Weekend in Toronto
This weekend itinerary for Toronto families balances engaging free activities with exciting, budget-conscious paid experiences. It focuses on well-known, kid-friendly attractions and public spaces, ensuring a weekend full of fun, learning, and family bonding. Please note that specific event schedules for October 2025 are still being finalized by many venues; therefore, this itinerary incorporates popular year-round attractions and typical family offerings. Always check the venues' official websites closer to the dates for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, specific programming, and booking details.
Friday Evening - Family Fun Night
Friday, October 3Story Time
Kick off the weekend with a cozy and imaginative story time at a local Toronto Public Library branch.
Many branches offer free children's programming, including storytelling and interactive read-aloud sessions, perfect for winding down after the school week. This is a great way to spark creativity and a love for reading in young children.
Suitable for ages 3-8, though younger and older siblings are welcome. Libraries have excellent facilities including accessible restrooms and stroller access. Programs typically last 30-45 minutes. Check the specific branch schedule for exact times and age recommendations as they are usually released closer to the date.
Public transit is a great option for libraries. Many branches are easily accessible by TTC. Street parking or nearby paid lots may be available, but can be limited depending on the branch's location.
Playground Dinner
Enjoy an early evening family dinner at a park with a fantastic playground, allowing kids to burn off energy before bedtime.
Pack a picnic or grab some budget-friendly takeout from a local spot to enjoy outdoors. Riverdale Farm is a great option, offering a playground nearby and open spaces.
The playground at Riverdale Park East offers climbing structures, swings, and slides suitable for a range of ages. It's an excellent spot for kids to play freely while parents relax. Restrooms are available in the park. Aim for an early dinner to ensure kids are home and settled before it gets too late. Consider pizza or sandwiches for easy picnic fare. The farm itself closes earlier, but the park and playground remain accessible.
Street parking is often available around Riverdale Park East, and it's accessible via the 504 King streetcar or 505 Dundas streetcar, followed by a short walk. Stroller-friendly paths throughout the park.
Saturday - Family Adventure Day
Saturday, October 4Aquarium Wonders
Dive into an underwater world at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, jellyfish, and colorful fish.
The moving sidewalk through the Dangerous Lagoon tunnel is a highlight, offering incredible close-up views. It's an exciting, immersive experience that captivates children and adults alike.
Perfect for all ages, but particularly engaging for 3-12 year olds. The aquarium is stroller-friendly with accessible restrooms and family washrooms. Plan for 2-3 hours. Weekends can be busy, so arriving right at opening is recommended for a less crowded experience. Look for interactive touch pools and daily dive shows. Consider bringing snacks in a small bag, though food is available for purchase.
Located next to the CN Tower, it's easily accessible by Union Station (subway, GO Train, VIA Rail) with a short walk. Paid underground parking is available nearby (e.g., Rogers Centre parking), but it can be expensive. Public transit is highly recommended for families.
St. Lawrence Lunch
Head to the historic St.
Lawrence Market for a vibrant lunch experience. The South Market offers a huge variety of food stalls where each family member can pick their favorite, from pierogies to fresh sandwiches and international cuisine. It's a bustling atmosphere that kids find exciting, with plenty of delicious and relatively affordable options.
Kids will love the energy and variety of food choices. There are restrooms available on the lower level. Seating can be limited, especially on a Saturday, so be prepared to stand or look for a spot. It's a great opportunity to try local treats. Consider picking up fresh produce for dinner or snacks.
A short walk or quick streetcar ride (504 King) from the Aquarium. Paid parking is available in surrounding lots and garages, but can be busy on weekends. Easily accessible by public transit (King subway station, then streetcar or walk).
High Park Play
Spend the afternoon at High Park, Toronto's largest public park.
Beyond its beautiful gardens and trails, it features a huge, adventure playground (Jamie Bell Adventure Playground), a small zoo (High Park Zoo), and plenty of open space for kids to run around. It's a perfect blend of nature and active play.
The Jamie Bell Adventure Playground is a destination in itself, with unique wooden structures, towers, and slides, suitable for a wide age range. The High Park Zoo is free to enter and features llamas, bison, and other animals that kids love. Restrooms are available throughout the park. Stroller-friendly paths. Ideal for active kids who need to burn off energy. Pack water and snacks.
Accessible via High Park subway station. Limited free parking is available within the park, but it fills up very quickly on weekends, so public transit is highly recommended. Some paid parking may be found outside the park.
Early Dinner & Dessert
Enjoy an early, kid-friendly dinner in a lively neighborhood like Bloor West Village, which is close to High Park.
Many restaurants offer kids' menus and a relaxed atmosphere. After dinner, treat the family to ice cream or a pastry at a local bakery.
Bloor West Village is a charming neighborhood with a variety of independent shops and eateries. Look for restaurants with early bird specials or family deals. Many spots cater to families with high chairs and kids' options. This helps wind down the day while still enjoying a special outing.
Easily accessible from High Park via a short walk or a stop on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. Street parking is available but can be busy.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, October 5Science Centre Fun
Embark on an interactive adventure at the Ontario Science Centre, a fantastic place for kids to learn through play.
With hundreds of hands-on exhibits, a dedicated Kids' Zone for younger children, and IMAX films, it offers engaging experiences for all ages, fostering curiosity about science and technology.
Ideal for children aged 3-12, with specific areas like the Kids' Zone for younger ones (3-8) and more complex exhibits for older children. Restrooms and family washrooms are readily available. Plan for 3-4 hours, as there's a lot to explore. Pack snacks or consider the on-site food court for lunch. This is a great indoor option for any weather.
Accessible by car with ample paid parking on-site. It's also reachable by TTC; take the subway to Pape Station and then the 25 Don Mills bus, or to Eglinton Station and then the 34 Eglinton East bus.
Farm Animals Visit
Visit Riverdale Farm, a free-admission working farm in the heart of the city.
Kids can see cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens, observe farm animals in a natural setting, and learn about farm life. It's a peaceful and educational experience, providing a glimpse of rural life without leaving Toronto.
Great for younger children (3-8) who love animals. The farm is free and generally open year-round. It has accessible pathways for strollers and restrooms on-site. Allow 1-1.5 hours to wander and see all the animals. This is a perfect relaxed activity after a busy morning, allowing kids to engage gently with nature and animals.
Accessible by TTC via the 504 King streetcar (to Broadview Ave and then walk south) or the 506 Carlton streetcar. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding residential area.
Lakeshore Stroll
Wrap up the weekend with a relaxed stroll along the Toronto Lakeshore, perhaps at Harbourfront Centre or Coronation Park.
Enjoy the fresh air, watch boats on Lake Ontario, or let kids play at one of the lakeside playgrounds. It’s a calming end to a fun-filled weekend, with beautiful views and space for quiet reflection or a final burst of energy.
Harbourfront Centre often has public art installations and open spaces for kids to explore, plus ice cream shops. Coronation Park offers more green space and views of the Toronto Islands. Both are stroller-friendly with accessible restrooms. It's a low-key activity for easing back into the week, offering a chance for kids to unwind.
Harbourfront is easily accessible by the 509 Harbourfront streetcar from Union Station. Coronation Park has some paid parking and is also accessible via streetcar routes along Lakeshore Blvd. Both are good for walking/biking if you live nearby.
This weekend itinerary for Toronto can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.