Cindy Melcher10 Fun Things to do in Toronto With a Baby
Known as the largest city in Canada, Toronto boasts many tourist attractions. However, finding something fun to do that’s suitable for babies can sometimes be a daunting task when unfamiliar with the city.
We have composed a list of the top ten fun things to do in Toronto with a baby to make the task easier for you.
1. Toronto Zoo
Set in the scenic Rouge Valley, the Toronto Zoo is located north of the city on Meadowvale Road. Offering so many fun things to do, the Toronto Zoo is the perfect spot to bring a baby.
Children under 2 can go in for free, and the entire facility is stroller-friendly to ensure your wee one doesn’t miss a thing. Washrooms at the Zoo also have changing tables.
There are also private feeding and changing areas.
The Toronto Zoo opens at 9 a.m for an early start to your day. Animals are active in the morning, so this is the perfect time for your bub to get in on all the action before the crowds set in.
With over 700 acres of land and 500 species of animals, there’s plenty for mom and baby to take in, including:
There are plenty of restaurants at the zoo. However, guests are welcome to bring coolers of food to enjoy a picnic lunch at one of their many rest areas throughout the zoo.
The zoo also houses a kiddie ride section where your little one can enjoy a ride on a horse, camel, or pony.
Regular admission prices to the zoo are as follows.
- Polar Bears
- Reindeer
- Elephants
- Siberian Tigers
- Adults aged 13 to 64 – $27.99
- Seniors aged 65 and over – $23.15
- Children aged 3 to 12 – $18.30
- Children Under 3 – free
2. Ripley’s Aquarium
Nestled deep in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium is a must-see Toronto attraction perfect for the whole family, including infants.
Compact strollers are allowed at this facility. However, larger carriages and wagons are not permitted because they are a tripping hazard for other guests.
Explore over 20 thousand aquatic animals in a beautiful display of underwater adventures at Ripley’s Aquarium. Allow your little ones to reach out and wet their hands with several interactive exhibits at Discovery Cove.
Some animals featured in these exhibits include:
- Zebra Sharks
- Stingrays
- Clownfish
Little ones will love experiencing the thrill of deep-sea diving while staying dry in the museum’s interactive submarine ride. Other attractions for little ones include a shark slide and several underwater viewing tanks with over a hundred interactive exhibits and exciting diving shows.
Ripley’s Aquarium is open every day at 9 a.m. Regular admission prices are as follows:
- Adult – $44.00
- Youth aged 6 to 13 – $29.00
- Children ages 3 to 5 – $12.50
- Children under 3 – free
3. Toronto Beaches
Nothing beats the summer heat like a trip to the beach. Thankfully, Toronto has some of the most beautiful family-friendly beaches in Canada.
Spend the day enjoying one of the best summer adventures for the whole family. Cool off in the shallow waters, build a sand castle, soak up some sun, explore the playgrounds, or bask in breathtaking views.
Most public beaches in Toronto have a lifeguard on call during peak summer hours. Here is a list of our top five favorite family-friendly beaches in Toronto:
- Cherry Beach, Downtown Toronto
- Marie Curtis East Beach – Etobicoke
- Sunnyside Beach – West Toronto
- Centre Island Beach – Toronto Islands
- Woodbine Beach – East Toronto
4. Movies for Mommies
Set in the center of Toronto, Movies for Mommies is a movie matinee designed especially for mommies and babies to enjoy without the fear of baby cries interrupting the movie.
Caregivers and fathers are also welcome. Movies for Mommies offers free samples, door prizes, pre-show events, and accommodating staff.
Relax in a friendly environment of babies and parents enjoying a grown-up movie. Other perks of Movies for Mommies include:
- Reduced film sound
- Bottle warming facilities
- Stroller parking areas
- Baby change tables
5. Toronto Island Park
A visit to the Toronto Island Park is a must-see family attraction for anyone in Toronto. This fully accessible, stroller-friendly island allows you to bring strollers on the ferry to the island and offers well-maintained paths throughout.
There are several fun things on the island to keep the wee ones entertained. Here is a list of the top five things to do with babies on Toronto Island:
- Toronto Island Ferry
- Centerville Amusement Park
- Far Enough Farm
- Franklin Children’s Garden
- Toronto Island Tram Tours
6. High Park
Set on nearly 4 hundred acres of land in the heart of Toronto, High Park is one of the city’s best family-friendly places to spend the day.
Featuring plenty of activities for little ones, High Park is a much-loved gem. Some park activities suitable for babies include:
- A children’s wading pool and playground
- Several scenic picnic areas
- Wide walking paths that can easily accommodate strollers
- A petting zoo with free admission
7. Eaton Centre
While in Toronto, nothing beats the summer heat more than some much-needed shopping therapy. The Eaton Centre is a large indoor shopping mall in the downtown core, featuring over 250 stores and restaurants for you and your little ones to explore.
Enjoy free WiFi throughout the mall as you browse some of the many clothing stores for children, catch a movie at the Eaton Centre Cinema, or grab a bite to eat in the newly renovated food court.
There is also a nursing station for moms and babies inside Urban Eatery and plenty of room to push a stroller through the stores.
8. Toronto Botanical Gardens
Located on Lawrence Avenue, Toronto Botanical Gardens boasts four acres of picturesque gardens with walking paths large enough to push a stroller.
A visit to the Botanical Gardens gives you the perfect excuse to get out of the house and enjoy the weather with your little ones. Explore the gardens, visit the garden store or cool off with a drink or a bite to eat in the seasonal cafe.
Children will especially love the Teaching Garden, which provides an interactive experience of learning more about plants, flowers, and our environment.
9. Canada’s Wonderland
Located north of the city in Vaughan, Canada’s Wonderland is a favorite tourist attraction for many families with small children and infants. Bring your own stroller, or rent one there for $15.99 plus tax for the day.
There are plenty of family-friendly amenities for the whole family to enjoy at Wonderland, including:
- Live shows
- Special events
- Kiddie rides
- A wading pool
- A kids’ splash park
Canada’s Wonderland also features Baby Care Centres for little ones and parents to chill and recharge away from the crowds.
Day passes to Canada’s Wonderland are as follows:
- Over 48” tall – $54.99
- Aged 3 or older under 48” tall – $39.99
- Seniors aged 65 and up – $39.99
- Children under 3 – free
10. Gymboree Baby Class
With two locations in Toronto, why not enjoy the day getting to know your little one with a Gymboree Baby Class? They have daily classes for various age groups, from babies to toddlers.
Through music and play, learning movement and new sensory and socialization skills has never been more fun for your bub. Parents can also enjoy socializing with the other parents in the class, as well as learning how to support the healthy development of their baby.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Toronto has plenty of tourist attractions for the whole family, including babies.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Toronto has it all – from amusement parks and beaches to shopping malls, botanical gardens, and restaurants sure to please mommy, daddy, and little ones.
Let us know your favorite family-friendly things to do in Toronto in the comments below!
In the meantime, feel free to take a more in-depth look at some of the hotspots we’ve mentioned:
