day trip in Toronto area - suggestions

[Canadave]

We're looking for suggestions to spend a fun day in the Toronto area with 14 and 19 year old daughters .... have done Canada's Wonderland (many times) ; the zoo (many many times); CN Tower, even the Science Center...I don't want to go shopping ...was wondering about Ontario Place or Center Island (haven't been to either place for MANY years). Do they have something to offer for the age group of my girls?
We don't have to go to Toronto, but within an hour or so.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Ontario Place has a water park there and a few other things that might work for your girls. Center island is a great place for a picnic or walk. They do have kiddie rides still.

 

[Mortlives]

I admit it: I love Ontario Place. I take DS every year and it's our day together. He's 16 this year, and I'm taking him again.

2 words: bumper boats.

 

[Scornelius]

I think Ontario Place would definitely be the place to go with your girls. I haven't been to Centre Island for a few years, but I believe it's still geared towards younger children.
You'll have a blast at Ontario Place! Water slides, the aformentioned bumper boats, the log-flume ride, the huge Maze... there's so much to do!
Hope you have a great visit!

 

[ferris198]

We are Ontario Place pass holders, so we go quite often.
The water park and slides are awesome if they are into that.
The movies this year are good too, we saw one a couple of weeks ago called Aliens of the Deep that was directed by James Cameron, and it was awesome.
They also have another one called Super Speedway which is about the Andretti family and it too is very good.
As for the maze, it has been shortened as part if that pavillion is the storage area for the chinese lantern festival items, so the maze is not as long as it used to be.

 

[adamsloco]

If they are into history/acting, you could try the Black Creek Pioneer Village, or Old Fort York.

Casa Loma is a very interesting place to visit, especially with the gardens, if you are into horticulture.

There is also the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) and the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario)

What else... with in a day travel distance would also include Niagara Falls. Or you could go in the other direction and visit the Big Apple .

Can't think of anything else, OH High Park is a great place to spend a day outside.

Have fun, whatever you decide.

 

[Mortlives]

Another question is when you are coming. Toronto is chock full of festivals and celebrations. On the Canada Day weekend, Casa Loma has a Renaissance Faire. There is a Pirate Festival at Fort York the last few weekends of August. There are 2 separate Jazz festivals, a blues festival and Caribana. There's probably a bunch I've left out as well.

 

[shaycamp21]

If your kids like to swim and you'd like a beautiful, relaxing day on a white sandy beach and wouldn't mind driving a bit (about 2hrs) Sandbanks Provincial Park is lovely, a little taste of heaven right here in ON. We go all the time (stopping at the Big Apple on the way for one of their yummy apple pies) and it is less crowded on a week day. If that is too much of a drive for you Coburgh (sp?) beach is nice too.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I've just spent the afternoon at the beach in Cobourg and it is gearing up for our Waterfront Festival this Canada Weekend. You can spend the day at the beach, go on rides on the pier, or browse through the artisan booths.

Or to answer your question about TO-how about high tea at the Old Mill, or dinner at Medieval Times(it's close to ontario place too), or seeing Cirque du Soleil (this August), the play We will Rock you (Canon Theatre) or High School Musical (coming to the Princess of Wales theatre in September?) or just taking an organized tour bus (lots near union station). Would they like to visit a spa and go out to a fancy dinner?

There is so much to do and see it just depends what your girls interests are.

 

[Canadave]

Thanks all for your replies...we were hoping to go this Wednesday, but a family matter has reared it's ugly head, so we'll have to pospone for a while.
BTW, we do have tickets for Cirque in Toronto...after seeing Cirque in Disney, we are hooked big time
Question....what's a good website to get accurate and detailed info on festivals and events in Toronto and area? Unfortunately, owning a business in a tourist town, our weekends are booked, so we lose a lot as far as choices for special events.

A funny aside, over the years, we have done almost all the mentioned activities ( yes, even Cobourg and the Sandbanks)...Southern Ontario really does have a lot to offer.

Thanks again, looks like we might give Ontario Place a try...again!