Updated February 2026
TL;DR: Parkdale has plenty to do with kids without spending much money. Best options include McCormick Park for outdoor time, street art walks along the rail corridor, and a solid mix of casual restaurants that won’t make you regret bringing children. Most activities are free or close to it.
We’ve been in Parkdale for over 10 years now. It’s our neighbourhood. We know it well.
For those who don’t know it, Parkdale is in the west end of Toronto and one of the oldest parts of the city. It has a rich immigrant history with Polish, Afro-Caribbean, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Tibetan communities all calling it home at different points. Walk around long enough, and the restaurants will tell you the whole story.
I rode my bike through Parkdale as fast as I could years ago on my way to work. It wasn’t somewhere I planned to end up. Funny how that goes.
Here’s what to do with kids.
Parks and Playgrounds
McCormick Park is the anchor. It has play structures, a wading pool, open fields, and a basketball court. It’s the kind of park where you can kill two hours without trying. While technically not in Parkdale, you have to check it out.
If you want more options, Masaryk Park has a playground just behind the Parkdale Public Library. West Lodge is a quieter spot with a small skateboard park that doesn’t get enough credit.
The local school playgrounds are open on weekends, too. Parkdale PS, Fern Avenue, Shirley Street, and Garden Avenue all have decent setups.
Sorauren Park is worth mentioning, though the actual playground is technically across the street in Charles G. Williams Park.
If you want to venture slightly outside Parkdale, Osler Playground on Argyle Street is underrated, and Trinity Bellwoods is always worth the walk.
For a broader list of great Toronto playgrounds, check out the top 10 playgrounds in Toronto.
Street Art Walk
This one costs nothing. Parkdale has murals scattered throughout the neighbourhood worth seeing.
The paintings along the railroad tracks that cut through the area are a good starting point. The wall heading up Lansdowne toward the No Frills is worth a look, too. Kids who are old enough to have an opinion about art tend to have one here.
There are also a few local galleries in the area if you want to make an afternoon of it. The West Queen West Art Crawl has a good rundown of what’s around.
Family-Friendly Dining
After a few hours outside, you’ll need to feed people.
Parkdale has evolved a lot since we moved here, but it’s stayed pretty family-friendly. Here’s how I’d break it down:
The reliable chains – Popeyes, Mary Brown’s, Subway, A&W, Pizza Pizza, and Tim Hortons. Not exciting, but they work when you have hungry kids and limited patience.
Worth trying – Dave’s Hot Chicken, CiCi’s Pizza, Kaminari Ramen Bar, and BB’s.
If you want to actually taste Parkdale – Himalayan Kitchen, Momo Cafe, and Yummy Momo. This is the food that makes the neighbourhood what it is.
Our family favourites – Skyline Diner and most recently, revisiting the Rhino (a Parkdale institution).
And stop at Craig’s Cookies on the way home. Non-negotiable.
If you’re looking for more ideas across the city, the 150 fun things to do in Toronto list has plenty to pull from.
Parkdale is a real neighbourhood. It’s not polished, and it’s not trying to be. That’s why we like it.
What would you add to the list?
Common Questions
Is Parkdale family-friendly? Yes. It has good parks, affordable restaurants, and a neighbourhood feel that works well with kids.
What is the best park in Parkdale? McCormick Park. It has the most to offer for families with play structures, a wading pool, and open space.
Are there free things to do in Parkdale with kids? Most of it is free. Parks, playgrounds, and the street art walk cost nothing.
Where should I eat in Parkdale with kids? Skyline Diner and the chains are the most reliable. For something more local, try Himalayan Kitchen or Momo Cafe.
