Five family outings to enhance a Toronto vacation
Explore the Underwater World. The brand-new Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is now open in Toronto. Families will experience nine galleries that give them up-close views of over 16,000 aquatic animals from both saltwater and freshwater environments around the world. The Aquarium also boasts North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel, and offers over 100 interactive opportunities for the kids, including three touch pools.
Get in the Game. Toronto is home to the Hockey Hall of Fame, the perfect stop for sports-loving families. In addition to exploring the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world, visitors can get in on the action with hockey flicks and interactive opportunities. Take shots at real time goalies, call the play-by-play on iconic hockey moments, and get up close and personal with the Stanley Cup.
Visit the Pandas. Head to the Toronto Zoo to meet two of its newest – and cutest – residents. Er Shun and Da Mao are the zoo’s new panda pair, part of a conservation partnership between China and Canada that will keep the bears in residence in Toronto until 2018. In addition to viewing the cuddly pair, families can explore the new state-of-the-art Panda Interpretive Center, featuring interactive elements and informative themes on panda conservation.
Hit the Ice. If your vacation happens to take place in the winter, an ice skating session at the Harbourfront Centre is a must. DJ Skate Nights take place every Saturday between December 14 and March 1, while February 16-17 marks the annual HarbourKIDS: Skating Festival, an annual family day festival that celebrates all things skating. Both events are free of charge.
Engage in Scientific Discovery. Families visiting the Ontario Science Center can spend the day getting lost in hundreds of engaging interactive exhibits that will delight the kids – and perhaps even teach them something. Enjoy daily demonstrations, Toronto’s only public planetarium and a lineup of hourly IMAX films. Make sure the little ones get to spend some time at KidSpark, a discovery playground for children eight and under.
