Getting Around Toronto with Kids – A Family-Friendly Guide to Metro and Bus Travel in the City Center

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Getting Around Toronto with Kids – A Family-Friendly Guide to Subway, Streetcar, and Bus Travel in the City Center

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant city with plenty of family-friendly attractions and a reliable public transit system that makes getting around with kids easy. Whether you're headed to the zoo, a museum, or just exploring a new neighborhood, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides safe, affordable transportation through its subway, streetcar, and bus network.

Subway – Fast and Direct Access Across the City

Toronto’s subway system consists of four lines, with Line 1 (Yonge-University) and Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) covering the most ground in the city. Trains run from approximately 6 AM to 1 AM, and even earlier on Sundays.

For families, Line 1 provides quick access to major attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum (St. George or Museum station), Ripley's Aquarium and the CN Tower (Union Station), and the Ontario Science Centre (Eglinton station, then a short bus ride). Line 2 is ideal for reaching the Toronto Zoo via Kennedy Station and connecting buses.

Streetcars – Scenic and Fun for Kids

Toronto’s iconic red streetcars are not only convenient but also a hit with younger travelers. Streetcars operate 24/7 on several downtown routes and are great for getting to places like Queen Street West for shopping, Harbourfront for waterfront activities, and the Distillery District for seasonal events.

The 509 and 510 routes are especially useful for families staying near Union Station or wanting to visit

Harbourfront Centre or the ferry terminal for Centre Island.

Buses – Reaching Every Corner

Buses serve areas that subways and streetcars don’t reach and are essential for trips to the outer neighborhoods and attractions like the Toronto Zoo, High Park (home to a small zoo and a great playground), and the Aga Khan Museum.

Most buses are wheelchair and stroller accessible, with low floors and kneeling features. The TTC website and transit apps offer real-time updates and route planning.

Tickets and PRESTO Cards – What You Need to Know

Single fares are $3.35 CAD for adults and $2.40 for children and youth with PRESTO card discounts. Kids under 12 ride free on all TTC services. A one-day pass costs $13.50 and allows unlimited travel for one adult or two adults traveling with up to four children.

PRESTO cards can be used across the TTC, GO Transit, and other regional systems, and are easily topped up at machines in subway stations, online, or via the PRESTO app. They’re the most convenient way for families to travel together without needing individual paper tickets.

Do Kids Need a Ticket?

Children under 12 travel for free on all public transport in Toronto. Kids aged 13–19 qualify for discounted youth fares with a registered PRESTO card. For families visiting for a few days, the day pass offers great value for unlimited exploring.

Closest Stops to Popular Family Attractions

Union Station is your hub for many downtown attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower, and Rogers Centre. St. George and Museum stations are ideal for the Royal Ontario Museum, while Queen’s Park station is close to the Ontario Legislative Building and parks with play areas. The Toronto Islands – a top summer destination – can be reached via a quick walk from Union Station to the ferry docks.

Safe, Efficient Travel for Families

Toronto’s public transit is clean, safe, and ideal for families looking to explore the city without a car. With integrated routes, easy-to-use fare options, and plenty of stroller-accessible vehicles, the TTC makes getting around a breeze. Whether you're spending the day at a museum or catching a ferry to the islands, public transit helps make family adventures in Toronto fun and hassle-free.