Want to stay in a nice place in Toronto for sights with kids

[disneyaddictwannabe]

Hi, thanks to the dis boards, our trip to Disney was Amazing! So I thought why not ask my fellow Canadians for advice for our upcoming summer weekend away in Toronto. I have an Entertainment card that I bought for our Florida trip and was wondering what places I would be able to use it for in Toronto. We have 4 children and don't want to stay anywhere dumpy we would be staying 2 nights and are visiting Ontario place and ROM and the Black Creek Pioneer Village. I assume we would have to have 2 rooms. Is there places on the internet that I can get good prices? We are a one income family so thats why we could only afford 2 nights. At least I'm hoping with your help we could afford 2 nights away with the kids. This is our summer vacation this year because of the nice trip to Florida last winter. Any dining suggestions would be appreciated as well. Thanks guys!!!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Which weekend in June? If you go to Toronto on the Weekend of June 19th you will be able to enjoy a grand weekend at Black Creek Pioneer Village with historical re-enactors set up in military camps portraying the American Revolution period -- it's always a fun time. There is usually a child's militia with the soldiers teaching the children how to march with broom sticks.

 

[cabmom]

If you plan on visiting the ROM you can get in for free anytime after 4pm on a Friday.
There are lots of places to eat along Front St, right outside of the Sky Dome and the CN Tower.
There are Cruises of the Toronto Harbour you can take. It's a breath taking view of Toronto, IMO.
Have a great trip, go to www.toronto.com
For hotels, there is a quite a bit of choice downtown, however they may be pricey. If you stay somewhere around the 401/404 the hotels may be cheaper, but then you would have to drive downtown or take public transportation.
Marilynn

 

[hockey mom]

I have gotten some great downtown hotels using priceline.

 

[mickey65]

The Sapghetti Factory is a fun place to eat!

http://www.oldspaghettifactory.net/info.html

 

[twinz]

Harbour Front is a nice place to visit, but there is not too much to do there. You can take a Ferry over to Centre Island, where they have a mini amusement park (depending on your kids ages they may love it). Iwork at a daycare and the ferry ride is the highlight of any summer if we venture over to the islands. The Science Centre is a great place to visit. Lots of hand on things for everyone to do, and not to mention some AWESOME IMAX movies. Good luck, and have fun. Personally I think Ontario Place is way over rated.

 

[tinkerbeth]

Hiya,

I would look into staying at the "Delta Chelsea". It's the best downtown hotel if you have kids, imho. It's also nice and close to lots of things downtown - you can walk to shows and Eatons and lots of good restaurants and the harbour as well.

Definatly check out the ROM, the Zoo is good. If you go down to Queen's Quay (pronounced key) you can get a one hour harbour tour which is good but try to get a discount. (I used to work there. ) Of course the CN tower is a hit, and try to get over to the Islands on teh ferry.

Have fun!

Beth

 

[tinkerbeth]

I forgot - check out "Paramount Canada's Wonderland". AWESOME amusement park.

 

[SandraC]

Hi ~ Black Creek Pioneer Village is a loooooong way from the ROM and Ontario Place. Might I suggestion you stay outside of Toronto and commute? You will get great deals. Try Stage West in Mississauga or an airport hotel. Chuck E. Cheese is a great place for kids. Chat soon! S

 

[Lynda Silk]

Just wanted to add that the Stage West Hotel in Mississauga has an awesome water slide in their indoor pool. My kids were there last month and loved the slide!

 

[MamaLema]

I second Canada's Wonderland.Your family will have a blast there. The only downside is that it is a little far from your hotel(About 45 min drive by highway) but worth is if you have the time.

 

[sami66]

I'm with Canada's Wonderland. I've been to Black Creek and find it kind of boring. But I guess if you like that kind of stuff......

 

[disneyaddictwannabe]

Wow thanks guys! I just checked my post and found all these great replys today. I guess I should of thought of looking at a map of Toronto so I would have an idea of what it would be like getting around to where we want to go. I never thought about the Black Creek village being far away. I would really like to take the kids there just for "educational purposes". I homeschool and thought it would make a good field trip since they haven't seen anything like that before. I hope I'm not going to be dissapointed. The historical reanactment sounds right up my boys alley but we can't go to Toronto in June. We are pretty open anytime,
we wanted to go when the hotels were cheapest. I figure they would be more exspensive when a festival or something special is going on there. I just don't know when those times happen to be.
Anyone know? A friend suggested Ontario place because of my 2 little ones. Is there much toddlers can do at Canadas Wonderland? I don't want to put my 3yr old and my 18mnth old through waiting in line all day for their 6yr old and 8 yr old brothers. Is there a water park at Canadas wonderland? I'm curious about this Stage West hotel. How far is it from downtown Toronto? And where could I get info on it? The same with the Delta Chelsea how can I get info on it? Why is it a great hotel for kids? Someone suggested priceline to get a good deal, is that hard to do? Thanks so much everyone?

 

[cabmom]

www.canadas-wonderland.com
This will give you the info you are looking for! Hey if you plan on being there June 12th, it's the York Region District School Boards day at Wonderland. I could help you out with your kids!!!
Hey we should have a dis meet! There is a huge water park there!!!
The website shows accomodation!

Good luck!

 

[SandraC]

Hi ~ I live in Mississauga ~ we go to Stage West occasionally for plays. The hotel is lovely. It's right on the 401, so getting around is sooooooo easy. Driving to Toronto (say the CN Tower for example) from Stage West would take you about 30 minutes (all highway) in no traffic. We drove to Koreatown in Toronto last night at 5pm and it only took 30 minutes. In morning rush hour, it would take twice as long to drive. YES! Wonderland has a waterpark. It's awesome! S

 

[disneywithkids]

Since you are doing 2 nights, you might want to pick your favourite attraction, then choose others that aren't too far from it.

Centre Island and Ontario Place would be a nice combination as they are both close to downtown Toronto if that is where you are going to stay. Centre Island is beautiful and has a lot for young ones to do, mini amusement park, feeding ducks. It is especially great for bringing a picnic lunch and a ball/frisbee etc. although you can buy food their as well.

I've found coupons in the past on the internet by typing in the word 'coupon' and the name of the place I'm going.

Have a great holiday!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

If you are doing CN Tower (your older kids will love it - especially the glass floor!), and if they are hockey fans you should definately do a visit to The Hockey Hall of Fame. Lots of interesting and interactive stuff to do.
Also, my kids love taking a ride on the subway (TTC). The best thing to do is get on the front car (come down the stairs and walk to the far left of the platform - get on the first car) and there is a window seat right by the driver. My DS5 loves to watch as we go through the tunnels.
We went to the Hockey Hall of Fame, then rode the subway to Yorkdale Mall, had lunch at The Rainforest Cafe, then the subway back to downtown. The subway is really easy, safe and clean.

Have fun!