Family-friendly day trips close to Toronto are a reprieve from the city this time of year. With snow finally in the forecast for Southern Ontario, the next couple of weeks could be the perfect time to make the most of what remains of milder weather while we can.
While winter officially begins with the solstice on Dec. 21, 2024, the quickening approach of cold weather means we’ll likely be sticking closer to home soon, where the hot cocoa flows freely.
So, before slush and snow cover the cityscape, here are some family-friendly day trips from Toronto to take before the cold weather arrives.
Santa’s Village & Muskoka Zip Line and Aerial Park
Head to Bracebridge for a day of festive fun at Santa’s Village, a holiday-themed amusement park perfect for younger kids. Explore their rides, games, and even a petting zoo, all with a seasonal Christmas vibe.
For older kids and adults, the Muskoka Zip Line and Aerial Park offer thrilling adventures, from high ropes to zip lines, with stunning views of the beautiful Muskoka region.
Experience Illumi
Illumi is a spectacular event in Mississauga that will transport your family into a world of light, sound, and multimedia displays.
With 15 themed universes featuring millions of twinkling lights, there’s plenty to marvel at for both kids and adults. Running from October through early January, this attraction is the perfect mix of wonder and creativity, making it a must-visit this season.
Chantry Island
Chantry Island, surrounded by abandoned shipwrecks, is perfect for creating family memories and a deeper connection to nature during their two-hour historic tours.
You’ll get to explore panoramic views from the 1800s Imperial Lighthouse and discover the amazing Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary that’s home to over 50,000 birds.
Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls
Discover the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary at Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls. Explore interactive exhibits and educational displays as you and the family wander through the multi-level rainforest habitat, home to hundreds of tropical birds and lush greenery.
Forsythe Family Farm
Forsythe Family Farms offers a fun-filled family day with flower and pumpkin picking, Barnyard Adventure playground, bunny cuddling and animal encounters, and educational food experiences.
Your kids will have a fantastic time while connecting with nature and furry friends.
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve is a magical place that’s perfect for family adventures, offering experiences ranging from astronomy tours to canoeing on tranquil lakes among the beautiful autumn leaves.
You can even observe majestic wolves up close through one-way glass at the Wolf Centre.
Mountsberg Raptor Centre
Mountsberg Raptor Centre within Conservation Halton is an unusual (but still fun) must-see family destination, especially for animal lovers.
You can experience up-close encounters with incredible birds of prey during a guided Hawk Walk or personalized Raptor Experience, where you can hold and photograph native birds of prey.
Muskoka Heritage Place
Explore Muskoka Heritage Place for a nostalgic family adventure. Travel back in time on a historic train dating to 1904, explore regional history at the museum, and visit the Muskoka Pioneer Village to meet early settlers and their farm animals.
Riverview Park & Zoo
Riverview Zoo allows you to get up close with over 150 animals, including camels, yaks, monkeys, and crocodiles, all living in specially-designed natural habitats.
Just outside the zoo grounds, there’s an extensive playground that kids (and grown-ups) of all ages will love, making it a perfect family destination with both animal encounters and recreational activities.
Riverwood Conservancy
Riverwood Conservancy offers an extraordinary journey for kids with its innovative Sensory Path, inviting them to engage with nature through tactile elements like wildlife artifacts, tree barks, and animal track engravings.
This interactive learning experience fosters a deeper connection to the natural world, making it a must-visit destination for families seeking an enriching outdoor adventure that’s both fun and educational.
Storybook Gardens
Storybook Gardens is an enchanting world featuring a range of attractions, from a rock-climbing wall, Frog King’s Leaping Lilypad, and Vintage Storybook Chapel to a castle filled with your kids’ favourite storybook characters.
Extra thrills can be found on rides like a Ferris wheel, carousel, mechanical elephants, and a cute little train ride, all adding to this magical experience for the whole family.
Niagara Parks Power Station
Dive into history and science with a visit to the Niagara Parks Power Station, where interactive exhibits bring hydroelectric power to life. Kids will love the hands-on activities, while the scenic backdrop of Niagara Falls provides a breathtaking setting.
Don’t miss the “Currents” sound and light show, which transforms the power station’s story into an immersive visual experience. It’s an educational and entertaining outing for all ages.
WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland
Get a taste of winter magic at Canada’s Wonderland’s annual WinterFest, where the park transforms into a wonderland of lights and holiday cheer. From ice skating to live shows and festive treats, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Brantford’s Bird Path
Make memories by painting birdhouses at home and adding them to this charming Bird Path in historic Brantford, Ontario. This whimsical trail, lined with colourful hand-painted birdhouses, offers a delightful experience for families. Don’t forget to bring some birdseed to scatter along the way!
Udderly Ridiculous Farm
Udderly Ridiculous Farm is where you can choose from unique outdoor experiences, such as picnicking with alpacas or enjoying a goat yoga class.
Explore the Farm Market Store with goodies from over 75 local vendors, including honey, farm-fresh eggs, grass-fed beef, and don’t forget to savour the farm’s own Gourmet Goat Ice Cream.
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Step into a tropical oasis at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, where thousands of vibrant butterflies flit around lush gardens. This serene escape also features tropical plants, exotic birds, and fascinating educational displays.
It’s the perfect mix of nature and learning, offering an unforgettable experience for curious kids and adults alike.
Warsaw Caves
Warsaw Caves offers modern adventures and ancient secrets, with opportunities for spelunking in ancient caverns, water activities along the Indian River, hiking on five kilometres of scenic trails, and fishing for perch, sunfish, and smallmouth bass.
Take a guided family tour on horseback
Explore the tranquil beauty of Southern Ontario with a peaceful horseback trail ride at Pathways on Pleasure Valley. With over 225 acres of breathtaking forest trails, families can enjoy a serene journey led by well-trained horses and experienced guides.
Explore some of Hamilton’s waterfalls
Known as the “City of Waterfalls,” Hamilton is home to over 100 cascades, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Family-friendly favourites like Webster’s Falls and Albion Falls are especially picturesque in autumn, framed by vibrant fall foliage.
Waterloo’s Earth Sciences Museum
Located at the University of Waterloo, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into our planet’s history. Explore fossils, minerals, crystals, and ice age animals, and walk through the geological garden which showcases more than 80 unique rock specimens from Ontario and beyond, making it a perfect trip for curious minds of all ages.
