Wild Wonders: Best Nature Centres and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Ontario for Families

Where to See Animals, Learn About Nature, and Spark Curiosity

There’s something magical about watching your child spot a turtle for the first time, feed a chickadee, or ask why owls can fly so quietly. Nature centres and wildlife sanctuaries are perfect spaces for these moments — safe, educational, and filled with hands-on discovery.

Whether you’re looking for rescued raptors, marsh boardwalks, or an up-close encounter with big cats, this list of Ontario’s best family-friendly wildlife spots offers something for every kind of wild-hearted adventurer.

1. Mountsberg Raptor Centre (Campbellville)

Home to over 30 non-releasable birds of prey, including hawks, owls, and bald eagles, this centre offers exciting flight demos and education that sticks with kids long after the visit.

• Why Families Love It: Up-close raptor encounters and nature trails designed with kids in mind
• What Else to Do Here: Visit the barnyard animals, walk the Sugar Bush Trail, or explore the Tree Walk Village nearby
• Alternatives: Canadian Raptor Conservancy (Vittoria), Screech Owl Sanctuary (Ridgeway)

2. Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre (Midland)

A sprawling wetland sanctuary with boardwalks, trumpeter swans, and turtle platforms, Wye Marsh lets kids get right into the action.

• Why Families Love It: Interactive displays, marsh boardwalks, and hands-on programming
• What Else to Do Here: Join a guided marsh walk, try snowshoeing in winter, or visit the nature-themed gift shop
• Alternatives: Tiny Marsh (Elmvale), Kortright Centre (Vaughan)

3. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (Cambridge)

Step into a lush indoor rainforest with thousands of butterflies floating freely, plus exotic birds and tropical plants.

• Why Families Love It: The thrill of butterflies landing on shoulders and hands
• What Else to Do Here: Explore the insect gallery, join a guided tour, or warm up with a treat at the café
• Alternatives: Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Reptilia Vaughan or Whitby for a reptile twist

4. Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre (Haliburton)

An indoor interpretive centre with floor-to-ceiling observation windows overlooking a wild wolf pack in a natural enclosure.

• Why Families Love It: The chance to safely observe real wolves in a quiet, respectful setting
• What Else to Do Here: Explore hiking and biking trails, visit the forest canopy boardwalk, or stay in nearby eco-cabins

5. Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park (Orono)

A small but intimate zoo known for close-up animal encounters, especially with big cats, lemurs, and wolves.

• Why Families Love It: Hands-on experiences and approachable scale for younger kids
• What Else to Do Here: Try the behind-the-scenes feeding tours or stay overnight in their on-site lodge
• Alternatives: Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary (Barrie area), Saunders Country Critters (Kemptville)

6. African Lion Safari (Cambridge)

A drive-through safari park where families can see elephants, giraffes, lions, and rhinos roaming naturalistic enclosures — all from the safety of their own vehicle.

• Why Families Love It: It feels like a mini African adventure right in Ontario
• What Else to Do Here: Watch the elephant swim, ride the Safari Tour Bus, or play at the splash pad
• Alternatives: Toronto Zoo (on foot), Parc Omega (Quebec) for a similar drive-through experience

7. Toronto Zoo (Toronto)

Canada’s largest zoo with over 5,000 animals, indoor pavilions, and immersive habitats from around the world.

• Why Families Love It: Endless variety, seasonal events, and Discovery Zone for young explorers
• What Else to Do Here: Ride the Zoomobile, meet the gorillas in the rainforest, or pack a lunch to picnic in the giant splash pad area
• Alternatives: Riverview Park & Zoo (Peterborough – free!), Indian River Reptile Zoo (east of Peterborough), Brantford Twin Valley Zoo

8. High Park Nature Centre (Toronto)

An oasis within the city offering year-round nature programming focused on play-based learning in Toronto’s largest park.

• Why Families Love It: Familiarity and freedom — lots of space to roam and explore
• What Else to Do Here: Visit the High Park Zoo, climb the wooden playground, or walk around Grenadier Pond
• Alternatives: Downsview Park Discovery Centre, Evergreen Brick Works

9. Scales Nature Park (Oro-Medonte)

Focused entirely on Ontario’s native reptiles and amphibians, this sanctuary combines education, research, and up-close encounters.

• Why Families Love It: Safe, hands-on interaction with snakes, turtles, and lizards in a natural setting
• What Else to Do Here: Explore the outdoor nature trails or take part in a wildlife rescue workshop

10. Muskoka Goat Away (Huntsville)

A quirky, joyful experience where families can go for a hike… with goats. This farm-based walk is part bonding, part nature connection.

• Why Families Love It: It’s silly, fun, and perfect for kids who need something a little different
• What Else to Do Here: Explore local trails, visit the artisan market, or enjoy a petting zoo experience nearby

Final Thoughts

Nature centres and wildlife sanctuaries are more than places to see animals — they’re spaces where questions come alive. Where kids learn by doing, and families reconnect through shared awe.

So whether you’re watching wolves in the snow, holding a turtle shell, or being eyed by an owl on a handler’s glove, remember this: you don’t have to go far to find the wild. You just have to look a little closer.

Related Posts

Want to save this post for later? We’ve made it easy for you to Pin this to your Ontario Day Trips Pinterest board.

You only get one chance to live this life with your kids.

Let’s make it count — outside.
Join the Paddles and Packs newsletter and unlock our members-only collection of free planning tools, guides, and resources.
They’re designed to help your family get outside more often — and with less stress.

Join & Get the Collection →