Ontario is big. And that means there are a lot of places to visit in Ontario with kids — from big cities to quiet lakeside towns and some pretty incredible parks.
We’re travellers at heart, even close to home. Living in different parts of the province over the years – between Hamilton, spending summers north of Huntsville, and even a year for me in Thunder Bay before kids, gave us a chance to explore more than just the usual tourist spots. And before we moved to the East Coast, we spent a lot of time discovering some of the best family-friendly places in Ontario.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway or a full summer road trip, these are 15 of our favourite places to visit in Ontario – plus a few bonus picks that are just fun to explore – because it’s just too hard to narrow it down to 15.
Top Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Ontario
From waterfalls to wildlife, historic towns to fun-packed cities, this list covers a bit of everything. Some spots are well known (hello, Toronto), while others are a little more under the radar — but all are worth a visit.
We’ve included personal favourites, road trip stops, beach days, and nature escapes to help you start planning your own Ontario adventures.
1. Toronto
As the biggest city in Canada, Toronto has no shortage of things to do with kids. It’s busy, yes – but it’s still one of the top places to visit in Ontario, if not all of Canada.
You’ll find major attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and the Royal Ontario Musuem, ferry rides to Toronto Islands, and neighbourhoods full of parks, local shops and a huge variety of food – from casual spots to family-friendly restaurants serving dishes from around the world.
Highlights:
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- CN Tower
- Toronto Islands
- High Park
2. Hamilton
It might not be the first place people think of, thanks to its industrial image — but once you get past the Skyway Bridge and off the highway, Hamilton has a totally different vibe. It’s our hometown, and still one of our favourite places to explore with kids.
Known as the City of Waterfalls, there’s some great family-friendly falls to check out, plus short trails and green spaces all over the city. Gage Park is a great spot for younger kids, especially the indoor greenhouse on rainy days. The beachfront trail along Van Wagner’s is perfect on hot summer days, and there’s some good museums and indoor spots to explore too — including Dundurn Castle and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. If you’re into sports, check out a Ti-Cats or Forge FC game at Tim Hortons Field.
Highlights:
- Gage Park and its tropical greenhouse
- Albion Falls, Felkers Falls + many more!
- Van Wagner’s Beachfront Trail for summer walks or bike rides
- Dundurn Castle
3. Niagara Falls & Region
It’s one of the most iconic places to visit in Ontario — and even if you’ve been before, it’s still a fun spot with kids. Yes, it’s touristy, but that also means there’s plenty to do, and it’s easy to plan a weekend or even just a day trip.
Beyond the falls themselves, there are lots of fun things to do in Niagara Falls with kids — from nature trails and gardens to interactive museums and quirky attractions perfect for younger travellers. And if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, nearby towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake or even St. Catharines offer quieter spots with great food, local markets, and places to explore.
Highlights:
- Hornblower boat cruise to the base of the falls
- Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara Parks attractions
- Clifton Hill’s arcades and indoor fun
- White Water Walk and Niagara Glen trails
4. Muskoka
Known for its lakes and cottages, Muskoka is one of the most popular areas of the province in the summer. And if you’re looking to explore beyond the cottage, head into Huntsville, where there are plenty of things to do with kids — from trails and shops to art walks and ice cream stops.
Highlights:
- Walk the Fairy Lake trail in Huntsville or visit High Falls in Bracebridge
- Group of Seven art walk through downtown Huntsville
- Santa’s Village in Bracebridge (great for younger kids)
- Stop for Ice cream at Kawartha Dairy in Huntsville
5. Almaguin Highlands
Just north of Muskoka, the Almaguin Highlands is a quieter, often-overlooked area that’s full of natural beauty — but without the summer crowds you’ll find in Muskoka.
I spent summers here growing up, and my kids spent plenty of time exploring the area in the summer and fall before we moved to Nova Scotia. We still come back every summer — it’s one of our favourite places to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.
There aren’t big-name attractions, but that’s part of the draw. It’s all about small towns, quiet lakes, and unexpected spots you won’t find on many lists.
Highlights:
- Visit Kearney — the “biggest little town” in Ontario
- Walk the trails and grab a bite in Burk’s Falls
- Explore the sculpture-covered property at Screaming Heads
- Camp at Mikisew or Restoule Provincial Parks
6. Lake Superior Shore
This part of Ontario feels wild — in the best way. Stretching from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, the Lake Superior shoreline is a fantastic Northern Ontario road trip and one of our all-time adventures. It’s perfect for families who love hiking, quiet beaches, and big open views.
