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- Doors Open Toronto (May 24-25)
Doors Open Toronto (May 24-25)
Doors Open Toronto returns May 24-25, 2025, offering a rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes at some of the city's most fascinating buildings and spaces. While the official program lists over 150 participating locations across Toronto, it can be challenging to determine which sites will truly captivate young explorers.
We've done the research for you! Our team has carefully selected the most kid-friendly destinations from this year's lineup. Each location on our list promises engaging experiences for children of all ages – from towering fire trucks and cuddly animals to massive machines and historical adventures.
All locations are completely FREE to visit during Doors Open weekend. Most sites welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have special hours as noted in our guide. No tickets or reservations are required – simply show up and enjoy these unique Toronto experiences with your family!
Pack some snacks, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to discover Toronto's architectural treasures, fascinating workplaces, and hidden wonders through your child's eyes!
13 KID-APPROVED DOORS OPEN DESTINATIONS
🚒 Fire Stations
May 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Multiple locations across Toronto
Need we say more? Four fire stations are opening their doors! Kids can meet real firefighters, see the big trucks up close, try on gear, and learn what it takes to fight fires across Toronto.
🔥 Hot tip: Bring a camera – most firefighters are happy to let kids pose in front of the trucks!
Station 131: 3135 Yonge St. | Station 231: 740 Markham Rd. | Station 334: 339 Queens Quay W. | Station 415: 2120 Kipling Ave.
🐾 Toronto Humane Society
May 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 11 River Street, Toronto
Take a tour of the facilities and meet various animals (bunnies, dogs, cats, turtles, snakes, etc.). Learn how they are cared for and how you can get involved with this fantastic charity.
🔥 Hot tip: Great opportunity to teach kids about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
🚜 433 Eastern Yard
May 24 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) & May 25 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) | 433 Eastern Ave., Toronto
The highlight of the day! Friendly staff, demos, popsicles, and a collection of trucks, tractors, and other city machinery that kids can explore. Get ready for a symphony of horns!
🔥 Hot tip: This is consistently rated as one of the most popular Doors Open sites for children.
🚂 Toronto Railway Museum
***No longer participating in Doors Open 2025
May 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
Free mini train rides—perfect for train-loving kids! Explore historic locomotives, see the turntable in action, and learn about Toronto's railway history through fun, interactive exhibits.
🔥 Hot tip: The mini train is super popular, so ride early in your visit to avoid disappointment.
💧 R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
May 24-25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 2701 Queen St. E., Toronto
A beautiful Art Deco "palace" where kids can marvel at the massive marble halls and learn how lake water becomes tap water. The lakeside grounds offer fantastic views and space to run around.
🔥 Hot tip: Architecture buffs call this "The Palace of Purification" – it's featured in many films!
🔭 Allan I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory
May 24 only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 4700 Keele St. (York University)
Home to the largest telescope on any Canadian university campus! Kids can learn about stars, planets and space through interactive demonstrations, and meet real astronomers.
🔥 Hot tip: Perfect for space-obsessed kids – real astronomers answer all those "why" questions!
🏛️ City Hall Hub - Nathan Phillips Square
May 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 100 Queen St. W.
The ultimate family headquarters for Doors Open weekend! This free activity hub features something for everyone: help build a paper city with architects, play Toronto-themed arcade games, explore the Spirit Garden, try sports at the Play Mobile, enjoy live music, and discover the "Playful Toronto" photo exhibit.
🔥 Hot tip: Make this your first stop to pick up maps and plan the rest of your Doors Open adventures!
🏡 The Village at Black Creek
May 24-25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., Toronto
Step back in time to the 1860s! Kids can explore over 40 historic buildings, meet heritage breed animals, watch traditional craftspeople at work, and try hands-on pioneer activities.
🔥 Hot tip: The bakery often offers samples of fresh-baked 19th-century treats!
May 24 only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 659 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto
Ahoy there! Tour a real naval facility, learn about maritime operations, see specialized equipment, and discover what life is like for sailors in the Royal Canadian Navy.
🔥 Hot tip: Kids can try on some naval gear and take cool maritime-themed photos.
🏰 Fort York National Historic Site
May 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
Step back into Toronto's military history! Kids will love exploring the cannons, barracks, and fortifications at this War of 1812 site. Often features historical demonstrations.
🔥 Hot tip: Check the schedule for cannon firing demonstrations – they're loud but thrilling!
🏊♂️ Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre
May 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 375 Morningside Ave., Toronto
An Olympic-caliber facility where kids can see world-class swimming pools, diving platforms, and training areas. Perfect for sports-enthusiastic children!
🔥 Hot tip: Ask about any Olympic athletes who train here – staff usually have great stories.
May 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 1749A Meadowvale Rd., Toronto
A unique behind-the-scenes look at how the Toronto Zoo turns animal waste into energy! An educational and eco-friendly science experience that kids will find fascinating.
🔥 Hot tip: Prepare for some "ew, gross!" reactions – which kids absolutely love!
✈️ Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
May 24 only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto
Kids love watching planes take off and land! Tour the underwater pedestrian tunnel, see the electric ferry, and get up close with airport safety vehicles.
🔥 Hot tip: The pedestrian tunnel 118 ft beneath the Western Channel is a unique experience.
Need more suggestions? The complete list of all 150+ Doors Open Toronto locations is available on the City of Toronto website.
Happy exploring!
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