Toronto: Things to Do with Teens

The cold is settling in and it seems like the kids are home all of the time. Plus they are slowing down our wifi. I miss getting out and doing normal things, and yes even dragging the kids along with us. So when Attractions Ontario wanted to send our family to explore Toronto we jumped at the chance. It is the greatest city in world after all (don’t @ me). This opportunity meant a win-win for this mama. We got to get out of the house and to explore things to do with our teens in Toronto. This past weekend, we explored three Toronto spots for Arts & Culture that actually held the attention of our teens!

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Attractions Ontario, but as always the opinions are mine.

 

Hockey Hall of Fame

With the NHL season not having any fans in attendance, hockey fans need things to do in Toronto to fulfil their sports cravings. Our first stop was the Hockey Hall of Fame., where even this reluctant hockey had a good time. This not-for profit Canadian institution is open to the public. It is the perfect place to bring your hockey-obsessed teens to get their fill of all things ice, pucks and offside. Including the actual Stanley Cup itself, where you can have your photo taken with it. They have a large international exhibit, a cool hall of masks and a showcase of NHL jersey’s over time. There is a limited time ‘9 & 99 The Howe & Gretzky exhibition.’ that is not to be missed. Our personal favourite exhibition was the Women in Hockey.

How to get there:

The Hockey Hall of Fame is directly across from Union Station. It is easy to get to via GO Train or the TTC. If you are driving, you can park directly under the building.

Cost:

General Admission is $20 and Children ages 4-13 are $14. Tip: Go to the Attractions Ontario website where you can download a coupon for your next visit.

What to Know:

Masks are mandatory and all interactive exhibitions have been put on hold with enhanced and frequent cleaning. There are numerous hand sanitizing stations around, and markings on the floor reminding you to keep your distance. While you can book your time slot in advance, walk ups will almost ensure you a quiet afternoon spent.

What Not to Miss:

Don’t miss your chance at trying out your sportscaster skills with the SportsCentre desk! You can have the linked emailed to you as well.

 

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Exploring The Art Gallery of Ontario with your teens is a fun thing to do in Toronto. The impressive modern building is bright and airy with architectural details throughout. Including their famous staircases that even teens will think is cool (but they won’t actually tell you) and instagram worthy.. The contemporary exhibits are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Our favourites were the Haegue Yang exhibit (on until January 31st 2021) and the exhibit of 3 African-American artists, Dawoud bey, John Edmonds and Wardell Milane which explore how photographs shape the Black American experiences.

How to Get There:

The AGO is easily accessible via Subway, and a 5 minute walk from St. Patrick Station. If you chose to drive, then you can find street parking on Dundas or on the smaller side streets. There are a few parking lots along Dundas Street and one behind the AGO off of McCaul Street.

Cost:

Children and Youth are FREE while adults ages 18 years and up are $25

What to Know:

Tickets MUST be pre-purchased on the AGO’s website in advance. They ask Covid screening questions prior to entry. All interactive features are currently not running, and there are multiple hand sanitizing stations set up around the gallery. They limit the number of people allowed in the gallery. Masks are mandatory masks as well.

What Not to Miss:

Skip the elevator and take the stairs up. Don’t miss the views of the 6. Quote Drake and see your cool factor go up with the teens. Ok, maybe not.

Royal Ontario Museum

If kids at any ages could have a night at the museum, I know they would – teens included. While popular exhibits such as the Bat Cave, the Discovery Gallery and the hands-on Biodiversity are closed, there is still lots to take in. Our favourite is always the dinosaurs. There are also special exhibits such as the Winnie the Pooh exhibit which runs through January 17th 2021. The Egyptian Mummies Exhibit which was interesting for my older kids and is running through March 2021. Both of those are at an additional fee to general admission. But you can take in The Cloth that Changed the World through September 2021 which is included in your ticket.

How to Get there:

The ROM is easily accessible by TTC and located at the Museum subway stop. If you choose to drive, a parking lot can be found North of Bloor Street, right off of Bedford Rd.

Cost:

Members are always free, but General Admission for Children 4-14 is $14 and for Adults $23. The Winnie the Pooh Exhibit and the Ancient Egyptians require special tickets along with the General Admission. You can find that out here.

What to know:

Entry to the museum is limited in order to control the number of visitors. It is strongly advised to purchase your tickets online before you go. There is no coat check available and no food allowed on premises with the exception of water bottles. Masks are also mandatory, with numerous sanitizing stations set up and plenty of space to maintain a safe distance.

Head to Attractions Ontario where you can find some coupons for The ROM, because kids are expensive enough.

What Not to Miss:

Our surprisingly favourite exhibition was up on the 4th floor. The Cloth That Changed the World, was beautiful and a hit with the teens and big kid.

In order to keep the whining at bay (yes, teens still whine), we only spent a couple of hours at each place. But you could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring everything the Hockey Hall of Fame, The AGO and the ROM offers. Check out Attractions Ontario for more fun things to do in Toronto!