World Cup 2026 Game Planning

Game: Panama vs. Croatia (Group L, Match 46)
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – 7:00 PM ET kickoff
Venue: Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place (BMO Field), 170 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

1. Kid-Friendly Attractions

Tier 1 – Must-Do

CN Tower + Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (adjacent to each other, downtown)

• CN Tower: glass floor and outdoor observation deck at 346m. EdgeWalk (hands-free walk on the outside ledge) is 13+ and 150 lbs minimum, so Luka just misses it – but the LookOut and Glass Floor are thrilling for both kids.
• Ripley’s Aquarium: North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel, 5.7M liters of water, 100+ interactive exhibits. Touch tanks (stingrays), live dive shows, new “Dragons” exhibit with Gila monsters and pythons. Open daily 9 AM-9 PM. Go early to avoid crowds.
• These two can be combined into a single morning/afternoon.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

• World-class natural history museum. The Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs have 50 specimens including 25 full skeletons (T. rex, Barosaurus – one of only two on display worldwide, Triceratops skull).
• “Ultimate Dinosaurs: Giants from Gondwana” exhibition with augmented reality stations.
• WonderWorks gallery: hands-on play-learning for younger kids (great for Maja).
• Luka (11, into science) and Maja (7) will both find plenty here. Allow 2-3 hours.

Toronto Islands / Centre Island

• 15-minute ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (Queens Quay at Bay St). Ferries every 15 min in summer.
• Centreville Amusement Park: 30+ rides for young kids, open May-Sep. Day Pass for unlimited rides.
• Beaches, bike rentals (20+ km of paved paths), kayak/canoe/paddleboard rentals, splash pad, picnic areas.
• Far Enough Farm: petting zoo with 40+ species.
• Great half-day or full-day outing. Stunning skyline views from the island.

Tier 2 – If You Have Time

Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan, ~40 min north of downtown)

• 200+ attractions, 18 roller coasters, Splash Works 20-acre water park (included in ticket).
• KidZville and Planet Snoopy: 25+ rides for younger kids. Ghoster Coaster is a great “first real coaster” for Maja.
• Full-day commitment. Best if you have 3+ days in Toronto.
• Height requirements vary (36"+ for most kids rides – Maja should be fine at 7).

Toronto Zoo (Scarborough, ~40 min northeast)

• 3,500+ animals. Kids Zoo in Discovery Zone: goats, guinea pigs, alpacas with feeding opportunities.
• Splash Island water play area (slides, waterfalls, splash pads) – bring swimsuits.
• Summer hours: weekdays 9:30 AM-6 PM, weekends 9:30 AM-7 PM.
• Very large – wear walking shoes, plan 4-5 hours minimum.
• Full-day commitment, hard to combine with other downtown attractions.

Ontario Science Centre (status: TBD)

• Original location closed June 2024 (roof concerns). Temporary interim location at Harbourfront Centre announced for “summer 2026” – no exact opening date yet. The KidSpark children’s exhibit is already at Harbourfront.
• If it’s open by June 23, it would be right on the waterfront near other attractions. Worth checking closer to the trip.

Harbourfront Centre (Queens Quay, waterfront)

• Free outdoor film screenings on summer Tuesdays.
• KidSpark (Ontario Science Centre pop-up) for younger kids.
• Galleries, performances, and the waterfront promenade.
• Great to combine with Toronto Islands ferry terminal (same area).

Distillery District

• Pedestrian-only cobblestone streets in a restored Victorian industrial complex. 40+ boutiques, galleries, restaurants.
• Summer markets, live music, street performers, outdoor movies.
• More of a strolling/atmosphere experience – older kids may enjoy the energy; younger kids enjoy the bakery treats and open space. Good for a lunch stop.
• Pair with St. Lawrence Market (15-min walk). Balzac’s Coffee Roasters is a landmark.

Tier 3 – Museums & Culture

Hockey Hall of Fame (Brookfield Place, downtown)

• Interactive goalie/shooting simulators (shoot on NHL goalies, defend virtual shots), broadcaster booth where kids can call a play, and photo ops with the Stanley Cup. Both Luka (11) and Maja (7) will love the interactive zones.
• $25/adult, $15/youth (4-13). Summer hours 9 AM-5 PM daily (start Jun 26). Allow 2-3 hours.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) (317 Dundas St W)

• World-class collection with works from the 14th century to present. The Weston Family Learning Centre has weekend family art-making programs and Art Carts throughout the galleries.
• $30/adult, free for under 10 (Maja is free), $15 for ages 10-17. Monet to Matisse exhibition opens Jun 24, 2026.
• Near ROM (10-min walk) – easy to pair for a museum day.

Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St W, near ROM)

• Quirky museum with 13,000+ shoes spanning 4,500 years – celebrity shoes, medieval armor shoes, astronaut boots. More engaging for kids than it sounds.
• $16/adult, $5/child. Free on Sundays. During the World Cup: “Soccer Sundays” with live entertainment and WC-themed activities, free with Sunday admission.
• Small museum (1-1.5 hours). Easy to pair with ROM (5-min walk).

Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Dr, North York)

• Islamic art, culture, and civilization across 1,400 years. Stunning architecture by Fumihiko Maki. Beautiful formal gardens (free to visit). Family Sundays with crafts and activities (12-4 PM).
• $10/adult, free for under 25 – both kids are free. Most affordable museum option.
• Not downtown (~20 min by transit) but worth it for the gardens and calm atmosphere.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (Vaughan Mills, ~40 min north)

• 2 rides, 4D cinema, build stations, Miniland Toronto in LEGO. Targets ages 3-10. Maja (7) is the sweet spot; Luka (11) may find it underwhelming – reviews suggest kids over 10 lose interest.
• $22-34/person. Out-of-the-way location (same area as Canada’s Wonderland) – only worth it if combining with Wonderland.

Tier 4 – Historic Sites

Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace)

• Gothic Revival castle with 98 rooms, secret passages, two towers to climb, 800-foot underground tunnel to the stables, and 5-acre gardens. The Dragon’s Song escape room ($46-57/person, min age 8) is perfect for Luka.
• $40/adult, $25/child. Allow 2-3 hours. Include the gardens – they’re expansive and beautiful in June.
• 10-min walk from Spadina Museum – easy to pair.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd)

• Original 1793 military fort, War of 1812 history. Restored barracks, officers’ quarters, blockhouses. Free admission.
• Note: the Fort York Guard musket/cannon demonstrations were suspended in 2022 and may not be running. Check closer to the trip.
• During our visit, Fort York IS the FIFA Fan Festival site (Jun 11-Jul 19) – giant screens, music, food vendors, all-ages. Only a 16-minute walk from BMO Field. Perfect pre-game stop.

Black Creek Pioneer Village (1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, North York)

• 1860s living history village with 40+ heritage buildings. Hands-on: blacksmithing, breadmaking, candle-dipping, farm animals. Both kids will love the immersive experience.
• $20.40/adult, $14.95/child. Accessible by subway (Pioneer Village station, ~35 min from downtown). Allow 2-3 hours.

St. Lawrence Market (93 Front St E)

• National Geographic “world’s best food market.” 120+ vendors in a heritage building (originally Toronto’s first city hall, 1845). Saturday is the busiest and best day (farmers market outside). Peameal bacon sandwiches at Carousel Bakery are Toronto’s signature food.
• Free to enter. Best combined with Distillery District (15-min walk south).

Tier 5 – Free Outdoor Activities

High Park (1873 Bloor St W)

• Toronto’s largest public park (400 acres). Free zoo with capybaras, bison, llamas, emus, and peacocks. Jamie Bell Adventure Playground (natural-style climbing). Splash pad near the zoo. Trackless train ($5/kid). Grenadier Pond for bird-watching.
• Free (except train). Subway-accessible (High Park station). Great half-day outing.

Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St, Cabbagetown)

• Free working farm in the city – pigs, goats, horses, cows, chickens, donkeys on 7.5 scenic acres. Observation only (no feeding/petting). Beautiful gardens. Daily 9 AM-5 PM.
• Free. Great for Maja. Combine with a walk through Cabbagetown neighborhood.

Splash Pads (free, late May through mid-September)

• Sherbourne Common – best in the city, 920 sq metre splash pad with water channels and fountains. Waterfront.
• Sugar Beach – 25+ water jets, iconic pink umbrellas, sand beach. Right on the waterfront.
• Corktown Common – rubber splash pad + sand park + marsh boardwalk. Great for younger kids.
• All free, 9 AM-9 PM. Perfect for hot afternoons between attractions.

Graffiti Alley (Rush Lane) (between Portland & Spadina, south of Queen West)

• 3-block sanctioned street art corridor. Constantly changing murals. Safe during the day, great photo ops. Free, 20-30 minutes. Walk through during a Queen West / Kensington Market visit.

Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W)

• City Hall photo op with the TORONTO sign. Summer wading pool for little kids. Wednesday farmers market (Jun-Oct). Quick 20-30 min stop downtown.

Nearby Experiences (Near BMO Field)

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Exhibition Place)

• 2-hour jousting and dinner show with knights, swordfights, live horses. Both kids will love it. Located on Exhibition Place grounds – 5-10 minute walk from BMO Field. Perfect for a game-day dinner.
• $80.95/adult, $55.95/child (12 and under). Book in advance.

