We have been exploring Toronto and Ontario since moving to Canada in 2019, and the Toronto Zoo is one of those places that genuinely delivers every single time we visit.
Looking for one of the best family-friendly activities in Toronto? A day at the Toronto Zoo is the perfect mix of fun, learning, outdoor adventure, and memory-making for kids and adults alike.
With over 3,000 animals representing 290+ species from around the world, exciting attractions, splash areas, rides, and adorable new additions like the baby giraffe and baby camel, there is truly something for everyone.
Whether you are visiting with toddlers, older kids, grandparents, or friends, the Toronto Zoo easily becomes a full-day adventure. For families searching for the best toronto family things to do, especially things to do in toronto with kids, the zoo consistently tops our list for good reason.
Planning a full Ontario adventure? Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
Meet the Zoo’s Cutest New Stars
One of the biggest highlights right now is seeing the zoo’s newest residents:
- A baby giraffe
- A baby camel
Watching baby animals explore and interact is such a special experience for kids, and honestly adults get just as excited too.
We spent a long time at the giraffe enclosure on our last visit. There is something about watching a baby giraffe find its footing that makes everything else in the world slow down for a moment. We highly recommend arriving early to get a quieter viewing experience before the crowds build. If you enjoy animal encounters beyond the zoo, our guide to top family-friendly animal farms near Toronto covers some wonderful alternatives across the GTA.
Explore Animals from Around the World
The zoo is divided into different geographic regions, making it feel like multiple mini adventures in one visit.
Some visitor favourites include:
- African Savanna
- Tundra Trek
- Indo-Malaya
- Canadian Domain
- Australasia Pavilion
You will spot polar bears, penguins, lions, rhinos, gorillas, tigers, kangaroos, and so much more. The walking trails are spacious and stroller-friendly, making it ideal even for families with babies or toddlers.
We always budget extra time for the Tundra Trek. The polar bear enclosure has a glass viewing area that puts you face to face with these enormous animals, and watching them move underwater is something our family still talks about. For more Ontario wildlife and nature experiences, explore our Ontario travel guides.
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7
Hours: Confirm current seasonal hours at torontozoo.com before visiting
Admission: Confirm current pricing at torontozoo.com before visiting
Parking: Paid parking available on site
Confirm opening hours and seasonal closures before visiting.
FREE Splash Island Water Park
One of the BEST parts of visiting during warmer months? Splash Island.
This FREE splash pad and water play area inside the zoo is a lifesaver for families during spring and summer visits.
Pro tip. Bring swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes for kids because chances are they WILL get soaked.
We had no idea Splash Island was included free with zoo admission on our first visit, and it completely changed the day. The kids ran straight from the animal exhibits to the water and did not want to leave. Pack a dry bag, bring a change of clothes for every child, and plan to stay longer than you think you will. This is one of the best toronto zoo splash pad experiences you will find anywhere in the GTA, and the fact that toronto zoo splash island is included with admission makes it exceptional value.
Fun Attractions and Rides
The Toronto Zoo is not just about animals. There are also fun family attractions throughout the park.
Conservation Carousel
A beautiful animal-themed carousel that younger kids absolutely love.
Tundra Air Ride
Get aerial views of the zoo while gliding above the grounds. A fun way to relax while still sightseeing.
There are also playgrounds and seasonal experiences throughout the year.
The Conservation Carousel was a genuine surprise for us. The hand-painted animals on each seat are beautiful, and younger children absolutely light up when they climb on. We recommend doing rides mid-morning before queues build. The Tundra Air Ride gives you a completely different perspective of just how large this zoo actually is.
Food Options Inside the Zoo
A full zoo day definitely builds up an appetite, and thankfully there are lots of food options throughout the park.
You will find family-friendly meals, snacks and treats, ice cream stops, quick-service restaurants, and outdoor seating areas throughout the grounds. You can also bring your own snacks and essentials, which is super helpful when visiting with little kids.
We always pack a small cooler with snacks and water for the kids, which saves both time and money during a long day. The outdoor seating areas near the African Savanna section are our favourite lunch spots since you can sometimes hear the animals while you eat.
