving families. It’s a city built around a massive ravine system and a Great Lake, offering a surprising number of ways to connect with nature without ever leaving the urban core.
In this guide, we’ll skip the usual tourist traps and focus on the real adventures. You’ll discover how to explore island parks, hike through an urban national park, paddle on Lake Ontario, and find sustainable activities that align with your outdoor values. Let’s gear up for a different kind of city trip.
Why Toronto is a Surprisingly Great Basecamp for Family Outdoor Fun
At first glance, Toronto is all skyscrapers and streetcars. But look closer, and you’ll see a city deeply connected to its natural landscape. This unique blend offers incredible benefits of things to do in toronto with kids that you won’t find elsewhere.
The city’s founders wisely preserved the vast network of ravines that carve through its neighborhoods. This means you’re often just minutes away from a forested trail, even in the heart of the city. Add Lake Ontario’s massive shoreline and a cluster of islands just a ferry ride away, and you have a recipe for adventure.
This setup allows your family to experience the best of both worlds. You can spend the morning hiking a wooded path in Rouge National Urban Park and the afternoon exploring a world-class museum. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids to travel that balances culture with the great outdoors.
Your Essential Toronto Island Hopping Guide
One of the absolute must-do outdoor adventures is a trip to the Toronto Islands. This chain of small islands in Lake Ontario is a car-free oasis, offering a perfect escape from the city bustle. Think of it as a day-trip expedition just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown.
Getting There: The First Adventure
The journey starts at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride itself is a thrill for kids, offering spectacular views of the Toronto skyline. Pro-tip: buy your tickets online in advance to skip the long lines, especially on summer weekends.
Choosing Your Island Destination
The ferry goes to three different spots on the islands. For families, Centre Island is the main hub. It’s home to the Centreville Amusement Park, Franklin Children’s Garden, and a small farm.
If you’re seeking a quieter experience, take the ferry to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Point. From there, you can easily walk or bike to the main attractions, but with fewer crowds at the start. The paths connecting the islands are perfect for a family bike ride or a long stroll.
What to Pack and Do
Treat this like any day hike. Pack a daypack with water (we love our trusty Nalgene bottles), snacks, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket. The beaches on the south side of the island, like Ward’s Island Beach, are fantastic for a picnic and some sandcastle building.
You can rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards right on the island. Paddling through the calm lagoons offers a unique perspective of the islands and the city skyline. It’s a fantastic, low-stakes way to get your kids comfortable on the water.
Hiking Toronto’s Urban Wilderness: The Ravine System & Parks
Toronto’s ravine system is its wild heart. These green corridors provide incredible opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. Here are a few top spots to add to your things to do in toronto with kids guide.
High Park: The All-in-One Adventure
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park and offers something for everyone. It has easy, paved trails for strollers, more rugged dirt paths through the black oak savannah (a rare ecosystem), and even a small zoo.
The Grenadier Pond is a beautiful spot for a walk, and in the spring, the cherry blossoms are a world-famous attraction. Pack a lunch and make a full day of it. This is a great place to start your urban hiking adventures.
Evergreen Brick Works: A Lesson in Restoration
Nestled in the Don River Valley, Evergreen Brick Works is a former quarry and brick factory transformed into a vibrant community hub focused on sustainability. It’s one of the best eco-friendly things to do in toronto with kids.
Hike the trails that wind up the valley walls for a stunning lookout over the city. The site also features a children’s garden, a weekend farmers’ market, and educational exhibits on urban ecology. It’s a perfect blend of learning and outdoor fun.
Rouge National Urban Park: True Wilderness in the City
This is the real deal. Rouge National Urban Park is North America’s largest urban park, and it feels a world away from downtown. Here you can find forests, creeks, a sandy beach on Lake Ontario, and even farmland.