The Rec Room (255 Bremner Blvd, Entertainment District)

• 200+ arcade games, VR experiences, mini golf, bowling, plus restaurant. Luka (11) would love this. Kids allowed until 11 PM; under 13 need adult supervision.
• $15-50/person for game credits plus food. Near CN Tower area.

Family Cycling on the Waterfront

Bike Share Toronto requires age 14+ – not viable for kids. Instead, rent family bikes from:

• Wheel Excitement (harbourfront, 249 Queens Quay W) or Toronto Island bike rental (Centre Island).
• Martin Goodman Trail – the Ontario Place-to-Humber Bay section is fully separated path, flat, and family-friendly. About 6 km each way along the lake.

Pairing Tips

Money-Saving: Toronto CityPASS

• Adult (13+): US$104 (saves ~$60 vs. buying separately)
• Child (4-12): US$77 (saves ~$35)
• Includes: CN Tower + Ripley’s Aquarium + choice of 3 from: ROM, City Cruises harbour tour, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, Art Gallery of Ontario
• Valid for 9 consecutive days from first use. Good value if visiting 4+ attractions.
• For your family of 4: Sukru + Marina = 2 adult passes ($209), Luka at 11 = child pass ($77), Maja at 7 = child pass ($77). Total ~$363 vs. ~$554 at gate prices.

2. World Cup / Soccer-Related Events

FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York & The Bentway

• Location: Fort York National Historic Site + The Bentway (under the Gardiner Expressway) – these are adjacent venues, and critically, they’re very close to BMO Field / Exhibition Place.
• Dates: June 11 - July 19, 2026 (22 scheduled event days)
• What: Live match broadcasts on giant screens, music, art, cultural performances, diverse food vendors. All-ages.
• Cost: Expected to be free (FIFA Fan Festivals are traditionally free; final confirmation pending).
• Hours: Not yet announced (check torontofwc26.ca closer to the date).
• Perfect for game day: Arrive early, soak up the atmosphere at the Fan Festival, then walk to the stadium.

Community Celebrations

• The City of Toronto has funded 65 free community-led celebrations across neighborhoods during the tournament via a $1.7M Community Celebration Support Fund.
• Neighborhoods like Little Italy, Greektown, Kensington Market, and others will have their own match-day energy and celebrations. Especially relevant for Croatia – Toronto has a significant Croatian community.

Soccer For All Mini Pitches

• Legacy initiative installing permanent small-sided soccer pitches across Toronto neighborhoods. Some may be open for public play during the tournament.

Legacy Investments

• $5M in community recreation access, cultural programming, and workforce development tied to the World Cup.

3. Where to Stay – Family-Friendly Areas Near BMO Field

Best Option: Hotel X Toronto

• The only hotel inside Exhibition Place – 10-minute walk to BMO Field.
• Dedicated kids’ play center, two-screen cinema, art gallery, pool.
• Will be expensive and likely heavily booked for World Cup. Book ASAP if not already.
• Not Marriott Bonvoy – if Bonvoy loyalty is a priority, see Marriott options below.

Marriott Bonvoy Options

Closest to BMO Field:

• Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy – The Liberty (Liberty Village) – 17 min walk to BMO Field. Apartment-style with kitchen, seasonal rooftop pool. Only 60 units – book immediately or it will sell out. ~$400-700 CAD/night.

Best Overall:

• Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel – built into Rogers Centre. 25 min walk or quick streetcar to BMO Field. Indoor pool, Category 5 (free night certificate eligible). Near CN Tower + Aquarium. ~$600-900 CAD WC pricing.

Best for Families (6-night stay):

• Residence Inn Toronto Downtown – free daily hot breakfast, full kitchens in all suites. Indoor pool. Over 6 nights, breakfast savings alone could be $900+ CAD. 2-bedroom suite (829 sq ft) gives kids their own space. ~$500-800 CAD.

Best 2-Queen Guarantee:

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto – specifically lists “Room, 2 Queen Beds” as a room type. Indoor pool, lake views, PATH access to Union Station. ~$500-800 CAD.

Best Value:

• Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown – confirmed 2-queen rooms, 550 rooms (best availability odds), indoor pool. Normal from ~$109 CAD; WC ~$400-600 CAD.

Liberty Village / King West (Non-Marriott)

• ~15-minute walk to BMO Field. Walkable neighborhood with cafes, shops, restaurants.
• Airbnb/VRBO options with kitchens – great for families (more space, can prepare snacks/breakfast).
• Good mix of convenience and neighborhood feel.

