Day in TO-Hero-1920x1080px
From watching them tilt their heads up to take in the CN Tower for the first time or hearing their giggles as they run around the Ontario Science Centre, there’s something special about seeing Toronto through kids’ eyes. At first, planning a kid-friendly weekend getaway (or staycation) may seem overwhelming. So, we’re taking the guesswork out of things to do in Toronto with a guide of where to stay, eat, and play.
Start your visit by checking into one of the city’s many hotels. You’ll get to relax while the kids will get a kick out of food suddenly appearing outside the door via room service. Some arts and culture venues even partner with hotels that offer discounts. Staying at The Chelsea Hotel Toronto, for example, will get you 20 per cent off regular admission to the Royal Ontario Museum when you show your room key. Mirvish Productions, meanwhile, is partnered with Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, so you can enjoy an exclusive rate to accompany your Mirvish Productions ticket.
Once you’ve dropped off your bags and watched the kids discover all the details of the hotel room, you’ll probably be hungry. Here are some unique dining options for your family weekend trip, whether you’re in the mood for brunch, lunch, dinner — or dessert!
If you want to sample the hotel’s breakfast menu and then really fill up during brunch, you’ve come to the right place. This is a city that loves the weekend meal in between breakfast and lunch. Toronto’s brunch spots offer everything from Turkish-inspired items at The Good Fork and Japanese pancakes at Fuwa Fuwa to traditional deli bites at Centre Street Deli.
Grab a delicious lunch from one of the many restaurants in Kensington Market while exploring this most distinct neighbourhood. You can also satisfy your taste buds at other foodie neighbourhoods such as Chinatown or Little India.
When it comes to Toronto attractions for kids that involve food, all roads lead to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. The all-ages dinner and show will transport you back in time for an event that blurs the boundary between fairy tale and spectacle. Think knights, horses, and a throne to be protected.
Take the kids on a global dessert tour. The city’s diversity lends way to an array of multicultural sweet treats. The kids will likely love DaanGo Cake Lab at 241 Spadina Ave., where you can snack on cartoon character macarons, or BeaverTails at 145 Queen’s Quay West, Pier 6, where you can experience the uniquely-Canadian sweet treat.
There is no shortage of kid activities in Toronto. Involve your little ones in their weekend by having them choose two arts and culture activities they’d like to check out. For example, head to a stage show on Saturday and explore exhibits on Sunday or attend a Toronto special event one day and take in a musical concert the other. Here’s how.
Young People’s Theatre and Toronto Youth Theatre both specialize in stage productions geared towards kids, making it easy to choose family-friendly shows. Bigger playhouses, such as Mirvish, also stage shows that your whole family will enjoy. Until July 2, for example, you can catch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre.
Toronto is full of exhibitions spread out right across the entire city. Beyond the most well-known attractions, such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, get interactive at fun places for kids in Toronto such as The Museum of Illusions, Ontario Science Centre, and Casa Loma.
Speaking of immersive experiences, one of the most relevant current offerings is Disney Animation Immersive. Until July 9, you can step into the magical world of Disney and witness iconic stories come to life. Kids also love seeing other kids doing cool things. Between June 9 and 11, check out The Nightingale of a Thousand Songs by the Canadian Children’s Opera Company. Maybe your little one will get inspired to become an opera star.
Once you check out, ask the hotel if you can leave your bags in a secure place and head out for one final moment of discovery. And, with the warmer weather, you’ll definitely want to make sure an outdoor activity is included in your weekend itinerary.
The Harbourfront Centre is a waterfront arts and cultural complex. At the Centre you can do everything from taking in contemporary art at the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery — which includes kid-friendly programming on select Sundays — to music at the outdoors Concert Stage and stage performances at Harbourfront Centre Theatre.
Between May 20 to 22, your kids will love JUNIOR. One of Canada’s largest children’s festivals, it includes theatre, dance, music performances as well as activities for children ages five to 12.
Words by: Izabela Shubair