Toronto is undoubtedly the largest and most beautiful cities in Canada. It is also one of the most multicultural and vibrant cities in the world. From breathtaking scenery to historical landmarks to parks to a number of shopping malls, Toronto has something to offer to all kinds of tourists. There are a plenty of attractions to see in Toronto especially if you are visiting with your kids. Among all the highlights Toronto has to offer, the best and a must-see attraction for kids is Toronto Zoo.
Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada that is home to more than 5,000 animals of 450 different species. The Toronto Zoo is located in a beautiful location in Scarborough and covering the area of around 700 acres. The zoo is divided into seven geographical regions representing Australasia, Canada, Americas, Indo-Malaya, Eurasia, Tundra Trek and Africa. Though each part of the zoo is worth exploring, but if you don’t want to walk much with your kids, we recommend you to visit the exhibits, Splash Island and the Kids Zoo which your kids are absolutely going to love. Another must-see attraction in the zoo is water play area where your kids can enjoy playing water activities in summer season.
About the Zoo
Entry ticket in winter: $23 (adults: 13-64) | $18 (seniors: 65+) | $14 (Child: 3-12) | Free for children ages 2 and younger | Free for members
Entry ticket in summer: $29 (adults: 13-64) | $24 (seniors: 65+) | $19 (Child: 3-12) | Free for children ages 2 and younger | Free for members
Opening Hours: 5th May to 3rd Sept (9:00am to 7:00pm daily) | 4th Sept to 8th Oct (9:30am to 4:30pm weekdays) and (9:30am to 6:00pm weekends/holidays) | 9th Oct to 31st Dec (9:30am to 4:30pm daily)
Best time to visit: Summer Season
Closed: 25th December every year
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, Ontario M1B 5K7, Canada
Website: http://www.torontozoo.com
Important Note:
You can save your ticket cost by purchasing CITY PASS. City Pass will let you visit 5 attractions in Toronto in discount including Toronto Zoo. The pass costs $69.62 for adult (ages 13+) and $46.68 for child (4-12).
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to the zoo is through car if you have one. But if you want to use public transport, it’ll take an hour to reach zoo from downtown Toronto. From Kennedy Station, you can get into 86A which will take you to the Toronto Zoo. For other routes, you can check here.
Things to do for Kids
Kids Zoo
Located in Discovery Zone, the Kids Zoo feature a number of animals including goats, guinea pigs, alpacas and many more. Kids can get closer to these animals and even feed them. There are also tree house’s slides for kids to play. Your kids will also have a chance to meet a zookeeper who’ll guide them about the zoo and its animals. The Kids Zoo is opened from 1st May to 31st October and its closed during other months in winter season.
Splash Island
Beat the Toronto heat in Splash Island located in the Discovery Zone. This small island features a number of waterslides, waterfalls, splash pad and water-sprouting animals. Make sure to check the timings of Splash Island before you visit as its opening hours vary in summer season. If you and your kids want to cool down in the scorching heat of Toronto, then Splash Island is a must-do activity in Toronto Zoo.
Waterside Theatre
Get ready to watch the exciting animal shows at Waterside Theatre in Toronto Zoo. The theatre exhibits two shows; one representing the Canadian species and other one representing various birds. These shows are exclusively for families with kids. A number of animal playing and showing their skills is a sight to watch. Though the shows run from 19th May to 3rd September, make sure to check before visiting as they might get cancelled due to weather conditions.
Animals Exhibits
One of the best things to do in Toronto Zoo is watching the animals on exhibit. There are a few exhibits inside the zoo including Indo-Malaya Outdoor Exhibit featuring Indian peafowl, Mandarin duck and many other animals, Australasia Outdoor Exhibit featuring kangaroos and wallaby, Americas Outdoor Exhibit featuring American flamingos, macaws, jaguar and others.
Tundra Trek
If your kids love polar bears, then you must take them to Tundra Trek which is featuring the Polar Bear habitat spreading on the area of 5 acres. Other animals in Tundra Trek include Arctic wolf, snowy owl, snow goose and European reindeer.
Important Note:
Some animals might be off display due to their medical check-ups and other related reasons. Don’t panic if you can’t see any specific animal. There is a lot to see in the zoo and absence of a few animals won’t bother the kids.
Tips for parents visiting Toronto zoo with kids
- As Toronto Zoo is large, plan your trip in advance and also discuss it with your kids. They might want to see specific animals and moving around the whole zoo would waste a lot of their time.
- Do bring towel and extra clothes for your kids as they are going to get wet in Splash Island.
- Toronto Zoo has a lot of summer programs for kids including one-day summer camps. You can check them out if your kids are interested in learning about the zoo and its animals.
No matter how old your kids are, they are absolutely going to enjoy every moment in Toronto Zoo. Just a little planning beforehand and you’ll have a lifetime experience here with your kids!