Practical Note

• Toronto WC hotel pricing is the worst of all three cities. Average nightly rate for match dates jumped to ~$1,013 CAD (vs $293 normal). Some boutique hotels charging $900-1,900+ CAD/night.
• The CAD exchange rate helps (~$0.72 USD), so $800 CAD = ~$575 USD.
• TTC 509 streetcar from Union Station goes directly to Exhibition Loop at BMO Field (~15 min).
• Book immediately – 6 of the 104 tournament matches are in Toronto.

4. Food Scene – Kid-Friendly Highlights

Near the Stadium / Waterfront

• Amsterdam BrewHouse – waterfront brewery with a big patio, burgers, fish & chips, kids’ menu. Right on the water.
• Liberty Village restaurants – casual, walkable neighborhood dining close to BMO Field.

Downtown Favorites

• Old Spaghetti Factory – the only Ontario location, downtown. Classic kids’ staple: pasta, garlic bread, ice cream dessert included.
• Mill Street Brewery (Distillery District) – relaxed, high chairs available, good kids’ meals. Car-free cobblestone streets for kids to roam safely.
• The Rec Room (Entertainment District) – dining + arcade/games. Luka would love this.

Foodie Markets (Great for Grazing)

• St. Lawrence Market – one of the world’s best food markets (National Geographic top 10). 120+ vendors. St. Urbain bagels (voted Toronto’s best), Peameal bacon sandwiches (Toronto’s signature food), pastries, and everything else. Open Tue-Sat. Saturday is the busiest/most vibrant day (also has a farmer’s market). Kids can sample their way through.
• Kensington Market – bohemian neighborhood with 240+ shops/restaurants in colorful Victorian houses. Caribbean bakeries, pan-Latin food, vintage shops. More of a wandering-and-exploring vibe.

Diverse Cuisine (Toronto’s Strength)

• Maya Bay Thai (Cabbagetown) – smoothies served in pineapples, spring rolls, noodles. Kids love it.
• Udupi Palace – vegetarian South Indian. Kids Corner menu, high chairs, stroller-friendly.
• Pai Northern Thai Kitchen (Entertainment District) – popular, flavorful, and kid-accommodating.
• Little Italy / College Street – pizza, pasta, gelato. Perfect pre-game meal if heading to BMO Field (College St streetcar connects to Exhibition Place).

Toronto Signature Foods to Try

• Peameal bacon sandwich – St. Lawrence Market’s Carousel Bakery is the classic spot.
• BeaverTails – fried dough pastry with toppings (Nutella, cinnamon sugar). Kids will go crazy for these. Available at the waterfront.
• Poutine – fries, cheese curds, gravy. Available everywhere.

5. Weather – Late June Toronto

What to pack:

• Light layers – mornings and evenings can be cool (15°C), afternoons warm (24-30°C).
• Rain jacket or compact umbrella – afternoon showers are common.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Sunscreen and hats for outdoor attractions (islands, zoo, Wonderland).
• For the 7 PM game: a light jacket/hoodie for the kids. It will still be daylight (sunset ~9:00 PM in late June Toronto) but temperatures will drop as the game goes on.

Overall: Very pleasant. Similar to a nice Boston late-June day, maybe slightly warmer. Humidity can build but nothing extreme.

6. Toronto Itinerary (Jun 20-24, 4 Nights)

Actual trip: 4 nights (Jun 20-24), 2 full sightseeing days + game day. Booked: Porter BOS->YTZ Jun 20 (PD 2946 5:30 PM), YTZ->BOS Jun 24 (PD 2945 1:00 PM). Hotel: Westin Harbour Castle.

The itinerary below was originally planned for a 6-night Scenario A stay (Jun 18-24). For our 4-night stay, use the Jun 21-24 days below. Jun 18-20 activities can be skipped or used as alternates.

Fri Jun 19 – Downtown Highlights

• Morning: CN Tower + Glass Floor (1.5 hrs) -> Ripley’s Aquarium (2 hrs). Adjacent – do together.
• Lunch: Harbourfront area (Amsterdam BrewHouse patio or BeaverTails on the waterfront)
• Afternoon: Harbourfront splash pads (Sugar Beach or Sherbourne Common) + Toronto Railway Museum ($5/$3, near CN Tower)
• Evening: Dinner in Entertainment District. The Rec Room for Luka if energy remains.

