Family-friendly zoos and butterfly conservatories to visit

Greater Toronto Area

Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is Canada’s largest animal attraction, housing over 3000 animals on close to 300 hectares. The park features seven distinct sections that represent key zoological habitats of Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain.

In addition, find fun kid-approved adventures from Splash Island’s water-filled fun to Wild Encounters Behind the Scene Tours, zip lines and ropes courses, plus classic favourites like a whimsical carousel and the soaring TundraAir Ride.

The zoo’s mission is to protect wildlife and wild spaces, so the park also offers great educational opportunities.

The zoo is open year-round, although some exhibits are seasonal. Plan your visit carefully in advance, as it can be difficult to see everything in just one day.

There are several on-site restaurants and cafes, as well as free water stations to refill your water bottles.

In addition to driving, there are a variety of ways to get to the Toronto Zoo by public transport. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Durham Transit and GO all run frequent buses from various parts of the city to the zoo and back.

Location: 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto

High Park Zoo

Established in 1893 for deer, the High Park Zoo has since been a popular destination in Toronto.

Fast forward over 125 years, and the Zoo's eleven paddocks now house a variety of animal species such as bison, deer, llamas, peacocks and highland cattle.

The zoo is easily accessible and has paddocks located near each other, making it convenient for families to navigate and enjoy other park activities as well.

Location: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Brantford Twin Valley Zoo

View a variety of animals, including birds, primates, big cats and even adorable goats.

This family-run property covers 10 hectares (25 acres) and, in addition to the animal exhibits, features picnic spots, a playground and more, all connected by a nature trail.

Open seasonally, you’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch or visit the Chef Hotdog food truck.

Location: 84 Langford Church Road, Brantford

African Lion Safari

In true African safari fashion, most of the animals at this park roam free in seven large game reserves and you get to view them via a vehicle tour along the nine-kilometre safari trail.

Choose to safari in your own vehicle or on the guided Safari Tour Bus. Be sure to review the vehicle restriction guide if you do choose to bring your vehicle.

Round out your visit with even more memorable experiences, including a scenic ride on the African Queen boat cruise, a charming journey aboard the Nature Boy train tour, splashes of fun at the kids’ water park and playground and up-close encounters with friendly residents like alpacas, parrots, rabbits and more at the delightful Pets’ Corner.

Get EVEN closer with unrivalled access during a privately guided tour with a Game Warden to witness a pride of lions at their most active time of day and as they devour their morning meal on African Lion Safari’s Wake Up The Wild! Then, head off road in an open air truck to come within a meter of the endangered rhino, zebra, ostrich, as well as the opportunity to hand feed Canada’s largest herd of giraffe.

Food facilities are located throughout the park, purchase timed tickets in advance online.

Location: 1386 Cooper Road, Cambridge/Hamilton

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Nestled on a sprawling 43 hectares, containing the ecologically fragile Kossuth Bog, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a remarkable 2322 square metre (25,000 square feet) facility.

The indoor tropical garden spans close to 1000 square metres (10,800 square feet) and houses a multitude of free-flying butterflies. Enjoy the captivating experience of witnessing butterflies emerge from their chrysalis and embark on their inaugural flight.

Location: 2500 Kossuth Road, Cambridge

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Indian River Reptile Zoo

This is the place for the budding paleontologist and herpetologist in your family—those interested in the study of dinosaurs and reptiles.

This attraction is one of the few accredited reptile zoos in the world with a fascinating collection of over 200 reptiles. See monitor lizards, turtles, tortoises, snakes and more, then cross the Croc-Walk over an enclosure including 50 live crocodiles, alligators and caimans.

Another highlight is the Dinosaur Park, which features over 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and even more reptiles. Dig through the “boneyard” to discover real dinosaur bones, play a round of mini golf around a model Stonehenge and explore the property’s hiking trails.

You’re welcome to bring your lunch or purchase something from the food truck and be sure to wear proper walking shoes.

Location: 2206 County Road 38, Indian River

Riverview Park and Zoo

Home to more that 40 different species and over 150 animals, including squirrel monkeys, green-winged macaws, capybaras, tortoises, peacocks, wallabies, servals, crocodiles and a red-necked wallaby, Riverview Park and Zoo is located on the Otonabee River in Peterborough. The zoo is Canada’s only free-admission accredited zoo that spans over 22 hectares.

Follow the marked walking trails to explore the park on your own or book a guided tour.

The park area features splash pads, frisbee golf and a miniature train tour. A snack bar is open during the summer, or you can bring your lunch and water refilling stations are located throughout the park.

Location: 1300 Water Street, Peterborough

York, Durham and Headwaters

Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park

Get up-close-and-personal with big cats and experience the chance to pet and feed baby lions, tigers, lemurs and other furry friends.

This family-friendly park hosts educational feeding tours, night safaris and other exciting activities seasonally. Be sure to wear proper footwear for all the walking. If you’re so inclined, stay a night at the park to listen to the lion's roar, wolves howl and peacocks squawk—­it’s an adventure you will never forget.

There’s a seasonal cafe onsite, or you can bring your snacks to enjoy at the sheltered picnic areas.

Location: 3667 Concession Road 6, Orono

Reptilia Zoo and Education Centre

Reptilia is Canada's largest indoor reptile zoo and reptile rescue. Experience the entire world of reptiles at one of three Ontario locations. Travel through jungles, deserts and even the wilds of Canada itself to meet some of the earth’s most elusive and mysterious residents.

Although reptiles are the specialty, watch out for colourful amphibians and fluffy arachnids as well. Attend scheduled shows, tours and feedings.

Locations:

• 1400 Victoria Street East, Unit 1, Whitby
• 2501 Rutherford Road, Vaughan
• 785 Wonderland Road South, London

Niagara Region

Safari Niagara

From lions and leopards to flamingos and parrots, meet the menagerie of over 1000 birds, mammals and reptiles from around the world across over 60 hectares of the park, just 10 minutes drive from Niagara Falls.

Learn all about your favourite creatures and the park’s conservation efforts with the Zooniversity, Behind the Scenes Tours and other events and demonstrations.

There are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained, from boarding the Gator Express Tram and splashing around at the water play zone to paddle boating, hiking through the Silent Forest, tackling the ropes course and racing around the Pedal-Bike-Go-Karts track.

Location: 2821 Stevensville Road, Stevensville

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The Butterfly Conservatory was built in 1996 and remains the largest facility of its kind in North America. The facility includes a 1021 square metre (11,000 square foot) conservatory which has welcomed millions of guests to explore and learn about the beauty and fascinating lifecycles of butterflies in a tropical environment.

Walking through the conservatory, guests come across feeding trays where they get an up-close look at butterfly gatherings and a picturesque waterfall mimicking the atmosphere of a rain forest.

Location: 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Elmvale Jungle Zoo

Mighty tigers, graceful zebras and giraffes, playful lemurs and rare exotic birds are just a few of the amazing animals you’ll see at this family-oriented attraction just north of Barrie. Established in 1967, the park has grown from just one hectares to over 12 today.

The shady trails and pathways are stroller-friendly, while daily presentations, animal feeding and the goat petting zoo offer great opportunities for little ones to enjoy interactive experiences.

There’s a small snack bar and gift shop on-site.

Location: 14191 Simcoe County Road 27, Phelpston

Whether you want to enjoy a night safari or spend a day surrounded by beautiful butterflies, in Ontario, you have plenty of options to choose from for a memorable family outing.