April 14, 2025
Ontario bursts with places where kids and parents can learn, play, and explore together. Museums here transform ordinary family days into special adventures, fusing fun and education in ways that stick. From science labs that make experiments feel like magic to trains that rattle and hum through history, Ontario’s museums open doors to new ideas and lasting memories. Forget the “do not touch” signs—these destinations invite kids to get hands-on. The only difficult part is picking where to start.
Ontario’s top museums are anything but silent halls. These spots brim with laughter, creativity, and discovery. Across the province, you’ll find destinations built with families in mind—places where curiosity leads the way.
Science North in Sudbury stands apart with its striking snowflake-shaped buildings on the shore of Ramsey Lake. Step into these sparkling blue gems and you’re greeted by interactive science labs buzzing with activity. The F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery immerses kids in a whimsical world of fluttering wings. There’s the thrill of an IMAX Theatre, which brings stories to life on a massive screen—think wild space journeys, animal safaris, or undersea dives. Exhibits cover the wonders of geology, biology, technology, and more. Even little details, like the friendly Bluecoats (museum staff), make each visit feel personal and exciting.
The London Children’s Museum sparks imaginations at every turn. Here, the focus is firmly on play—kids can climb, build, and dig through spaces that blend science, technology, history, and art. There’s a miniature dinosaur exhibit for budding palaeontologists, and areas where kids can design their own inventions with everyday materials. The museum’s hands-on philosophy means nothing stays behind glass for long. Special events like dinosaur digs or rocket launches get families learning together without ever feeling like “schoolwork.”
THEMUSEUM in Kitchener calls itself “unmuseum” for a reason—it refuses to stand still. Families return again and again because the experience changes throughout the year. In the Underground Studio MakerSpace, kids work with real tools and supplies, bringing their wildest ideas to life. Imagine building robots, crafting wearable art, or inventing your own games. Theme days and rotating exhibits keep things fresh, offering a good mix for toddlers, older children, and even teens. Creative workshops and science shows mean no visit is ever the same.
Great museums do more than share facts—they light a fire inside. These attractions flip the script on learning, making kids hungry for answers and eager for the next surprise.
The Museum of Illusions in Toronto is like stepping into a giant puzzle. Kids tumble through upside-down rooms, pose in endless mirrors, and laugh at optical tricks that make the ordinary seem wild. The Infinity Room stretches your sense of space, while the Vortex Tunnel sends giggles through the whole family. Every exhibit is built for play and photos. It’s the place where reality bends, and families can share the joy of “wait, how did that happen?”
Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum welcomes families into a world packed with treasures from every corner of history and nature. Kids roam through galleries filled with dinosaurs, mummies, and shining rocks. The hands-on CIBC Discovery Gallery targets families, letting children try on armour, handle fossils, and solve mysteries. Special programming for families and school groups means no one is left out. With its grand facade and child-friendly approach, the ROM remains a top pick for families looking for a day out that feels both big and personal.
Kids don’t have to just read about history in Ontario—they can walk, ride, and play their way through it. Heritage and railway museums offer the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the past.
The Toronto Railway Museum, tucked into Roundhouse Park, lets train fans young and old get close to real steam engines. Children can hop aboard restored train cars, ring bells, and climb in the driver’s seat. The mini-train ride loops through the park, perfect for little ones who want to feel the rails rumble. Storytelling panels and costumed guides help bring each historic carriage to life. Further southwest, Komoka Railway Museum offers a more rural, hands-on setting. Here, families can explore vintage locomotives and learn how railways shaped Ontario’s early days.
Muskoka Heritage Place makes history feel real. Kids walk through old village roads lined with authentic buildings, or ride a heritage train along the sparkling Muskoka River. Costumed interpreters make pioneer skills—like blacksmithing or spinning—fun and relevant. Simcoe County Museum ramps it up with activities like log cabin visits, schoolhouse roleplay, and hands-on workshops. In summer, families can join old-fashioned picnics or take part in historical games. These museums prove that Ontario’s past can be every bit as exciting as its present.
Ontario is home to museums that welcome families with open arms. Each visit brings a new story, a smile, or a burst of wide-eyed wonder. From the heart of Toronto to the quiet waters of Muskoka, kids can touch, build, test, and dream. Parents can count on experiences that bring learning to life, and children will remember these adventures long after they leave. Pack a lunch, grab your camera, and set off to explore the kid-friendly museums waiting across Ontario—you never know which visit will become one of your family’s favourite stories.