Why Toronto Zoo is Great for Families
What makes the Toronto Zoo stand out as a family outing:
- Stroller-friendly pathways
- Educational and interactive experiences
- Large open spaces for kids to move around
- Attractions for all ages
- Easy way to spend an entire day outdoors
It is one of those rare places where toddlers, teenagers, and adults all stay entertained.
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Best Time to Visit Toronto Zoo
Spring (March to May) is one of our favourite times to visit. The zoo is less crowded than summer, the animals are more active in the cooler air, and baby animals are often born during this season. Weather can be unpredictable so we recommend layering up and checking the forecast before you go.
Summer (June to August) is peak season at the zoo. Splash Island is fully open, making it ideal for families with young children. Expect larger crowds on weekends and school holidays. We recommend arriving right at opening time to beat the queue and get the best viewing spots at popular enclosures.
Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and noticeably smaller crowds. The foliage around the zoo grounds is stunning in October, and the animals are often more active as the heat eases. This is genuinely one of the most underrated times to visit.
Winter (December to February) offers a quieter experience and the zoo does operate year round. Not all outdoor enclosures are accessible depending on temperature, but indoor pavilions including Indo-Malaya and the Australasia Pavilion remain open. Confirm which areas are accessible during your planned visit at torontozoo.com before going.
Spring (March to May) is one of our favourite times to visit. The zoo is less crowded than summer, the animals are more active in the cooler air, and baby animals are often born during this season. Weather can be unpredictable so we recommend layering up and checking the forecast before you go.
Summer (June to August) is peak season at the zoo. Splash Island is fully open, making it ideal for families with young children. Expect larger crowds on weekends and school holidays. We recommend arriving right at opening time to beat the queue and get the best viewing spots at popular enclosures.
Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and noticeably smaller crowds. The foliage around the zoo grounds is stunning in October, and the animals are often more active as the heat eases. This is genuinely one of the most underrated times to visit.
Winter (December to February) offers a quieter experience and the zoo does operate year round. Not all outdoor enclosures are accessible depending on temperature, but indoor pavilions including Indo-Malaya and the Australasia Pavilion remain open. Confirm which areas are accessible during your planned visit at torontozoo.com before going.
Toronto Family Things To Do By Area
Finding toronto family things to do can feel overwhelming when you are new to the GTA. Here is a quick breakdown by area to help you plan your visit to the Toronto Zoo and surrounding attractions.
- Scarborough and East Toronto: The Toronto Zoo is located in Scarborough at 2000 Meadowvale Road, making it the most accessible major family attraction in the east end. Families in this area can reach the zoo in under 20 minutes by car.
- North York and Markham: A straightforward drive south or west along Highway 401 puts North York and Markham families at the zoo in approximately 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic.
- Mississauga and Brampton: Families coming from the west end should budget approximately 40 to 50 minutes by car. We recommend checking traffic conditions on Highway 401 before you leave, especially on summer weekends.
- Downtown Toronto: The TTC Route 85A bus connects Kennedy Station to the zoo, making it accessible without a car. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from Kennedy Station.
Free and No-Reservation Options at the Toronto Zoo
Splash Island is included free with standard zoo admission, which makes it one of the best no-extra-cost additions to your visit. You do not need to reserve a spot for the splash pad. Simply bring swimwear and head there when you are ready.
The zoo’s main walking trails and all standard animal enclosures are included with general admission. There is no separate booking required for the African Savanna, Tundra Trek, or Australasia Pavilion. We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid box office queues, particularly on summer weekends and school holidays when walk-up lines can be long.
The Conservation Carousel and Tundra Air Ride are paid add-ons beyond general admission. If you are planning to include these, budget additional time and check current pricing at torontozoo.com before your visit. The free splash pad and the animal regions alone are more than enough to fill a full day, so these rides are genuinely optional extras rather than must-dos.
