Places to go

Canada's largest indoor reptile zoo, with daily shows, feedings and hands-on animal encounters. A reliable rainy-day outing for curious little ones.

Indoor LEGO play zones, a soft-play area, gentle rides and building stations at Vaughan Mills — best for toddlers up to about age 10.

Indoor playground with climbers, slides and a soft toddler area. A go-to when the weather keeps you inside.

Family-friendly art gallery in historic Unionville with rotating exhibits and drop-in art activities for children.

Art gallery in Kleinburg surrounded by forest trails and outdoor sculpture — pair indoor galleries with a walk in the woods.

Petting farm, pick-your-own, a play barn and seasonal pumpkin and maple events. A York Region family favourite.

Pick-your-own fruit, farm animals, wagon rides and seasonal festivals across the year.

Woodland trails, a maple syrup festival and hands-on nature programs run by the conservation authority in Woodbridge.

Trails, picnic areas, treetop trekking and a maple syrup festival — lots of room for kids to roam.

A 25-acre heritage village with historic buildings, a working train and hands-on history days for families.

Restored 19th-century buildings and seasonal heritage events on the shores of Lake Simcoe.

Barnyard playland in Mount Albert with farm animals (May–Oct), a ride-on train, jumping pillows, a splash pad and big seasonal festivals — maple syrup in spring, pumpkins in fall.

Petting farm and pony rides with hands-on animal feeding — geared to younger children.

Small family zoo near Wasaga Beach with lions, giraffes, monkeys and a walk-through layout that's easy with a stroller. Cash/card at the gate only — no online tickets.

Canada's largest zoo, with 3,000+ animals across themed regions and a splash pad in summer. Plan a full day — the grounds are huge.

Drive-through safari where giraffes and monkeys come right up to the car, plus boat and train rides. Open May to early October.

Small wildlife park focused on big cats — lions, tigers and wolves at close range, with daily feeding tours kids love.

Free working farm in downtown Cabbagetown — cows, pigs, goats and chickens, open year-round 9–5. An easy half-day outing.

Downtown aquarium with a moving walkway through the shark tunnel and lots of touch tanks — a favourite rainy-day trip.