Hands-On Centre
A drop-in art-making space where kids can get creative with real materials.
Toddler tip: Check the hours online before you go, since it's not open every day.
Gallery, Downtown
The AGO with a toddler
A hands-on art centre, model ships, giant sculptures, and free admission for Ontario kids.
- Cost
- Free for kids. Ontarians under 25 are free.
- Best for ages
- 2+
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Stroller
- Stroller-friendly, with elevators
- Washrooms
- On several floors
- Getting there
- TTC Line 1: St. Patrick station
Free · ages 3–6
The AGO Explorer booklet
Two pages of stops, counting games, bingo and wow facts, from the Paintings to the Big Sculptures. Ends with a drawing box and an explorer badge.
Download free (PDF)Visiting with a younger toddler? Try the simpler The AGO picture hunt (ages 2–4, PDF).
Toddler highlights
Group of Seven paintings
Big, colourful Canadian landscapes full of lakes and trees to spot.
Toddler tip: Ask "can you find the water?" in each painting.
Henry Moore sculptures
Giant, smooth sculptures in a bright gallery that's fun to walk around.
Toddler tip: Look but don't touch. Kids love naming what each shape looks like.
Model ships
Tiny, detailed ship models in the Thomson Collection.
Toddler tip: Great for little ones who love boats. Count the masts together.
A day at the AGO with little ones
Morning: Start with the Hands-On Centre, then the Group of Seven paintings and the Henry Moore sculptures.
Lunch: Eat at the gallery, or head out to Spadina Avenue for dumplings.
Early afternoon: Grange Park for playground time and a nap.
Back inside: The model ships and a quick look at contemporary art.
Wind down: Wander through Kensington Market for colourful shops and an ice cream.
Tips: book tickets ahead, check stroller routes on the AGO map, pack snacks, water and a first-aid kit, and let the toddler set the pace.
Plan your visit
Tickets
Children are free, and Ontarians under 25 can get a free annual pass. Adults pay general admission, and the first Wednesday night of each month is free for everyone. Book those free tickets online in advance, and note that kids in strollers need a ticket too.
Free activity booklets
Ask at the entrance for the AGO's free family activity booklet, with art challenges and scavenger hunts, then use our printable as a bonus.
Food
The AGO has dining options inside, and Kensington Market and Chinatown are a few minutes' walk away for casual family food.
Naps and breaks
Grange Park is right behind the gallery, with a great playground and benches for a stroller nap.
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