5 free indoor winter activities for kids in toronto
Parents, feeling cooped up this winter and looking for fresh ways to entertain your kids? Escape the routine and dive into an unforgettable Toronto adventure filled with warmth, wonder, and family fun!
From roaring dinosaurs to interactive robots and magical time-travel experiences, these 5 free indoor winter activities will keep your little ones engaged, inspired, and excited for more.
- Bata Shoe Museum
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Toronto Zoo
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Toronto Railway Museum
1
Bata Shoe Museum:
Step Into History and Fun
Free entry with Canoo!
Step into a world of style, history, and fun at the Bata Shoe Museum! Kids will love discovering footwear from around the globe, including shoes worn by kings, athletes, and even astronauts. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, they can learn how shoes have been crafted and used throughout history while unleashing their creativity.
Located in the heart of Toronto, this unique museum offers a warm and welcoming escape from the winter chill. Whether your little ones are trying on funky shoes or exploring how footwear reflects different cultures, the Bata Shoe Museum makes learning a playful adventure. Plus, it’s the perfect indoor outing to keep the whole family entertained!

Cool things the kids will discover
- Global Footwear Collection
- Shoes from Famous Figures
- Space Shoes
The best part
Kids can try on funky and unusual shoes, making for a fun and memorable photo op!

2
Royal Ontario Museum:
Travel Through Time!
Free entry with Canoo!
Have you ever thought about what life was like for dinosaurs or brave knights? The Royal Ontario Museum lets you explore history and culture like never before!
Kids can travel back in time, touch cool artifacts, and even participate in workshops. Discover diverse cultures from around the globe and learn about amazing things people have created throughout history. The Museum even has a coffee bar and cafe, so you can take a break between exhibits and refuel with delicious food and drinks.
Cool things the kids will discover
- About different eras and events that shaped our world
- How people lived in other cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation
- About art and inventions from long ago sparking your child’s imagination
The best part
Kids will gain a new appreciation for the world and different people, making them better global citizens!
3
Toronto Zoo:
Meet Amazing Animals Up Close!
Free entry with Canoo!
Have you ever imagined watching a panda munching on bamboo or standing eye-to-eye with a majestic lion? While the Toronto Zoo may be a summer hotspot, its indoor pavilions are perfect for a cozy winter adventure. Travel through lush tropical habitats and discover fascinating creatures from around the globe—all without stepping outside into the cold!
Your kids will love learning how to protect animals and keep our planet healthy through engaging exhibits and activities. Plus, the Zoo offers plenty of dining options, including animal-themed restaurants, cosy cafés, and a pizza place—perfect for even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, with the Canoo app, newcomers to Canada can enjoy free entry to the Toronto Zoo! Download Canoo today to access exclusive deals, discounts, and freebies designed to help your family feel more at home in Canada.

Cool things the kids will discover
- How animals survive and adapt in different ecosystems
- Why protecting these amazing creatures is important
- All about different habitats and the wonders of nature
The best part
Witnessing these incredible animals up close will make your family understand the importance of taking care of our environment.
4
Art Gallery of Ontario:
Unleash Your Inner Artist!
Free entry with Canoo!
Step into a world of creativity at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), where kids can explore art from various times and cultures, sparking their imagination and inspiring their own artistic creations.
Spend 2-3 hours wandering through galleries that are as dynamic as they are educational. With interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops, the AGO offers a fun, immersive environment for young minds to discover the wonders of art—especially on a cold winter day. Plus, with your Canoo membership, you can visit for free, time and time again, unlocking endless experiences and savings!
Cool things the kids will discover
- About famous artists and their unique styles
- How different cultures and historical events have influenced art
- Experimental techniques and mediums used in art
The best part
Kids will leave with a newfound love for creativity using their own imagination for future arts and crafts!
5
Toronto Railway Museum:
All Aboard!
Free entry with Canoo!
Step into the fascinating world of trains at the Toronto Railway Museum, where kids can learn about the history and technology of railways while staying warm indoors. Interactive exhibits and train simulations turn your little ones into conductors and engineers, bringing the past to life in a fun and engaging way. Punch your ticket and hop aboard for a winter adventure!
Located in the historic Roundhouse Park, just steps from the CN Tower, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the pivotal role railways have played in shaping Canada’s history—all while staying cozy during the colder months.

Cool things the kids will discover
- How railways they transformed transportation and industry
- The mechanics and engineering behind trains
- Stories of railway workers and passengers
The best part
Kids will be captivated by the historic locomotives, leaving with an obsession for trains and railway engineering!
member stories

“The Ontario Science Centre was a whirlwind of discovery for our family. The kids were mesmerized by the rainforest on Level 6 and even spotted a poison dart frog. The interactive displays were fantastic. It was a day well spent. And, thanks to Canoo’s unlimited free entries during the first year of our membership, we can’t wait to explore more of the Science Centre and other places in Toronto!”

“The Royal Ontario Museum was a treasure trove for our family! It’s like a journey through time and nature all at once. My son, a dino fanatic, was speechless seeing real dinosaur skeletons! We explored ancient artifacts, stunning artwork, and even marine creatures – all under one roof. We discovered this gem thanks to Canoo and can’t wait to explore more!”
what is

Canoo Access Pass is a mobile app that gives new citizens and new permanent residents in Canada unlimited free access to all our partner venues, amazing deals from Canada’s most loved brands, and free & discounted tickets to the best of Canadian entertainment activities. You can also include up to 4 kids in your membership and their admission to venues is free, too!
how canoo works ⮧
1
Download canoo
2
Register
3
Verify Eligibility