Kid Invasion

Our Local Expert Says:

Rogers Centre does a behinds the scenes tour where visitors can see how the Rogers Centre runs on a day-to-day basis. Highlight of the tour is the visit to the Centre's press box.

Description:

Home to the Toronto Blue Jays since the 1989 season, as well as the Argonaut Canadian Football League squad, this $500-million-plus architectural marvel (formerly known as SkyDome) is the first stadium to have a fully retractable roof. Seating more than 50,000 for baseball, the stadium boasts the world's largest JumboTron scoreboard, a 346-room hotel with some suites facing the field, and a Hard Rock Café with field-view seating. Guided tours operate daily depending on the event schedule.

Description:

April 7, 1977 is the day Major League Baseball came to Toronto. Although Canada is known mostly as a nation of hockey fans, the Blue Jays consistently set attendance records and reached the pinnacle of baseball success with a World Series Championships in 1992. They then repeated that feat the next year with an unforgettable home run off the bat of long time Blue Jay Joe Carter. Tickets are available at SkyDome April through October, just minutes from Union Station.

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel will book a weekend package for you for a reduced rate. The package can be customized to include theatre, or other Toronto attractions.

Description:

The Delta Chelsea is Canada's largest hotel. It is located right downtown, close to several attractions including Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre and the Entertainment District, as well as the financial district. The facilities include a Health Club, extensive business and meeting facilities, the Elmwood Spa adjacent to the hotel, an indoor pool, and a variety of dining options. The Delta Chelsea is a particularly good choice for families travelling with children, as they have extensive entertainment options for children, including a Family Fun Zone, a teen lounge and a 130-foot indoor waterslide.

Description:

This entertainment complex features one of the most happening nightclubs in the city, a 750-seat Tides restaurant and Nightclub and huge waterfront patio. Along with this the Polson Pier also has a two-level golf driving range open all year round, beach volleyball and a three-person bungee ride for the adventurous. You can also do a little rock climbing, shoot some pool, or play a game of three-on-three hoops. The nightclub, with state-of-the-art sound and laser lighting, is open May through to first weekend in October. Many people arrive at the Polson Pier on their boats and dockage is provided.

Description:

Try something a little different: indoor rock climbing. Established in 1990, Joe Rockhead's is Canada's first indoor rock climbing gym, where both amateur climbers and experts can be challenged and entertained. Experienced climbers will enjoy top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering. Groups are also welcome; from kids parties to corporate team building events to school & camp groups. Learn more about the sport of rock climbing or hone your skills and connect with other climbers. Full equipment rentals available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Harbourfront has a really comprehensive website that outlines all of the upcoming events. It's worth heading down to Harbourfront for one of the festivals, especially the Hot and Spicy Food festival if you're in Toronto in August. Harbourfront's events are always packed with entertainment, good food and lots of people.

Description:

Open-air concerts, food fairs and festivals of every description typify summertime at Harbourfront. During the more inclement months, a full facility including theatres, art galleries, lecture and workshop spaces, and concert venues keep patrons' cultural cravings sated.

This ten acre waterfront property provides access to two Toronto marinas and the boardwalk; it is also host to an estimated 4000 events each year. The Harbourfront Centre, located in the heart of the property, is a non profit organization committed to making its milti-disiciplinary arts and cultural events available to as diverse a group as possible. The Centre offers a full slate of educational programs to cover all age ranges and interests: from school groups to niche craft workshops, lectures and reading series.

Harbourfront is accessible by the Queens Quay West streetcar from Spadina Avenue and Union Station. It is also an access point for ferries to Toronto Islands.

Description:

Located on Toronto's waterfront, this cultural centre looks part port authority, part funky mall. Painted an appropriate shade of aquamarine with black signing, this emporium is part of the larger Harbourfront Centre that dominates this now trendy piece of Toronto. Situated on Queens Quay West, between the Newcourt Centre and the John Quay, this building is home to the Studio Theatre, the Community Gallery, the Brigantine Room and the Lakeside Terrace. It is a refuge for many cultural events and craft shows from the mainstream to the eclectic.

Our Local Expert Says:

Queen's Quay (pronounced key) has a great lake front trail that is great for cycling, rollerblading, or walking. It is always bustling with locals and tourists and is particularly nice in the early evening as the sun begins to set.

Description:

Queen's Quay is part of Toronto's harbor-front neighborhood and it is one of the most active places in the summer. There is a festival almost every weekend through July and August so plan ahead and check the schedule to see what grabs your interest. The area also has several art galleries and shops as well as a small manmade beach on Lake Ontario. The neighbourhood has also been changing in recent years; a condo boom in the city has drastically increased the number of residents calling Queen's Quay their home.

Our Local Expert Says:

Check online or call ahead to make sure that Stanley Cup will be at the Hall of Fame for your visit.

