Toronto Historic Sites to Visit with Kids

History has an undeserved reputation as a boring subject. But when properly presented, it can not only be fascinating; it can also be entertaining! Thankfully, Toronto (fun fact: it was first incorporated as the Town of York in 1834) is filled with hands-on ways to bring a bit of history into your family’s life. Below we round up Toronto historic sites to visit with kids.

These are attractions that will let you take your kids back in time and teach them a bit about what life used to be like. Be sure also to keep an eye on this City of Toronto page (https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums ) where you can learn about current and upcoming history-related events and attractions organized by our municipal government.

Toronto Historic Sites to Visit with Kids

Black Creek Pioneer Village
1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto

Travel back to the 1860s at Toronto’s live history village. Explore dozens of buildings, including a school, a blacksmith shop, and multiple homes, that aim to capture how life used to be in Toronto. To create a more immersive experience, live actors will guide your family’s journey. There are even real animals, including horses. Black Creek is well-known for its various holiday and theme events that take things up a notch and include additional activities and fun. Past special celebrations have included a maple syrup festival, a Canada Day party, and even visits from Santa Claus. General admission tickets start at $12 for kids, and children three and under are free.

Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace, Toronto

Now over 100 years old, Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival castle-style estate that will whisk your family back to fancier times. While the elegant setting of the mansion keeps it from being a universally child-pleasing place (plus it’s not stroller-friendly due to its many stairs), kids going through a princess phase (or who just appreciate the finer things in life) will be thrilled by the site. Depending on the season, a special event may be taking place. For example, around Christmas, Casa Loma is gorgeously lit up with lights. Tickets start at $25 for kids, with those three and under being free.

Evergreen Brick Works
550 Bayview Ave., Toronto

Combine history with a good dose of nature at the Evergreen Brick Works. It incorporates the site’s historic brick kilns and other buildings into the natural beauty of the surrounding Don Valley (be sure to check out the turtle-filled pond). Depending on the season and the weekend, visit the Children’s Garden and its “inclusive and seasonal activities (that) cultivate a lifelong stewardship ethic with the nature around us.” The space also hosts a wide variety of other attractions, including a farmer’s market, a café, and in the winter, one of Toronto’s prettiest skating rinks. Special events frequently take place here, and always available are the beautiful trails that surround the site. General access to the Brick Works is free, but the special events may have a fee.

Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto

The city we know today as Toronto can trace its origins to 1793 and the founding of a military site that would eventually become Fort York. Things have changed a lot since then (including the placement of the shores of Lake Ontario) but various historical buildings from the Fort’s early days still exist and are available for touring, as is the site’s large visitor centre. Depending on the day, historical demonstrations, and interactive elements, such as the chance to dress in period clothes, may be available. This City of Toronto-run site also regularly hosts special events. General admission and guided tours are free, but special events may have an admission fee.

Gibson House
5172 Yonge St., Toronto

The second of four City-run Toronto historic sites on this list, Gibson House is, “…a 19th-century farmhouse hidden between the high rises of North York.” Formally owned by Scottish immigrant David Gibson, the home is filled with historical details that will give your family, “…an opportunity to taste, smell and touch history in a way that few other museums can.” General
admission is free.

St. Lawrence Market & The Distillery District
The South-East Edge of Downtown Toronto

While technically historic locations — the market dates back to 1803 while the Distillery District first broke ground in 1832 — these two spots aren’t exactly the most educational destinations (apart from a few informative signs) on this list, but they sure are fun (and they’re only located about a 15-minute walk away from each other). The Market is home to dozens of tasty vendors, and if you have school-age kids, it’s the perfect spot for a visual scavenger hunt. The Distillery District also has plenty of tasty treats as well as spots for adorable photo opportunities. Both destinations are free to access, but bring your cards because they are packed with shopping opportunities.

Montgomery’s Inn
4709 Dundas St., Toronto

See what an old-timey hotel used to be like at the City of Toronto-run Montgomery’s Inn. Built in 1830s, this spot might help your kids appreciate their modern lives, as well as teach them about important historic moments such as the underground railroad. Because of its layout, the Inn is ideal for entertaining and group activities and regularly hosts interactive events including cooking demonstrations, ghost stories and live music. It’s also home to a farmer’s market. While the special events may have a fee, general admission to the inn is free.

Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queens Park, Toronto

Sites don’t get much more history-filled than the Royal Ontario Museum (which itself is over 100 years old). It’s Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum, with thousands of items on display from around the world and across millions of years. Seriously: The museum is home to pieces of Martian meteorites that are an estimated 20 million years old! In addition to its extensive permanent collection, the ROM regularly hosts touring exhibits, many of which are geared towards kids and filled with fun, interactive elements. There’s also a fantastic gift shop that you can thankfully avoid if you want. Tickets start at $16 for kids.

Spadina Museum
285 Spadina Rd., Toronto

Also known as Spadina House, this City of Toronto historic site is, “a dazzling mansion (that) is a portal into the triumphs and tribulations of Toronto from 1900 to the 1930s.” It’s been preserved to showcase the former life of the successful Austin family and features beautiful décor, gorgeous gardens, and an ever-changing list of events and special exhibits. Admission is free but those special events may have a fee.

Toronto Railway Museum
255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto

Does your kid adore trains? Then this museum is a must-do. Check out restored historic trains, learn why the railroads were (and still are!) important to Canada and even try your hands at operating a diesel train in the 1950s via the museum’s train simulator. During the summer, there’s even a working “mini train” that will take your family (yes, adults can also ride it) for a quick spin around the property. The Railway Museum is conveniently located near several other key tourist attractions, including the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, meaning you can turn a trip to this part of the city into a jammed-packed day of memories. Tickets start at $5 for kids, and those under four are free.