Toronto is home to numerous fantastic playgrounds that cater to children of all ages. While it’s been a few years since I was taking our boys to these adventure lands, I know there are a lot of new parents looking for help on where to go. Here’s a guide to some of the best playgrounds for kids in Toronto.
1. Jamie Bell Adventure Playground
Located in High Park, this is one of Toronto’s largest and most adventure-filled playgrounds. It features castles, ropes, swings, ladders, and slides. Designed with input from children, it offers endless exploration and fun. The park also provides easy access to picnic areas, a mini-zoo, and the waterfront. The trade-off for being so amazing is that it can be incredibly busy. Pack a snack or two and some patience and things will be just fine. Plus, you are in High Park, one of my favourite places to be in Toronto.
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2. Grange Park
Situated near the Art Gallery of Ontario, Grange Park boasts a modern playground with creative climbing structures and a splash pad. Its urban setting provides a unique play experience with plenty of green space for running around. For us, it was ideal for that time after a visit to the AGO when the kids just needed to run around and burn off energy before hopping on the TTC to go home.
3. Dufferin Grove Park
This park is known for its shady trees and a dreamy playground that blends seamlessly into the natural habitat. It features a massive sandpit with digging tools, a wading pool, and a community bake oven for pizza nights. My favourite part of this park is just how shady it is. It’s an easy one to sit there all afternoon and not worry about a sunburn. The access to water play and digging in the sand pits is perfect for the kids. Also handy being on the TTC.
4. Corktown Common
Corktown Common offers a well-designed playground with innovative splash pads and nature areas. Despite being surrounded by busy highways, it provides a peaceful play environment with beautiful downtown views. It’s not a park that many will make a trip to as it’s more for the locals, so at least in my experience, it’s never that busy (compared to more well known parks).
5. Earl Bales Park
Home to Jumpstart Playground, Earl Bales Park is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all children. It includes ramps for wheelchairs and sensory playground features, along with a splash pad. This park is massive and is actually a big hit in the winter months. Great excuse to check out the West Don River.
6. June Rowlands Park
Known for its musical theme inspired by Sharon, Lois & Bram, this park features percussion instruments alongside traditional playground equipment. It also includes a sandbox, splash pad, and sports fields.
7. Kew Gardens Playground
Located in the heart of Kew Gardens Park, this playground features a castle-like climbing structure built around a mature tree. A wading pool is adjacent to the playground, making it perfect for summer visits.
8. Regent Park
Regent Park offers a modern playground with unique climbing equipment and a fountain that doubles as a splash pad in summer. It’s also home to one of the city’s best indoor pools.
9. Trinity Bellwoods Park
This popular west-end park includes multiple play areas with modern design elements. It also offers sports facilities and plenty of green space for family activities. Due to its location, this playground was very popular in our family. There used to be a Starbucks nearby and it was perfect to sit and relax while the kids played. Their favourite was the winding, climbing structure. While Trinity Bellwoods can be very busy on Sunday mornings, it’s a must if you live downtown.
10. Riverdale Park West
Riverdale Park West features two playgrounds, a wading pool, and hexagonal climbing blocks. It’s perfect for kids who love sandboxes and outdoor play. These playgrounds not only provide excellent play structures but also offer additional amenities like splash pads, picnic areas, and nearby attractions that make them ideal for family outings in Toronto.
Favourite playground for kids in Toronto?
Those are just 10 playgrounds for kids in Toronto. There are hundreds more that you can check out. What’s your favourite? Maybe you don’t want to share your hidden gem. That’s okay. Want even more fun than just heading to a park – check out my giant list of 150 fun things to do in Toronto.