For families, the Mast Trail is a great option. It’s a moderately challenging trail that follows an old logging route through a mature forest. Always check trail conditions before you go, pack plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes like a pair of Merrells or Keens. Remember, this is a national park—practice Leave No Trace principles just as you would in the backcountry.
Getting on the Water: Paddling on Lake Ontario
The vast expanse of Lake Ontario is central to Toronto’s identity. Getting out on the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city and is an unforgettable experience for kids.
Several rental shops along the waterfront, like Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre, offer kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. They provide all the necessary safety gear, including Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for the whole family.
A guided tour can be a great option for beginners. Knowledgeable guides can teach you basic paddling strokes and share interesting facts about the city’s history and geography. Always check the weather forecast before heading out; Lake Ontario’s conditions can change quickly.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Toronto with Kids
As outdoor enthusiasts, we want to ensure our adventures are respectful of the environment. One of the best practices for exploring Toronto is to do it sustainably.
Embrace Public Transit
Toronto’s transit system (the TTC) can get you to or near most of these outdoor locations. It reduces your carbon footprint and helps you avoid the headache and expense of city parking—a common problem for visitors. A day pass can be an economical option for a family.
Pack In, Pack Out
This simple rule is paramount. Whether you’re on the Toronto Islands or hiking in the Rouge Valley, make sure every wrapper and piece of trash comes back with you. This simple act is part of the things to do in toronto with kids care guide for our natural spaces.
Visit Local Farmers’ Markets
Instead of packing processed snacks, visit one of the city’s many farmers’ markets, like the one at Evergreen Brick Works or St. Lawrence Market. You can pick up fresh, local fruit and baked goods for your day’s adventure. It supports local agriculture and reduces packaging waste.
Practical Tips for Your Toronto Family Adventure
A successful urban outdoor trip is all about preparation. Here are some essential things to do in toronto with kids tips to help you navigate the city like a pro.
- Dress in Layers: The weather by Lake Ontario can be unpredictable. A fleece, a waterproof shell jacket, and a hat are always good to have in your daypack, even on a sunny day.
- Stay Hydrated and Fueled: City exploring can be just as tiring as a long hike. Carry refillable water bottles and plenty of healthy snacks to keep energy levels high and avoid meltdowns.
- Pace Yourselves: Don’t try to cram too much into one day. Plan for one major activity and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Downtime is crucial for kids.
- Navigate with an App: Use a transit app like Google Maps or Citymapper to easily plan your routes on the TTC. It makes getting around much less intimidating.
- Know Where the Washrooms Are: One of the most common problems with things to do in toronto with kids is finding a public washroom when you need one. Parks, community centres, and coffee shops are usually your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Toronto with Kids
What’s the best time of year for outdoor activities in Toronto?
Summer (June to August) offers the warmest weather for water activities and beach days. However, late spring (May) and early fall (September to October) are fantastic for hiking, with fewer crowds and beautiful colours. Winter offers unique opportunities like skating at outdoor rinks.
Are these activities suitable for toddlers and young children?
Absolutely. Most of the park trails, especially in High Park and on the Toronto Islands, are stroller-friendly. Places like the Evergreen Brick Works and Centreville are specifically designed with young children in mind. Just choose shorter trails and plan for plenty of breaks.
Do we need to rent a car to access these places?
For most activities within the city, a car is more of a hindrance than a help. The TTC and your own two feet are the best way to get around. For day trips to conservation areas outside the city, a car would be necessary.
What essential gear should we pack for a day of exploring Toronto’s parks?
Think of it as a light day hike. A comfortable daypack (like an Osprey Daylite), sturdy walking shoes, refillable water bottles, layered clothing including a rain jacket, sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a small first-aid kit are all you need.
Toronto offers a fantastic playground for families who love to blend outdoor adventure with urban exploration. By focusing on its incredible green spaces, you can craft a memorable trip that feels both exciting and restorative.
So pack your daypacks, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the wild side of the city. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for how nature and urban life can coexist beautifully.
Explore confidently, and enjoy the journey!
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