Sat Jun 20 – Niagara Falls Day Trip 🚗

• 7:30 AM: Pick up Avis rental at Brookfield Place (161 Bay St – closest to Gardiner/QEW on-ramp). Drive QEW -> Niagara Falls (~1.5 hrs).
• 9:15 AM: Walk the Falls promenade (free).
• 9:45 AM: Journey Behind the Falls ($28/$18.50, timed ticket – tunnels behind Horseshoe Falls).
• 10:45 AM: Niagara City Cruises boat tour ($42.95/$27.95 – the #1 must-do). Ponchos provided; you WILL get wet. Bring water shoes + ziplock for phones.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch on Clifton Hill (Boston Pizza or Hard Rock Cafe).
• 1:00 PM: Clifton Hill – SkyWheel, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, arcade. Fun Pass $34.95/$22.95 for 6 attractions. Niagara Speedway go-karts (separate, Luka would love).
• 2:30 PM: Bird Kingdom ($21.95/$15.95, indoor aviary, 45 min) OR Butterfly Conservatory ($25/$16.50, 10 min drive north – Maja would love).
• 3:30 PM: Drive scenic Niagara Parkway to Niagara-on-the-Lake (30 min). Walk Old Town, COWS ice cream, Simcoe Park splash pad.
• 5:30 PM: Drive back to Toronto (~1.5-2 hrs). Return car or keep for next day trip.
• Cost estimate: $580-1,000 CAD for family of 4 (budget vs. full experience). See Section 8 for full breakdown.
• Bonus: Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire kicks off at 4 PM at Toronto Stadium. Catch the second half at Fan Festival after returning, or listen on the drive back.

Sun Jun 21 – Toronto Islands + High Park

• Morning: Ferry to Centre Island (15 min from Jack Layton Terminal). Centreville Amusement Park rides, Far Enough Farm, beaches, bike rentals. Back by 1 PM.
• Lunch: St. Lawrence Market (peameal bacon sandwiches – Toronto’s signature food). Saturday is the best day – outdoor farmers market since 1803.
• Afternoon: High Park – free zoo (capybaras, bison, llamas), Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, splash pad, trackless train ($5/kid). Subway-accessible.
• Evening: Dinner in Little Italy (College St) – pizza, pasta, gelato.

Mon Jun 22 – Museums + Culture

• Morning: Royal Ontario Museum (dinosaurs – 25 full skeletons incl. T. rex + Barosaurus, WonderWorks gallery for Maja). Allow 2-3 hrs.
• Quick stop: Bata Shoe Museum (5-min walk, $16/$5, free Sundays – plus “Soccer Sundays” with WC-themed activities during the tournament).
• Lunch: Kensington Market (bohemian neighborhood, Caribbean bakeries, pan-Latin food, vintage shops).
• Afternoon: Choose one:
  • Casa Loma ($40/$25) – 98-room Gothic castle, secret passages, two towers, 800-ft underground tunnel, 5-acre gardens. Dragon’s Song escape room ($46-57/person, min age 8).
  • OR Canada’s Wonderland (full day, 18 coasters + Splash Works 20-acre water park)
  • OR Toronto Zoo (full day, Splash Island water playground)
• Evening: Distillery District stroll – cobblestone streets, galleries, Balzac’s Coffee, The SPORT Gallery for Luka (soccer memorabilia + retro jerseys).

Tue Jun 23 – GAME DAY 🇭🇷

• Morning: Relaxed start. Pickup soccer at Christie Pits or Trinity Bellwoods Park (free, open fields – summer pickup games common).
• Late morning: Nike Flagship or Adidas at Eaton Centre – World Cup gear and souvenirs.
• Lunch: Old Spaghetti Factory (downtown, classic kids’ meal with dessert included).
• 2:00 PM: Fan Festival at Fort York / The Bentway – giant screens, food vendors, music, cultural performances. Free, all ages, up to 20,000 capacity.
• 5:00 PM: Walk from Fan Festival toward BMO Field (16 min). Pre-game options:
  • Medieval Times dinner show ($80.95/$55.95, 5-10 min walk from stadium – jousting, swordfights, live horses) – book in advance
  • OR grab food in Liberty Village / near the stadium
• 7:00 PM: CROATIA vs. PANAMA kickoff at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field).
• ~9:30 PM: Game ends. Soak up the post-match atmosphere, head to hotel.

Wed Jun 24 – Flex Day + Departure Prep

• Option A – Second day trip (if you still have the rental car):
  • African Lion Safari (~1 hr drive) – drive-through wildlife park with lions, giraffes, elephants roaming free around your car. Boat cruise, railway, wet play area, shows. ~$40-45 CAD/adult. Season May 2-Sep 20.
  • OR Hamilton Waterfalls (45-65 min drive) – Webster Falls (150m stroller-friendly walk), Tiffany Falls (10-min trail). Free to view; $15/vehicle parking reservation.
• Option B – In-city rainy day plan:
  • Daydream Adventures escape room ($36/person, fantasy themes, not scary, ages 10+ independent / younger with adults)
  • -> Snakes & Lattes board game cafe ($20/adult, kids 12 & under free, 800+ games, staff help pick games)
  • -> Sky Zone trampoline park (45 Esandar Dr, ~$25-35/person, separate age zones)
• Option C – Chill day:
  • AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario, $30/adult, free under 10 – Maja free) + Graffiti Alley photo walk + splash pads
• Evening: Final dinner – Pai Northern Thai Kitchen or Mill Street Brewery (Distillery District).

