Toronto is a hustling bustling metropolis with tons of great things to do with a toddler. There’s a Science Centre, an Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. There’s no shortage of great attractions for your little ones. But what are some of the more unique things to do with a toddler in Toronto? Below we go over some of our favourite parks and places to go in Toronto. From a working farm to old Victorian industrial buildings to some of the best playgrounds in Toronto. These are the top things to do with a toddler in Toronto.
Planning a visit to the City? Be sure to check out our -> 12 of the Best hotels in Toronto for Families
Top 10 things to do with a toddler in Toronto:
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High Park
The largest and probably most well-known park in Toronto, High Park. Not only is High Park home to one of the best playgrounds in the city. It also has it’s own zoo and children’s activity garden.
The sprawling 399-acre park has tons of great walking and biking paths. It even has one of the largest dog off-leash areas, for those who love our 4 legged best friends.
There’s a pool, splash pad, sports fields… The list of activities is endless. The park even hosts Shakespeare in the park. One of the city’s most beloved family events. A day at High Park would definitely top the list as one of the top things to do with a toddler in Toronto.
Cherry Beach
Hidden away at the far side of the Port Lands is one of Toronto’s most underrated parks. Cherry Beach is broken up into two sections. The actual beach and the sports area. Connecting the two is a section of the Martin Goodman trail, great for biking or walking around.
In the sports area are two turfed soccer fields and one of the most unique playgrounds. Built to resemble a pirate ship, this playground is a great place to bring your toddler and play. The beach area also has a large off-leash area that stretches all the way to the Eastern channel. There are great places to sit and enjoy some amazing views.
On Sundays, during the summer, from 3-11 pm, a group called Promise even holds all-ages dance parties.
For those looking for a great day trip to take your little one. Check out our Top 10 waterfalls to visit with an infant.
Riverdale Park
Riverdale park plays has a special place in Toronto’s history. For instance, dating back to 1749 the land was owned by John Scadding. John was one of the earliest settlers of York. His cabin still stands as the oldest building in Toronto. In 1879 it was moved to the Exhibition Grounds to celebrate the inaugural celebration of the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, Now known as the CNE.
In 1859 The City of Toronto purchased John’s property divided it into two parts. The city built The Don Jail on the southern section, while the rest was converted to a park.
Later on Riverdale Park was split into two parts by the Don Valley Parkway, East and West. Connecting the two sides is a pedestrian bridge. The bridge crosses the DVP, Bayview Ave, train tracks, Don River and also joins to the Lower Don Recreational Trail. Both sides of the park have tons of open space, with tennis courts, baseball diamonds and swimming pools.
During the winter, Riverdale East was THE place to go toboggan, because of its massive slopes. Although it was recently it was shut down for being unsafe. Riverdale West still allows for tobogganing, having a smaller and safer hill. Atop the hill on is one of the best places to catch a sunset and amazing views of the city.
Located in Riverdale West is Riverdale Farm where John Scadding originally had his farm. The farm has since then had expanded to a full zoo. Then relocated to its current location at the Metro Zoo. The lands then converted back to a simple working farm in 1978, containing mostly barnyard animals. Definitely a top thing to do with a toddler in Toronto. Come to the farm and see the animals and learn about how life was in early Toronto.
Centre Island
If you have an entire day, then Centre Island is the quintessential Toronto outing. Just a short ferry ride across the Toronto Harbour are the Toronto Islands, a chain of 15 smaller islands. Once connected to the mainland, till the 1950s when a series of storms flooded and disconnected them.
The largest and most well known of the islands is Centre Island. Unlike what the name may imply, Centre Island actually encompasses the other Islands. Protecting them from Lake Ontario and creating the Toronto Harbour.
Centre Island has an abundance of activities for toddlers. There’s a full amusement park called Centreville. As well as a cedar hedge maze, a petting zoo, beaches and some of the most amazing views of the city.
The Island is so massive it is best to explore by bike, which you can rent right on the island. You can even rent an iconic 2-4 person Quadricycle. Do be warned, they are quite heavy and don’t move too fast. Our favourite thing to do with a toddler is to pack a basket, and have a picnic on the wide-open green spaces.
Allan Gardens
One of the downsides of Canada is the long winters and crazy weather. However, no matter what the weather is like outside, you can always find a tropical oasis at Allan Gardens.
Actually, that’s two tropical paradises, a tropical landscape, a palm house, a cactus desert and a cool house. In total, the conservatory is divided into 6 sections, each being added at different times.
First with the original palm house in 1910 and lastly the Northern Tropical house in 1956. Located right by the downtown core, the conservatory a great thing to do with a toddler and get away from the cold. There is even a children’s conservatory that hosts workshops for kids.
