2-Day Family-Friendly Toronto: Aquarium, Islands & Parks (Summer)
A practical, easy-paced 2-day summer itinerary for families with young children. Short transfers, stroller-friendly routes, shade and splash options, nap/snack buffers, and kid-friendly meal choices throughout.
Highlights
- Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
- Toronto Islands & Centreville Amusement Park
- High Park playgrounds and splash pad
- Ontario Science Centre – hands-on exhibits
- St. Lawrence Market picnic provisions
Itinerary
Day 1
Downtown highlights: indoor aquarium (great for morning), easy family lunch, then a relaxed afternoon on Toronto Islands with Centreville Amusement Park. Built-in snack/nap windows and short walks.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada — morning visit (interactive & stroller-friendly)
Start the day with calm, kid-focused exhibits: the moving walkway through the Dangerous Lagoon, touch pool, and open gallery spaces. Plan for 60–90 minutes so little ones can explore at their own pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at opening (or just after) to avoid queues and the loudest crowds—best for children aged 2–10 who enjoy touch pools and fish tunnels.
- Stroller access is smooth (ramps/elevators); use family washrooms with changing tables near the main lobby if you need to change or feed the baby.
- Bring a lightweight cover or sweater—exhibit areas can be cooler and dim; let toddlers sit on the moving walkway edge for a calmer view.
Family lunch — The Old Spaghetti Factory (easy kids' menu)
Short walk from the aquarium to a family-friendly, casual restaurant with predictable kids' portions and high chairs—quick service helps keep the schedule on track.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a corner table or booth for easier stroller parking and to keep little ones contained.
- The menu is allergy-aware and staff will often accommodate simple substitutions—mention allergies when ordering.
- Order one kids' meal and a shared adult portion if your child is a light eater; portions tend to be generous and shareable.
Ferry to Toronto Islands + Centreville Amusement Park (play, shade & beaches)
Catch the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island for playgrounds, kid rides at Centreville and sandy beaches. This is a relaxed afternoon with time for snacks and short naps on the lawn.
Tips from local experts:
- Board the ferry at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal; arrive 15–20 minutes early in summer to secure stroller space. Ferry rides are short and often soothing for napping toddlers.
- Centreville is best for ages 2–10; bring sunscreen, a hat, and refillable water—there are shaded picnic areas and family washrooms with changing tables.
- Use the tram or island pathways with a lightweight stroller; avoid the heaviest gear—there are secure stroller parking areas near the rides and beach access points.
Return to mainland & early family dinner — Jack Astor's Bar & Grill (casual)
Back on the mainland, enjoy an early, casual dinner that welcomes families with kids' portions and flexible menu options. Early seating avoids the evening crowds.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve or arrive by 6:00 pm to get a quieter table and avoid peak dinner noise—ask for a high-chair if needed.
- The menu has flexible options for picky eaters and staff are usually accommodating about cross-contamination/allergies if you explain needs.
- Bring a small activity or tablet for a short while if the kids are tired from the ferry and need a calm, seated distraction.
Day 2
A nature-and-discovery day: pick up market provisions, enjoy High Park playgrounds and a picnic, then head to the Ontario Science Centre for hands-on exhibits and a quiet wind-down.
Morning pickup — St. Lawrence Market (grab picnic supplies & snacks)
Start early at the market to assemble a family picnic: fresh fruit, sandwiches, kid-friendly snacks and drinks. Market stalls are quick and stroller-friendly on weekday mornings or early weekend hours.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early when produce is freshest and crowds are smaller—weekdays or early weekend mornings are best for families with strollers.
- Many vendors prepare single-serve options and will custom-pack sandwiches or cut fruit for children—ask for small, lid-secured containers for easy picnicking.
- There are accessible washrooms and family-friendly rest areas at the market—use them before heading to the park to minimize mid-park bathroom runs.
High Park — playgrounds, Grenadier Pond & summer splash pad
Wide paths for strollers, multiple playgrounds for different ages, and a seasonal splash pad make High Park a perfect relaxed family morning. Picnic under shade or on a lawn after play.
Tips from local experts:
- Play areas suit toddlers through pre-teens—bring a lightweight stroller for younger kids; main trails are stroller-friendly but avoid deep mulch near certain play structures.
- In June the splash pad often runs mid-morning–bring swim diapers, sunscreen, and a change of clothes; family washrooms and changing areas are available near the main playground.
- Plan a quiet rest by Grenadier Pond for nap time—lots of shaded benches and calm paths where younger children often settle down after active play.
Park picnic lunch (prepared from St. Lawrence Market)
Enjoy a relaxed picnic in High Park—spread out in shaded grass. This is a calm, flexible window for nap/quiet time before heading to an interactive museum.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a shady spot near the main playgrounds so one parent can watch play while the other packs up or lets kids rest.
- Keep nap items (light blanket, favorite toy) handy—many toddlers fall asleep quickly after lunch on a picnic blanket.
- Pack wet wipes and a small trash bag—park bins can fill quickly on busy days, and wipes speed up transitions to the next stop.
Ontario Science Centre — hands-on learning and kid-friendly galleries
A practical, discovery-focused afternoon—many interactive galleries for ages 3–12, live demonstrations, and quiet areas for younger children to decompress. Ideal 2–3 hour visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on galleries suited to your children's ages (check map on arrival); the 'KidSpark' area is designed for children 0–8 with sensory-friendly zones.
- There are elevators and broad pathways for strollers; family washrooms and change tables are available—use the quieter mid-afternoon hours after lunch to avoid crowds.
- Bring small snacks and a water bottle (the Science Centre has refill stations); plan to sit in the observatory or quiet corners for a short rest if anyone needs a break.
Early family dinner (casual diner-style) — Fran's Restaurant & Bar
Finish with a relaxed, classic Toronto diner experience with a broad menu and quick service—good for tired kids and flexible dietary needs.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a booth or corner table and a high chair if needed—diner seating is often more comfortable for families with small children.
- Diners typically have flexible options for picky eaters and can adapt sides to suit allergies—tell staff your needs when ordering.
- Plan for an early dinner (around 5:30–6:00 pm) to avoid late-evening rush and keep bedtime routines on track for young children.
