The drive from Brockville to the Toronto Zoo is approximately 3 hours, but with a toddler in the car, we planned for extra time and flexibility. We decided to stay overnight at a nearby hotel so we wouldn’t be rushed and could enjoy the zoo at a relaxed pace the following morning.

We chose a hotel with a pool—always a bonus when traveling with kids—and made sure it included breakfast to simplify our morning. If you’re doing a similar trip, booking ahead and confirming parking and amenities like cribs or mini-fridges can save you last-minute stress.

🧳 What to Pack: Toddler Travel Essentials

Even for a short trip, packing smart makes all the difference. Here’s what we brought for our three-year-old daughter:

  • Diaper bag with wipes, diapers/pull-ups, extra clothes

  • Snacks and water bottle (zoo snacks can be pricey and limited)

  • A collection of toys for the drive and hotel

  • Sunscreen and hats

  • Stroller – the zoo is large and a stroller is a must

  • Hand sanitizer and tissues

  • Comfort item – a blanket or stuffed animal for the ride home

Tip: Pack a few animal-themed toys or books to get your toddler excited before arrival.

🐅 The Zoo Experience: What We Loved

Our daughter was most excited to see the tigers, and while elephants are no longer at the zoo, there were still plenty of exciting animals to discover. The monkey and indoor rainforest exhibits were a hit for the whole family—especially on a warm day when we needed some shade.

Having visited the zoo before, I knew how expansive it is, so we mapped out a few must-see areas in advance and tried not to overdo it. With toddlers, it’s better to enjoy a few exhibits fully than try to rush through everything.

We brought our own stroller, but the zoo also rents them at the entrance. There’s also a zoomobile that travels between major sections if little feet get tired.

💵 Cost Breakdown (as of June 2025)

  • Admission (Adult): ~$33 CAD

  • Admission (Child 3–12): ~$23 CAD

  • Parking: $15 flat rate

  • Hotel: Around $180–220/night (with pool and breakfast)

  • Food at the zoo: $15–20 per person on average

  • Optional: Zoomobile Pass: ~$10 per person

Pro tip: You can bring your own food and picnic in designated areas to save money and avoid lines.

🍽️ Where to Eat

There are food courts and kiosks scattered throughout the zoo. We planned an early lunch to avoid crowds and brought snacks to bridge the gap between meals. If you have dietary needs or picky eaters, packing your own lunch is a good idea.

📸 Family Reflections

It meant a lot to be able to share this day with three generations—my mum, myself, and my daughter. We took plenty of pictures, soaked in the special moments, and talked about making this an annual tradition (we’ll see!).

While traveling with a toddler isn’t always smooth sailing, a little extra planning goes a long way. The joy on her face seeing a real tiger for the first time? Completely worth it.

✅ Toddler Zoo Day Checklist

Here’s a quick list you can screenshot or save:

  • Diaper bag with essentials

  • Stroller or carrier

  • Snacks and water

  • Sunscreen & hats

  • Toys/books

  • Spare clothes

  • Hand sanitizer & wipes

  • Blanket or comfort item

  • Map out 3–4 zoo highlights

  • Book hotel with kid-friendly amenities

If you’re thinking of taking your little one to the Toronto Zoo this summer, I say go for it. Just pace yourselves, stay flexible, and don’t forget to take pictures—you’ll be glad you did.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve visited with your family or are planning a trip soon!

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