We’ve collected some of the best kid-friendly museums for children and galleries in our region. Whether you want to know more about life in pioneer and early industrial times, famous sports personalities, appreciate works of art, dabble in hands-on experiments and science, planes, trains, automobiles and even secret passages, these family destinations will help you do just that.
Some of these kid-friendly museums and destinations are seasonal and we’ve noted that in their write ups below.
Children’s Museums and Galleries in Oakville
Oakville Museum
The historic buildings of Erchless Estate were once home to Oakville’s founding family, The Chisholms, but are now the setting for Oakville’s community museum. Guided tours are available of the building and grounds and the museum is home to ever-changing exhibits.
- Price: Admission is by donation.
- Hours: The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:30 p.m.
- Address: 8 Navy St, Oakville, ON L6J 2Y5
Oakville Galleries
Housed in two spaces in downtown Oakville there are travelling exhibitions as well as a permanent collection. The Ship of Tolerance, pictured above, is on display at Gairloch Gardens until September 30, 2026. The exhibit “emanates humanitarianism, freedom and justice. This anti-war sculpture rejects deferences to hegemonic power and speaks of better, alternative futures, which we are free to produce.”
- Price: Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
- Hours: The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m.
- Address: Gairloch Gardens – 1306 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON L6J 1L6 and Centennial Square – 120 Navy Street, Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4
Milton Family-Friendly Museums and Galleries
Halton County Radial Railway
See the collection of historic streetcars, trains, and buses at Halton County Radial Railway Museum. After that, experience life on the rails on the 2km full-sized electrical railway. Look out for their very popular Halloween and Christmas events to start back up! We love this immersive kid-friendly museum for all ages.
- Admission: Adults: $24; Seniors: $22; Kids ages 10-17: $18; Kids 4-9: $12; kids under 4 are free.
- Hours: The museum is opening seasonally, starting in May and closes just after Christmas train rides are wrapped.
- Address: 13629 Guelph Line, Campbellville, ON N0B 2K0
Burlington Children’s Museums and Art Galleries
Ireland House Museum
Once occupied by the Ireland family between 1835 and 1985, Ireland House shows what life was like in the 1850s, 1890s, and 1920s. Take a guided or self-guided tours of the homestead and barns to immerse yourself in olden times. See rooms recreated to show sleeping quarters, cooking areas and more. Ireland House is home to a traditional Victorian Christmas event, there are often special days or programs to look out for all year through.
- Admission: Adults: $10; Seniors: $8; Kids ages 3-12: $6; Kids under 3 are free; Family: $30 for 2 adults/seniors and up to 4 kids
- Hours: Closed Monday and Saturday; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday – Friday; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sundays
- Address: 2168 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 5A8
Art Gallery of Burlington
The AGB is located in the downtown neighbourhood of Burlington, right on Lakeshore Road. It is free to visit any of the exhibits and galleries, but donations are greatly appreciated. The exhibits rotate throughout the year, so visiting is always a great idea. Kids will love the whimsical works on display. Watch our calendar where we highlight their many special events. The AGB Family Studio is home to free art workshops throughout the year as well.
- Admission: Free, donations welcome
- Hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday – Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm; Friday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Address: 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A9
Joseph Brant Museum
Joseph Brant Museum has a permanent collection showing the history of the region with lots of local photographs, display items and interactive sections. See the way Burlington has evolved through time at places you see every day! There’s also a travelling exhibition space that changes a few times a year. The special exhibits are hands-on and great for families.
During its recent renovation, Joseph Brant Museum was outfitted with a permanent kid-friendly section called the Children’s Gallery. This gallery is where kids get hands-on with a variety of ways to learn about Burlington. Activities encourage kids to use STEAM techniques to play and learn simultaneously.
- Admission: Adults: $10; Seniors and Students: $8; Kids ages 3-12: $6; Kids under 3 are free; Family: $30 for 2 adults/seniors and up to 4 kids
- Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday; Closed Sunday and Monday
- Address: 1240 North Shore Blvd., Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1C5
Hamilton Area kid-friendly museums
Dundurn Castle aka Dundurn National Historic Site
Step back in time at Dundurn National Historic Site, one of Hamilton’s most iconic family-friendly attractions! Explore the beautifully restored 40-room 1830s mansion, stroll the scenic grounds overlooking Burlington Bay, and learn what life was like for the MacNab family and their household staff. With costumed interpreters, hands-on exhibits, and plenty of space to wander, it’s a fun and educational outing that makes history come alive for kids. Click here for a photo gallery of our most recent visit to Dundurn Castle.
