Summer in Toronto offers families the opportunity to step away from screens and spend quality time together. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly fun summer activities for kids or creative at-home craft ideas, this list has kid-friendly activities in Toronto covered.
Why Are Summer Activities Important for Kids?
Summer activities do more than fill the day; they help:
- Develop physical skills through movement and play
- Build social skills and confidence
- Widen a child’s social circle
- Boost creativity and problem-solving through crafts and games
- Strengthen language and early learning in real-world settings
At The Learning Nest, we design our programs to incorporate these benefits every day, so kids have fun while they learn.
“Summer at The Learning Nest wouldn’t be complete without the joyful rhythm of neighbourhood walks, the splash of water play, the excitement of our lemonade stand, and the delicious fun of our end-of-summer BBQ.”
– Nicky Pederes, Centre Director, The Learning Nest – Junction
From local splash pads to nature walks and creative projects, here are 10 fun and educational summer activities for kids in Toronto.
1. Splash Pads and Wading Pools
Toronto is full of free splash pads and wading pools, perfect for hot, sunny days. Locations like Eglinton Park Splash Pad, High Park Wading Pool, or Oriole Park Splash Pad are supervised by lifeguards and have shallow areas for young swimmers.
Why we love it:
Water play supports balance, coordination, sensory development, and social interaction, plus it’s a fun way to meet other children and play together.
Tips:
- Bring water shoes, sunblock, swimming diapers, and extra towels
- Check the free swim times and the cover fee
- Morning and late afternoons have smaller crowds and more shady spots
2. Spend Time at Local Playgrounds
Playgrounds in North York and The Junction are perfect for climbing, running, and imaginative play. Try Malta Park, G. Ross Lord Park, and Vine Avenue Playground for slides, swings, and jungle gyms.
Why we love it:
Playgrounds help children develop motor skills, independence, and confidence. Daily visits also create healthy routines and can become a special family tradition.
Tips:
- Pack snacks and water
- Role model to encourage your child to try new equipment
- Meet other local families and make the park part of your daily routine
3. Set Up a Backyard Kiddie Pool
You don’t need a big yard or fancy equipment to create a fun water play area at home. A small inflatable kiddie pool can provide hours of entertainment.
Why we love it:
Backyard water play is convenient, safe, and great for all ages. It supports sensory development, coordination, and imaginative play.
Set up:
- Choose a flat, shaded spot in your yard or on a balcony
- Fill a kiddie pool with a few inches of water
- Add plastic cups, boats, or bath toys for pouring and floating games
- Supervise closely, never leave children unattended
Activity ideas:
- Have a “pool party” with music and snacks
- Try fishing for foam letters or numbers
- Set up a “car wash” for toy trucks and dolls
4. Explore Riverdale Farm
Located in Cabbagetown, Riverdale Farm brings the country to the city. Kids can observe goats, cows, chickens, and more up close, all for free. The farm has shaded walking paths, gardens, and picnic areas for relaxing.
The environment at Riverdale Farm is a calm, educational alternative to traditional attractions, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers learning about domesticated animals.
Tips:
- The farm is stroller-friendly
- Pack a notebook for drawing animals
- Practice your farm animal sounds on the way there with a song like “Old MacDonald.”
- Visit during feeding times for extra excitement
5. Indoor Summer Crafts for Kids: Step-by-Step Projects
When the weather is too hot or rainy, crafts are a great way to keep children engaged and learning at home. These projects use simple materials and encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and early science concepts.
Project 1: DIY Bird Feeder
Materials: Pinecones or empty toilet paper rolls, peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for allergies), birdseed, string, paper plate or tray
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter evenly over the pinecone or toilet paper roll
- Roll or sprinkle the coated item in birdseed until fully covered
- Tie a string around the top to hang it from a tree branch or hook outside
- Place on a paper plate or tray to catch falling seeds
Why we love it:
Children learn about nature and caring for wildlife, and develop fine motor skills through spreading and rolling.
Project 2: Paper Plate Sun
Materials: Paper plates, yellow paint, scissors, glue, markers, tissue paper
Instructions:
- Paint the paper plate yellow and let it dry
- Make small cuts around the circle’s edge as sun “rays”
- Decorate rays with tissue paper pieces or markers
- Glue on a smiling face or sunglasses drawn on paper
Why we love it:
Encourages creativity and hand-eye coordination through cutting and decorating.
Project 3: Painted Rock Critters
Materials: Smooth rocks, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, googly eyes, glue
Instructions:
- Collect or buy smooth, unglazed rocks
- Paint the rocks with bright colours and patterns
- Add googly eyes with glue to create bugs, animals, or imaginary creatures
- Let dry and display indoors or in the garden
Why we love it:
Supports imagination and fine motor control, plus introduces basic painting techniques.
Tips for Successful Craft Time
- Prepare all materials in advance and cover surfaces to protect them from mess.
