Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Toronto for Summer 2025

🌞 The Ultimate Guide to Toronto's Family-Friendly Attractions This Summer

Because wholesome fun doesn’t have to be boring.

Toronto in the summer? Lowkey unmatched. From skyline views and lakeside hangs to immersive museums and cute animal encounters, the 6ix is serving up a full buffet of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re planning a day out with your little siblings, showing your parents you do actually leave the house, or just vibing with your chosen fam, there’s something here for every age and attention span.

Here’s your no-stress, all-fun guide to the coolest family-friendly spots in Toronto this summer.

🐧 1. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Location: Right next to the CN Tower
Vibe: Underwater adventure but make it aesthetic

This place is not just for kids. The jellyfish tunnel is giving “IG story background,” the shark tunnel feels like a whole sci-fi movie, and the interactive touch tanks are honestly too fun to skip. With over 20,000 aquatic creatures and a walk-through Dangerous Lagoon (with a moving sidewalk!), Ripley’s is perfect for cooling down and zoning out.

Pro Tip: Go early in the morning or late evening to skip the chaos and get that uninterrupted jellyfish content.

🐘 2. Toronto Zoo

Location: Scarborough
Vibe: Animal Planet meets outdoor cardio

The Toronto Zoo is huge — like, wear-your-comfy-shoes huge. Home to over 4,000 animals and divided into regions (Africa, Tundra, Indo-Malaya), it’s a legit full-day trip. But it’s worth it for the giant pandas, rhinos, gorillas, and more. There's even a water park inside (yes, seriously) called Splash Island if you need to cool off mid-safari.

For Gen Zs: The Wildlife Health Centre gives major vet school-core energy if you’re into animal science.

🎡 3. Centre Island & Centreville Amusement Park

Location: Toronto Islands
Vibe: Cottage-core meets carnival

Hop on a ferry (which is half the fun), and escape the city heat on Toronto’s beloved Centre Island. Once you’re there, hit up Centreville — a vintage amusement park with rides that are perfect for younger kids but still nostalgic for the rest of us. Plus, bike rentals, paddle boats, and picnic-perfect spots are everywhere. Oh, and the views of Toronto’s skyline? Unreal.

Must-Do: Grab ice cream and hit the pier for a photo that screams “summer core.”

🧠 4. Ontario Science Centre

Location: North York
Vibe: Nerdy fun with lots of buttons to press

From planetarium shows to hands-on experiments, this place makes science feel like magic. Kids can build stuff, touch stuff, and run wild in the KidSpark zone, while the IMAX theatre is straight-up cinematic education. Plus, the whole space is designed to be interactive — so no one’s getting bored here.

Gen Z bonus: Some exhibits are weirdly vibey (we see you, space room) and low-key TikTok material.

🎨 5. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Location: Downtown
Vibe: Artsy but chill

Okay, hear us out: the AGO is not some boring grown-up museum. It’s legit cool. There’s pop art, Indigenous works, massive sculptures, and rotating exhibitions that mix classic with current. The kids' creative zone is great for the little ones, and the design of the building itself is a whole aesthetic moment.

Best part? Admission is free for anyone under 25. Major win.

🌳 6. High Park & the High Park Zoo

Location: West End
Vibe: Urban nature escape with chill animal energy

High Park is the kind of place where you can pack a picnic, bring a frisbee, and just vibe. But it also has a mini zoo (free entry!), a cool splash pad, a pool, and even Shakespeare in the Park performances at night. Perfect for a low-key day where you can just show up and let the day unfold.

Bring: Snacks, a book, and people you don’t mind walking 15,000 steps with.

🦖 7. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Location: University & Bloor
Vibe: Dinosaurs, gems, ancient vibes

The ROM is like the ultimate cultural mash-up. One minute you’re staring at a real dinosaur skeleton, the next you’re deep-diving into ancient Egypt or exploring Indigenous artifacts. It's air-conditioned, massive, and full of things that make you feel smarter by osmosis. Great for curious kids, nostalgic grownups, and anyone trying to escape the sun.

Extra points: The gift shop slaps. Grab a funky notebook or a crystal as a souvenir.

🍓 Bonus: Hit a Farmers' Market or Food Festival

Vibe: Snacks, sunshine, and family-friendly eats

Toronto's got weekend markets and food fests almost every week in summer. Try Evergreen Brick Works for eco-friendly vibes, or the St. Lawrence Market if you’re downtown. Summerlicious also runs throughout July with discounted menus at some of the city’s best spots — yes, even family-friendly ones.

Yes, picky eaters will be fine. There’s always fries.

🎟 Make Summer in the 6ix One for the Group Chat

Whether you’re rolling with toddlers, teens, or just your own inner child, Toronto’s got the mix of fun, fresh air, and brain-boosting entertainment to keep everyone entertained. And if you're just tagging along for the ride? There's always a skyline sunset or downtown snack stand to make it worth your while.

Stay sunny and curious with more travel picks, city guides, and Gen Z adventures — only on Woke Waves Magazine.

#TorontoSummer #FamilyFunTO #GenZTravel #TorontoWithKids #WokeWaves

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