Description:

The Hockey Hall of Fame is located across from Union station and has exhibits about notable individuals and teams, as well as numerous opportunities to get active and test your hockey skills. The Stanley Cup is also housed here when it is not on the road. Highlights at the Hall of Fame are the "Be a Player" exhibit and the "Broadcast Zone." The tribute to Wayne Gretzky is also quite impressive.

If you are still in a hockey state of mind after your visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, head to Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant which is owned by "The Great One" himself for some delicious dishes - including the biggest plate of nachos you may have ever seen.

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoy the live music on the weekends. C'est What keeps an up to date schedule on it's website. This a great, unpretentious place to hangout with friends on a Friday or Saturday night.

Description:

If you love beer and live music, this is the place to go. 28 locally brewed beers are on tap here to go along with the great menu, including the best lamb burgers in the city. It is within walking distance from the CN Tower, yet at the same time removed from the modern hustle and bustle of downtown in a century-old building (a common trait of the establishments at King and Yonge). There is also brunch served on Saturdays if you are looking for a quieter dining experience.

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel will book a weekend package for you for a reduced rate. The package can be customized to include theatre, or other Toronto attractions.

Description:

The Delta Chelsea is Canada's largest hotel. It is located right downtown, close to several attractions including Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre and the Entertainment District, as well as the financial district. The facilities include a Health Club, extensive business and meeting facilities, the Elmwood Spa adjacent to the hotel, an indoor pool, and a variety of dining options. The Delta Chelsea is a particularly good choice for families travelling with children, as they have extensive entertainment options for children, including a Family Fun Zone, a teen lounge and a 130-foot indoor waterslide.

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel will book a weekend package for you for a reduced rate. The package can be customized to include theatre, or other Toronto attractions.

Description:

The Delta Chelsea is Canada's largest hotel. It is located right downtown, close to several attractions including Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre and the Entertainment District, as well as the financial district. The facilities include a Health Club, extensive business and meeting facilities, the Elmwood Spa adjacent to the hotel, an indoor pool, and a variety of dining options. The Delta Chelsea is a particularly good choice for families travelling with children, as they have extensive entertainment options for children, including a Family Fun Zone, a teen lounge and a 130-foot indoor waterslide.

Description:

The Ontario Science Centre (OSC) is a science museum in Toronto that is highly interactive and kid friendly. It first opened in 1969 and was renovated and revived in the early 2000's. The OSC has a major exhibit that changes frequently and is currently home to an interactive exhibit about the solar system focused specifically on Mars. The OSC also has a newly reopened astrology wing which is home to one of Canada's only pieces of moon rock on public display as well as Canada's only planetarium.

Our Local Expert Says:

Interactive dinner theatre with a Canadian twist. Book in advance, the food is good and reasonably prices and the murder mystery dinner theatre is wildly entertaining.

Description:

It starts around dessert time—someone you've just met may die or a body is suddenly discovered. Welcome to dinner theatre with a mysterious twist. Located in the renovated Limelight Dinner Theatre restaurant, the Mysteriously Yours folks are once again killing off people with impunity—and then daring the dining public to solve the mystery. The menu is no mystery, however, with offerings of fresh Atlantic Salmon, Prime Beef Rib, and Linguini among the many specialties.

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel will book a weekend package for you for a reduced rate. The package can be customized to include theatre, or other Toronto attractions.

Description:

The Delta Chelsea is Canada's largest hotel. It is located right downtown, close to several attractions including Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre and the Entertainment District, as well as the financial district. The facilities include a Health Club, extensive business and meeting facilities, the Elmwood Spa adjacent to the hotel, an indoor pool, and a variety of dining options. The Delta Chelsea is a particularly good choice for families travelling with children, as they have extensive entertainment options for children, including a Family Fun Zone, a teen lounge and a 130-foot indoor waterslide.

Our Local Expert Says:

This idyllic oasis makes a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of downtown TO.

Description:

Just a short ferry ride away are the Toronto Islands, North America's largest urban car-free community. It's actually three separate and distinct islands each offering a spectacular view of Toronto's skyline.There is a delightful board walk on Ward's Island home to 250 residential cottages. Ward's Island is off the beaten tourist path and has some cute cafes to relax and have a coffee. The main trail connecting all the islands passes by beautiful gardens and plenty of open green spaces. Centre Island is the largest and most commercial with the quaint Centreville Amusement park geared towards younger kids. It's famous for its residential swans and geese. Hanlan's is the most westernly island where the main ferry docks are located. Hanlan's Point Beach is a short walk from the Hanlan's Point ferry docks. This is a clothing-optional beach, one of the few in Canada, so it's not suitable for children.

