Heading to Sudbury with kids in tow? There are plenty of family-friendly attractions in Sudbury to keep little ones busy, and you’ll have a great time, too! From hands-on educational experiences to fresh air and outdoor activities, you’re sure to make great memories.
Here are the three best family-friendly attractions in Sudbury, Ontario. If you’re visiting with kids along, make sure you don’t miss these great spots.
Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario’s science centre! It’s the second-largest science centre in Canada and Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction. Descend underground to enter its four floors of interactive displays. On the way to the entrance, you’ll walk past exposed shatter cones, geological evidence of the meteor impact that created the Sudbury Basin more than 1.8 billion years ago!
Inside, you’ll find sections focused on space, climate change, and the human body. The entire third floor houses live native Canadian animals, including a beaver, a porcupine, turtles, snakes, and more. On the second floor, you can enter a butterfly observatory and watch as they flutter all around you. There’s also an on-site cafeteria, an IMAX theatre, a gift shop, and a special exhibition space.
When it’s time to stretch your legs, Bell Park is just behind Science North on the shores of Ramsey Lake. It offers 2 km of boardwalks and trails. At the other end, you’ll find access to a beach, playground, boat tours, and more. There’s so much to do here that you can confidently plan to spend a full day!
Planning a family road trip? Check out our Georgian Bay Circle Tour >
Dynamic Earth
You likely know of Sudbury’s Big Nickel. It’s a nine-metre replica of a 1951 Canadian nickel that acts as a roadside homage to Sudbury’s mining industry. Just beside the Big Nickel, you’ll find Dynamic Earth. This attraction lets you delve deeper into mining, both figuratively and literally!
Your visit begins with a look through the interactive galleries. Here, you can learn more about rocks and minerals as well as the history and process of mining. You can even try your hand at panning for gold!
When it’s time for your tour, you’ll descend into the mines located 21 metres (or 70 feet) underground. This feels very deep, but it’s only a fraction of the depth miners travel to get to work. At Sudbury’s nearby Creighton mine, miners plunge 2.5 kilometres to begin their shifts! As you walk through Dynamic Earth’s mining shafts, you’ll explore the evolution of mining from the late 1800s to today. During that time, worker safety and diversity within the mining industry have come a long way!
Don’t forget to take part in one of Dynamic Earth’s coolest activities. At Dynamic Earth, you can buy a postcard at the gift shop and mail it from the underground Canada Post mailbox. The Canada Post mailbox at Dynamic Earth is the deepest mailbox anywhere in Canada.
For a treat, take your sweets lovers to Sudbury’s Indigenous-owned chocolate shop >
Kivi Park
Active kiddos will enjoy a visit to Sudbury’s Kivi Park. Located at the south end of Sudbury, this 480-acre park has a trail system spanning more than 55 kilometres. You and your littles can hike to the wishing tree, fat bike, mountain bike, or snowshoe and cross-country ski during the winter. During the colder months, a 1.3-kilometre skating trail weaves through the forest and a hockey rink is available.
There are basketball courts, a soccer field, a disc golf course, and two large playgrounds. During the summer, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are available at Crowley Lake. Plus, equipment rentals are available for some activities thanks to Sudbury sporting goods store Adventure365. This means even if you’re visiting from out of town, you can get active at Sudbury’s centre for outdoor activities!
Learn more about the best parks and outdoor spaces in Sudbury >
