When you look at a satellite map of Toronto, you’ll notice a good amount of green! Thanks to the ravine system, the Toronto Islands and astute city planning, there are gorgeous parks perfect for a family outing strewn all around town. We’ve rounded up our favourite spots, so lay back and hang out with our Guide to the Best Family Parks and Playgrounds in Toronto.

Note: There are always improvements and additions being made to Toronto’s playground. Find out more information on scheduling here.

Family Parks and Playgrounds in Downtown Toronto

Corktown Common
Where: 155 Bayview Ave., Toronto
A marvel of park and playground design, this park feels quiet and relaxing even though it’s surrounded by busy highways. It features a well spread-out playground, nature area and innovative splash pad, plus a gorgeous downtown view.

Grange Park
Where: 26 Grange Road West, Toronto
Under the shadow of the AGO and OCAD’s imposing architecture, this park has an urban vibe with its newly designed playground, splash pad and off-leash dog area.

Regent Park
Where: 600 Dundas St. East, Toronto
Home to one of the city’s best indoor pools, this newly remodelled park also has a modern playground with some really interesting climbing equipment and a fountain that acts as a splash pad in the summer.

St. James Park
Where: 120 King St. East, Toronto
Grab a snack from the vendors and farmers’ market at the historic St. Lawrence Market then head to this food-themed playground, full of climbing opportunities to work off the kids’ sugar rush.

Toronto Island Park
Where: Ward’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point
Going to “The Islands” is a special trip for many families. Don’t miss Centreville Amusement Park, but there’s also Franklin Children’s Garden, Far Enough Farm, bike rentals, splash pad and fountain, and of course beaches!

Underpass Park
Where: 33 St. Lawrence Street, Toronto
A park doesn’t even require grass when it’s this cool! Actually located under highway ramps, this artistically graffitied space has a modern playground, basketball court and skateboarding area.

Family Parks and Playgrounds in the East End

Greenwood Park
Where: 150 Greenwood Ave., Toronto
Greenwood is busy year-round, with a skating path and covered rink in winter, then a playground, outdoor pool, splash pad and exercise equipment in the warmer months. It’s also the new home of the deliciously bustling Leslieville Farmers’ Market.

Kew Gardens
Where: 2075 Queen St. East, Toronto
Located between the lake and Queen East in the Beach, my kids call this “Castle Park” because of the turreted castle in the elaborate playground climbing structure. The park also has a wide space and gazebo where events take place, a hockey rink, large wading pool and tennis courts.

Monarch Park
Where: 115 Felstead Ave., Toronto
Tucked away south of the Danforth, this sleepy neighbourhood park comes alive in summer with one of the best outdoor pools in the city, a fenced-in playground and a barrier-free off-leash dog park.

Riverdale Parks – East & West
Where: 550 Broadview Ave. & 375 Sumach St., Toronto
Separated by the Don Valley, these sister parks are both known for their steep and obstacle-free (tobogganing hills). The east side has a skating rink, tennis courts and an outdoor pool plus a gorgeous sunset view of downtown. The west side has a baseball diamond, wading pool and the adorable (and free!) Riverdale Farm.

Stan Wadlow Park
Where: 888 Cosburn Ave., East York
One of the best spots to celebrate Canada Day, this East York park also has baseball fields, playground, off-leash dog area, skateboarding park and splash pad.

Withrow Park
Where: 725 Logan Ave., Toronto
This popular Greektown park features a sizeable playground, ball diamonds, multipurpose sports field, two outdoor tennis courts, volleyball court, dog off-leash area, and a wading pool. Don’t miss their popular weekly farmers’ market!

Family Parks and Playgrounds in the West End

Christie Pits Park
Where: 750 Bloor St. West, Toronto
This park on Bloor West features the Alex Duff Memorial Pool, three baseball diamonds, a multi-sport field, skateboarding area, basketball and volleyball courts, a children’s playground and labyrinth, splash pad and wading pool.

Dufferin Grove Park
Where: 875 Dufferin St., Toronto
Just south of Bloor West, this park features a multipurpose sports field, basketball court, picnic area, wading pool, children’s playground and reflexology footpath. Plus, be sure to check out the farmers’ market at their indoor-outdoor clubhouse!

Florence Gell Park
Where: 85 Varsity Road, Toronto
This neighbourhood park near the shores of the Humber River has just received a beautiful playground upgrade, including rustic wooden castle-themed equipment with climbing structures.

High Park
Where: 1873 Bloor St. West, Toronto
As you might expect from a name like “High Park”, it’s pretty impressive. Best known for its popularity cherry blossom season and Dream in High Park, the list of amenities is long, from common features (outdoor pool, playgrounds, off-leash dog area, baseball diamonds, wading pool, ice rink) to the unique (free zoo, outdoor theatre, nature trails, restaurant and pond).

Trinity Bellwoods Park
Where: 790 Queen St. West, Toronto
Hang with the hipsters on West Queen West, where you’ll find a large playground, baseball fields and large off-leash dog area, farmers’ market as well as informal free concerts on weekend.

Family Parks and Playgrounds in North Toronto

Cedarvale Park
Where: 443 Arlington Ave., Toronto
This district park is a hub for outdoor activity, with tennis courts, two sport fields, cricket pitch and a baseball diamond. For a little fun on a sunny summer day, there is a splash pad and playground for children to enjoy.

Earl Bales Park
Where: 4169 Bathurst Street, Toronto
At the site of the first Canadian Tire Jumpstart playground, families find plenty of double-wide ramped structures, as well as interesting features such as tactile and music elements. The extensive park facilities include an outdoor amphitheatre, bike trail, off-leash dog area and splash pad.

Earlscourt Park
Where: 1200 Lansdowne Ave., Toronto
In the Corso Italia area of St. Clair West, Earlscourt has a complete array of equipment, with a big outdoor pool, playground, playing fields, and spots to play baseball, basketball and soccer, and run track.

June Rowlands Park
Where: 220 Davisville Ave., Toronto
“Skinamarinky dinky dink” your way over to the Sharon, Lois and Bram Playground, named after the classic Canadian children’s music group, which includes themed apparatus like the itsy-bitsy spider music garden and even a reclining elephant!

Oriole Park
Where: 201 Oriole Parkway, Toronto
In Forest Hill, you’ll find this relaxing park, with an obstacle course playground, aquatic-themed splash pad, baseball diamond and tennis courts.

 

 

Milliken Park
Where: 5555 Steeles Ave. East, Scarborough
This park has an accessible playground featuring rubber tile surfacing, baby and saucer swings, and public washrooms near the parking lot.

Rosebank Park
Address: 1051 Progress Ave., Scarborough
Near the Rouge National Urban Park and the Toronto Zoo, this park has been updated through the city’s Playground Enhancement Program, including new state-of-the-art play features like slides, climbing structures and swings, plus more seating, rest areas and shade areas.

Convene with nature in our list of Parks activities and events here!