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The Best Family Activities to Do in Ontario This Summer

May 5, 2022

The warm, sun-filled days of summer are upon us, which means there are plenty of opportunities to experience new activities with your family and friends.

We’ve put together a list of all the best activities to do in Ontario this summer. After all, who says you have to travel far and wide to enjoy your summer vacation? This year, visit the wonders in your own province and discover more of this amazing place you call home. Start packing!

Spend Some Time in Ontario’s National Parks

Little kid with an adult near a baby deer.

Ontario is a great place to explore and discover the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Why not enjoy a day off in nature to recharge your batteries?

Bruce Peninsula National Park View of a sunny peninsula with clear water and trees.

This place offers beautiful scenery with cliffs, beaches and clear turquoise waters. There’s also a campground if you’d like to spend the night.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Many wild animals like wolves and bears call this beautiful park home. You can easily get active by hiking, camping, canoeing and kayaking.

Bon Echo Provincial Park

Trail in a forest.

This is a perfect spot for families with many activities like biking, bird watching, canoeing, hiking, fishing and camping.

Lake Superior Provincial Park

This park has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches to stunning nature, soft sand, warm sun and everything in between.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Little boat docked on a beach with two people in background

This is a scenic spot that’s great for families. The soft sand dunes offer solitude, and the water is bathtub warm during the summer. The park’s landscape is also very charming. Reserve your spot in advance if you want to camp there because it books up fast in the high season!

Organize a Picnic

It’s time to breathe in the fresh air and eat outside, not on a patio but in a park! Ontario’s wonderful city parks are perfect for setting up a table or barbecue and enjoying delicious food in good company.

Riverdale Park East

Kite in the sky.

This very large park in Toronto is the go-to place for a family picnic or flying a kite with the kids.

Garrow Park Beach

This is a cute place for picnics and swimming in the lake. There’s even a dock you can use to jump in the water!

Petticoat Creek

This spot has a water playground, walking trail, bike paths, calm waters and sandy beaches.

Hog’s Back Park

This park has picturesque waterfalls, hiking trails and plenty of green space to explore.

Activities to Do With the Kids in Ontario

Little kid looking at big aquarium.

Summer vacation is one of the best times to enjoy quality time with your family. After several months of going to class and working late, you and your children deserve some time off to do whatever you want.

If you want to make your summer vacation as memorable as possible, book the best activities in Ontario. Here are some of the top choices.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

The number one activity to experience with your kids is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada!

Your little ones will remember this astonishing place forever. The aquarium is full of fun and educational activities that teach them about the wonders of the ocean. We recommend setting aside about two to three hours for this activity.

ZIP, Ontario’s Greatest Zip-Line Adventure

If you have a good three hours of free time, this exhilarating adventure is worth trying.

Take a Peek Into the Night Skies

A person looking at colourful night sky.

In the same area, around Turkey Point, Ontario, you can take a one-hour family tour to gaze up at the stars in the company of dark sky experts.

If your children aren’t toddlers anymore, take them to the Dome Experience. This is a great way for your kids to learn more about the stars and the mythological stories associated with them. The recommended age is 8 to 11, but it’s something the whole family will enjoy.

Descent Into a Secret Cave

View of a cave from the inside.

This interesting and educational 45-minute tour takes you deep into the earth to learn more about fossils.

Visit the Capital City: Toronto

View of the city of Toronto on a sunny day.

Toronto is home to more than 2.5 million people and has several rich and diverse communities. It’s the capital of Ontario and is a must-visit destination whether you have young kids or teenagers.

Riverdale Farm

If you’re looking for countryside vibes in the heart of the city, wind your way through the trails and interact with the friendly animals at Riverdale Farm

Wonderland Theme Park

If you’re looking for an exhilarating experience, book tickets to Canada’s Wonderland amusement park.

Wet N’ Wild Toronto

If you want to be thrilled on the water, you may want to consider making a splash at Wet N’ Wild Toronto with your family.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Whether you’re an adult with children or a kid at heart, people of all ages will enjoy this unique LEGO Park in Toronto.

Picnic in the Park

View of a park with a lot of shadows from the trees.This sprawling park offers many activities like a dog area, zoo, greenhouse and more.

The Centennial Park of Toronto

This outstanding destination has many facilities, including a greenhouse, bike trails, beautiful picnic and play areas, playgrounds, ponds, sports fields and more.

Enjoy Canada’s Capital: Ottawa

On the East side of Ontario lies Ottawa, the capital of the country and host to many events. This beautiful city will welcome you with open arms and fun-filled activities!

Visit a Farm

A sheep in a field.

There’s nothing quite like visiting a farm to get up close and personal with various animals. This is something you can do at the wonderful Valleyview Little Animal Farm in your very own province. Make unforgettable memories at this family-friendly destination!

Science and Aviation Museums

Little kid doing science experience with protection glasses on.

Although you probably didn’t arrive by plane, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is a great destination for the budding genius in your family. We recommend booking your tickets in advance. Therefore, make sure to include this task on your pre-departure checklist.

The Canada Science and Technology Museum is also a great place to visit to nourish young minds. There are endless things to see and experience!

The Tulip Festival

Tulips in a field.

Don’t miss out on the Tulip Festival! During this special time of the year, you can walk between fields of flowers and appreciate the arrival of spring. It takes place from May 13th to 23rd.

Toronto’s International Children’s Festival

If you’re visiting Toronto during the weekend of May 21st, take in the JUNIOR Festival, Toronto’s international children’s festival at Harbourfront Centre. It’s an event like no other that showcases theatre, music, dance and multidisciplinary art performances.

Whether you travel far or stay close to home, Ontario has something fun for you and your family to experience. Summer is here, and Ontario is calling!