Best Outdoor Activities For Kids in Toronto

Toronto is a bustling metropolis with plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors. From parks to hiking trails, and water activities to outdoor sports, this city offers many activities for kids to enjoy. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Toronto’s vibrant outdoor scene.

In this blog post, we explore some of the best outdoor activities for kids in Toronto. We’ll explore the city’s top parks and trails as well as water-based recreational activities like canoeing and paddleboarding. For animal lovers, we also highlight some of the best petting zoos and farms in the area. Plus, we cover some of the best outdoor sports activities for kids in Toronto. So if you’re looking for some family-friendly outdoor fun in Toronto, keep reading!

Parks

With more than 1,500 parks in Toronto, it’s easy to find a great outdoor space for your kids to play. Some of the popular parks in Toronto are:

• High Park:

This 400-acre park is one of Toronto’s largest and most popular parks. There are playgrounds, hiking trails, a zoo, a splash pad, and more.

• Riverdale Park:

Located in the east end of Toronto, Riverdale Park is a great place for a picnic or some fun. There is also a large playground and beautiful views of the city.

• Trinity Bellwoods Park:

Located in downtown Toronto, Trinity Bellwoods Park is a great place to go for a picnic or some fun. There is also a large playground and dog park.

• Withrow Park:

Withrow Park is a great place to go for a walk or play. There is also a large playground and swimming pool in summer.

Playgrounds

Toronto has some of the best playgrounds in Canada, with options for kids of all ages. Here are some of the best places in Toronto:

• Dufferin Grove Park Playground:

This playground is located in the west end of Toronto and has a variety of bounce houses, swings, and slides.

• Kids Fun City Playground:

This indoor playground is located in North York and has a variety of play equipment including a ball pit, slides, and climbing walls.

• Cedarvale Park Playground:

This playground is located in downtown Toronto and has a variety of attractions including swings, slides and bounce houses.

• Castle Playground:

This playground is located in High Park and has a medieval-themed playground including a castle and a dragon.

Hiking Trails

Toronto is home to some great hiking trails that are perfect for families. Here are some of the best hikes in Toronto:

• Don Valley Trail:

This trail runs alongside the Don River and is a great place to go for a walk or bike ride. There are also some amazing views of the city.

• Bluffer’s Park Trail:

This trail is located in Scarborough and offers some beautiful views of Lake Ontario. It is also a great place for hiking or biking.

• Tommy Thompson Park Trail:

This trail is located on a man-made peninsula on Lake Ontario and offers some beautiful views of the city. It is also a good place for bird watching.

• Rouge Park Road:

This road is located in the east end of Toronto and is home to one of the largest urban parks in North America. There are a variety of hiking trails and beautiful views of the Red River.

Water Activities

Toronto is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, making it a great place to enjoy water activities. Here are some of the best water activities for kids in Toronto:

• Boating and Kayaking:

Boating and kayaking are great ways to explore Toronto’s waterways. There are several rental companies that offer canoes and kayaks for rent, including Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre, The Complete Paddler, and Toronto Adventures.

• Swimming:

Toronto has several public beaches where you can swim on Lake Ontario, including Woodbine Beach, Cherry Beach, and Hanlon’s Point Beach. There are also many outdoor pools throughout the city.

• Paddleboarding:

Paddleboarding has become a popular water activity in Toronto in recent years. You can rent paddle boards from several rental companies, including Toronto Island SUP and Beach Toys.

• Cruising:

Cruising is a great way to see a city in a different light. There are several cruise lines that offer tours of Toronto Harbor and Toronto Islands, including Mariposa Cruises and Toronto Harbor Tours.

Farms and Petting Zoos

If your kids love animals, Toronto has several farms and petting zoos where they can get up close and personal with some furry friends. Here are some of the best baby gardens and zoos in Toronto:

• Riverdale Farm:

Located in the heart of the city, Riverdale Farm is a working farm open to the public. Kids can see cows, horses, pigs, and more.

• Far Enough Farm:

Located on Toronto’s Center Island, Far Enough Farm is home to a variety of farm animals, including cattle, sheep and goats.

• High Park Zoo:

The High Park Zoo is located in High Park and houses a variety of animals, including llamas, bison, and reindeer.

• Pingle Farm Market:

Located in nearby Pickering, the Pingle Farm Market features a petting zoo, corn maze, and other fun activities for kids.

Outdoor Sports

Toronto has an abundance of outdoor sports and attractions that are perfect for sports-loving kids. Here are some of the best outdoor games for kids in Toronto:

• Baseball:

Toronto is home to the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as several youth baseball leagues, including the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball League.

• Soccer:

Toronto has several youth soccer leagues, including the Toronto Youth Soccer League and the North Toronto Soccer Club.

• Skateboarding:

Toronto has several skate parks located throughout the city, including Ashbridges Bay Skatepark and Etobicoke Skatepark.

• Tennis:

Toronto has several outdoor tennis courts that are free to use, including those at Riverdale Park and Stanley Park.

Conclusion

Toronto is a great city for kids, with plenty of outdoor activities to keep them entertained year-round. Whether you’re looking for a park to play in, a hiking trail to explore, or a fun activity to do in the water, there’s something for everyone in Toronto. We hope this guide to the best outdoor activities for kids in Toronto has given you some great ideas for your next family adventure.