Toronto Has Lots of Opportunities for Time With the Family
The list of family-friendly things to do in Toronto points in every direction.
Bringing the family with you to Toronto? Fear not, Toronto offers activities in which all members can participate, whether you feel the urge to go offshore, into the sky, or “under the sea.”
If the family is looking for fun in the sky for everyone to enjoy, take the elevator to the top of the CN Tower, Toronto’s iconic structure. The tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere, standing 1,814 feet tall. Beginning on the main floor, a 58-second journey deposits you at the LookOut level, where you can walk across—and take pictures on—the Glass Floor. The LookOut level also has Kid Zone, a hands-on play space for smaller children who are looking for ways to expend some energy.
Then get back on the elevator to climb another 33 stories to the SkyPod to experience a panoramic view of the city and several miles of Lake Ontario. Access the views by circling the SkyPod level by foot or while dining with the family in the revolving 360 Restaurant, which completes one full rotation every 72 minutes.
Fun, Thrills, and History on Toronto Islands
Want to take the family on a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto? Catch a ferry to Centre Island, a part of Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario.
Visitors of Centreville Amusement Park view portions of Centreville Island through the Touring Car ride.
Tourism Toronto
For fun and thrills go to Centreville Amusement Park, which is home to more than 30 rides and attractions, including the Centreville Train, which provides a tour of the island, and the Toronto Mine Rollercoaster Ride for those teenagers—and some parents—looking for an adrenaline rush.
The amusement park is also home to Far Enough Farm. Only a few minutes from Toronto’s downtown core, the farm provides visitors the opportunity to get a close-up view of more than 40 species of farm animals and exotic birds. Guests get to meet the farmers, learn about the different species, and pet the animals. Some of the farm animals in residence include sheep, goats, horses, and pot-belly pigs. Exotic birds also call the island home; among them are Japanese quails, pheasant, and black swans. Some more exotic animals on the farm are llamas and alpacas.
The family’s history buffs can travel to the southwestern corridor of Centre Island to view Toronto’s oldest landmark—the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. For more than 150 years, its light beam has been a welcome guide for mariners sailing into Toronto harbor.
The island also offers opportunities for visitors to participate in sports and recreational activities such as potato-sack races, soccer, volleyball, and miniature golf while enjoying a spectacular view of Toronto’s dramatic skyline. The park is open May 16 through 17 (Saturday and Sunday) during the time of the annual meeting.
“Sea-ing” Is Believing
Get an exciting “under the sea” experience without actually being under the sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (operated by the creators of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!). The aquarium prides itself on offering “a world-class experience that will foster education, conservation, and research, while providing fun and entertainment for locals and tourists of all ages.”
More Information
CN Tower; 310 Front Street West
Centre Island; (416) 203-0405
Ripley’s Aquarium; 288 Bremner Boulevard; (647) 351-3474
Home to 16,000 aquatic animals, the aquarium features North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel with more than 5.7 million liters of water and more than 100 interactive opportunities, including exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks, and stingrays.
The aquarium consists of nine curated galleries showcasing a cross-section of saltwater and freshwater environments from around the world—starting with species from Toronto’s backyard, the Great Lakes basin.
The second Friday of every month, Ripley’s Aquarium opens for after-hours, self-guided tours and live jazz, and visitors can snack on canapȳs and cocktails as they wander among the denizens of the sea.
The aquarium can be accessed via the SkyWalk of the Toronto Convention Centre. ■
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Published online: 13 February 2015
Published in print: February 7, 2014 – February 20, 2015
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