Tips for Visiting Toronto Zoo with Kids or Toddlers
We recommend arriving at opening time, especially with toddlers. The zoo covers a large area and little legs tire quickly, so starting fresh means you can cover the most important sections before energy levels drop. Bring a stroller even if your child usually walks, as the distances between sections can be significant.
Pack snacks, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for every child. The splash pad surprise is real and even if you plan to skip Splash Island, kids will find ways to get wet near water features throughout the park. A dry bag for wet items is one of our most-used pieces of kit for any zoo visit.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for adults too. We have done the full loop in sandals once and we will not be making that mistake again. The terrain is mostly paved but the total walking distance is several kilometres over a full day.
For toddlers specifically, the Discovery Zone near Splash Island is a gentle, manageable area with smaller enclosures and play structures well suited to younger children. We find it is always worth ending the day there since it gives small kids a chance to play and wind down before the walk back to the car. If you are looking for more family-friendly day trip ideas across Ontario, our guide to family-friendly animal farms near Toronto has plenty of options for different budgets and age groups.
More Family Things To Do in Toronto
The Toronto Zoo is our top recommendation, but the GTA has plenty of other outstanding toronto family things to do worth knowing about. Here are a few we have personally visited and recommend.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Located downtown near the CN Tower, this is an excellent indoor option for rainy days or winter visits. Allow two to three hours minimum.
- High Park Zoo: A free, walkable zoo within High Park that is perfect for a half-day outing with younger children. No admission required.
- African Lion Safari: Located in Cambridge, about an hour from Toronto, this drive-through safari is a genuinely unique experience and one of our favourite GTA day trips.
- Ontario Science Centre: Ideal for older kids who enjoy hands-on exhibits and interactive science displays. Currently transitioning locations so confirm current status before visiting.
- Centreville Amusement Park: A charming small amusement park on Toronto Island, accessible by ferry and great for families with children under 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Toronto Zoo have a splash pad?
Yes. Splash Island is a two-acre interactive splash pad located within the zoo in the Discovery Zone area. It is included free with standard zoo admission and is open during warmer months, typically from late spring through summer. We recommend confirming the opening dates at torontozoo.com before your visit as they can vary by season.
Are kids under 3 free at the Toronto Zoo?
Children aged 2 and under are admitted free to the Toronto Zoo. Children aged 3 and over require a paid admission ticket. Confirm current age thresholds and pricing at torontozoo.com before visiting as policies can be updated.
How long does it take to walk through the Toronto Zoo?
A full visit to the Toronto Zoo typically takes between four and six hours for families covering most of the main sections. If you plan to include Splash Island, rides, and food stops, budget a full day of six to eight hours. We rarely manage to leave in under five hours.
What to do with a family in Toronto?
Toronto has excellent options for families including the Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, High Park Zoo, Ontario Science Centre, and Centreville Amusement Park on Toronto Island. The Toronto Zoo is our personal top recommendation for a full-day family outing that works for all ages from toddlers to grandparents.
Can you bring food into the Toronto Zoo?
Yes, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted inside the Toronto Zoo. We always bring a small cooler with snacks and water to keep costs manageable and to avoid long queues at food stalls during peak hours. Confirm the current food policy at torontozoo.com before your visit.
When does Toronto Zoo splash pad open?
Splash Island typically opens on weekends and holidays from late May and moves to daily operation through the summer months. Exact opening dates vary by year. Confirm the current season schedule at torontozoo.com before planning your visit around the splash pad.
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Related Pages
- Top Family-Friendly Animal Farms Near Toronto
- Ontario Travel Guides
- A Perfect Getaway in Halton Hills
- Must-See Attractions in Northern Ontario
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep bringing you great travel content. All recommendations are based on our personal experience.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Toronto Zoo is more than just seeing animals. It is one of the best family experiences in the GTA. Between the baby animals, splash areas, rides, food, and beautiful walking trails, it is the kind of outing kids remember for a long time.
If you are planning toronto family things to do in Toronto with kids this season, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list. Whether you are looking for toronto zoo discount options or just planning a family day out, this visit is worth every penny. We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.