Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Ripley's Aquarium of Canada?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 get hands-on touch tanks, crawling tubes, shark slide, and moving sidewalk, plus educational dive talks and even sleepovers. Safe barriers and stroller-friendly ramps make it nearly ideal.
Positives:
- Toddler-friendly: Children 2 and under enter free with a paying adult.
- Stroller access: Smooth ramps and moving sidewalks make stroller navigation easy.
- Family amenities: Nursing room, family washroom and stroller rentals available.
Challenges:
- Crowds: Midday galleries and tunnels can get crowded, especially on weekends.
- Limited seating: Benches are few in gallery areas—plan short rest stops.
- Food costs: No outside food allowed and on-site snacks can be pricey.
What is Ripley's Aquarium of Canada?
- A downtown Toronto aquarium dedicated to marine and freshwater biodiversity, housing over 16,000 specimens
- A facility anchored by North America’s longest acrylic viewing tunnel, stretching beneath sharks, rays, and sea turtles
- A series of curated galleries—World Waters, Canadian Waters, Rainbow Reef, Planet Jellies, and Ray Bay—each showcasing distinct aquatic habitats
What is so special about Ripley's Aquarium of Canada for with kids?
- Interactive Discovery Centre play zone for energetic kids
- Moving walkway under sharks and rays in Dangerous Lagoon
- Hands-on ray touch tanks for supervised learning
- Daily dive shows combine live action with education
- Stroller-friendly layout and free toddler admission
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for key galleries, play zone visits, and a dive show without rushing the kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Discovery Centre Play Zone:
Interactive area with crawl tubes, rock wall and a shark slide.
Tip: Bring a change of socks and go early to avoid lines.
Dangerous Lagoon Tunnel:
Walk a moving sidewalk under sharks, sea turtles and rays.
Tip: Use the moving walkway for tired legs and visit during dive shows for extra excitement.
Touch-and-Learn Tanks:
Kids age 6+ can touch friendly rays under staff supervision.
Tip: Supervise closely and rinse hands after touching animals.
Planet Jellies:
See glowing jellyfish in rotating, lit tanks.
Tip: Sit on the benches for a calm break and take photos with backlit tanks.
Daily Dive Shows:
Watch divers feed fish and share fun facts.
Tip: Pick up the show schedule at the entrance and arrive 5 minutes early for front-row views.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
- Pre-book tickets: Reserve online to skip the ticket line and pick a timed entry.
- Early arrival: Get there 15 minutes before opening to head straight to popular exhibits.
- Grab a map: Collect the daily show schedule and map to plan your route efficiently.
Reviews of Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Chloe Miller
i love love love this place !! i come all the time. there are so many things to see and i appreciate how informative the displays are. can get pretty busy though so its sometimes hard to get a good look at things. the membership pass is such a good deal as well! just makes it easier to keep coming back hahaha
sean Gallagher
Very cool! My son loved it today. Loved the moving sidewalk and all the different sea life. We went on a Tuesday in the summer around 12pm...clearly there is no limit on head count as it was packed! We were able to get around but the climbing area for kids was totally understand safe. They need to monitor this more honestly. We will be back but there is a lot of safety issues.
Roisin Donnelly
Amazing day out with the kids at the aquarium. My son is obsessed with sharks and so for him to be able to see them up close was so exciting! There was so much to see and do we spent a good two hours walking around and then my son played in the indoor play space that they had too. Although the expectations were to see under water wild life which delivered there was also a section on dragons and sn...
Isabelle Roy
Wonderful experience, especially for kids! You can spend a whole afternoon there : there’s a lot to see! The promenade underneath the shark tank where we are surrounded by fish, turtles and stingrays is magnificent! The playground is a nice touch and allows kids to let out their energy before we keep on visiting. I loved the way the jellyfish were presented, and my 4yo too! We really had a fun day...
Henri T. De Souza
A Great Visit to Ripley’s Aquarium We had a good time visiting Ripley’s Aquarium. Since we purchased our tickets online, we were able to skip the line entirely, which made for a smooth and hassle-free entry. The staff were friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable, adding to the overall positive experience. The exhibits were diverse and well-curated, showcasing a wide variety of marine life. The...
When is the best time to visit Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (Toronto, Canada)?
Weekends and summer holidays get busy. Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds. In winter, it’s a warm indoor escape from the cold.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult general admission | CAD 100 |
| 2 Child (3–12) general admission | CAD 70 |
| Snacks & drinks | CAD 20 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 190 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
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About Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 647-351-3474Explore Popular Things to Do
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