- Admission: Adults: $16.75; Seniors and Students: $14.25; Kids ages 6-12: $6; Kids under 5 are free; Family: $45.75 for 2 adults/seniors and unlimited dependant kids. Admission is free with your HPL library card.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 4 pm; Closed on Mondays and holidays
- Address: 610 York Blvd., Hamilton, Ontario L8R 3H1
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Get ready to spark some curiosity at Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology! Housed in a stunning 19th-century waterworks building, this National Historic Site is packed with massive steam-powered machinery, hands-on exhibits, and plenty of “how does that work?” moments for kids. It’s the perfect mix of history and STEM learning, where families can explore, ask questions, and see the power of steam in action — making it a fun (and surprisingly cool!) day out in Hamilton.
- Admission: Adults: $10.50; Seniors and Students: $9.00; Kids ages 6-12: $6.25; Kids under 5 are free; Family: $28.75 for 2 adults/seniors and unlimited dependant kids. Admission is free with your HPL library card.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 4 pm; Closed on Mondays and holidays
- Address: 900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton, ON L8H 7N2
Battlefield House Museum
Plan a hands-on history outing to Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site. It’s a fascinating stop where kids and parents alike can enjoy. Explore life in the early 1800s and learn about one of Canada’s most pivotal moments, the Battle of Stoney Creek during the War of 1812. Wander the historic Gage family homestead, stroll the scenic parkland under the Niagara Escarpment. Check out the towering Battlefield Monument that honours those who fought here. With guided tours, interactive events, and plenty of space to explore, it’s a great mix of fresh air, local history, and family-friendly fun.
- Admission: Adults: $10.50; Seniors and Students: $9.00; Kids ages 6-12: $6.25; Kids under 5 are free; Family: $28.75 for 2 adults/seniors and unlimited dependant kids. Admission is free with your HPL library card.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 4 pm; Closed on Mondays and holidays
- Address: 77 King Street West, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1H9
Hamilton Children’s Museum – Now Open!
After being closed for years, it’s finally open! The Hamilton Children’s Museum was totally designed with kids and families in mind. You’ll love that everything’s meant to be touched and played with. Each section of the kid-friendly museum focuses on the different areas of the city: Urban, Escarpment, Rural and Water. Kids will love sailing boats and exploring waterfalls. Then they can flex their imaginations while dressing up or gardening. Be sure to take some time in the quiet zones and enjoy some soft play and relaxing away from the excitement. Click here to see our video tour of the Hamilton Children’s Museum.
- Admission: Adults: $6.25; Seniors and Students: $6.25; Kids ages 1-12: $9.25; Family: $29.95 for 2 adults/seniors and unlimited dependant kids. Admission is free with your HPL library card.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 4 pm; Closed on Mondays and holidays
- Address: 77 King Street West, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1H9
Art Gallery of Hamilton
The AGH is home of one of our favourite art installations, the Bruegel-Bosch bus. You will spend so much time staring deeply at this display because there is SO MUCH to see! You’ll see retro action figures, seasonal decor, collectibles and more! All meticulously placed for our viewing. Make sure to also check out the rest of the 2nd floor, which is always free for families to visit. Read about our visits here.
- Admission: Adults: $15; Seniors: $12; Kids: FREE. Admission is free for Indigenous peoples. Thursdays are FREE all day and tickets are not required.
- Hours: Thursday 11 am – 9 pm; Friday 11 am – 6 pm; Saturday 11 am – 5 pm; Sunday 11 am – 5 pm.
- Address: 123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8
H.M.C.S. Haida
Step aboard history at HMCS Haida, Canada’s most famous warship! Families can explore every corner — from the huge guns on deck to the lower living quarters. Kids will love imagining what life was like aboard this massive ship. CHeck out the sleeping quarters, bathrooms, kitchen facilities and more.
Good to know: The ship has narrow stairs and ladders, so strollers won’t work here — baby carriers are a better option. Free parking is available at Pier 8 right by the entrance.
- Admission: FREE thanks to the Canada Strong Pass.
