Best Toronto Summer Activities for Families

Introducing guest blogger Mayuri from Canada Crossroads

Toronto is a beautiful city located in eastern Canada. Filled with skyrise buildings, wonderful urban vibe, a pretty harbourfront, green spaces and islands nearby, Toronto makes for a great vacation idea.

Here are the top Toronto summer activities that you must do with your family!

This post is part of our Explore My City series – come and visit cities around the world through the eyes of locals


CN Tower

The CN Tower is the most iconic landmark in Toronto Ontario. At 553.3 metres tall, the CN Tower is a just visit attraction to learn about the towerโ€™s history and construction timeline. Children will enjoy this engineering marvel, as they head to the observation in 12 minutes.

CN Tower Toronto
CN Tower Toronto

At the observation tower, soak in the stunning views of the city and the wonderful waters of the harbourfront. There is a glass floor, where young and old, can enjoy an Instagram photo, and beat their fear of heights.

If you are feeling adventurous, opt for an EDGEWALK at the surface of the CN Tower all for $195 CAD + taxes.

Casa Loma

Imagine a Gothic style castle in midtown Toronto, in the midst of an urban jungle, enter Casa Loma! Casa Loma is a lavish mansion, which was the residence of a wealthy businessman.

Casa Loma Toronto
Casa Loma Toronto

Today the castle is open to visitors to explore the interiors, consisting of bedrooms, living rooms, cellar, and stable. There is a museum on-site, as well as beautiful gardens where you and your family can relax and unwind!

Toronto Harbourfront

Toronto is blessed with a long and a romantic harbourfront. During summers the harbourfront is filled with events and concerts for all ages. You can bike around the shore or go on strolls.

Sunsets in Harbourfront Toronto
Sunsets in Harbourfront Toronto

There are sightseeing cruises that start at the harbourfront, and if you are visiting the city for a short trip it is worth taking one in to explore the Toronto skyline afar, from the waters.

Royal Ontario Museum

One of the most visited museums in Canada is the stunning Royal Ontario Museum. Every year millions of visitors explore the ROM, and are mesmerized by the hidden treasures, dinosaurs and artefacts that are on display. The ROM is a must-visit museum of art, culture and history in Toronto.

Kensington Market

The Kensington Market is a vibrant colorful neighbourhood, perfect for summer outing. There are tons of eateries and food/dining options to choose from, it will keep everyone in the family happy.

Stop by to pick up local produce or souvenirs to take back home – from the Kensington Market!

Distillery District

The Distillery District is a historic neighbourhood in Toronto. The name goes back to a large distillery that was housed here, today it is a pedestrian only neighbourhood filled with great restaurants and architecture.

To enjoy a fun family outing whilst exploring the Distillery District is to embark on a segway tour. Segway tours are an amazing way to explore a new area, learn about its history, and in a cool way!

Toronto Centre Islands

Just a ferry ride away from the Harbourfront is the cool Toronto Centre Islands. It is home to Centreville Amusement Park and warm beaches. It is a perfect spot to spend summer vacations with family.

Centre Island

Enjoy a day of picnic and swim. Or spend a lazy day soaking in the sun and strolling the wonderful gardens. Among other cool things to do here is to embark on a voyageur canoe tour, and then biking around the islands. There are a few historic remnants in the area, like a lighthouse and museum.

Ideas for day trips from Toronto

For a fun filled trip to Canada, add a few day trips from Toronto to make the most of your vacation.

  • Niagara Falls: If you are planning Toronto, you should squeeze in some time to visit the iconic Niagara Falls. It must be on every traveler’s bucket list to Canada. The Canadian side of the Horseshoe Falls are stunning to look at, and you can easily spend an entire day here – from enjoying a Maid of Mist boat tour, to hanging out at the Entertainment District, Skylon Observation Tower and more.
  • Elora: Elora is a small town located about 1.50 hours away from Toronto. It is perfect for a camping trip overnight, and enjoy water rafting at the wonderful Elora Gorge.

Important Tips For Your Trip To Toronto

Here are some important tips to help you prepare for your trip to Toronto

  • Toronto is easily connected via airways to all major airports worldwide. You can land in Toronto and road trip around Ontario and the east coast of the USA and Canada.
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport is the biggest airport in the city, and you can easily hop on a subway train to get to the heart of Toronto downtown in 25 minutes.
  • To explore the city, public transportation – trains, buses – are a good way. TTC network is efficient and affordable, with a reliable, frequent schedules.
  • For a short trip to Toronto, stay in downtown/central area, so that sightseeing is easy.

We hope you found this Toronto summer guide is helpful. Have fun in Toronto!

Dundas Square at night toronto
Dundas Square at night

About the Blogger

Mayuri is the creator behind Canada Crossroads – a Canadian travel and living blog. She moved to Canada in 2009 as a student and has been calling it home ever since. She works full time in Canada and also loves traveling in Canada, Europe & beyond. 

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With thanks to Mayuri for her contribution to our guest series.  You may also like to read about fun things to do in Kelowna in BC here


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