Ontario summer getaway ideas for families

Southern Ontario family vacations

City getaway to Toronto

From exciting sports and cultural and scientific wonders to treats and eats that everyone can enjoy, Toronto has amazing attractions your kids won’t want to miss.

Plan your family getaway in Toronto and save money and time using the TO CityPass to top attractions, including the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Casa Loma and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Beach-hopping along Lake Huron

The soft sandy beaches, endless lake views and myriad of water-based adventures on Lake Huron make for the perfect summer destination for beach-loving families.

Select family-friendly accommodations like Oakwood Resort in Grand Bend, featuring an indoor pool and onsite golf just a frisbee throw away from the beach. Nearby, Bonnie Doone Manor-on-the-Beach and Ipperwash Beach Club also provide family-friendly beachside accommodations. A breezy, beachy vibe sets the tone at The Beach Motel in Southampton.

Endless family fun in Niagara Falls

There’s no shortage of things to do with kids in Niagara Falls.

Beyond the awe of the majestic falls, families are drawn to games and entertainment in Clifton Hill, one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America, thrilling zipline adventures over the gorge, indoor waterparks and kid-friendly resorts and hotels.

First Nations culture at Chiefswood Park

Experience the authentic Haudenosaunee culture of the Six Nations of the Grand River through guided cultural and outdoor tours at Chiefswood Park.

Open year-round, the park also features a boat ramp, playground, canoe and kayak rentals, campgrounds and over a dozen super cozy cabins. Find unique activities nearby, including shopping, outdoor fun and cultural attractions.

Set out on a Grand adventure

Live out your fantasy of being a family of adventurers around the Grand River in the Heart of Ontario.

African Lion Safari’s Wake Up the Wild experience gives you access to the park before it opens to the public and a personal guided tour. Just west of the park, embark on a thrilling rafting journey down the Grand River with Grand Experiences or Grand River Rafting.

Riverview Motel in Dunnville offers relaxing rooms with river views.

Theme park thrills in York and Durham

For larger-than-life fun, plan to visit a selection of theme parks and outdoor adventures just north of Toronto.

Ride the roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland, meet some of the world’s fiercest animals at Jungle Cat World, channel your inner architect at LEGOLAND, swing among the treetops at Treetop Trekking Stouffville and tackle the outdoor climbing course at The Roc Adventure Park.

Northumberland beaches and The Big Apple

Take a family road trip in Northumberland to farm-fresh country, pristine beaches and even a theatre in a barn. Inspire young engineers and architects at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival. Make time for some extra stops along the area’s famous Butter Tart Tour. And don’t miss the region’s signature roadside attraction, The Big Apple.

Family attractions along the St. Lawrence River

Canada’s first capital city is brimming with history, culture and family attractions.

Family fun in Kingston includes cruising in the 1,000 Islands, witnessing the Sunset Ceremonies at Fort Henry, enjoying splash parks, treetop trekking, unique museums, watersports and some might argue, the best pizza around.

Just an hour east of Kingston, the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing in Brockville will delight with fascinating and fun exhibits. Not far from the St. Lawrence River waterfront, explore Canada’s first railway tunnel, the Brockville Railway Tunnel, lit up with LED lights.

Enjoy St. Lawrence Parks’ beaches, camping and family attractions, including Upper Canada Village close to Cornwall. Learn about what life was like in the 1860s and how the St. Lawrence River corridor was shaped by First Nations, Black communities and English Canadian settlers.

Getaway to nature in Lennox and Addington

Unplug and rediscover family-friendly adventures in Lennox & Addington, just east of Kingston.

Enjoy fishing, camping, farm visits, hiking and cycling trails, a day at the beach and unbelievably beautiful starry night skies.

Central Ontario getaways

Set sail in the Kawarthas

Combine the comforts of the cottage with the thrill of exploring the heritage Trent-Severn Waterway by houseboat with Egan Houseboat Rentals, R&R Houseboats or H20 Getaways.

Chart your own course and set your own schedule. Drop anchor at one of the many locks, find secluded fishing and swimming spots and share in the awe of magnificent summer sunsets.

Georgian Bay family vacation

Find family fun along the Bruce Peninsula and the southern coast of Georgian Bay.

Explore the natural wonders of Bruce Peninsula National Park and the Niagara Escarpment. Descend into the earth at Scenic Caves, meet four-legged friends at Kickin Back Alpaca Ranch and visit some of Ontario’s more iconic beaches.

Choose from waterfront accommodations at Miller’s Family Camp or Blue Mountain Resort, featuring an adventure park, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, an aquatic centre, water-based sports and the opportunity to relax and soak in the sunshine at a private beach.

Family fun in Ottawa

Experience family-friendly fun in Ottawa. From the downtown core to the surrounding countryside, Canada’s capital is full of family-fun attractions, tours, rafting and incredible national museums.

Add an extra day to splash, play and cool off at Calypso Waterpark just outside the city. Or experience epic adventure with Ottawa City Rafting.

Family glamping in Ontario’s Highlands

After a getaway to Four Corners Algonquin in Whitney, you’ll have discovered your new favourite family tradition.

Designed to help you reconnect with nature and with each other, experience family-friendly glamping, camping or tiny house accommodations and enjoy access to Algonquin Park during the day and crackling campfires at night.

Resorting in Muskoka

From lakeside lodges to cozy cabins to the themed entertainment at Santa’s Village, Muskoka has served up unforgettable family vacations for generations.

Shamrock Lodge is one of Muskoka’s many lakefront gems where kids can enjoy endless hours tubing, swimming and paddling on the water.

Find the perfect Muskoka family resort for your summer getaway.

Conquer the waves in Madawaska

Become paddling experts with the Zero to Hero program on the Madawaska River. Madawaska Kanu Centre offers a full-day introduction to rafting, canoeing or kayaking, starting on flatwater and moving into the river current. Accommodations vary from wooded campsites to private cabanas.

Northern Ontario trip ideas

Family fun in Sudbury

If you’re wondering how to plan an ideal family trip to Sudbury, this itinerary has the inside scoop with outdoor adventures, fascinating museums, including Science North and Dynamic Earth, sunny beaches and delicious food.

Algoma Country family vacation

Create unforgettable memories on a family vacation exploring the best of Algoma Country. From urban and natural attractions and quirky roadside selfie-worthy statues to wildlife sightings, beaches and epic parks, here are 10 reasons why your family will love an Algoma vacation this summer.

Family fishing in Sunset Country

In addition to amazing sunsets, Sunset Country is famous for its incredible fishing.

Customize your next family fishing adventure, starting with one of Northwest Ontario’s family-welcoming fishing lodges and resorts. Plan your trip around the Ontario Family Fishing Week. This is a province-wide initiative inviting Ontario families to enjoy fishing without the normally required licence.

Discover new corners of Ontario, make lasting family memories and find exclusive stay-and-play packages with Resorts of Ontario.