Ottawa and Toronto with a Two Year Old

While at the CN Tower, you could also do the Ripley's Aquarium which is pretty neat. Also the Science Centre may be interesting for a youngster. But you already have quite a full schedule. The Zoo could take the better part of a day. CN Tower - well, depending on how much you like to stare at the city - 20-30 min. We spent a few hours at Casa Loma - they have a nice cafeteria there - we enjoyed the food. Ripleys could take about 60-90 min depending on how fast you go thru - some interesting kid's stuff there as well.

Been so long since I did Ottawa, I don't have any suggestions. Weather in April may not be all that nice, but we did enjoy walking along the locks. We did the War Museum and Civilization Museum (which may have a diff name now) but those wouldn't interest a 2 yr old.

It’s been a while since my kids were toddlers in Ottawa, but one thing that was always a hit was a visit to the Agricultural Museum at the experimental farm. Springtime is calving time, so in April there should be several young calves, lambs and other baby animals to see. Aside from the animals, it’s a good opportunity for urban dwellers to learn about a farm. I would also highly recommend a visit to the Canadian Museum of History (formerly known as the Museum of Civilization, as noted by Nicole). While there’s lots that would not interest a two year old, the children’s museum within this museum is a sure bet. The museum is across the river, in Gatineau, Quebec, and has some of the best views of the parliament buildings.

The Children's Museum at the Canadian Museum of History is lots of fun for kids.
historymuseum.ca

The Canada Science and Technology Museum just reopened after being closed for several years for renovations. They have lots of hands on exhibits that appeal to kids (and adults!) though a 2 yr old might still be a bit young. If you go, don't miss the Crooked Kitchen! When my daughter was small she loved seeing the locomotives.
ingeniumcanada.org

The Museum of Nature is also a possibility. nature.ca

The weather in April in Ottawa can be iffy - it can be quite chilly, and an April snowfall is not unusual, though the snow won't last long. I would recommend checking the weather forecast before you visit. But if the weather is lousy, the museums will give you lots to do inside.

In Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum also has a children's area. Casa Loma - I don't remember being overly impressed when I was last there - but maybe that's just me.

Thanks to all for the excellent suggestions so far!

Another question: any ideas on something to do in between Ottawa and Toronto? We were hoping to find something fun to do, even if brief, to breakup the car ride for our daughter.

Kingston is about half way between Ottawa and Toronto (I'm assuming you'll be taking the 401), but I haven't been there for a number of years. If you want something quick, maybe just one of the fast food places off the highway that has a play area. If the weather's nice, a park or a playground. Or go somewhere down by the waterfront.

Hi Steve,
I feel that you have quite a lot planned for Toronto, with what will really be only 2 full days. The Zoo is at the east end, and is quite a drive if you are staying downtown. I'd suggest making that your stop from Ottawa, but you might have to leave Ottawa fairly early then ( I'm not sure of the hours in April).

A four-hour baseball game with a two-year-old? Even adults can get bored at baseball, and despite the dome of the stadium staying closed it might be chilly.

In downtown Toronto, on Front Street a few blocks east of Yonge St. and the Hockey Hall of Fame, a delightful new water fountain celebrates dogs. Twenty-seven sculpted canines spout water into the fountain, watched by one wary unmoving cat. These photos suggest real dogs love going to the dogs too: https://torontolife.com/city/life/toronto-berczy-park-dog-fountain-instagram/

Yes, Kingston would make a pleasant lunch stop in nice weather. Be advised the centre of the old city is a rather circuitous distance from Hwy. 401.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice.

Our daughter has actually been to three MLB games and a hockey game and has seemed to enjoy all of them. She has lasted until about the 7th inning at each baseball game, we just have to walk around the concourse with her a bit once in a while. She really loves interacting with all of the people around her more than anything.

She is absolutely going to love the dog fountain.

I write a blog about raising a family in Ottawa. You might find this post I wrote last year for Canada 150 to be helpful: http://danigirl.ca/blog/2017/02/10/a-visitors-guide-to-ottawa-2017-family-fun/

Specifically for toddlers, I'd highly recommend the Central Experimental Farm as noted above, the Museum of Nature, and the Children's Museum in the History Museum. The Science and Technology Museum has just reopened after being closed for over two years.

As for stops between Ottawa and Toronto, we often stop at the Big Apple. Fun for running around a little bit, and amazing apple pies!

I wonder if I am the only one who thinks that as long as a two-year old is with Mummy and Daddy, has had a nap, is not hungry, and has a little toy to play with, and is able to run around a bit, little else is needed to keep said child tranquil. The child is two, little more than a baby.

I think Norma is spot on.

Given the attention span of a 2 year old I don't think it is a wise idea to plan a vacation to cater to someone that young. There are certainly things in Ottawa that will hold a 2 years old's attention in Ottawa for awhile such as the Experimental Farm animals, and some time on the water.

The 2 year old will be happy just being with mommy and daddy.