The Best Parks in Toronto
Summer is here! Here is our list of the best parks in Toronto. If you have any Toronto parks to recommend, we want to hear about them in the comments.
Jamie Bell Adventure Park in High Park
Score: Epic
Ages: Good for all ages
When I asked my 5-year-old why High Park was the best Toronto park, he said ‘Because it’s a castle!’ It really is an impressive castle with a maze of corridors, it stands three floors high at its highest point so your kid can feel like a king or queen of the castle. You can make a day of hanging out of the park, with a visit to the High Park Zoo, the playground, and enjoy a train ride to see the rest of High Park. Bring some lunch and some cash for the ice cream truck. If you plan to drive, make sure to arrive early as parking is limited. Pro tip: this is a big castle and you can lose track of your kids so have a game plan with them to ensure they stay safe.
Not to miss in the area: High Park Zoo, Glory Hole Doughnuts
Score: Impressive
Ages: Good for all ages
This fairly new park is situated within Earl Bales park, where you can ski in the winter and take hikes in the off-season. This park is one of a few across Canada that was funded by Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Charities. The park makes our list of best Toronto parks due to its priority on inclusivity ensuring children of all abilities can enjoy sport and play together. We also love it because it is a unique park with lots to explore! You are best off to go during the week when it is less busy. During the summer, you’ll be sure to find an ice cream truck and there is a small splash pad too.
Not to miss: You can take a lovely walk and see some ducks in the large pond within Earl Bales. Bring a stroller for younger kids.
Score: Gem in the City
Ages: Good for all ages
This is my personal favourite park because it is a hidden gem located near Rosedale station. Lots of green space, an awesome wading pool, a sandbox, and a beautiful park that integrates well into the landscape.
Not to miss: Bring a stroller and you take a walk to Yorkville with lots of options for food along the way.
Score: A shady haven
Ages: Good for all ages
This park can be found along the beltline which is one of the reasons I love it! It makes for a nice family outing with a scenic beltline walk or bike ride and then arriving at the park. This park has lots of mature trees making for great shade in the summer, lots of green space if you want to bring a soccer ball, a sandpit with a digger crane (don’t see those too often), plus there are play structures for younger and older kids.
Not to miss in the area: Want to make it an epic day? Keep walking along the beltline and you’ll arrive at Oriole Park which has big kid and little kid playground structures, a ton of green space and in the summer, you’ll also find a small water park.
Score: Creative fun
Ages: Best for 5 and up
This gorgeous playground takes inspiration from the St. Lawrence market it is near. Kids can walk along carrot beams, scale an asparagus structure, climb a fishnet and hop on mountains of grains. When I took my kids to this park for the first time, they literally screamed with delight! What I also loved about this community park is how inviting it was, as the kids seamlessly played with new friends they met. Parking is tricky in the area, expect to need to park at least a 5-10min walk away if you plan to drive.
Not to miss in the area: St. Lawrence Market obviously!
BONUS: The League of Moms Community shared their favourite Toronto parks.
Score: For the little artist
Ages: Best for 3 and up
A beautiful park made to honour the Art Gallery of Ontario. This space brings together elements of an artist’s studio and offers full colour, climbing, and sculptures where your little one will never get bored.
Not to miss in the area: If you have a budding artist on your hands you will want to check out the Art Gallery of Ontario a short 1 minute walk.
Score: Adventure time
Ages: Best for 5 and up
This gorgeous space made our best parks Toronto list because it offers unique opportunities for children such as a 100m zipline, trampoline, a slide going down a small hill, web climber, and large boulders for climbing. Here, you can also find traditional park equipment such as swings and slides.
Not to miss in the area: Bring your stroller and walking shoes to enjoy the trails along beautiful running water.
Score: A splashing good time
Ages: Good for all ages
Located in Richmond Hill, this park offers an impressive area for play, splash pad, and walking paths.
Not to miss in the area: Bonus this park is right next to the Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Centre where you can enjoy full sport, and fitness facilities.
Anything we missed in our best parks in Toronto list? Comment below and let us know!
League of Moms / 06/18/2022