From time to time, I get people asking me what to do in and around Toronto when they are planning their visits. We've enjoyed living in Toronto and exploring this city so much. But exploring with little people also brings it's complexities. Most of the time I'd like to think we have been pretty successful, other times we have been left wrangling the littles into the stroller and then carseats through many tears in order to get home. But having somewhere fun and kid friendly to check out makes it easier and worth it! So I have compiled a little list, with the help and reminders from my mama friends, of our top things to do in Toronto with the littles this spring!
1. Downey's Farm - North West of Toronto/Mississauga, is Downey Farms in Caledon and it is one of the best farms around the city and we've seen a few. The produce is organic and besides animals that you can meet and greet, there is a separate area you can picnic and play, including a two sets of trampoline-like bouncy hills, one for the older kids and one for the younger kids.
2. The Toronto Zoo - I've never been but have heard good things and it is on our list to go this spring before it gets to busy as the weather gets nicer.
3. High Park definitely has a lot of options and a great place to spend a day, but only go on a week day and definitely go early. They have an amazing play structure there but the space is big and if it's busy it can be easy to get separated. However, there are also some great trails to walk along with the kids and a little mini "zoo" to wander through where you can see bison, buffalo, deer, peacocks and llamas. Admission is free.
4. CUES - Children's Urban Enrichment Studio - is one of favorite play places on the west side. Why? Big windows, parking right out front on the street if you get there on time. They are friendly and helpful, getting you in the door, coats and shoes off and put away. Lots of options for playing--painting, music, trucks, dinosaurs, kitchen, workshop, run-free tumble space, baby area.
5. The Toronto Islands - Last year we took the ferry from downtown Toronto to the islands. It wasn't busy when we went in the spring and the flowers were out and it was beautiful. Lots of space to walk, cute little houses to walk by, places to eat, bikes to rent, water to throw rocks in and an amusement park with little rides, etc. And as a bonus, you get a great view of downtown Toronto. I often think how neat it would be to live there....
6. Humber Bay Park - A fabulous place to grab an icecream or a drink and walk about the beach throwing rocks into the lake with the downtown view as your backdrop. And a paved trail for biking, rollerblading (do people still do that?) and strollers.
7. Centennial Park Conservatory - When it's cold out or rainy and you need a little place to wander, this conservatory is a quiet place to take children. It's warm and balmy and small enough you can't lose somebody. There isn't much there other than plants, except one very loud bird who chirps out from time to time. No food or amenities either, but a great spot to watch fish swim, look at beautiful, interesting plants and escape the weather.
8. Red Fish, Blue Fish Cafe - Another place that looks really fun. Perhaps very similar to Smock cafe with it's drop in craft place. A good place to drop in if you are already downtown or are going to the Royal Ontario Museum.
9. Marie Curtis Park So many wonderful parks! Our favorite has been Marie Curtis with play structure for both the littles ones and early school years. A water park when the days get warmer and a beach to throw rocks into Lake Ontario when you need to take a little pensive quiet time.
10. Kew Gardens at the Beaches is another favorite for similar reasons. Queen street East is right there and a good spot to have lunch (or wander through shops if you are kid-free). The park has a lot of run-free space, a fenced in playground for different ages and the beaches are right there where you can walk along the boardwalk for miles with the stroller or with bikes. I am sure there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in the area, but we love Juice and Java for it's menu (crepes, sandwiches, salads, wraps, omlettes, smoothies & great coffee). They are pretty flexible with kid food options if you ask and there are books upstairs for the kids to read.
Hope you come and visit us this spring and summer! There are always lots of festivals and celebrations, none of which I shared here.
xo from Toronto
Ps. If anyone else has suggestions of where to go (not overly crowded) while in Toronto with little people, drop me a line!
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