Description:

Billed as 'Asian Foods with a Twist', this restaurant serves up affordable and delicious Asian-fusion cuisine. From a range of Thai, Malaysian and Chinese offerings, you can select a great meal at a reasonable price. With a modern decor and narrow seating, the place is more upscale than the prices suggest. A generous portion of Pad Thai is inexpensive for the amount and quality of noodles, seafood and meat bits one gets. Shakes with Asian fruits and flavours are also offered.

Description:

This award-winning company is the largest theatre in the country specifically designed to delight young audiences. Commonly the locale for many afternoon school-trips, children will be mesmerized by productions performed with them in mind. The theatre has two performance spaces: the 468-seat Susan Rubes mainstage, and the 115-seat Nathan Cohen Studio Theatre. LKTYP offers a drama school programme for students enrolled in grade 1 and above. For more information call +1 416 363 5131 (ext 242).

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel will book a weekend package for you for a reduced rate. The package can be customized to include theatre, or other Toronto attractions.

Description:

The Delta Chelsea is Canada's largest hotel. It is located right downtown, close to several attractions including Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre and the Entertainment District, as well as the financial district. The facilities include a Health Club, extensive business and meeting facilities, the Elmwood Spa adjacent to the hotel, an indoor pool, and a variety of dining options. The Delta Chelsea is a particularly good choice for families travelling with children, as they have extensive entertainment options for children, including a Family Fun Zone, a teen lounge and a 130-foot indoor waterslide.

Our Local Expert Says:

Special group tours can be arranged in English, French, Cantonese, Mandarin and Spanish.

Description:

With the addition of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal in 2007, Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum became a major point of architectural interest (and debate) in the city. It is also home to six million Canadian and international artifacts that spread across three levels of gallery space. One of the largest museums in North America,  the ROM is a primary research and tourism destination for visitors and locals alike.  Blending arts and science, old and new, the ROM's collection is devoted to exploring the relationship between nature and humanity and is divided into three gallery spaces: World Culture, Natural History and Hands-on.  In addition, a continuous roster of exciting temporary shows pass through the museum's special exhibition galleries. The kid-friendly second level features a special, interactive space (the CIBC Discovery Gallery), where young patrons can participate in a Dinosaur Dig, get close to replica clothing and armour, and get an inside look at a (child-size) tipi. 

You may want to continue your cultural experience with a nice dinner at the nearby Pho Hung Vietnamese restaurant for some delicious Pho - the delicious and filling beef soup that makes this restaurant famous.

The museum is situated between Yorkville (if you need some extravagant retail therapy, or even window-shopping) and The Annex (if you want to wind down afterwords with some lighter shopping or smaller cozy restaurants.


 

Description:

After the renovation, the management at Gardiner didn't just add more artistic touches to the place but they added a culinary one too. Jamie Kennedy, which is named after the head chef, holds up to 100 people for cocktails or 200 for seated events. A terrace room is available for open air parties or business gatherings. Dinners made with seasonal ingredients are served only on Fridays , but if you call ahead you can book a lunch here on any day of the week.

Description:

One of the largest restaurants in Canada, the Bb33 Bistro and Brasserie is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, and offers two dining options. The Bistro is an intimate yet stylish place to eat, and features buffet meals. The Brasserie on the on the other hand, is casual, and serves up a la carte items. What is more, the menu is divided into four categories - 'Traditional', 'Seasonal', 'Organic', and 'Exotic'! Both eateries are warmed up by an efficient and ever-smiling staff that almost dotes on clients. You will definitely be visiting again!

Description:

One of the Toronto area's most popular spots for viewing IMAX films, this locale boasts a 20 x 30-metre screen and a superior sound system. Located inside a giant dome-shaped building on the lakeshore, this is one of several IMAX locations in the city. After taking in the latest film, check out what else Ontario Place has to offer. Known as the ultimate family complex, there's a water playground, science centre, and all manner of other fun.

Our Local Expert Says:

The bumper boats are a highlight and a great way to cool off in the Toronto summer heat.

Description:

Ontario Place is constructed on three artificial islands West of Toronto's downtown. It is owned by the Province and is an ideal summer destination for families.  Features like the water park, marina village, amusement park, and adventure island make it a thriving, kid-centric stop throughout the good weather. For the adults, Ontario Place hosts many exhibits and nighttime concerts; it is also home to the Cinesphere—the world's first permanent IMAX.

Description:

No other franchise can lay claim to overlooking centre-right field at the Rogers Centre (home of the Toronto Blue Jays). A baseball enthusiast's dream, you can eat and watch the game from some of the best seats in the house. Inside, legendary blues guitar player Stevie Ray Vaughan's autographed Stratocaster hangs over the pool table—just one of many pieces of rock 'n' roll memorabilia. If you're on Yonge St, there's another Hard Rock across from Eaton Centre.