Get ready for a wild adventure as we take you on a journey through the best zoos and nature centers in Ontario! These family-friendly destinations offer educational programs, interactive exhibits, and even hands-on encounters with wildlife. Grab your explorer hats and get ready to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom and the beauty of nature together with your little adventurers!
Have you visited one of the centre’s listed below? Share your experience with other readers by commenting below.
Zoos & Farms in and around Toronto
African Lion Safari
- 1386 Cooper Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S2, Canada
African Lion Safari is a drive-through wildlife park that allows visitors to see and learn about a variety of animal species, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and more. They also offer educational shows and presentations.
Toronto Zoo
- 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, home to over 5,000 animals representing various species from around the world. It offers a wide range of exhibits, educational programs, and interactive experiences, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation and appreciation.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
- 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Dive into an underwater wonderland! This state-of-the-art aquarium showcases the mesmerizing beauty of marine life from around the world. Explore captivating exhibits featuring a wide array of fish, sharks, jellyfish, rays, and more. Walk through tunnels surrounded by an immersive underwater environment, marvel at vibrant coral reefs, and get up close with interactive touch tanks. With educational programs, live shows, and breathtaking underwater exhibits, Ripley’s Aquarium offers a fascinating and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages!
Riverview Park &Â Zoo
- 1230 Water St, Peterborough, ON K9H 7S7, Canada
Featuring 150 animals and over 40 species, this zoo offers a variety of animal exhibits and attractions, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. The Otter exhibit is one of the highlights of the zoo – every day at 1:30 PM otters are given their afternoon enrichment in the exhibit pools for a great viewing experience. The zoo also features picknicking areas, a playground, splash pad, and miniature train ride making it an ideal destination for families with young children.
Elmvale Jungle Zoo
- 14191 County Rd 27, Elmvale, ON L0L 1P0, Canada
Elmvale Jungle Zoo is a family-owned and operated zoo that houses a variety of exotic animals from around the world. Visitors can enjoy a safari-like experience and learn about wildlife conservation through educational presentations and interactive experiences.
Lionel’s Farm
- 11714 McCowan Road, Stouffville, ON L4A 4C4, Canada
Lionel’s Farm is a family-owned farm located in Stouffville, just north of Toronto. It provides a fun and interactive experience for visitors, especially children. The farm offers various activities, including petting and feeding farm animals, pony rides, wagon rides, and seasonal events such as pumpkin picking. It is a great place for families to enjoy a day surrounded by friendly farm animals and a rural atmosphere.
Greenview Park & Zoo
- 1187 10th Line, Hamilton, ON L8P 3P3, Canada
Greenview Park & Zoo is a family-friendly destination located in Hamilton, Ontario. This small zoo features a variety of animals, including deer, peacocks, emus, ducks, and more. It offers a scenic environment for visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll while observing and learning about the resident animals. The park surrounding the zoo also offers picnic areas, walking trails, and a playground, making it a great spot for a day of outdoor fun with the family.
Jungle Cat World
- 3667 Concession Rd 6, Orono, ON L0B 1M0, Canada
Jungle Cat World is a small wildlife park and zoological reserve for the conservation and preservation of wild species, particularly cats. Visitors can encounter a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, cheetahs, and jaguars, while learning about wildlife conservation.
Safari Niagara
- 2821 Stevensville Rd, Stevensville, ON L0S 1S0, Canada
Safari Niagara is a 150-acre nature park located in Stevensville, Ontario. It is home to over 1000 animals from around the world, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can enjoy guided walking tours, educational presentations, interactive exhibits, a splash pad, playgrounds, and various seasonal events.
Far Enough Farm
- Centre Island, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada
Far Enough Farm is a small petting zoo located on Centre Island in Toronto. It provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with and learn about farm animals, including pigs, goats, rabbits, and ponies.
Bird Kingdom
- 5651 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M7, Canada
Bird Kingdom is a tropical aviary located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It is home to a wide variety of exotic birds from around the world, as well as other animals such as reptiles, insects, and small mammals. Visitors can explore the multi-level rainforest environment, walk through the free-flight aviary, and enjoy interactive experiences with the birds. The attraction offers educational presentations, bird feedings, and opportunities for up-close encounters with some of the resident birds.
High Park Zoo
- 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada
High Park Zoo is a small zoo located within Toronto’s iconic High Park. It is home to a variety of animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, capybaras, and more. The zoo offers a unique opportunity for visitors, especially children, to observe and learn about these fascinating creatures up close. With its picturesque setting in the heart of High Park, the zoo provides a great spot for families to enjoy a leisurely walk, explore nature, and interact with it’s resident animals.
