Family Day in Scarborough: Zoo, Parks & Rainy-Day Backup
Plan a full family day in east-end Toronto, morning zoo, afternoon park, and indoor options if the weather turns.
- 01 Toronto Zoo
Half-day minimum. Zoomobile saves little legs. Pack snacks, lines at concessions add up.
- 02 Scarborough Museum (Thomson Memorial Park)
Small historic site with seasonal programming, good for curious elementary-age kids.
- 03 Centennial College library & public spaces
Quiet indoor option near West Hill when weather fails.
- 04 Scarborough Town Centre
Food court diversity plus cinema, practical rainy-day fallback.
- 05 Guild Park
Free outdoor exploration among stone ruins, bring a camera.
Scarborough rewards families who plan around distance. The zoo alone can fill a morning; pair it with a nearby park or indoor stop so nobody melts down by 3 p.m.
Sample itinerary
Summer: Zoo (9 a.m. open), then lunch, then Guild Park walk, then Bluffer’s Park if energy remains.
Winter: Scarborough Museum program, then Scarborough Town Centre lunch, then library or cinema.
Tips
- TTC or car both work, parking is easier at the zoo than downtown attractions
- Check zoo hours, last admission is typically before closing