Grange Park
One of the oldest and most interesting parks in Toronto. Grange Park has a history dating all the way back to 1817 and the original Town of York. The Grange house at the north end of the park was bequeathed to the Art Museum of Toronto in 1910. Its purpose to be a building of art and now houses the AGO.
Above the Grange house, you can see parts of the new Frank Ghery addition to the museum. His signature touch of an interesting stairwell that overhangs the sidewalk below. To the east is the Ontario Academy of Art and Design University (OCADU). The Sharp Centre tabletop extension sits 4 stories above street level, supported by differently coloured pillars, positioned at different angles.
A row of Victorian houses flank the west side and to the south is Queen West and the Harrison Pool. Harrison Pool is the city’s first public bathhouse, still free to use the public pool to this day.
The park’s playground matches the park’s artsy whimsical atmosphere,. It was designed to evoke artistic ability in the kids that play in it. The park also has a large Henry Moore sculpture and interactive splash pad for the kids to play in. The old carriage path of the estate is now paved and acts as a long path that circles the park.
Underpass Park and Corktown Common
When people in Toronto think of street art, Graffiti Alley is usually one of the first places that come to mind. For us, our favourite place to see great street art is actually a park, Underpass Park.
Revitalized in 2012 as part of revitalizing Toronto’s Waterfront and to prepare for the PanAm games. Underpass Park like the name says is located under the overpasses above. Each of the 50 columns that support the overpasses has each been beautifully and uniquely decorated by local street artists. The park also has several basketball courts, a skate park and a small playground.
Just a few steps away is another project from the Waterfront Toronto group, the Corktown Common. This beautiful park is actually built on a flood protection landform. The landform was constructed to protect the area from the flooding of the Don River.
The park’s paths meander around, up and down the parks many hills, revealing hidden areas and slides. At the highest point of the park, there is a pavilion, playground, splash pad and some of the best views of Toronto’s skyline.
Distillery District
One of Toronto’s favourite attractions, the Distillery District is the perfect place to bring your little ones. This historical area, built on the grounds of the old Gooderham and Worts Distillery. Since it covers 13 acres and offers several blocks of pedestrian-only walking space. It is the perfect place to let your toddler run around.
Wandering the old streets is a great thing to do with a toddler in Toronto. As you walk along the old cobbled stone walkways, surrounded by the old Victorian buildings. You will feel like you’ve been transported to a time long ago. Due to its great atmosphere, The Distillery hosts tons of great events all year long. There are farmers’ markets and busker festivals in the summer. As well as the light festival and Christmas Market in the winter.
The Distillery has tons of great options for places to get ice-cream and hot chocolate. Bergo Designs has an endless supply of unique nick nack’s and toys to explore. There are also lots of great classes available for aspiring artists. The Young Centre for the Performing Arts is home to the SoulPepper theatre company and holds shows regularly.
Marie Curtis Park
A recent discovery of ours, Marie Curtis has an interesting history with the city. Located at the western border of the city and at the mouth of the Etobicoke Creek, this area was once the home to many cottages. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel destroyed many of them. This led to the government’s expropriation of the remaining cottages. Which were then converted to a park, with built-in flood protection measures.
The park covers a large area on both sides of the Etobicoke Creek, providing tons of green space. Also as the park is located on Lake Ontario, the park has 2 public beaches. The beach on the eastern side is maintained and lifeguarded during the summer. Also the eastern half the park has a snack bar, wading pool, large playground and splash pad area.
Connecting the two halves is a section of the Waterfront Trail, with a beautifully maintained garden along the way. This makes Marie-Curtis, definitely a great place to spend the afternoon with your toddlers.
Brickworks
One of the most unique things to do with a toddler in Toronto. Evergreen Brickworks is built on the grounds of Canada’s pre-eminent brickwork factories. The bricks from these brickworks supplied to Toronto for over 100 years. Because of this, many of Toronto buildings, including Queen’s Park, Old City Hall and the ROM have been built using bricks from these brickworks.
In the mid-1980s the factory closed down. Then after decades of litigation, the city filled in and naturalized the adjacent quarry. Finally in 2010, with support from Evergreen, the factory and support buildings were converted to event spaces with cafés and restaurants. There is a Farmers’ Market Saturdays and Art Market Sunday during the summer. With tons of other great events hosted here all the time.
The Evergreen organization even hosts kid camps over March Break and Summer. Here they teach about the history of the area and how they are working to bring nature back. Also, the filled-in quarry is a great place to take a walk. There are beautiful boardwalks that allow you to cross the marsh quickly. While walking the paths, be sure to take the path all the way to the lookout. Here you can see great views of the city and the Bloor viaduct.
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