A 5-Day Family Friendly Toronto Itinerary

  1. Day 1: CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
    20 minutes (4.4 km) from Pearson International Airport

    Start your Toronto adventure by visiting two of the city's most iconic attractions: the CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. Head up to the observation deck of the CN Tower for sweeping views of the city and then head down to Ripley's Aquarium to explore the diverse marine life. Don't miss the Dangerous Lagoon exhibit where you will come face to face with sharks and sea turtles.

  2. Day 2: Toronto Islands and Centreville Amusement Park
    30 minutes (5.5 km) from CN Tower

    Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands for a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Enjoy the views of the city skyline while on the ferry ride. Once on the islands, take a short walk to Centreville Amusement Park for a fun-filled day with the family. Go on exciting rides, play carnival games, and visit petting zoos. Don't forget to rent bikes or tandem bikes to go around the scenic loops through the park.

  3. Day 3: Royal Ontario Museum and Casa Loma
    25 minutes (6.1 km) from Centreville Amusement Park

    Visit two of Toronto's grandest museums. Start your day at the Royal Ontario Museum, exploring the galleries of exhibits from around the world. There's something for everyone in the family, from the dinosaur exhibits to the ancient Egyptian and Greek galleries. Afterward, head to the Casa Loma - a beautiful Gothic Revival-style mansion that will transport you back in time. Walk through the majestic halls of this castle and imagine yourself as a member of the royal family.

  4. Day 4: St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District
    20 minutes (5.3 km) from Casa Loma

    Get a taste of Toronto by checking out two of the city's most popular food destinations. Start your day at the historic St. Lawrence Market, where you can sample local delicacies from artisanal cheese to peameal bacon sandwiches. Afterward, head to the Distillery District, which is home to more than 40 heritage buildings that used to be the home of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery. Here you can walk along cobblestone streets, explore art galleries, and find unique souvenirs.

  5. Day 5: High Park and Ontario Science Centre
    30 minutes (8.8 km) from Distillery District

    End your family-friendly Toronto itinerary with a visit to two of the city's best attractions. Head to High Park, where you can explore nature in the heart of the city. Go for a walk, have a picnic, visit the zoo or botanic garden, or just relax in a peaceful environment. Afterward, head to the Ontario Science Centre, where you can experience the interactive exhibits, shows and planetarium in the Starlight Room that are both entertaining and educational for kids and adults.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • CN Tower (2-3 hours, $40-$50)
  • Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (2-3 hours, $30-$40)
  • Toronto Islands ferry and Centreville Amusement Park (4-6 hours, $20-$30)
  • Royal Ontario Museum (2-3 hours, $20-$30)
  • Casa Loma (2-3 hours, $30-$40)
  • St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District (4-6 hours, $20-$30)
  • High Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Ontario Science Centre (3-5 hours, $20-$30)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $200-$300

Useful tips

If you have an extra day, you can explore other family-friendly attractions such as the Toronto Zoo, the Art Gallery of Ontario, or the Hockey Hall of Fame. If you have fewer days in Toronto, consider skipping the Distillery District or Casa Loma, as they are more geared towards adults. Toronto is a big city, but the public transportation system, including the subway system and streetcars, is reliable and easy to use. Make sure to research beforehand if certain attractions require advance booking or if there are any COVID-19 protocols in place.

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