It’s also nothing like southern Ontario. The water is cold — but totally worth the chill.
Highlights:
- Hike to the Agawa Rock Pictographs in Lake Superior Provincial Park
- Stop for ice cream and a photo op with the goose in Wawa
- Pick up amazing apple fritters from Voyageur’s Lodge
- Spend the day at Pancake Bay, one of the best beaches in Ontario, and one of our favourite stops on the drive
7. Thunder Bay
One of Ontario’s most underrated spots, Thunder Bay has waterfalls, trails, and tons of outdoor space — perfect for active families.
I lived here for a year before my kids were born and loved it, so I knew I had to take my kids back to visit. We returned for a summer trip a few years ago — and it was just as beautiful as I remembered.
It’s a great mix of nature, history, and wide-open space, with enough indoor spots to keep everyone busy on rainy days. If you’re planning a visit, here are some of our favourite things to do in Thunder Bay with kids.
Highlights:
- Kakabeka Falls — easy access and a must-see
- Hike the Top of the Giant Trail — a big day, but worth every step
- Cool off at Trowbridge Falls or Cascades
- Explore Fort William Historical Park
- Terry Fox Memorial and scenic lookout
8. Kitchener and Surrounding Area
Kitchener, with its mix of parks, museums, and kid-friendly festivals, makes a great base for exploring a quieter side of Southwestern Ontario. And since my sister and nieces live there, we’ve visited a few times.
It’s especially fun in the summer and fall, with lots of space to explore and plenty of day trips nearby. It’s a nice change of pace from bigger cities and works well as a weekend destination or a stop on a longer family road trip.
Highlights:
- Splash around at Bingemans Big Splash water park in the summer
- Walk or bike the trails through Victoria Park
- Stop at the St. Jacobs Market for local food and handmade finds
- Take a day trip to Stratford for a relaxed small-town vibe and family-friendly shows
9. Ottawa
Ottawa has a great mix of history, green space, and family-friendly museums — and it’s easy to explore without feeling overwhelming. Whether you’re skating the canal in winter or checking out interactive exhibits at one of the museums, there’s plenty here to keep kids curious and engaged.
It’s also a very walkable city, with lots of parks, outdoor festivals, and spots to stop for a treat.
Highlights:
- Take a tour of Parliament Hill
- Visit the Canadian Museum of Nature or the Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- Walk or bike along the Rideau Canal
- Explore ByWard Market
- Cool off at city splash pads or spend the day at Mooney’s Bay Beach
10. Kingston
Halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, Kingston is an easy weekend destination with a mix of history, waterfront trails, and boat cruises. It’s a great stop if you’re road-tripping across the province, and there’s enough to fill a relaxed couple of days with kids.
The downtown is walkable, there are plenty of places to grab a snack, explore by the water or explore some local history— all of which make it a great pick for a laid-back trip with kids.
Highlights:
- Take a boat cruise to explore the 1000 Islands
- Visit Fort Henry for a mix of history and open space
- Walk or bike along the waterfront trails
- Visit the PumpHouse Museum or check out the local markets
11. Blue Mountain & Collingwood
Blue Mountain is known for its ski hills in winter, but it’s also a great place for a family getaway in the summer or fall. There are outdoor activities, trails, and even a few kid-friendly adventure parks — all with a resort-style feel.
The nearby town of Collingwood is also worth exploring, with local shops, restaurants, and access to the waterfront.
Highlights:
- Take the gondola up the mountain for views and an easy hike back down
- Treetop trekking, ropes courses, and other adventure park activities
- Explore the Scenic Caves and suspension bridge
- Visit nearby Craigleith or Wasaga Beach
12. The 1000 Islands
With island cruises, castles, and riverside trails, the 1000 Islands region feels like a bit of an escape without going far. It’s a great option for families who enjoy being on the water and want something a little different from the usual beach or cottage trip.
The area around Gananoque and Brockville is easy to explore, and many attractions are best seen by boat — which is often a highlight for kids.