- Encourage children to express their ideas and make choices about colours and designs.
- Celebrate finished crafts by displaying them in a special “gallery” space at home.
- Use crafts to introduce new vocabulary related to colours, animals, and nature.
At The Learning Nest, creative expression is woven into our daily summer programming – providing children with enriching opportunities to explore their imagination, build confidence through self-expression, and strengthen fine motor skills.
6. Visit the Toronto Zoo or Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
For families looking for a day of adventure and learning, the Toronto Zoo and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada offer immersive experiences that delight children of all ages.
- Toronto Zoo: Explore over 5,000 animals across diverse habitats, including the African Savanna and Tundra Trek. The zoo offers interactive exhibits, daily animal feedings, and seasonal summer camps.
- Ripley’s Aquarium: Located downtown, the aquarium features underwater tunnels, touch tanks, and vibrant marine life exhibitions. It’s a hands-on way to learn about ocean ecosystems.
Why we love them:
Both venues combine fun with education, helping children develop curiosity about animals and conservation. They also provide opportunities for social interaction and sensory exploration.
Tips:
- Check both websites for special summer programming
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles for the zoo
- Plan visits on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds
7. Take a Nature Walk and Bug Hunt
Nature walks are easy to do in Toronto’s many parks. Try Taylor Creek Park, Don Valley Trails, or Downsview Park. Bring a magnifying glass and a notebook.
Why we love it:
Nature walks build observation skills, vocabulary, and curiosity about science and the environment.
How to do a bug hunt:
- Look under leaves, logs, and rocks
- Observe insects, birds, and flowers
- Draw or take photos of what you find
- Talk about colours, shapes, and sounds
8. Visit a Farmers’ Market
The Junction Farmers’ Market and other local markets often host child-friendly days with music, crafts, and snacks. Let your little one help pick fruit or vegetables and talk to local vendors.
Why we love it:
Farmers’ markets are a fun way to learn about healthy foods, practice social skills, and support the community.
Tips:
- Bring reusable bags
- Try a new fruit or vegetable each week
- Ask vendors about how their food is grown
- Challenge your toddler to pay, collect the change and thank the farmer
9. Experience Little Canada: A Miniature Adventure in the Heart of Toronto
For a unique and educational summer outing, consider visiting Little Canada, an immersive attraction located in downtown Toronto. Little Canada brings Canada’s most iconic landmarks and cities to life in stunning miniature form, offering a fun and interactive experience for children and families.
What to expect at Little Canada:
- Detailed models of Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Niagara Falls
- Make the displays come alive with button-activated trains, boats, and lights
- Stories about Canadian history, culture, and geography, designed to spark curiosity and learning
- Family-friendly events and workshops are held during the summer months.
Why we love it:
- Interactive elements captivate children and encourage curiosity
- Children learn about Canadian geography and traditions
- Listening to stories and discussing exhibits builds vocabulary
- A visit encourages sharing observations and asking questions
Tips:
- Book tickets in advance on the Little Canada website
- Plan to spend about 1–2 hours there
- Build your own miniature city with stuff from around the house
Little Canada will be an experience to remember and can spark many future discussions about our beautiful country.
10. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Toronto’s collection of museums offers rich summer experiences for families, but none stand out like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
What to expect at the ROM:
- Kid-friendly exhibits, like the dinosaur gallery, hands-on discovery zones, and seasonal family programs.
- The ROM’s Summer Club for ages 5–16 features themed sessions on topics from ancient Egypt to dinosaurs. Campers participate in hands-on activities, in-gallery learning, and creative projects guided by experienced instructors.
- Want more museum experiences? Consider visiting MOCA Toronto for contemporary art workshops or the Gardiner Museum for pottery classes.
Why we love it:
Museums provide educational fun that sparks curiosity, builds knowledge, and introduces children to art, history, and science in interactive ways.
How The Learning Nest Supports Summer Activities for Kids
Summer is the ultimate season for exploration, play, and growth, especially when you mix in activities that support early development in language, movement, creativity, and social skills.
“Toy Rotation: Tuck away a few toys and bring out some “old” ones—they’ll feel brand new! It’s like Christmas in July.
Sensory Play Made Simple: Fill a ziplock bag with whatever you have on hand—buttons, beads, water, or shaving cream—for a no-mess sensory experience. Or head outside with some soap and water for sensory play that doubles as toy-cleaning. Bonus: kids think they’re playing, but really, they’re helping out!
Change the Scenery: Sometimes, a simple switch can make all the difference. Try having snack or dinner outside for a mini adventure without leaving home.”
– Nicky Pederes, Centre Director, The Learning Nest – Junction
If you’re looking for a premium daycare in Toronto, The Learning Nest welcomes families in North York and The Junction. Our programs are designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with a focus on safety and learning.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to find out how we can support your family this summer or to book a tour of our centres.
