Toronto With Kids

Natasha Grzincic, a Toronto native and mom offers her wisdom on exploring Toronto with the kids. Sounds amazing!

Here we go:

Visitors to Toronto most often remark on its cleanliness and friendliness – so really, Toronto is a parent’s ultimate destination! There really are so many things to do with children in the city, from kid-friendly museums and attractions to green spaces galore. Plus, because Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities at the world – the visible minority population is virtually the majority – kids from everywhere will feel at home.

Getting To Toronto:

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is about 30-50 minutes by car from the downtown core (depending on traffic) and is serviced by most major international carriers. You can fly to Toronto direct from several cities in the US, Europe and Asia. Taxis run a flat rate of $40, while airport limousines go slightly higher at $50-70. You can also access Toronto by bus, by train through the grand Union Station or by car if you are in the region already.

Getting Around Toronto:

The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), which covers the subway, streetcars and buses, is a good way to get around the city and is less costly than taking a cab or paying for parking downtown. On weekends and statutory holidays, an all-day pass is available and can be used by up to two adults and four children/youths. Keep in mind, though, that not all stations are stroller-accessible. While help is usually available from passersby, you might have to ask for it. Try to avoid travelling during rush hour, whether in a car or by public transit.

Car seats are not mandatory in taxis, so most Toronto cab companies don’t offer them. Airport taxi companies, though, can arrange a car seat during pick up or drop off from the airport. Just request a car seat and specify the age of your children when you are confirming your booking.

Fun Things For Kids in Toronto:

Toronto is a great city for discovering on foot, and its different neighbourhoods offer something for everyone. To name just a few: take a stroll along the beachside boardwalk at the Beach – just 15 minutes east of downtown – where strollers practically outnumber pedestrians. People-watch along hip Queen West. Shop for ethnic-and-ethical food in Kensington Market, especially on pedestrian-only Sundays, the last Sunday of the month from May to October. Go at your own pace with Discovery Walks, self-guided tours that cover various neighbourhoods throughout the city and are mapped out in free brochures. Download the maps for free from the city’s website.

During the warm-weather months there are so many festivals happening across the city it’s almost impossible not to stumble across one while you’re here. To make sure you don’t miss out, pick up one of the free weekly magazines in boxes dotted around town (Now Magazine or Eye Weekly) to find out what’s on.

CityPASS gives you admission to five Toronto attractions (CN Tower, Casa Loma, Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Zoo) at nearly half the price than if you went to each attraction on its own. It’s valid for nine days from the first day of use, and lets you bypass the lines.

Take a short ferry to Centre Island, itself a treat for the kids, and go to the old-fashioned Centreville Amusement Park, complete with an antique carousel and spinning teacups. There’s also a petting zoo. Or skip Centreville and enjoy Centre Island, which has loads of green space and bicycle paths to expend some extra energy, plus wading pools. (Swimming in Lake Ontario is permitted but is not recommended.)

Look down on the world from Toronto’s CN Tower, which, at 1,815 feet, is among the world’s tallest free-standing structures. Don’t miss the glass floor at the 1,122-feet mark, specifically designed for you to walk or crawl across it, sit on it or even jump on it. Apparently it can withstand 14 large hippos.

Harbourfront offers free events year-round, but is especially alluring in the summer, where you can enjoy free concerts al fresco. The Astroturf grass is also a hit among tots who want a place to move around without all the dirt. In the winter, the pond is transformed into an ice rink, and skate rentals are offered. Nearby: Sugar Beach’s splash pad; HTO Park with a man-made sandy beach; Toronto Music Garden.

Pack a picnic and head west to High Park, Toronto’s answer to New York’s Central Park, featuring playgrounds for children and even a (free!) zoo, with llamas, bison, peacocks and more. Other great parks in the city: Trinity Bellwoods; Allan Gardens; Dufferin Grove.

You could easily spend a day at Ontario Place, with rides for the whole family, including special attractions for the “wee ones” – like mini bumper boats. Also check out the pedal boats, the water park, the soft play climbing structure (the biggest in Canada!), an IMAX theatre and more – all while enjoying the view of the lake. Open from May to September.

In the last two weeks of August, your admission to Ontario Place also includes entry into the Canadian National Exhibition (the Ex), where you can sample deep-fried butter, a children’s midway, agricultural displays, air shows and more. The SuperDogs show is a family favourite.

If you are into roller coasters and waterparks, go to Canada’s Wonderland. A fair portion of its 200 rides and attractions are geared toward the smaller visitors. The funnel cake alone is reason to visit. About 45 minutes from downtown Toronto, you can get there by taking regular Wonderland Express “GO” buses from Yorkdale and York Mills subway stations.

The Ontario Science Centre, although a bit out of the way, is well worth a visit – especially on a rainy day. “Learn through play” in KidSpark – a whole floor dedicated to kids 8 and under to enjoy with their parents or carers. Let your kids do the shopping in the replica supermarket, complete with shopping trolleys and working scanners. Kids also love the extended water play area (bibs are provided).

Riverdale Farm brings rural Ontario to the east of the city. It’s a working farm open year round, from 9am-5pm, and admission is free. Tour the farm’s 7.5 acres along stroller-accessible pathways through woods, around ponds and into vegetable gardens, and visit the farm animals. In the summer months, pack a swimsuit – there’s also a wading pool nearby.

Take in a sporting event. We’ve got professional baseball, soccer, hockey, football, basketball, lacrosse teams (although the performance is negligible) – something for every kid in every season. If you had to pick just one, go watch baseball at the Rogers Centre. Tickets are pretty cheap and easy to come by, and thanks to the dome’s retractable roof, games are never rained out.

