The Toronto Zoo, with its 710 acres, is a place where kids can easily spend an entire day. Zoos in general are a favorite of children because of the animals, but for those who also want to learn about geography, the Toronto zoo is especially appealing. Instead of being organized by climate or animal types, the zoo is divided by regions of the world. There are sections devoted to Africa, Indo-Malaya and the Canadian domain, all with many interesting animals, from giraffes to orangutans, for children to gaze at. With its own water park on the grounds, the Toronto Zoo is also a good destination on hot summer days. Splash Island, as it is called, is part of a larger section known as Zellers Discovery Zone, where children can swim, play and check out sea life, such as sharks and stingrays. The zoo is open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the spring and fall; 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the winter; and 9:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. during the summer.
Toronto Zoo
361A Old Finch Avenue
Scarborough, ON M1B 5K7
1-416-392-5929
torontozoo.com
The CN Tower in downtown Toronto is the third-largest freestanding structure in the world. Although it is used as a communications tower, it has also been designed as an observation deck and all-around entertainment center. A trip up to the top of the CN Tower, to the section known as the Sky Pod, gives visitors a view that encompasses not just Toronto but as far away as Rochester, New York. Another kid favorite at the tower is the exciting Himalamazon Motion Theater Ride. Visitors are strapped in and take a virtual ride atop a log as it whisks around both the Amazon and the Himalayas. The CN Tower is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 9:00 a.m. until at least 10 p.m.
CN Tower
301 Front Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 2T6
1-416-868-6937
cntower.ca
The Centreville Amusement Park is part of the greater Toronto Island Park, located in the city harbor. The amusement park is spread across 600 acres of land and includes more than 30 rides. Many of the attractions are ideal for smaller children, who can spin around in the twirling tea cups, play bumper boats in the lake or take a ride on the antique carousel, built in 1907. The Centreville Amusement Park is open for birthday parties as well. Also located on Toronto Island Park are a bar and grill, a cafe and more than 40 picnic sites. The park is open on weekends in May and September and operational every day from 10:30 a.m. to at least 6:00 p.m. in June to early September.
Centreville Amusement Park
Toronto, ON M5J
1-416-203-0405
centreisland.ca
Opened in 1969, the Ontario Science Centre boasts being "one of the world's first interactive science museums." Located next to Toronto's Earnest Thompson Seton Park, it offers interactive science experiences for all ages, especially children. One section, called KidSpark, offers a variety of stimulating activities for young children, from designing their own roller coaster to performing in the children's music studio. For kids aged 8 or younger, the Ontario Science Centre also offers hands-on workshops that include such topics as optical illusions and mosaic art. The Centre is open every day until at least 8 p.m.
Ontario Science Centre
770 Don Mills Road
Toronto, ON, Canada
1-416-696-1000
ontariosciencecentre.ca
