Casa Loma — Kid-friendly Discovery & Attractions in Toronto, Ontario
- Ages 6-12
- Indoor
- Rainy-day OK
Explore the historic castle of Casa Loma, a fascinating landmark that can spark curiosity in older children with its grand architecture and intriguing history.
What to expect
Wander through the opulent rooms and secret passages of this iconic Toronto castle, imagining life in a bygone era. While not specifically designed for children, the sheer scale and historical nature of Casa Loma offer an engaging experience for kids who enjoy exploring and learning about the past.
Best for
Best for families with children aged 6-12 who have an interest in history and architecture.
What parents say
Brandon T.
2025-12-14
December 13, 2025 I was really disappointed with Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights event. At nearly $50 per person, the experience was quite underwhelming and nowhere near worth the price. The decorations were minimal, repetitive, and felt more like a basic walkthrough than a special holiday attraction. For such a high entry fee, I expected far more effort, creativity, and overall “wow” factor. The event was also quite short, with very little to do beyond taking a few photos, and even those spots weren’t particularly impressive. Though it wasn’t really crowded (as we entered around 6PM), it felt rushed and impersonal rather than magical or festive. Casa Loma itself is beautiful, but the Holiday Lights event did not do it justice. $20 for onsite parking at Casa Loma, but the entry point for the Holiday Lights actually on Spadina Rd and Dupont St, so you have to walk out of the parking lot and down Spadina Rd to enter. Note - At the very end, pictures with Santa are NOT included and cost about $15 for two simple photos as well, another cash grab to couples and families out. Ending at the old horse stables just north of the main Casa Loma campus, you have to walk back about 20 metres with no designated crossing area, in which you must jay walk illegally to get back to the parking lot. There are many other holiday events in the city that offer a much better experience for a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, this one felt like a cash grab rather than a thoughtfully curated holiday celebration. We understand that staff are just doing their job, but the event organizers could make it a little more special for couples and families.
J M
2025-12-29
My fiancé and I visited Casa Loma during their Christmas program and went during the daytime. It was such a great experience and really felt like stepping back in time and seeing how things used to be. The castle was beautifully decorated from top to bottom with Christmas displays, including singing animals and dancing gingerbread figures, which made it feel festive and fun without being over the top. My favorite part was the basement. It had so many interesting historic attractions, and I really enjoyed looking at the vintage cars and learning about the celebrities and movies that were filmed there. That part was very cool. After walking through the castle, it was nice to see how clean and modern the renovated restrooms were, and the food court was a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal. Overall, it was a wonderful visit and I would definitely recommend Casa Loma, especially during the Christmas season.
Patsy Fiona (Valcory)
2025-12-23
This castle is a beautiful place, it's so large and full of splendor. We visited during the Christmas season and the decorations and displays were phenomenal and so pretty and elegant. For kids there is so much activity and for adults so much to see, well worth the visit. You can get some lovely pictures inside and outside especially in snowy season. 😊
Everglow Photography
2026-1-29
Having a wedding at Casa Loma is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. As a wedding photographer, I love this venue for its endless image possibilities. The gardens offer beautiful greenery and a sense of being completely removed from the city. The textures and architecture of the castle feel surreal, especially knowing you’re still in Toronto. The light throughout the venue is incredible and allows for romantic, editorial-style images. The staff and wedding coordinators are highly professional and organized, which makes the entire experience of getting married at Casa Loma even better.
Sebastian C
2026-2-1
Casa Loma is a beautiful and unique place to visit in Toronto. The castle itself is stunning — the Gothic‑revival architecture and turrets make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Inside, the rooms, decks, and period details give a fascinating peek into early 20th‑century luxury and history. Visitors can explore decorated suites, secret passages, towers, and beautifully maintained estate gardens sprawling over five acres. The self‑guided audio tour adds context to the experience, and there are also interesting exhibits like vintage cars and historical displays that give even more depth to what you’re seeing. The gardens and views from the terrace are lovely, especially on a sunny day, and there are spots to grab a snack or gift along the way. A few things to keep in mind — it’s a hilltop destination with lots of stairs, so wear comfy shoes, and some parts of the castle can feel crowded during peak times. Overall, it’s a highly recommended stop for history lovers, families, or anyone who enjoys unique landmarks in Toronto.