Highlights:
- Take a boat cruise from Gananoque to see the islands and castles
- Visit Boldt Castle (passport needed) or Singer Castle
- Walk the waterfront trails or explore the Brockville Railway Tunnel
- Stop at the Aquatarium in Brockville for a rainy day indoor activity
13. Manitoulin Island
The world’s largest freshwater island is a bit of a trek to get to — but it’s worth it. Manitoulin feels quiet and remote, with scenic drives, local art, and some of the best views in Northern Ontario.
It’s a great spot for families who want to unplug a bit, spend time outdoors, and experience something a little different from the usual Ontario getaway.
Highlights:
- Hike the Cup and Saucer Trail for incredible views
- Swim at Bridal Veil Falls in Kagawong
- Visit local Indigenous cultural centres and art galleries
- Take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory (I still remember taking the Chi-Cheemaun ferry as a kid — let’s just say it left a lasting impression…)
14. Bruce Peninsula & Tobermory
With turquoise water, rocky shorelines, and stunning hikes, the Bruce Peninsula feels like a totally different part of Ontario. It’s one of those places that’s hard to believe is just a few hours from the GTA.
The town of Tobermory makes a great base, and while it’s a popular spot in summer, the views — and swimming spots — are totally worth it.
Highlights:
- Hike to the Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park (timed entry in summer)
- Take a glass-bottom boat or ferry to Flowerpot Island
- Walk the shoreline trails and watch the boats in Tobermory Harbour
- Visit Singing Sands Beach — a quiet spot with shallow water and space to explore (not to be confused with Singing Sands in PEI, though both are great for families).
15. Lake Ontario Beaches
Lake Ontario might not have the same summer buzz as the lakes up north, but there are still some great beaches that are perfect for a family day trip or a weekend away — especially if you’re coming from the GTA or Eastern Ontario.
These beaches are usually quieter, with shallow water and space to explore nearby trails, marshes, and nature centres.
Highlights:
- Spend the day at Presqu’ile Provincial Park — easy trails, sandbars, and birdwatching
- Head to Sandbanks (if you can snag a campsite or get there early)
- Visit North Beach near Wellington for smaller crowds
- Combine a beach trip with a stop in Prince Edward County
A Few Extras We Love: Bonus Spots We Couldn’t Leave Out
There are so many fun places to explore in Ontario, it’s hard to stop at just 15. These extra spots didn’t quite make the main list, but they’re still worth checking out — especially if you’re road-tripping through the area or looking for something a little different.
Pelee Island
The southernmost point in Canada, this quiet escape on Lake Erie has beaches, bike paths, and birdwatching. It’s a ferry ride to get there, but that’s part of the adventure.
North Bay
A great stop on a Northern Ontario road trip — with a waterfront playground, a classic carousel and train ride, and access to local trails and beaches.
Elora Gorge
Popular for tubing in the summer, but also great for hiking and exploring. The town of Elora has a fun artsy vibe and some beautiful views along the river.
Canada’s Wonderland
One of Ontario’s top amusement parks, with roller coasters, splash zones, and kid-friendly rides. It’s an easy full-day outing from Toronto.
Cochrane
Home to the Polar Bear Habitat, where rescued bears live in a natural-style setting. A fun and unique stop if you’re exploring Northern Ontario.
Sudbury
Great for indoor-outdoor days with kids, there are plenty of things to do in Sudbury — from hands-on science exhibits at Science North to hiking Onaping Falls or exploring the trails at Kivi Park.
Sault Ste. Marie
Ride a bushplane simulator, climb into real aircraft at the Bushplane Museum, or burn off energy at Bellevue Park’s many playgrounds.
Midland & Penetanguishene
Explore history hands-on at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons or Discovery Harbour, and walk the waterfront trails between stops.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Known for Mazinaw Rock, this scenic park has kid-friendly hiking, paddling, and views of Indigenous pictographs along the lake.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
A beautiful spot with forest trails, a small lake, and a protected rock carving site — home to over 1,000 Indigenous petroglyphs.
Final Thoughts: Our Favourite Spots to Visit in Ontario
Whether you’re after quiet lakes, road trip stops, family-friendly cities or just somewhere new to explore, these are some of our favourite places to visit in Ontario with kids. From well-known spots like Niagara and Toronto to quieter places like Almaguin and Pelee Island, there’s a lot to discover — and this list is just the beginning.
Planning to explore Ontario with your family? We’ve got plenty more to help you get started. Discover some of the best small towns in Ontario, check out some amazing beaches in Ontario, or plan your next adventure with one of our Ontario road trip itineraries.
