


Vaughan Mills
About
Vaughan Mills is a massive indoor shopping destination that doubles as an entertainment hub for families, featuring a Family Fun Centre arcade, bowling alley, and diverse dining options that make it perfect for rainy days or summer heat escapes. With over 1.2 million square feet of space, this mall goes beyond shopping to offer hands-on activities that keep kids engaged while parents browse or enjoy the climate-controlled comfort.
Highlights
- ✓Family Fun Centre arcade with games, prizes, and activities for various ages
- ✓Bowling alley perfect for family competitions and entertainment
- ✓Bass Pro Shops with impressive wildlife displays and aquariums that kids love exploring for free
- ✓Wide variety of dining options from quick food court bites to sit-down family restaurants
- ✓Unique circular mall layout that makes window shopping an adventure
Pro Tips
- 1.Park near the Bass Pro Shops entrance for easiest access to the Family Fun Centre and bowling alley, which are in the northwest section of the mall.
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday or Wednesday after 10 AM opening) for the quietest experience and shortest wait times at entertainment venues.
- 3.Download the Vaughan Mills app before visiting to access a digital mall map and exclusive deals, especially helpful in such a large space.
- 4.Bring layers as the mall can be cool, and wear comfortable shoes since you will cover serious distance exploring the 1.2 million square foot space.
- 5.International visitors should know that prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include tax (13% HST in Ontario), which is added at checkout.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 1 PM) offer the best experience with lighter crowds and ample parking. Avoid weekends and Canadian holiday Mondays when the mall gets packed with locals, and steer clear of the holiday shopping season (late November through December) unless you enjoy the festive atmosphere.
What to Know
Parking is free and plentiful in the massive outdoor lots. The mall has a food court plus sit-down restaurants, nursing rooms, and family washrooms throughout, making it well-equipped for families spending several hours exploring.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with extended hours during the holiday season (November and December). The indoor setting makes it an excellent option during harsh Canadian winters or hot, humid summer days. Special events and activities often occur during school breaks and holidays.
Nearby Eats
The mall itself has extensive dining options including the food court and several family-friendly restaurants like Moxies and Canyon Creek Chophouse. If venturing outside, Jack Astor's Bar and Grill is a short drive away and offers a fun, kid-friendly atmosphere with colouring menus.
More Activities Near Vaughan
Upper Canada Mall
Upper Canada Mall is a sprawling indoor shopping destination that goes beyond retail, offering dedicated play areas, family dining options, and climate-controlled comfort year-round. With over 200 stores including popular toy shops, children's clothing outlets, and entertainment options, it's a one-stop destination where parents can shop while kids stay engaged and entertained.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection offers a unique blend of art and nature that keeps kids engaged through interactive family programs, scavenger hunts, and beautiful outdoor walking trails through 100 acres of forested land. Young visitors can explore iconic Canadian landscape paintings by the Group of Seven while enjoying hands-on art activities designed specifically for children, making this a cultural experience that feels more like an adventure than a traditional museum visit.
Horse Palace
Horse Palace is a fascinating multi-use sports facility where kids can experience the excitement of equestrian events, agricultural shows, and family-friendly exhibitions throughout the year. This historic venue offers children a unique opportunity to see horses up close, learn about agricultural life, and enjoy various competitions in a welcoming environment that blends sports, education, and entertainment.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection offers families a unique blend of world-class Canadian art and natural beauty on 100 acres of scenic trails in Kleinburg, just outside Toronto. Kids can explore interactive family programs designed to make art accessible and fun, while parents enjoy stunning collections featuring the Group of Seven landscape painters and Indigenous art in a beautiful woodland setting.