Family Things to Do in Ontario
Ontario is made for family trips. Ride the coasters at Canada’s Wonderland, meet the animals at the Toronto Zoo and African Lion Safari, dive into Ripley’s Aquarium, explore hands-on science, and hit the beach. Here are the best things to do with kids, by region and season.
Family Fun Family FestivalsOntario with Kids
Few places make family travel as easy as Ontario. Big-hitter attractions cluster around Toronto and Niagara, wildlife parks and science centres are spread across the province, and there’s a beach, splash pad, or conservation area never far away. Add hundreds of family-friendly festivals and it’s simple to fill a weekend — or a whole vacation — for every age.
Summer is peak season for outdoor attractions and beaches, but many of the biggest draws are indoor, making Ontario a great family destination year-round.
Best Things to Do with Kids
🎢 Theme & water parks
Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto is the country’s biggest amusement park, with world-class coasters and a huge water park. Regional water parks and Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls round out the thrills.
🦁 Zoos & safaris
The Toronto Zoo is one of the world’s largest, and African Lion Safari near Hamilton lets you drive through enclosures of free-roaming animals. Smaller zoos and wildlife parks are dotted across the province.
🐠 Aquariums
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, right at the base of the CN Tower in Toronto, is a family favourite, with its walk-through shark tunnel and touch tanks — an easy pairing with a tower visit.
🔬 Hands-on science
Science North in Sudbury is a top northern attraction, packed with interactive exhibits, an IMAX theatre, and a butterfly gallery. Children’s museums and discovery centres in other cities add more hands-on fun.
🏖️ Beaches & the outdoors
Wasaga Beach, Sandbanks, and Sauble Beach offer shallow, sandy shorelines perfect for kids, while provincial parks add easy trails, swimming, and junior-ranger programs in summer.
🎪 Family festivals & fairs
Fall fairs with midways, winter light festivals, maple-syrup events, and community celebrations run all year — a fun, affordable, and very local way to entertain the whole family.
Where to Go
| For… | Go to | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Theme parks & aquarium | Greater Toronto Area | Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium |
| Safari & wildlife | Hamilton & Niagara | African Lion Safari and Niagara’s family attractions |
| Hands-on science | Northern Ontario | Science North in Sudbury |
| Beaches | Georgian Bay & Cottage Country | Wasaga and Sauble — shallow, sandy, kid-friendly |
| Waterpark resorts | Hamilton & Niagara | Great Wolf Lodge and indoor waterparks |
Plan Your Visit
Buy tickets online: Major attractions like Canada’s Wonderland, the Toronto Zoo, and Ripley’s Aquarium often offer cheaper advance tickets online and let you skip the ticket line. Check for family passes and combo deals.
Mix indoor and outdoor: Ontario weather can turn, so pair outdoor plans (beaches, parks, theme parks) with indoor backups (aquariums, science centres, museums) — especially useful in spring, fall, and winter.
Check hours & seasons: Some outdoor attractions and water parks are seasonal, and hours change through the year. Confirm opening dates and times before you go, particularly outside summer.
Family Fun FAQ
What is the best amusement park in Ontario?
Canada’s Wonderland, just north of Toronto, is the country’s largest amusement park, with more than a dozen roller coasters and a large water park. It’s the top choice for thrill-seeking families, generally open from spring through fall.
What can you do with kids in Toronto?
Toronto is packed with family options: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and the CN Tower, the Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre’s programming, children’s museums, waterfront parks, and Centre Island. Many attractions cluster downtown, making them easy to combine.
Is there a safari in Ontario?
Yes — African Lion Safari near Hamilton lets families drive through large enclosures where animals roam freely, along with walking areas, shows, and a splash pad. It’s one of Ontario’s most popular family day trips.
What are good family activities in Ontario in winter?
Winter brings indoor waterpark resorts like Great Wolf Lodge, aquariums and science centres, skating, tubing hills, and winter festivals with family programming. Indoor attractions make Ontario a strong family destination even in the cold months.
Where can kids learn about science in Ontario?
Science North in Sudbury is a standout, with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theatre, and live science shows. The Ontario Science Centre continues to offer programming at interim locations while a new permanent facility is developed. Children’s museums and discovery centres add more options in other cities.