One of the best reasons to live in Toronto with kids is the access to world-class culture and attractions. The Art Gallery of Ontario has tons of family-friendly programming and hands-on things to do for children of all ages. It’s an ideal place to spend a morning, afternoon, or all day with the family.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario with kids: what to see, what to skip, how to save, and where to park your stroller!
Already know what’s at the AGO? Skip to Insider Tips to make the most of your visit.
What to Do with Kids at the AGO
The AGO has both year-round attractions that are available daily, as well as special attractions that take place on specific days or times of year.
All attractions within the museum are free with general admission unless otherwise noted.
AGO Kids’ Gallery
At the AGO Kids’ Gallery, there are always kid-centric changing exhibits to explore, like “Pets and Me” where they can see historic paintings of children with pets, read books, draw imaginary pets, or put on a pet-inspired costume and Instagram a silly look to #AGOkidsgallery.
Open during regular museum hoursHands-On Centre
The Hands-On Centre always has art-making, constructing, storytelling, costume play, and opportunities for making new friends and exploring.
Year-round; Tue.–Fri., 10:30–2; weekends 10:30–4Friday Play Dates: Creative Story Time
On weekly play dates at the Hands-On Centre, little ones are able to interact, listen to a story, dress up, play games, or make their own themed storybooks.
Friday at 11 amFamily Sundays
Every Sunday afternoon from November through April, the AGO holds monthly themed Family Sundays, with interactive activities based on a theme. Past events have included instrument-making, yarn graffiti, Basquiat-themed art projects, and shadow-puppet workshops.
Nov.–Apr., Sun. 1–4 pmKids’ Activity Bags
Usually offered during school breaks, Kids’ Activity Bags feature fun goodies for your kids to play with in the gallery and at home. They hold colouring cards, coloured pencils, activities for in-gallery use, and art-making materials.
During school breaks, while supplies last; check website for detailsSchool Break Drop-In Programs
During Winter Break, March Break, and Family Day, look for special programming for kids at the Gallery that’s sure to include lots of artistic projects for little hands.
Dates and times vary; check website for detailsBefore you go, find out what kids are studying in school, to supplement it with some fun, out-of-the-classroom learning.
Art and Design Summer Camps
AGO Art Camps take place each summer. Camps focus on art-making, games, creative play, and encouraging connections between art, culture, and ideas—and also incorporate swimming and active outdoor play. Day camp registration begins in January.
Art Classes and Workshops
Non-competitive classes and workshops that focus on exploration of the creative process are offered for children, youth, and adults throughout the year. Class sizes are limited to ten to fifteen students (depending on age). Past classes have included life-drawing for older kids; paper-making, art for toddlers; and multimedia art classes for parents and caregivers together with kids.
Schedules vary; check website for detailsFood and Drink
At each of the dining areas, Frank Gehry–designed booster chairs are available for young children. You can also pack-your-own food and eat at family-style tables just outside the Hands-On Centre, on the concourse level. There’s almost always lots of space available.
CaféAGO
This kid-friendly, affordable cafeteria has soups, sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
Frank
Frank is an upscale, Frank Gehry–designed restaurant serving “global bistro” cuisine for dinner, lunch, and weekend brunch. There are kids’ menu options for all meals.
Espresso Bar in Galleria Italia
For a quick caffeine hit for Mom and Dad or a steamed milk or treat for the kids, head for this petite café on level 2, with one of the best views in the house.
Essential Information
ADDRESS: 317 Dundas St. W., between Beverly and McCaul Sts. map
GETTING THERE: Easily accessible via TTC: the Dundas streetcar stops right outside, or it’s a short walk from the subway. Paid street or garage parking nearby.
HOURS: Tue. and Thu. 10:30 am–5 pm; Wed. and Fri. 10:30 am–9 pm; weekends 10:30 am–5:30 pm; closed Mon.
ADMISSION: $19.50 adults, $16 seniors, $11 students and youth ages 6–17, ages 5 and under free; family pass (2 adults and 5 youth) $49. Free Wed. 6 pm–9 pm.
STROLLER POLICY: Double-wide and sport strollers with extra-large wheels are not permitted in galleries. There is a stroller parking area in front of the Hands-On Centre (concourse level). Strollers are available free of charge at the coat check.
AGO Family Insider Tips
Arrive early. The museum is quietest when it first opens, and the kids’ Hands-On Gallery opens right at 10:30. If you’ve got young ones, you’re up anyway, right?
Leave your stroller at home. Stroller rentals are free at the coat check.
Don’t go on free evenings. Admission is free on Wednesday evenings, but the line-ups are madness, especially if you have young kids in tow right around dinnertime! And kids’ attractions close by 4 pm.
Family memberships are surprisingly affordable, at $145/year. For a family with two adults and one child over age 5, you’d only have to visit three times in a year to make it worthwhile—and that doesn’t include prices for any special exhibitions. Benefits of membership include free admission to the museum and to most special exhibitions; free meals at caféAGO for kids under age 5; and discounts at the shop, in restaurants, and on education programs.
The museum shop (shopAGO) is awesome for kids’ gifts. Look for hard-to-find books, creative toys, and art and craft supplies.
There’s free wi-fi.
You can book kids’ birthday parties and private playdates at the AGO, too!
BEST SPOTS FOR A BREAK AT THE AGO
At some point, you’ll likely need some downtime for a snack or take a time out. Here are some choice spots to chill with kids:
Education Commons: on the concourse level outside the Hands-On Centre, communal tables and benches are set up where you can eat (snacks packed from home are fine) and park your stroller; it’s a good place for breastfeeding
caféAGO: at lunchtime it can get pretty crowded, but it’s a great spot to refuel with a snack or sandwich and let the kids blow off some steam
Walker Court: this central atrium is a fairly quiet space and doesn’t allow food, but has seating and is a good spot to let little legs rest and take a water break
Galleria Italia Espresso Bar: seating facing sky-high windows and is a nice spot for a rest or a warm drink
Concourse-level seating near washrooms: along the corridor behind the Hands-On Centre are some tucked-away seating spots that are good for some quiet time or as a place to breastfeed
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I feel like photos would really help!
Thanks, Loisel! You are right. Adding this to our to-do list… 🙂
Thanks for pointing out that we should not go on free admissions promos since the lines will be too long due a lot of people going to the museum. I will definitely follow this tip to ensure that we will be able to enjoy the museum by ourselves. This is how we are going to celebrate our anniversary, so it is really important for us to make it a perfect night without too much distraction.