COMPARISON TABLE: Best Types of Children’s Activities in Toronto (2025)
Activity Type | Best Age Range | Indoor/Outdoor | Cost Estimate | Top Local Pick | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Virtual Reality Arcade
| 8+
| Indoor
| $$
| Levelup Reality (Downtown)
| 80+ games, party rooms, haptic suits
|
Art Workshops
| 4–14
| Indoor
| $–$$
| AGO Youth Studio, The Clay Room
| Painting, pottery, crafts
|
Outdoor Parks
| All Ages
| Outdoor
| Free
| High Park, Trinity Bellwoods, Riverdale
| Splash pads, trails, playgrounds
|
Zoo & Museum Visits
| All Ages
| Both
| $$
| Toronto Zoo, ROM
| Animals, fossils, interactive exhibits
|
Cooking Classes
| 6–13
| Indoor
| $$
| The Chef Upstairs
| Kid-led meals, family-friendly themes
|
Escape Rooms
| 10+
| Indoor
| $$$
| Looking Glass Adventures
| Teamwork, puzzles, storytelling
|
Toronto is packed with kid-friendly adventures, and in 2025, families are looking for fresh ideas that are hands-on, creative, and high-energy. Whether you’re local or visiting, this guide will help you find the perfect activity to match your child’s vibe – rain or shine.
Here’s what’s trending this year:
Table of Contents
Go All-In on Virtual Reality (Downtown Toronto)
For tech-loving kids or birthday groups, Levelup Reality is Toronto’s top VR arcade- and for good reason.
With over 80 games to choose from, private party room add-ons, and the newest haptic suit gear, this immersive experience lets kids shoot zombies, solve puzzles, and even fly – all without leaving downtown.
Why families love it:
- Supports up to 16 players per event
- Friendly VR attendants help guide kids
- Private space for cake, food & downtime
- 4-min walk from Eaton Centre
Good to know: Bookings start at $39.99 per player (promotional pricing) and events often sell out for weekends and holidays.
Get Creative at a Local Art Studio
For quieter, more imaginative kids, Toronto’s art scene is perfect. Many studios offer weekend workshops or short-term classes tailored for kids as young as 4.
Top options:
- AGO Youth Studio: Painting, sculpture, digital art
- The Clay Room (Danforth): Pottery and take-home ceramics
Why parents like it:
- Mess-free creativity
- Great indoor option year-round
- Ideal for small groups or solo time
Classic Outdoor Fun in Toronto Parks
Sometimes the best memories come from sunshine and running around. Toronto’s green spaces are some of the best in the country.
Best family parks:
- High Park: Nature trails, zoo, splash pads
- Trinity Bellwoods: Open fields, hip neighbourhood vibes
- Riverdale Park: Amazing skyline view + playground
Pro tip: Most parks have picnic areas - perfect for DIY birthdays or meetups.
Meet Animals or Dinosaurs at the Zoo & ROM
Two of the city’s best year-round attractions for curious kids:
- Toronto Zoo: Over 4,000 animals and a huge Kid’s Zone
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Dino bones, ancient artifacts, and hands-on exhibits
Good for: All ages, especially mixed-age families
Tip: Buy timed tickets online to skip the lines on weekends.
Cook Something Together
Let your child play chef for the day.
The Chef Upstairs offers themed cooking classes just for kids – like taco night, pasta making, or breakfast bonanzas. Many are drop-in style and fun for the whole family.
Why it’s worth trying:
- Teaches independence and teamwork
- They eat what they make
- Allergy-conscious options available with notice
Solve an Escape Room (Ages 10+)
Levelup Escape Room VR (Downtown Toronto)
This isn’t your average escape room. Using high-end VR headsets, kids get dropped into ultra-realistic worlds where every object, clue, and puzzle is part of the game. It’s perfect for tweens, teens, and families who want a mix of challenge, fun, and full-body immersion.
Top VR escape titles at Levelup include:
- Escape Simulator
Solve cryptic puzzles in a locked room as time ticks down. Realistic environments and brain-teasing challenges make this one a top pick for escape room fans. - Curious Cases
Kids play as detectives cracking a missing-person mystery, piecing together clues in an interactive storyline packed with twists. - Sam & Dan This one’s all about teamwork. Two players must rely on communication and problem-solving to escape a flooded world – great for siblings or best friends.
Why it works for kids:
- Age-flexible difficulty (great for 10+ and up)
- Builds teamwork and communication
- Staff-guided setup and supervision
- No physical limitations – just imagination and brainpower
- Age-flexible difficulty (great for 10+ and up)
Bonus: Hosting a Birthday? Make It Easy
Trying to host a dozen kids at home? Toronto has tons of venues built for birthdays – and Levelup Reality is one of the venues you must consider!
Why book your party here:
- 2-hour private events for up to 16 kids
- Bring your own food or use their catering partners
- Add a party room for cake time
- Optional haptic suit upgrade (kids LOVE this!)
Tip: Check availability for weekends at least 3 weeks in advance.
Final Word: There’s Something for Every Kid in Toronto
From VR adventures downtown to arts, animals, and outdoor escapes, Toronto’s 2025 kids activity scene is packed with options. Whether you’ve got a future chef, gamer, or explorer in your home, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do.
Make it easy, make it local, and make it unforgettable.