Thu Jun 25 – Depart

• Morning: Last attraction or relaxed breakfast.
• Depart for home (fly Porter YTZ->BOS ~1.5 hrs) or continue to Philadelphia for Croatia vs. Ghana on June 27.

Itinerary Notes

• Thu Jun 18 (arrival day): Not shown above. Settle in, explore the hotel neighborhood, quick dinner. If arriving early via Porter (downtown airport), consider an afternoon walk along the waterfront or Nathan Phillips Square (TORONTO sign photo op).
• Car rental: Only needed for Niagara Falls day trip (Sat Jun 20) and optional second day trip (Wed Jun 24). See Section 10 for Avis locations.
• Flexibility: Days 3-4 (Sat-Sun) are interchangeable. St. Lawrence Market is better on Saturday; Bata Shoe Museum is free on Sunday.
• Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire (Sat Jun 20, 4 PM): If you skip Niagara Falls or do a half-day, you could watch this match at the Fan Festival – a great warm-up for the Croatia game.

Scenario B Itinerary Note

The 6-night itinerary above is for Scenario A (arrive Jun 18). For Scenario B:

• Jun 19 arrival (5 nights): Use days Jun 20-23 from the itinerary above. Niagara Falls day trip is feasible on Jun 20. Arrive noon on Jun 19, explore neighborhood that afternoon.
• Jun 20 arrival (4 nights): Use days Jun 21-23 from the itinerary above. Niagara Falls is tight – consider a shorter day trip or skip in favor of city attractions. Arrive 8:30 PM on Jun 20 (travel day only).

7. Border Crossing – Practical Tips for US Families with Kids

Required Documents

If Only One Parent Travels with the Kids

• Consent letter from the other parent – both Canada and the US expect this. Should be signed, preferably notarized, in English.
• Sample language: “I, [other parent’s name], acknowledge that my children [Luka and Maja Kaymakcalan] are traveling to Canada with [your name] with my full permission from [date] to [date].”
• Include a copy of the other parent’s ID.
• This applies to entering Canada AND re-entering the US.

Crossing Tips

• NEXUS card: If you have one, use the NEXUS lane at the border – much faster. Applies at land crossings and airports. Kids need their own NEXUS.
• Enhanced Driver’s License is not available in Massachusetts, so passports are the way to go.
• ArriveCAN: Check whether this is still required closer to the trip. It was mandatory during COVID and has been on-and-off since. As of early 2026, it is not required but check again before traveling.
• Customs declaration: You’ll fill out a declaration for goods you’re bringing in. Nothing unusual for a family trip – just be honest about food, alcohol, gifts.
• Duty-free allowance returning to US: $800 per person (including children). Unlikely to be relevant unless you go shopping.
• Land crossing wait times: Can be significant at popular crossings. If driving, the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge or Peace Bridge (Buffalo area) are common Toronto-bound crossings from the I-90 corridor. Check border wait times at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf before you leave.

If Driving from Newton, MA

• Route: I-90 W -> I-87 N (or I-90 W straight through to Buffalo) -> QEW into Canada -> Toronto
• Distance: ~520 miles / ~8 hours with border crossing
• Cross at either Peace Bridge (Fort Erie) or Lewiston-Queenston Bridge (Niagara Falls area)
• Budget extra time for the border, especially during World Cup weeks

Flying from Boston (RECOMMENDED)

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) – the ideal option:

• Right downtown on the waterfront, connected by pedestrian tunnel to the city. ~15-minute walk or short taxi to BMO Field / Exhibition Place.
• Porter Airlines: 4 direct daily flights BOS->YTZ. ~1.5 hours. Porter includes free snacks, drinks, and carry-on bags.
• Air Canada Express: Launching 3x daily BOS->YTZ service (spring/summer 2026, operated by Jazz Aviation on Dash 8-400).
• No long taxi/UP Express ride from Pearson. You land and you’re basically there.

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) – alternative:

• ~1.5 hour flight. Multiple daily nonstops on Air Canada, United, Delta.
• Airport is ~30 km west of downtown. UP Express train to Union Station takes 25 min ($12.35 CAD). Taxi/Uber is $50-70 CAD.
• More flight options and potentially cheaper fares, but less convenient.

