If you have ever flown over to Toronto and looked over our city, you will have noticed how green and lush the city looks from above. A big reason our city looks so green from above is that Toronto has some great parks. We are fortunate that many of these parks are family-friendly. No matter what area of the city you live in, there is an option for you and the family to enjoy. We list the best family-friendly Toronto parks to make the decision clearer.
High Park
Many people call High Park the Central Park of Toronto. This western Toronto park boasts 400 acres, the second largest park in Toronto; only Centennial Park is larger (located in the city’s north end.) Grenadier Pond is a beautiful spot to pass the time. Sitting on the hill, looking at the Cherry Blossom trees and enjoying the kiddos running around is a great move. If it’s winter, grab a couple of sleds and some cross-country skis, there’s a lot of fun to be had. The High Park Zoo is an excellent spot for the kids to see several animals.
Dufferin Grove Park
We have a natural affinity for Dufferin Grove Park. This park has changed drastically for the better over the last twenty years. The Dufferin Grove community has banded together to create a Jane Jacob-inspired, inspired outdoor space. Free outdoor pizza oven, skating rink, skateboard park, soccer fields and weekly farmers market make The Duff a great park.
Sherwood Park
The best part about Sherwood Park is that it links Lawrence Park to the waterfront. Yes, you read that correctly. A swath of parks connects North Toronto to Toronto’s waterfront. You can ride your bikes with the family for miles. Tobogganing in the winter, soccer in the summer. This park is a great getaway to be explored. Side note, we grew up playing hide and seek in Sherwood Park and looking for frogs in the river!
Riverdale East & West Parks
Cabbagetown has a secret, Riverdale Park. Riverdale Park has a zoo; it’s awe-inspiring for the downtown kiddos. The zoo has the only barn in downtown Toronto. Pop down to the open fields, and you will see a pedestrian bridge over the Don Valley Parkway (DVP), take this, and you get a doubling of the park’s size. Riverdale Park East is fantastic and a popular spot for dinner picnics with the family – watching the sun crest over the downtown core is a sight to behold.
Best Green Space Neighbourhoods
Wychwood Park
Wychwood Park is found in Riverdale, tucked nicely south of The Danforth. Plenty of play areas, a dog park, soccer, hockey rink, and tennis courts. Grab some food from The Big Carrot and settle for a nice picnic as the kiddos run around.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Trinity Bellwoods Park is an excellent mix for families of all ages. Playground for the little ones, tennis for the older kids. Dog park for the pup. This is the hippest park in Toronto that also offers family options. You will see West Queen West and Ossington, who’s who enjoying a beverage with friends to hip families enjoying some downtime in the heart of the city.
Canary Park
Canary Park is the newest park on this list. Fittingly it is located in the Canary Park area, basically Corktown. This whole area was unused land for years. The Pan-Am games changed that. Developers created athlete housing that became condos after the games. The park was wisely designed to service those living in the condos but has also become a safe destination for nearby neighbourhoods.