The Royal Ontario Museum’s dinosaur exhibit and bat cave always attract a young crowd, but if they fail to please there’s the Discovery Gallery especially for children, where little ones can dig for dinosaur bones and dress up in medieval wear. When you get hungry, stop by the ROM’s own family-friendly Food Studio Café for healthy but delicious menu options. The ROM’s central location makes it an easy trek for the family.

Put a face to the names of all those animals your child imitates at the Toronto Zoo. It’s one of the largest in the world, spanning more than 700 acres and housing over 5,000 animals. With more than 10 kilometres (6 miles) of walking trails, it’s not an easy day on the feet. Wagons and strollers are available for rent.

Most neighbourhoods have their own Ontario Early Years Centres, places where parents and caregivers can take part, with their children (aged 0-6), in a range of free programmes and activities, as well as get information about what programmes and services are available in the city. A good stop if you’re planning an extended visit.

Baby Supplies and Emergencies in Toronto:

There is an abundance of baby supplies at Shoppers Drug Mart or any of the major supermarkets. All stock diapers, wipes and creams, and bottles, jar foods and snacks, some even in their own brand. President’s Choice (prolific at Loblaw’s and No Frills) is a personal favourite – much of it is organic and made with few additives, if any.

Baby medicine, such as Tylenol and Tempra (acetaminophen) and Baby Advil (ibuprofen), are easily acquired at Shoppers Drug Mart and other pharmacies, as well as at supermarkets that have their own pharmacies.

For medical needs, there are plenty of walk-in clinics you can visit. If you’re not sure what you need, call Telehealth Ontario for quick, easy access to a registered nurse, who can assess your child’s symptoms and help you decide your best first step. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-866-797-0000 or find them online.

For emergencies, the centrally located Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is the place to go.

Where to Stay with Kids in Toronto:

There are plenty of options to choose from, from your run-of-the-mill Comfort Suites and Holiday Inn Expresses, to the more luxurious Four Seasons and King Edward hotels. You can usually find a deal if you book online ahead of time. Some suggestions:

Delta Chelsea Hotel: Canada’s largest hotel boasts an indoor family pool with a 130-foot corkscrew waterslide and supervised childcare for when parents need a little alone time. Plus, children under 6 eat for free from the special children’s menu.

Town Inn Hotel Suites: This apartment hotel offers suites with full kitchens for those days you can’t be bothered to dine out.

Days Inn Toronto Beach: If you’re not into staying in the heart of the city, go east to family-friendly neighbourhood of the Beach, where you’re less than a 10-minute walk from a boardwalk and sandy beaches.

Where to Eat with Kids in Toronto:

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, so there’s no better way to explore the city than by eating your way around the globe at any of our restaurants.

Toronto claims to have one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world (actually, we have two), so Chinese restaurants deserve a special mention. According to one mom, the more authentic the restaurant, the more welcome the kids. Beware: strollers can be hard to carry up and down steps – many restaurants are second floor affairs – and can be challenging to park at the table. We like Rol San and Bright Pearl Seafood Restaurant in the main Chinatown (Spadina and Dundas area).

St. Lawrence Market houses dozens of permanent vendors – butchers, bakers and veal and eggplant parmesan makers – and makes a good stop for lunch. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays. Arrive early (or very late) on Saturday to avoid the crowds.

Close by is the newly renovated Marché (formerly Richtree) at Yonge and Wellington. Marché is styled like a market where you choose what you like and have it made right before your very eyes. It has a small play area (a slide, some toys, colouring stuff) and a counter with a microwave and bottle warmer. It opens at 7am every day, which makes it a great destination if you have early birds.

Skip the McDonald’s and go for Lick’s, the great Canadian burgers-and-ice-cream chain, instead. Servers sing your order a cappella, servings are massive, and balloons and red and white poles fill the faux 1960s’-style restaurant.

Lil’ Bean N’ Green is a kid-friendly cafe you shouldn’t miss if you are staying out in the east end. They serve all the usual coffee options, plus gluten and nut free snacks, specially prepared for the kids. But the real draw is the play area in the back, complete with treehouse.

If you are sans bébés, try the tapas-style restaurant Lee, by renowned chef Susur Lee. Hit up Le Sélect to enjoy steak frites in an art nouveau atmosphere and an extensive wine list. Enjoy the view from Canoe, on the 54th floor of the TD Tower, which serves up regional Canadian cuisine, like Maritime lobster and BC salmon.

Where to Shop for Kids in Toronto:

Toronto has a wealth of baby stores to choose from, covering a lot of territory and a huge variety of products.

One of Toronto’s main tourist attractions is the 200+ shop-mall, the Eaton Centre. Here you’ll find all of the chain children’s wear shops, such as Children’s Place, Old Navy and Baby Gap, plus toy stores too. Be warned that the elevator system is confusing, and the best places to breastfeed are in specially designated rooms at the Sears and the Bay department stores. GapKids will also let you use a change room if they’re not too busy, but it’s awkward. Don’t miss the fountain that shoots water 85 feet in the air.

Chapters/Indigo, with several locations in Toronto, sells books and a smattering of toys. Some locations have children’s areas where kids can test out the merchandise.

The more boutique-y shops are not directly in the downtown core but deserve a mention. Find the “Best Baby Stores in Toronto“, according to BlogTO.com, here:

We especially like Baby On the Hip, an environmentally friendly baby boutique in Toronto’s east end with lots of locally sourced and organic merchandise, and Kol Kid on hipster strip Queen Street West, although service is hit and miss.

How Kid-Friendly is Toronto?