Not every outing works at every age. Here’s what we’d pick in Toronto for each stage. Prices and schedules change often, so check each place’s website before you go.
Mini tots (under 1)
Stroller-friendly walks. High Park is peaceful and green, the Toronto Island ferry is a scenic escape, and the Waterfront Trail has long, flat stretches by the lake. Pack the diaper bag and a change mat.
Library story time. Toronto Public Library runs free baby and toddler story times at branches across the city. Check your local branch’s schedule.
Parent and baby classes. Postnatal and baby yoga classes run at studios across the city, and many swim schools offer gentle parent-and-baby water classes. Look for programs designed for babies under one.
Quiet museums. Smaller museums like the Bata Shoe Museum, the Textile Museum of Canada and the Aga Khan Museum are calm places to wander with a baby in a carrier, and many have family programs.
Baby-friendly cafés. Look for spots with stroller space, high chairs and a changing table. Ask before you settle in.
Tots (1 to 3)
Nature play. The High Park castle playground and free zoo, the Children’s Garden at Evergreen Brick Works, and the Toronto Music Garden by the lake.
Animals. The free Riverdale Farm in Cabbagetown, the High Park Zoo, and Far Enough Farm on Toronto Island.
Splash pads. Sherbourne Common on the waterfront has a splash pad and play area, and city parks across Toronto have free splash pads in summer.
Hands-on museums. KidSpark at the Ontario Science Centre’s Harbourfront location is made for this age, and the AGO has a hands-on art centre (kids are free).
Big green spaces. The Toronto Botanical Garden, Trillium Park on the waterfront, and Centennial Park’s conservatory and playground in Etobicoke.
Giant tots (3 and up)
Nature programs. Rouge National Urban Park has trails and seasonal guided programs, and Franklin Children’s Garden on Toronto Island is great for curious bigger kids.
Museums. The ROM dinosaurs and Bat Cave hit their peak at this age.
Shows. Young People’s Theatre puts on plays made for kids, and Mirvish often has family-friendly musicals.
Big days out. The Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium.
Food adventures. A snack crawl at St. Lawrence Market, or a kids’ baking class.
Summer water. City of Toronto outdoor pools and Canada’s Wonderland’s water park for older kids who love slides.