Dangerous Lagoon
An underwater tunnel with a moving walkway, as sharks and rays swim right over your head.
Toddler tip: Stand off the walkway at the side to let little ones stare as long as they want.
Indoor play, Downtown
Ripley's Aquarium with a toddler
Sharks gliding overhead, jellyfish that glow, and touch pools, at the foot of the CN Tower.
- Cost
- Paid admission. Check online for kids' prices.
- Best for ages
- All ages
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Stroller
- Stroller-friendly, but it gets crowded
- Washrooms
- Inside, including family washrooms
- Getting there
- TTC Line 1: Union station, then a short walk
Free · ages 3–6
Ripley's Aquarium Explorer booklet
Two pages of stops, counting games, bingo and wow facts, from the Shark Tunnel to the Touch Pool. Ends with a drawing box and an explorer badge.
Download free (PDF)Visiting with a younger toddler? Try the simpler Ripley's Aquarium picture hunt (ages 2–4, PDF).
Toddler highlights
Jellyfish gallery
Softly glowing jellyfish in colour-changing tanks. It's calm and mesmerizing.
Toddler tip: A good spot to settle an overexcited toddler.
Touch pools
Gently touch stingrays and other sea creatures with staff nearby.
Toddler tip: Two fingers only, and wash hands afterwards.
Play areas
Kids' discovery zones with climbing and crawl-through tanks.
Toddler tip: Save these for the end, as a reward.
Combining it with the CN Tower
The aquarium and the CN Tower are next door to each other. With a toddler, one big attraction per day is usually plenty, but if you’re doing both, see the aquarium first while energy is high and save the tower for the afternoon.
Plan your visit
Tickets
Book a timed ticket online. Weekday mornings are the calmest. Weekends and holidays get very busy.
Getting there
It's next to the CN Tower, a short walk from Union Station. Take the TTC or GO Train if you can, since downtown parking is expensive.
Food
There's a café inside. The Union Station food hall and the waterfront are both close by for more choice.
More in Toronto
Free printable
ParkHigh Park with a toddler
Free animal paddocks, a giant castle playground, ducks on the pond, and plenty of paved stroller loops.
Free printable
GalleryThe AGO with a toddler
A hands-on art centre, model ships, giant sculptures, and free admission for Ontario kids.
Free printable
MuseumThe ROM with a toddler
Dinosaurs, a walk-through bat cave and a hands-on discovery gallery, all under one roof.