Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls delivers world-class natural wonder alongside ziplines, boat tours, underground tunnels, and Clifton Hill fun. A destination that genuinely thrills every member of t…
0 guides · Ontario, Toronto & NiagaraExplore →
🇨🇦CN Tower
Plan your family visit to the CN Tower in Toronto. Glass floors, sky-high views, kid-friendly dining, and a free nightly light show await your crew.
Your family guide
CN Tower with kids: glass floors, views and rotating restaurants
“Look straight down through the glass floor and feel the height. The CN Tower makes Toronto visible from 553 metres up.”
— San & Jo
The CN Tower is one of those landmarks that makes a lasting impression. Standing 553 metres tall in the heart of downtown Toronto, it held the title of tallest free-standing structure in the world for over 30 years. That alone is worth mentioning to your kids before you arrive, because watching their reactions as the high-speed elevator takes them skyward in just 58 seconds is really something special.
What makes a visit here work so well for families is the sheer variety of things to do. You can peer straight down through the glass floor, spot Niagara Falls on a clear day, grab a casual bite at VUE Bistros, and let the little ones burn energy at the free KidZone: all under one roof. Whether your crew is into heights, history, or just a brilliant view over Lake Ontario, the CN Tower delivers.
Plan your visit for early morning or late evening to beat the summer crowds. And if you can stay until after dark, the free light show that illuminates the entire tower on the hour is a lovely way to end the day.
Downtown TorontoOntario, Canada
Open 365 daysHours vary by season
553 metres tallTallest in the Western Hemisphere
Best things to do
What makes the CN Tower work for families
Main Observation Level
At 342 metres, this is the heart of the CN Tower experience. On a clear day your family can see all the way across Lake Ontario and spot Niagara Falls in the distance. The views are genuinely breathtaking, and kids love scanning the city below with their own eyes.
Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience
30-45 min
The Glass Floor
Installed in 1994 at 342 metres, the glass floor lets you look straight down to the streets far below. It can hold the weight of 14 large hippos, so it is perfectly safe, though that does not stop it feeling absolutely wild to stand on. Kids go absolutely mad for this one.
Dare your kids to lie flat on it for the ultimate photo
15-20 min
SkyPod
The SkyPod sits at the very top of the tower and is the highest publicly accessible observation platform in the Western Hemisphere. Up here you may even feel the tower gently sway in the wind: a reminder of just how extraordinary this structure really is.
A separate ticket is required for SkyPod access
20-30 min
KidZone
Located at the base of the tower, KidZone is a free area with kid-friendly furniture and touchscreen video game consoles. It is a brilliant spot to let younger children decompress between the bigger experiences, and it costs nothing extra to use.
Perfect for a mid-visit break with toddlers
20-30 min
Artmosphere
This immersive and interactive art showcase on the Lower Observation Level adds a creative dimension to your visit. It is a great way to keep curious kids engaged beyond the views, and the interactive elements make it genuinely fun for the whole family.
Often less busy than the main observation deck
20-30 min
CN Tower Light Show
After sunset, the entire tower is illuminated in a free eight-minute light show that runs on the hour, every night of the year. You do not need a ticket to watch from the ground. Find a spot near the base or head to the waterfront for a stunning full-tower view.
Watch from Canada Lands Square for the best angle
8 min
360 The Restaurant
Dining at 351 metres while the restaurant slowly rotates a full 360 degrees every 72 minutes is a genuinely special experience. The menu celebrates Canadian cuisine from across the country, with local Ontario suppliers and Ocean Wise-certified seafood. It also houses the world's highest wine cellar according to Guinness World Records.
Book well in advance, especially for weekend dinners
1.5-2 hours
Our verdict
How the CN Tower scores for families
Kids
The glass floor, glass elevator, KidZone, and SkyPod give children of all ages something to genuinely get excited about. Stroller access is available throughout.
Culture
The tower is a true icon of Canadian engineering history, and Artmosphere adds a creative layer that goes beyond the typical landmark visit.
Food
From quick bites at Le Café and casual Canadian classics at VUE Bistros to the rotating fine dining of 360 The Restaurant, the tower covers different appetites and budgets.
Nature
The views of Lake Ontario are spectacular, and the tower puts you within easy reach of the Toronto Islands and the waterfront. Nature is not the main draw here, but it is not far away.
Budget
Entry tickets are a significant investment, especially for larger families. KidZone and the nightly light show are free, but the full experience adds up. Check the official website for current pricing.
Planning your visit
How long should you spend at the CN Tower?
2
2 hours
Quick visit
Main Observation Level, glass floor, and a snack at Le Café
sweet spot
3
3 hours
Sweet spot
Observation decks, KidZone, Artmosphere, and a casual meal at VUE Bistros
5
5 hours
Full experience
Add the SkyPod, dinner at 360 The Restaurant, and stay for the evening light show
Did you know?
Things to know about CN Tower
58 seconds to the sky
The CN Tower's high-speed glass elevators travel over 1,100 feet skyward in just 58 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. That is faster than most roller coasters get you to the top.
It was built to fix TV
The CN Tower was not built to be a tourist attraction. It was originally designed to solve a communications problem in Toronto, and today it still broadcasts signals to more than 17 Canadian TV and radio stations.
You might feel it move
At the very top of the SkyPod, visitors can sometimes feel the tower gently swaying in the wind. It is completely by design and totally safe, but it is one of those sensations you never quite forget.
Taste the CN Tower
Where to eat with kids at the CN Tower
Pizza and sandwiches
Safe choiceLe Café
Le Café at the base of the tower is your go-to for quick, no-fuss family meals. Think pizza, sandwiches, salads, coffee, and baked goods. It is casual, affordable, and easy with young children.
Poutine and Canadian classics
Kids love itVUE Bistros
VUE Bistros on the Main Observation Level serves casual Canadian comfort food including poutine, making it a fun and genuinely tasty stop with kids while you enjoy the views.
Rotating Canadian cuisine
Must try360 The Restaurant
360 The Restaurant is a special-occasion meal that slowly rotates as you eat, giving your family a full panoramic view of Toronto. The menu celebrates Canadian ingredients from across the country, including Ocean Wise seafood. Book ahead.
More places across Canada
6 places
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautifully preserved Victorian town with living history sites, scenic cycling trails, farm-fresh food, and a walkable heritage district perfect for famil…
0 guides · Ontario, Toronto & NiagaraExplore →
Toronto
Toronto is a world-class family destination with iconic attractions, diverse food, and neighbourhoods that make every day feel like a new adventure.
0 guides · Ontario, Toronto & NiagaraExplore →
Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park offers Ontario families world-class wildlife watching, canoeing, guided programs, and stargazing across 7,635 km of Canadian Shield wilderness.
0 guides · Ontario, Ottawa & LakesExplore →
Athabasca Glacier
Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park is the most-visited glacier in North America, offering Ice Explorer rides, a glass-floored Skywalk, and guided ice walks for families.
0 guides · Canadian RockiesExplore →
Banff
Banff is a world-class family destination with gondola rides, hot springs, wildlife spotting, and stunning national park trails for all ages.
0 guides · Canadian RockiesExplore →
Planning a trip to CN Tower?
Get the latest family travel tips for CN Tower in your inbox.