Toronto Zoo (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Toronto Zoo?
Kids get Kids Zoo playground, Splash Island, carousel, ropes course, and engaging keeper talks; wide paths, stroller rentals, and picnic tables make a high-energy 3-5-hour visit easy for parents.
Positives:
- Interactive Learning: Kids can join keeper talks and watch animal feedings up close.
- All-Season Visits: Indoor pavilions offer warm, dry exhibits on rainy or cold days.
Challenges:
- Large Park Area: The zoo spans over 700 acres, so prepare for long walks and schedule breaks.
- Seasonal Service Availability: Splash Island and some tours close in winter; check the schedule ahead.
What is so special about Toronto Zoo for with kids?
- Hands-on animal encounters and keeper talks engage kids aged 3–12.
- Play zones like the Kids Zoo playground and Splash Island water park.
- Indoor pavilions keep the visit comfortable year-round.
- Easy, fun rides: Conservation Carousel and Zoomobile train.
- Stroller and wagon rentals ease walking across the large park.
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 3-5 hours gives time to explore main exhibits, let children rest, and enjoy rides without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Toronto Zoo
Kids Zoo Playground:
Let children dig for fossils in a shaded sand pit and climb treehouses.
Tip: Visit in the morning when the sand is cool and lines are short.
Splash Island Water Park:
Two acres of water sprays and slides for cooling off.
Tip: Bring towels and swimsuits; arrive early to avoid midday crowds.
Conservation Carousel:
Animal-shaped seats on a classic merry-go-round.
Tip: Buy tickets at the entrance and let each child pick their favorite animal.
Zoomobile Tour:
Open-air train ride covering multiple habitats.
Tip: Board at the Discovery Zone to catch views of bears and penguins.
Meet the Guardians Talks:
Short keeper sessions with live feedings.
Tip: Check the daily schedule on the Zoo app and arrive 5 minutes early.
Gorilla Climb Ropes Course:
High-ropes challenge suitable for older children.
Tip: Check height requirements and book the noon slot for cooler temperatures.
When is the best time to visit Toronto Zoo?
In summer, head to Splash Island early and pack sunscreen. In cooler months, focus on indoor pavilions like the Rainforest and Penguin Park for warmth.
Reviews of Toronto Zoo
Joshua Routley
A great place, education, entertainment but beware the place is massive so it's also exercise! Easily 15k+ steps unless you want to pay for the zoo transport. It might be possible to see everything they have in one day but that sounds exhausting. Tons of exhibits and stuff for the family. Loads of food vendors that also serve booze which is a plus. A good number of bathrooms and water bottle refi...
Marie
Amazing zoo! It's really big, with animals from all over the world and plenty of space to walk around and explore. The enclosures are well cared for. It's a great place for families but also fun for adults. Definitely worth a visit! 🥰
Hiten Rathod
This week wonderful time enjoyed at Toronto Zoo worth visiting for all age group. While the kids and youngsters have most activities, others have a unique experience for the whole day. Check their website for timings and entry fee. The zoo arena is well mapped and accessible easily by walk and more with zoomobiles, their own ride train. Very nicely crafted picnic spaces and food arenas all aro...
Albion
I visited on a very hot summer day and unfortunately many of the animals were either hiding in the shade or sleeping, which made it harder to see them. I was especially excited to see the polar bears, but they were resting during my visit. The zoo itself is quite large, and it can easily take half a day to explore all the different sections. I think going in the fall would be a better experience s...
Daniyal Saleem Syed
Visited the Toronto Zoo recently with high expectations, especially for a fun family outing, but it ended up being somewhat underwhelming. A large number of animals were either not available in their enclosures or sleeping, making it difficult to engage the kids or enjoy the experience fully. It felt like more than half the exhibits were either empty or inactive. There weren’t any proper kids sho...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission (2 adults + 2 children) | CAD 128 |
| Zoo cafe lunch | CAD 40 |
| Conservation Carousel rides | CAD 24 |
| Zoomobile tour tickets | CAD 36 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 228 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Toronto Zoo
- Use the Official App: Follow the live feeding schedule and get indoor exhibit routes to avoid backtracking.
- Rent a Wagon Early: Arrive at opening time to secure a wagon or double stroller rental for younger kids.
Map of Toronto Zoo
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
About Toronto Zoo
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
+1 416-392-5900
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!