Toronto Zoo with kids is one of the great Canadian family-day-out experiences — 287 hectares (the largest zoo in Canada), 5,000+ animals representing 450+ species, seven themed pavilions organized by continent, the popular Zoomobile open-air train, and a dedicated Kids Zoo zone for petting and supervised animal interactions. The full zoo takes 4–6 hours to walk; with kids, it can stretch to a full day. The challenge isn’t whether your kids will love it (they will) but how to plan a Toronto Zoo with kids day so it doesn’t end in exhaustion at the third pavilion. This guide walks through the optimal route by age group, the must-see animals, the food strategy, the stroller logistics, and how to combine the zoo with the adjacent Rouge National Urban Park for a full-day outdoor adventure.
Toronto Zoo with kids: at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Scarborough |
| Hours | 9:30am–6pm summer; 9:30am–4:30pm winter |
| Adult admission | $25 (online) |
| Child (3–12) admission | $15 |
| Toronto CityPASS includes? | Yes — choose Toronto Zoo or Ontario Science Centre |
| Visit duration | 4–6 hours (full day with kids) |
| Best age range | 2 to 12 years |
| Parking | $15/day |
| Closest TTC | 86A bus from Kennedy Station |
The Toronto Zoo opened in 1974 and is operated by the City of Toronto. It’s the largest zoo in Canada by area (287 hectares vs. the Calgary Zoo’s 50 hectares) and covers more than 10 km of paved pathways. Plan accordingly — this is a full-day commitment.
The 7 zoo pavilions and what to see at each
1. African Savanna
The African Savanna features the zoo’s lions, white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and African elephants. The giraffe-feeding station ($10 add-on, daily 11am–3pm) is a kid-favourite — your kids will hand-feed lettuce to a giraffe. Allow 60 minutes.
2. Indo-Malaya
Orangutans, sun bears, Malayan tapirs, and the popular Sumatran tigers. The tiger viewing window puts kids less than 5 feet from a 200kg tiger — the best photo op of the day. Allow 45 minutes.
3. Eurasia Wilds
Snow leopards, Bactrian camels, Przewalski’s horses (a critically endangered wild horse species the Toronto Zoo helps breed). Allow 30 minutes.
4. Tundra Trek
The Tundra Trek is the highlight of any winter Toronto Zoo with kids visit — polar bears, snowy owls, Arctic wolves, and reindeer. The polar bear viewing tunnel (you walk under the swimming bears) is unforgettable. Best viewing 11am–1pm when the bears are most active. Allow 45 minutes.
5. Australasia
Kangaroos in a walk-through enclosure (yes, you walk among the kangaroos). Wombats, koalas, and the GoLittlePenguins. The penguin-keeper talks (daily 1pm) are a kids’ favourite. Allow 45 minutes.
6. Americas
Giant pandas (when visiting), maned wolves, capybaras, jaguars, and the new Andean Mountain pavilion (added 2023) with vicuñas and spectacled bears. Allow 60 minutes.
7. Discovery Zone & Kids Zoo
The Toronto Zoo with kids dedicated petting and interactive zone. Goats, sheep, and small animal handling. Kids 4–10 love it. The Splash Island water-play zone (summer only) is included with admission. Allow 60 minutes.
Best Toronto Zoo with kids itinerary
The “Half-Day Strategy” (toddlers, 2–4)
Start at 9:30am at the Kids Zoo and Discovery Zone (60 minutes). Take the Zoomobile open-air train ($5 add-on) for a 20-minute tour through the zoo. Visit Australasia (kangaroos and penguins). Lunch at noon. Leave by 1:30pm before naptime hits. Total: 4 hours.
The “Full Day Strategy” (kids 5–10)
Start at 9:30am opening. Africa Savanna first (giraffe feeding scheduled at 11am). Indo-Malaya (lions and tigers) next. Lunch at 12:30pm at the African Savanna Cafe. Tundra Trek (polar bears at 1:30pm peak activity). Eurasia Wilds. Americas pavilion. Splash Island water play (summer only). Kids Zoo for the final hour. Total: 6 hours, leaving by 3:30pm.
The “Tween-Friendly Strategy” (kids 10+)
Skip the Kids Zoo. Focus on tigers (Indo-Malaya), polar bears (Tundra Trek), giraffe feeding (African Savanna), and the keeper-talk schedule. Several daily talks (penguins 1pm, gorillas 11am, sea lion show 2pm) are highlight moments for tweens. Total: 4 hours.