- Hours: May – August: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday; September: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
- Address: 658 Catharine St N Pier 9, Hamilton, ON L8L 4V7.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The museum was founded in 1972 by a group of aviation enthusiasts who wanted to preserve Canada’s vast aviation heritage. Today, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive aviation museums in Canada. This Hamilton museum’s collection includes over 40 aircraft, ranging from vintage biplanes to modern jet fighters. This is one of our most favourite kid-friendly museums around. Click here to read our in-depth article on our most recent visit to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.
- Admission: Adults 18-64: $14.25; Seniors and Students: $12.50; Children 6-12: $9.75; Kids under 5: free.
- Hours: 9 am to 5 pm – Wednesday to Sunday.
- Address: 9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0.
Westfield Heritage Village
Westfield Heritage Village expansive grounds are home to over 35 historical buildings, set in a large conservation area. Step back in time with the help of costumed interpreters, and then hike the surrounding woodlands and meadowlands. Known for Maple Syrup, Ice Cream and Christmas events there’s always a good time to visit!
Canadian Football Hall of Fame
CFL Hall of Fame houses over 30,000 items, including trophies, helmets, and playing equipment. Not to mention game and record balls, jerseys, sweaters, banners, photographs, films and videos. A must-see for any football fan!
Kid-Friendly Museums and Galleries in Niagara
Laura Secord Homestead
This small house in the small village of Queenston was the home of and starting point of Laura Secord’s 32 km journey to warn the British of the attack planned by the Americans during the war of 1812. Your kids will love seeing the home in person after learning of Laura Secord’s brave mission in school.
Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo Kid-Friendly Museums
Guelph Children’s Museum
/spaWith special hands-on interactive kid-friendly galleries you can explore the history of Guelph. Kids will learn about archeology in the area, indigenous life and more. With temporary, travelling exhibits, there’s always something new to see. Click here to read about our most recent visit to the Guelph Children’s Museum.
THEMUSEUM
Five floors of fun! THEMUSEUM has permanent and temporary exhibitions, events, and programs for all ages. Walking pianos, a bed of nails, and waterflow table are all big hits here! This is one of the best family-friendly children’s museums I’ve been to!
Admission: Adult: $21.99; Seniors and Students: $19.99; Kids 4-12: $16.99k Kids 2-3: $4.99; Kids under 2 are free
Hours: Monday-Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Thursday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 10 King Street West, Kitchener, ON, N2G 1A3
Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village: Discover the history of the Waterloo region from indigenous peoples to community settlement in the 1800s, to the industrial revolution and manufacturing boom. Outside, wander the 60-acre Doon Heritage Village where interpreters in period dress and the Building Stories app will help you learn more about the buildings and way of life from the early 1900s.
Toronto Area Kid-Friendly Museums
The Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Explore natural history from dinosaurs to the bat cave, as well as history from around the world. With special hands-on interactive galleries, the artefacts really come alive!
The Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame: Home of the original Stanley Cup as well as artefacts, memorabilia and hands-on galleries. Permanent exhibits show Ethnicity in Hockey, Women in Hockey, and Disabled Hockey. A must-do for any hockey fans in your house. Also great to take out of town guests to!
Casa Loma is a Kid-Friendly Museum
Sir Henry Pellatt built Casa Loma – then the biggest private residence in Canada – full of extravagant fixtures and fittings. An extremely popular film location you can see some recreations from some of the more famous movies and television shows filmed there. With a secret passage out to the carriage house, there is a lot to explore. Date specific General Admission tickets are available online.
The Village at Black Creek – formerly Black Creek Pioneer Village
Visit small-town Ontario from the 1860s made up of 40 heritage buildings, most donated and relocated to Black Creek (sometimes brick by brick!), 70 heritage animals and gardens of plants and flowers grown from heritage seeds. Costumed educators show visitors the trades and crafts of the time using some of the 50,000 artefacts on-site to bring the time to life. This was a popular school trip when I was a wee one.
McMichael Art Gallery
Focussed exclusively on indigenous and Canadian art, this beautiful gallery is home to over 6,500 artworks by the Group of Seven, First Nations, Metis, Inuit and contemporary artists. With permanent and temporary exhibitions there’s always something new. Be sure to also visit in the warm weather to explore the outdoor gallery and gardens. Walk the paths and see beautiful lands.
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