overview of toronto skyline and surrounding body of water

Summertime is an opportunity to get out there and explore what Toronto has to offer. The city truly comes alive in the summer, with tons of activities that both you and the kids are sure to love. Here is a list of 9 exciting activities in Toronto that you should add to your family bucket list this summer!

1. Be Amazed By The Acrobatics At Cirque De Soleil’s KURIOS (until July 17)

If you’re inflexible like me, you’ll find yourself amazed and astounded by this world-class circus troupe. KURIOS is Cirque De Soleil’s newest spectacle running in Toronto until July 17. Kids, adolescents and adults will all enjoy the acrobatics, as Cirque De Soleil is known for their incredible shows!

neon sign that says 'laugh'

2. Laugh Out Loud at The Social Capital Comedy Show

Not only does the Social Capital offer improv classes to improve your comedy and drama skills, but they also put on shows for the public. In my experience, the best shows are the weekend shows, so make sure to sign up in advance and prepare to enjoy some good improv! While the shows aren’t always family friendly, they are a perfect option for a date night or an outing with friends.

toronto blue jays game filled stadium seats and view of playing field

3. Get Front Row Tickets To A Toronto Blue Jays Game

When you head to Rogers centre (1 Blue Jay Way), you can watch the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team—which is back in-person for this season. While you’re there, you can also grab snacks, drinks and meals (like poutine) at the All-Star Chicken Counter, Urban Kitchen and Dugout deals. After the game, you can even take a walk around the area, since the Rogers centre is located near the Exhibition Place, the CN tower, the waterfront of Lake Ontario and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. On days when the Blue Jays aren’t playing, you can also take a tour of the Rogers Centre and learn about the history of this beloved Canadian baseball team. Whether you and your loved ones are enamoured by sports or not, it’s the team spirit and passion in the stadium that is sure to keep you coming back for more.

st lawrence market building

4. Eat Your Heart’s Fill of Fresh Food at St. Lawrence Market

Love freshly cut cheese and whole foods? If the answer to that question is yes, then visiting Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market should be the next activity on your to-do list. Located at 93 Front St East (near the waterfront), this market is sure to make your mouth water with its selection of baked goods, cheese shops and seafood shops. Perfect for a day out with the kids, friends or family, you’ll enjoy walking through the market and choosing fresh foods. One fun fact you and your family will love is that St. Lawrence market is over 200 years old. So, when you shop there, you’ll be joining the many loyal supporters of this centuries-old market.

5. View Toronto From 351 metres above at the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant

Want to see Toronto from 351 metres above? The CN Tower’s 360 restaurant is a fine dining option for you. Well-known for its spectacular and innovative food and the awe-inspiring views of the city, 360 offers you a totally gastronomic experience with a wide array of wines from Ontario and all over the world. Note, before visiting the restaurant, make sure to make a reservation to ensure there’s a spot for you and your family.

lit up cn tower with blue sky behind

6. Watch Some Theatre At Toronto Fringe Festival

Toronto Fringe Festival takes place from July 6 to July 17, 2022, and it welcomes 80+ companies from around Canada (and the world) to 10+ theatre venues in downtown Toronto. You can stop by and view comedy, drama, musicals, improvisation, storytelling, children’s theatre and dance, made possible by its 1200+ artists and participants. The Toronto Fringe Festival has existed since 1989, and the concept of “fringing” is all about “discovering and experiencing something new”, according to the Toronto Fringe Festival website.

If you’re bringing kids, make sure to stop at Toronto Fringe Festival’s kid-friendly festival called KidsFest, which is specifically for young thespians. Tickets are $5 per child and camps and daycares are warmly welcome!

red theatre curtains

7. Be One With The Plants At the Allans Garden Conservatory

The Allans Garden Conservatory is a popular stop for Torontonians and tourists alike, for good reason. It features six greenhouses and over 16,000 square feet of seasonal plants. Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, you’ll be able to stop by on the weekend or on a weekday and enjoy the tucked-away, greenhouse vibe. Visiting Allans Garden Conservatory is truly like being whisked to another universe where plants grow from the floor to the ceiling. With its views of natural plants, turtles and ponds, you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy this little oasis in Toronto.

view of some plants in allans garden conservatory

8. Take A Ferry To Toronto Island and Relax On The Beach

Toronto Island park is a must-visit if you like hedge mazes, amusement parks and relaxing beaches. Out of Toronto’s eleven beaches, four of them are located on Toronto Island Park. If you’re bringing children, they’ll enjoy the Far Enough Farm, a free petting farm that features ponies, rabbits, sheep, chicken and other barnyard animals. Centreville Amusement park-–also on the island—has over 30 rides (which the kids will love) and 14 food outlets in case you get hungry.

Toronto island view of Toronto skyline

9. Stroll Through Kensington Market and Enjoy Toronto’s Most Creative Neighbourhood

Kensington Market is a great stop for food-lovers and art-lovers alike. In this aesthetic and vibrantly creative neighbourhood, you can find iconic restaurants with Indigenous tacos, Jamaican-Italian foods, supermarkets, souvenir shops, vintage clothing shops and street art on nearly every corner. You can also stop in for an evening and enjoy soothing live music at the Poetry Jazz Café.

kensington market