The Zoomobile and other add-ons
Zoomobile
The Toronto Zoo with kids’ must-add: the Zoomobile open-air train ($5/person, kids 2 and under free). Runs 10am–5pm continuously through the zoo’s main loop. Saves walking and gives a great pavilion-to-pavilion tour. Wheelchair-accessible.
Tundra Treats Cafe
Polar bear-themed cafe in the Tundra Trek pavilion — hot chocolate, Tim Bits, and adult coffees. Pricier than typical zoo food but a welcome warming stop on cold-day visits.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Pre-bookable behind-the-scenes tours ($85+ per person, ages 8+) take small groups through keeper areas with an opportunity to see how the animals are fed and cared for. The “Big Cat Encounter” is the most-popular.
Animal Feeding Adventures
Pre-bookable “feeding adventures” ($15–$50 per person) let kids feed giraffes, sea lions, or the rhinos under keeper supervision. The Giraffe Feeding ($10) is the most accessible add-on.
Food and amenities
Food courts at the Toronto Zoo
The zoo has 5 food court locations, with the largest at the African Savanna Café. Typical kid menu: chicken nuggets/fries $9, hot dog/fries $8, mac and cheese $9. Adult options around $14–$18.
Picnic option
Outside food is allowed in the picnic areas (not in the pavilions). Bringing sandwiches and snacks saves $50–$80 per family of 4.
Stroller and wagon rentals
$10 single stroller or wagon rental at the entrance. Recommended for kids 6 and under given the 10+ km of pathways. Many families bring their own strollers/wagons.
Accessibility
The zoo is mostly stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. The Tundra Trek and Kids Zoo are fully accessible. Some viewing platforms have stairs only.
How to get to Toronto Zoo with kids
By car
30 minutes from downtown via the Don Valley Parkway / Highway 401 East / Meadowvale Road. Free parking is $15/day. Arriving before 10am avoids parking lot crowding.
By TTC
Take Line 2 east to Kennedy Station, then the 86A or 86B Scarborough bus directly to the zoo entrance. Trip time from downtown: 60–75 minutes. The bus runs every 15–30 minutes.
By GO Transit + zoo shuttle
Take the Lakeshore East GO Train to Rouge Hill Station, then the 116A bus. Trip time from Union Station: 75 minutes.
Combining Toronto Zoo with kids with other attractions
Rouge National Urban Park
The Toronto Zoo is right next to Rouge National Urban Park — Canada’s largest urban national park. A combined zoo + Rouge day works for energetic kids: zoo morning (9:30am–1pm), picnic lunch, Rouge afternoon hike (Mast Trail, 3 km easy loop). Adds 2-3 hours.
Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is 25 minutes west of the zoo. A two-day trip combining both is the way to do it (you can’t realistically do both in one day with kids). See our Ontario Science Centre guide.
Practical tips for Toronto Zoo with kids
Best times to visit
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are optimal — animals are active, weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable. Summer (July–August) is busy and humid; arrive at 9:30am opening to beat the crowds. Winter (December–March) is the BEST time to see the polar bears, snow leopards, and Arctic wolves — they’re most active in cold weather. Some animals (the African Savanna species) move indoors in the coldest weeks.
What to bring
Sunscreen (lots of open walking), water bottles (refill stations available), snacks, a stroller or wagon for kids 7 and under, comfortable walking shoes (you’ll cover 5–10 km), light jacket (the zoo is cooler than downtown). Bug spray May–August.
Annual passes
The Wild Card Annual Pass ($110/family) pays for itself in 2 visits. Excellent for local families — even a single weekend visit per quarter justifies the cost.
Birthday parties
Toronto Zoo birthday party packages ($35–$50/child) include zoo admission, private event room, and a keeper-led animal encounter. Books 4–6 weeks in advance.
Advance ticketing
Online tickets save $4 each and guarantee admission on busy days. Always book online for weekends and school-holiday weeks.
More Toronto family days out
The zoo is a full day on its own — our family travel guide to Toronto covers what to pair it with. Pair Toronto Zoo with kids with the rest of family trip planning: Toronto Zoo guide, family attractions Toronto, family hotels Toronto, playgrounds and splash pads Toronto, visiting with toddlers, Rouge National Urban Park, Ontario Science Centre, and Toronto CityPASS.
Toronto Zoo with kids works at any age but rewards careful planning — pick the right day, arrive at opening, take the Zoomobile, and end at Splash Island. Your kids will talk about it for months.