Recommendation: Fly Porter BOS->YTZ. Book early – World Cup demand will fill these flights fast.

Currency

• Canadian Dollar (CAD). Currently ~$0.72 USD per CAD (i.e., things are about 28% cheaper in USD terms).
• Credit cards widely accepted everywhere. Most US cards work fine; just make sure you have one with no foreign transaction fees.
• Some places accept USD but at a bad exchange rate. Use CAD or card.

8. Day Trips (1-2 Hours from Toronto)

Niagara Falls – The Must-Do Day Trip

Drive: 1.5 hrs / 130 km via QEW from downtown Toronto. Depart by 7:30-8:00 AM on a weekday to beat crowds. Full day trip (return ~7:00-7:30 PM).

The Big Three Attractions

Other Niagara Attractions

Niagara Parks Passes (Save Money)

Important: The boat cruise (Niagara City Cruises) is NOT included in any pass – it’s run by a separate company. Budget separately.

Parking: Rapidsview Park & Ride (Lot C) is free with any Niagara Parks pass + 8-min WEGO shuttle to Falls. Otherwise, Falls Lot A is $30-40/day (most convenient, fills early).

Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) – Add-On Stop

• 27 min / 22 km north of the Falls via scenic Niagara Parkway. Natural stop on the way back to Toronto.
• Charming 19th-century town: Queen Street boutiques, COWS Ice Cream, Maple Leaf Fudge, Simcoe Park splash pad + playground.
• Fort George National Historic Site (War of 1812) for history-loving kids.
• Allow 1-2 hours. More of a stroll-and-snack stop than a sit-down destination with young kids.

Cost Estimate (Family of 4)

Other Day Trip Options

9. Additional Activities

Escape Rooms (Family-Friendly)

Active Entertainment

Board Games & Bowling

Movies

• Scotiabank Theatre (259 Richmond St W) – 14 screens including IMAX with Laser (first in Canada), D-Box motion seats. ~$16-24. Central downtown.
• Cinesphere at Ontario Place – world’s first permanent IMAX theatre, largest IMAX screen in Ontario. Near BMO Field area.
• Cineplex Tuesday discounts and periodic Family Movie Days ($3.99 tickets).

Unique Experiences

• Pirate Life Theatre (waterfront, seasonal May-Oct) – 1-hour pirate boat cruise + theatre on Lake Ontario. Costumes, face paint, treasure hunt, water cannons. Ages 3-11. ~$105/4 tickets.
• Toronto Railway Museum (Roundhouse Park, near CN Tower) – vintage locomotives, miniature train ride around the park. $5/$3 admission, $3/$2 train ride. Quick, affordable.
• The SPORT Gallery (15 Tank House Lane, Distillery District) – sports photography, vintage jerseys, Diego Maradona memorabilia, COPA brand gear. ARENA Coffee Bar inside. Luka would love the soccer history. Open daily.

Soccer Activities for Luka

• Pickup soccer: Christie Pits Park (near subway) and Trinity Bellwoods Park (Queen West) – well-known summer pickup spots, free. Toronto SoccerPlex (Sat/Sun 2-4 PM, $10/person, indoor).
• Gear shopping: Nike Canadian Flagship (21,000 sq ft, Eaton Centre), Adidas Store (Yonge St), The SPORT Gallery (Distillery). Official FIFA WC merchandise at Fan Festival and stadium on match days.
• Soccer For All Mini-Pitches: 4 locations under construction (Apted Park, Amesbury Park, Grandravine Park, Scarborough Village Park). May or may not be ready by Jun 18-24.
• La Liga Sports Complex (1107 Finch Ave W) – indoor futsal courts, bookable online.
• MLS is paused May 25-Jul 16 for World Cup – no TFC matches during the trip.

World Cup Events Beyond the Fan Festival

• 65 free community celebrations across Toronto neighborhoods, funded by $1.7M City grants. Croatian community events likely in areas with significant Croatian population.
• 3D Host City Logo installations at Pearson Airport, Toronto Zoo, CN Tower.
• “Canada Celebrates” program – free one-day FIFA community events in 7 Canadian cities (Toronto included, date TBD).
• City-wide atmosphere: CN Tower and TORONTO sign illuminated in WC blue/green. 10-15% traffic increases projected.
• Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire (Sat Jun 20, 4 PM) and Croatia vs. Panama (Tue Jun 23, 7 PM) are both at Toronto Stadium during your trip. The Fan Festival broadcasts ALL matches from all 16 host cities.
• FIFA Trophy Tour visits Toronto May 25-26 (before your trip).

