Family Friendly Activies in Ontario

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Best Things to do on a Family Vacation in Ontario

Ontario, the largest province in Canada, is a popular vacation destination in North America. This holiday location is suitable for families and offers a variety of historical attractions, amusement parks, museums, and playgrounds. The region also boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, such as lakes, forests, and park areas.

Choosing the most popular tourist attractions in Ontario might be challenging due to the wide array of possibilities available. This list features top destinations for family vacations in Ontario.

The beaches on Ontario’s West Coast

Huron County, known as Ontario’s West Coast, boasts 100 kilometers of picturesque shoreline, numerous parks, and 15 pristine beaches. Situated on the shores of Lake Huron, these areas provide chances for picnicking, kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, and fishing.

Ideal visiting hours: 8:00 am – 11:00 am or 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Average time to spend: 2 to 3 hours

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of Ontario’s top tourist destinations, consisting of three waterfalls located at the boundary between the USA and Canada. They have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America, located at an elevation of 160 feet. The falls are accessible year-round, offering a range of activities such as the aero vehicle, gardens, Niagara Parks Power Station Museum, and cliffside viewing deck.

Operating hours vary for each Niagara Parks attraction and restaurant. The recommended time to visit is between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls

Families can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment options on the “Street of Fun,” located just one block from the renowned Niagara Falls.

Visit themed attractions, wax museums, haunted houses, game arcades, and eateries. The Niagara Speedway is a raised four-acre site that combines the excitement of go-kart racing and roller coaster riding. The Big Top Amazing Mirror and Laser Maze will provide hours of entertainment for your children.

Santa’s Village, Bracebridge

Santa’s Village is a spacious amusement park located in Muskoka, offering a variety of child-friendly attractions such as a waterpark, splash pad, theme rides, miniature train, animal farm, entertainment, and more.

The park is encircled by forest and offers cabin, yurt, and camping accommodations. 

Eagle Canyon Adventures, Dorion

Experience Ouimet Canyon from Canada’s longest zipline suspension footbridge in Dorion.

Your journey to Eagle Canyon Adventures, located just outside of Thunder Bay, is the initial stage – the subsequent 182 meters is in your hands. To descend into the canyon, experience a thrilling 60-second zipline on Canada’s longest, tallest, and fastest route.

Family rafting at Wilderness Tours, Ottawa River

This site is Canada’s biggest whitewater rafting resort, providing entertainment for everybody, including families.

Accommodations vary from camping to basic and premium lodges, and activities go beyond wild river rafting and kayak adventures. The amenities include a pool, sports courts, and a restaurant. Aside from family rafting, consider trying fishing or mountain biking.

Toronto Zoo

Canada’s largest animal attraction is the Toronto Zoo, which accommodates approximately 5000 species on about 300 hectares of land.

Furthermore, there are entertaining play areas and activities for children, such as Splash Island, Canopy tours, zip lines, ropes courses, a carousel, and the Tundra air coaster.

Carefully plan your visit in advance, as it is unfeasible to see everything in a single day!

Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is the most popular amusement park in Ontario. The amusement park features 200 attractions, consisting of 18 roller coasters, two children’s sections, and a 20-acre water park for aquatic fun. Don’t miss the regularly scheduled live events and shows held here.

Operating hours: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Optimal visiting hours: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm  

Legoland

Legoland is a well-liked family entertainment center and one of the top children’s attractions in Ontario. The attraction includes rides inspired by LEGO, 10 play areas with LEGO activities, a children’s play zone, a souvenir shop, and a 4D theater. The primary highlight is the LEGO Brick Flag, which is the largest in the world. This location is specifically tailored for children aged 3 to 10 years old.

Operating hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm 

Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park was founded in 1893 and is a family-friendly destination in the province. Situated between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, the area is renowned for its maple hills, rocky slopes, and extensive forested areas. The park features scenic pathways like the Whiskey Rapids Trail and the Barron Canyon Trail. Various recreational activities can be planned here, including camping, fishing, and photography.

Optimal time to visit: autumn, to witness the vibrant colors of fall

Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre, also referred to as the Centennial Museum of Science and Technology, is a well-known science museum in Ontario. The museum showcases several interactive and enduring exhibitions on geology, nature, astronomy, music, and technology. It is an excellent location for children to explore in a single day.

Operating hours: 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays; 10 am to 5 pm on weekends 

Planning the next family vacation to Ontario?

In conclusion, Ontario’s abundance of family-friendly activities provides a perfect blend of fun and learning, fostering unforgettable moments. 

Whether exploring vibrant cities, scenic parks, or cultural attractions, families can create lasting memories in this diverse Canadian province.

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Ernest Alfred

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