The ferry ride
Skyline views and the wind in your hair. For many toddlers, this is the best part.
Toddler tip: Stand on the top deck at the back for the best view of the CN Tower.
Park, Toronto Harbour
Toronto Island with a toddler
A ferry ride, a car-free island, little rides at Centreville, and goats at Far Enough Farm.
- Cost
- Ferry ticket. Centreville is free to enter; rides cost extra.
- Best for ages
- All ages
- Time needed
- Half or full day
- Stroller
- Paved paths across the island
- Washrooms
- Near the docks, beaches and Centreville
- Getting there
- Ferry from the foot of Bay Street
Free · ages 3–6
Toronto Island Explorer booklet
Two pages of stops, counting games, bingo and wow facts, from the Ferry Ride to Centreville. Ends with a drawing box and an explorer badge.
Download free (PDF)Visiting with a younger toddler? Try the simpler Toronto Island picture hunt (ages 2–4, PDF).
Toddler highlights
Centreville Amusement Park
A classic little amusement park with a carousel, a train, teacups and gentle rides.
Toddler tip: It's open weekends in spring and fall and daily in summer, so check the calendar.
Far Enough Farm
A free farm next to Centreville with goats, sheep, pigs and other farm animals.
Toddler tip: Bring hand sanitizer for after the animals.
Beaches
Sandy beaches with lifeguards in summer, plus plenty of shells and sticks to collect.
Toddler tip: Centre Island Beach is closest to the Centreville dock.
Island tips for little ones
Little legs tire fast, and piggyback rides on the ferry are less charming than they sound, so bring the stroller. Pack sunscreen, hats and a change of clothes for the beach, and plan your ferry home before the late-afternoon rush.
Plan your visit
Ferries
City ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street and go to Centre Island, Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point. Buy tickets online ahead of summer weekends, when lines get long.
Which dock
Take the Centre Island ferry for Centreville and Far Enough Farm. Ward's Island is quieter, with a café and beach.
Strollers and bikes
Strollers are welcome on the ferry, and the island is flat with long paved paths. Bike rentals, including kid bikes, are available near Centre Island.
Food
There are snack bars and counter-service food around Centreville, but a picnic on the grass is half the fun.
Toronto Island through the seasons
spring
Quieter weekends before the summer rush. Centreville opens on spring weekends.
summer
Peak season, with beaches, rides and long ferry lines. Go early.
fall
Golden trees, fewer people, and Centreville on weekends until the end of September.
winter
Ferries still run to Ward's Island, and it's a peaceful, frosty walk.
More in Toronto
Free printable
ParkHigh Park with a toddler
Free animal paddocks, a giant castle playground, ducks on the pond, and plenty of paved stroller loops.
Free printable
Indoor playRipley's Aquarium with a toddler
Sharks gliding overhead, jellyfish that glow, and touch pools, at the foot of the CN Tower.
Free printable
GalleryThe AGO with a toddler
A hands-on art centre, model ships, giant sculptures, and free admission for Ontario kids.