Toronto Railway Museum

The Toronto Railway Museum is a small but mighty museum that punches well above its weight for families with young, train-loving children. Located in the historic John Street Roundhouse — a National Historic Site at the base of the CN Tower — it combines indoor exhibits with outdoor train experiences in a setting that genuinely honours Toronto's railway heritage.

The indoor museum features interactive exhibits including a train simulator that lets kids (and adults) experience driving a locomotive with realistic controls, gauges, and sound effects. Additional displays cover the history of rail in Canada, with model trains, vintage equipment, and multimedia presentations that are accessible to younger visitors.

Outside, the museum maintains a collection of heritage rolling stock — real locomotives, cabooses, and rail cars that visitors can climb into and explore. The working turntable is one of the last of its kind in the city, and scheduled demonstrations show how it was used to turn engines around. In warm months (typically May through October), the miniature railway operates in Roundhouse Park, offering rides on a scaled-down train that loops through the park.

This is the undisputed highlight for young children — the ride is gentle and exciting in equal measure.

Perhaps the best-kept secret is the Roundhouse Park train playground, which is completely free and open year-round. The playground features train-themed climbing structures, slides built into locomotive shapes, and a sandbox area. It is one of the best-designed themed playgrounds in downtown Toronto and is worth visiting even without entering the museum.

The museum is small enough that families typically spend 1 to 2 hours, making it an ideal pairing with the nearby CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, or Steam Whistle Brewing (which has an excellent family-friendly patio). The location in the heart of the entertainment district means there is no shortage of restaurants and activities within a short walk.

Practical notes: the museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The miniature railway is seasonal and weather-dependent, so check the website before visiting if that is your primary reason for coming. Strollers are welcome in both the museum and park areas. There is no food service on-site, but multiple restaurants are within a 2-minute walk.