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Toronto is Terrific for a Summer Getaway

Take the Train for a Getaway the Family with Remember

July 31, 2014

When planning our summer trips, relaxing was a key factor, so I knew when we talked about going to Toronto, we needed to approach it from a different perspective. I’m not a big fan of sitting in traffic, especially with kids in the car, so when we decided to take the train to Toronto, things became super easy, right from the planning stages.

VIA Rail offers a variety of departure times and options. In Economy class, children between 2 and 11 years of age travel for $14 all summer long. Kids travelling in Business, Sleeper, Sleeper Plus or Touring classes will be quoted a discounted fare if an additional discount applies to the fare plan or promotional discount selected. Booking is easy and you can leave the car at home.

My entire family loved the train experience. Free wi-fi meant my big son could play on his ipod while my hubby could check emails and messages. The food trolley offered a variety of snacks and drinks which the entire family enjoyed and we all had enough space to stretch out. The staff were super friendly and travelling by train was a great way for the family to spend time together in a stress free way. Not having to navigate Toronto traffic or construction was fantastic and easy arrival at Union Station allowed us to easily get around without a car. VIA also provides activity bags for kids with colouring and activity books, paper trains and crayons.

Without the stress of driving and parking, our vacation was off to a great start. We stayed at the Eaton Chelsea hotel and were impressed with all the kid-friendly features. The Family Fun Zone is designed specifically for family travel and includes an indoor family pool with a “corkscrew” waterslide, a Kid Centre and a Teen Lounge. Babysitting is also available. All restaurants have kid-friendly meal options and the staff were helpful and very accommodating. City Parent Magazine named Eaton Chelsea, Toronto 'Best Family Hotel in the GTA' a record seven times. Eaton Chelsea, Toronto's family services include:

•   Children under 17 stay for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian

•   Children 6 and under eat for free from the children's menu, featuring a selection of kid-friendly meals and portions.

•   Children aged 7 to 12 can select a meal from the specially-priced children's menu

•   Children up to age 7 receive an age-specific welcome gift upon check-in

The hotel also provides shuttle service and access to Centreville Island and beach.  Another shuttle runs on weekends from the hotel to Blue Jays games.

One of the most impressive features of the hotel is the “Show your Key and Save” program which provides discounts to more than 20 area attractions including the Ripley’s Aquarium.

Centreville Amusement Park, located on the island and designed for kids 2-12, is a great way to spend the day. The park-like setting makes it ideal for a family outing. With over 30 rides and attractions this theme park offers up a full day of family fun. You'll love the antique carousel with its fanciful animals. Located just seven-minutes from Toronto's bustling core, getting to Centreville is almost as exciting as the park itself. Everyone will enjoy the scenic ride on the Centre Island ferry! My kids loved the Flume ride, ferris wheel and driving the antique cars.

Our visit to the Ripley’s Aquarium was lots of fun. The exhibits are designed so you can get up close to the fish, sharks,(my favourite jellyfish), and sea life and a moving sidewalk takes you through the tunnel. Opened in 2013, the Aquarium is extremely popular. Tickets should be purchased in advance to ensure admission. It was very crowded on the day we visited, with long lines of excited visitors.  Over 16,000 marine animals, 50 live exhibits and 100 interactive displays in 10 galleries await. This is a must see for everyone.

Right next door, or towering above, is the iconic CN Tower. This popular attraction allows visitors to see high above the city, taking you 1,136 feet in the air in only 58 seconds. The glass floors and elevators had my kids excited at the views, while I cowered in the corner, (sadly afraid of heights).

Tickets to a Blue Jays game, and visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame, capped off our sports-themed activities.  The subway was a convenient way to get around town and easily managed the large crowds.

Toronto is a great place to go with the family if you are looking for lots of kid-friendly things to do. Happy exploring.