Reptilia
- 2501 Rutherford Rd, Vaughan, ON L4K 2N6, Canada
Reptilia is a reptile zoo and education center with locations in Vaughan and Whitby. It offers visitors the chance to see and learn about a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, turtles, and more. They also provide educational programs and interactive experiences.
Riverdale Farm
- 201 Winchester St, Toronto, ON M4X 1B8, Canada
Riverdale Farm is a historic working farm located in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighborhood. It showcases farm animals and offers visitors the opportunity to experience a traditional farm setting within an urban environment. It also features picturesque gardens and scenic walking paths.
Twin Valley Zoo
- 84 Langford Church Rd W, Brantford, ON N3T 5L4, Canada
A family-owned and operated zoo in Brantford, Ontario. With a variety of animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, lemurs, and more, this charming zoo offers an exciting opportunity to observe and interact with fascinating creatures. Enjoy educational presentations, feeding experiences, and learn about conservation efforts.
Little Rays Reptile Zoo
- 869 Barton St. East, Hamilton, ON Canada
Plan a trip to this zoo dedicated to reptiles and amphibians! Get up close and personal with snakes, lizards, turtles, and more through interactive exhibits and educational presentations. This unique zoo offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, promoting conservation and appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
Brae Ridge Farm & Sanctuary
- 7667 Maltby Rd E, Puslinch ON
Brae Ridge Farm & Sanctuary is a family-owned Alpaca farm just south of Guelph in Ontario. It offers educational programs, farm tours, and opportunities to interact with Alpacas.
Nature Centres & Conservatories
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
- 2500 Kossuth Rd, Cambridge, ON N3H 4R7, Canada
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a tropical paradise featuring thousands of free-flying butterflies, lush gardens, and various species of plants and insects. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant and serene environment.
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
- 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland, ON L4R 4K6, Canada
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a nature reserve and environmental education center located in Midland, Ontario. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and forests. The center features boardwalks, trails, and interactive programs focusing on environmental education, conservation, and Indigenous cultural heritage.
Niagara Butterfly Conservatory
- 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S4, Canada
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This tropical paradise is home to thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering freely in a lush rainforest setting. As you stroll through the conservatory, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and grace of these delicate creatures. Learn about their life cycles, behaviors, and the importance of butterfly conservation through informative displays and exhibits. It’s a magical experience that delights visitors of all ages!
The Kortright Centre for Conservation
- 9550 Pine Valley Dr, Woodbridge, ON L4L 1A6, Canada
The Kortright Centre for Conservation is a natural oasis situated on 325 hectares of forests and meadows. It provides a wide range of educational and recreational opportunities for visitors to connect with nature. The center features walking trails, an arboretum, sustainable technology demonstrations, educational programs, and special events.
Humber Arboretum
- 205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, ON M9W 5L7, Canada
Humber Arboretum is a beautiful green space located on the grounds of Humber College in Toronto. It features gardens, trails, and natural areas, providing visitors with opportunities to explore and learn about plant life, wildlife, and sustainable gardening practices.
Royal Botanical Gardens
- 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON L7T 4H4, Canada
Royal Botanical Gardens is a world-renowned horticultural attraction situated in Burlington and Hamilton. It features stunning gardens, nature trails, and various plant collections. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of diverse plant life, participate in educational programs, and explore the nature reserves within the gardens.
Toronto Botanical Garden
- 777 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON M3C 1P2, Canada
Toronto Botanical Garden is a picturesque garden oasis located in Toronto. It features a variety of themed gardens, including herb gardens, perennial gardens, and more. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere, attend workshops, and learn about gardening and horticulture.
Rouge Valley Conservation Centre
- 1749 Meadowvale Rd, Scarborough, ON M1B 5W8, Canada
Rouge Valley Conservation Centre is a hub for environmental education and conservation located within the Rouge National Urban Park. It offers educational programs, guided hikes, and various outdoor activities that allow visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the Rouge Valley. The center also hosts events and workshops focused on environmental sustainability and conservation efforts.
Rouge National Urban Park
- 277 14th Ave, Markham, ON L6B 1A8
Rouge National Urban Park is a unique and diverse natural environment that spans across several municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area. As Canada’s first national urban park, it offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. The park encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, wetlands, and the scenic Rouge River. It also features cultural heritage sites and educational programs.
Please check venue websites for more information before heading out. Many locations require advance tickets, and some locations are only open during summer months.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, a day trip or just looking for somewhere new to explore with the kids, Southern Ontario has plenty of wonderful places to discover wildlife and connect with nature. From exciting animal encounters to peaceful garden walks and nature trails, there’s something for every age and interest.
Looking for more family outing ideas? Explore our Best Museums & Galleries to Visit with Kids in Ontario guide for even more fun and educational places to discover.
Have a favourite zoo, farm or nature centre we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