Rainy Day Priority List

1. Escape room (Daydream Adventures) – 75 min
2. Snakes & Lattes board game cafe – 2-3 hrs
3. Bowling at The Ballroom – 1-2 hrs
4. Sky Zone trampoline park – 1-2 hrs
5. Scotiabank Theatre IMAX movie – 2-3 hrs
6. ROM or AGO (indoor museums already planned)

10. Car Rental – Avis Locations

A rental car is needed for the Niagara Falls day trip and any other day trip outside Toronto. Not needed for in-city activities (TTC transit + walking covers everything downtown).

Best Location for Day Trips

Avis Brookfield Place (B01) ⭐

• Address: 161 Bay St, Unit 140 BCE (Concourse Level), Toronto, ON M5J 2S1
• Phone: 416-777-2847
• Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-6 PM, Sat 8 AM-4 PM, Sun 9 AM-5 PM. After-hours key drop box.
• Why: Closest downtown location to the Gardiner Expressway on-ramp. Drive south on Bay St -> merge onto Gardiner westbound -> becomes QEW -> straight shot to Niagara Falls (130 km, ~1.5 hrs). Minimal city driving.
• Connected to PATH underground walkway. Easy to reach from most downtown hotels.

Other Downtown Option

Avis Hudson Bay Centre (S45) – 80 Bloor St E (Yonge & Bloor). Same hours as Brookfield Place. Near Bloor-Yonge subway. 10-15 min drive south to Gardiner. Good if your hotel is in the Yorkville/midtown area.

Airport Locations

One-Way to Niagara Falls

Avis has a location at 5127 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls (NF2), phone 905-357-2847. One-way rentals bookable on avis.ca. Expect ~50% surcharge. Closed Sundays (key drop box available but rental stays open until Monday).

Practical Tips

• Most non-airport locations close early on weekends (2 PM Sat, 2 PM Sun or closed Sunday). Plan pickup/return times accordingly.
• For a single day trip, pick up morning and return evening same day at Brookfield Place.
• For two day trips (e.g., Niagara + African Lion Safari), rent for 2 consecutive days.
• All locations offer pick-up service – Avis will come get you if needed.

Key Links

• Toronto FIFA World Cup 2026 official site: https://torontofwc26.ca/
• Game schedule: https://torontofwc26.ca/game
• FIFA Fan Festival info: https://torontofwc26.ca/news/fifa-toronto-fan-festival-venue-location
• BMO Field directions/parking: https://www.bmofield.com/plan-your-visit/direction-parking
• Toronto CityPASS: https://www.citypass.com/toronto
• Border wait times: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html
• Porter Airlines (BOS->YTZ): https://www.flyporter.com/
• Niagara Parks passes & deals: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/deals-packages/
• Niagara City Cruises: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/hornblower-niagara-cruises/
• Clifton Hill Fun Pass: https://www.cliftonhill.com/fun-pass
• Avis Toronto locations: https://www.avis.ca/en/locations/ca/on/toronto
• African Lion Safari: https://lionsafari.com/
• Snakes & Lattes: https://www.snakesandlattes.com/annex

Sources

• Toronto FIFA World Cup 26 Schedule
• CBC: Key dates for Toronto World Cup
• FOX Sports: Toronto World Cup matches
• FIFA Fan Festival venue announcement
• City of Toronto FIFA World Cup page
• City of Toronto: Fort York Fan Festival
• Destination Toronto: Things to do with kids
• Toronto CityPASS
• Where to stay near BMO Field
• Matador Network: Hotels near BMO Field
• Ontario Science Centre interim location
• Canada’s Wonderland
• Toronto Zoo plan your visit
• Centreville Amusement Park
• ROM dinosaurs
• Weather Spark: Toronto June weather
• CBSA: Travel documents
• USAGov: Travel documents for children
• Canada.ca: Minor children travelling
• St. Lawrence Market
• BMO Field directions
• Niagara City Cruises
• Journey Behind the Falls
• Niagara Parks Passes
• Clifton Hill Fun Pass
• Bird Kingdom
• Butterfly Conservatory
• Niagara Falls Tourism – Family Itineraries
• African Lion Safari
• Hamilton Waterfalls Guide
• Elora Gorge Tubing
• Blue Mountain Summer Activities
• Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
• Daydream Adventures Escape Room
• Sky Zone Toronto
• K1 Speed Toronto
• Snakes & Lattes
• The Ballroom Bowl
• Pirate Life Theatre
• The SPORT Gallery
• Avis Toronto Locations
• Toronto FC 2026 Schedule
• FIFA Canada Celebrates Program
• Toronto Soccer For All Mini-Pitches