I wait all year for summer in Toronto, and somehow, once it finally arrives, it always feels too short. From June through September, I love getting outside with my little one and exploring the city’s parks, beaches, gardens, and waterfront paths.
Toronto has so many family-friendly spots that work beautifully for both kids and adults. If you are looking for fresh air, stroller-friendly walks, splash pads, beaches, or easy day trips, these are some of my favourite summer places to visit in Toronto.
Best Places In Toronto To Visit This Summer
#1 Toronto Island Park
Toronto Island Park is one of my favourite city getaways because it feels like a little vacation without leaving Toronto. It is only a short ferry ride from downtown, but once I arrive, the green space, car-free paths, and fresh air make the city feel far away.
I love that there are so many free things to enjoy on the island, including a splash pad, picnic areas, a children’s garden, a hedge maze, sandy beaches, and lots of space for kids to run around. It is an easy place to spend a full summer day.
There are also paid attractions if you want to add more to your visit, such as the amusement park for little ones around 3-7 years old, the petting zoo, paddle boat rentals, and bike rentals.
To get there, I take the ferry from downtown Toronto, which is part of the fun for kids. Ferry tickets are usually around $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 2-14, and the ticket gets you to the island and back.
My hot tip for the ferry: I always try to buy tickets online ahead of time so I can avoid standing in long lines under the hot summer sun. For more information, visit http://www.torontoisland.com/index.php.
#2 The Beaches
The Toronto Beaches are a great choice when I want a relaxed day by the water with kids. The area has a bike trail and a boardwalk close to the lake, which makes it especially nice for walking with a stroller.
Along the way, there are two playgrounds I like to keep in mind. One is in Ashbridges Bay Park near the parking lot, and the other is just after the public pool. Kids can play in the sand, enjoy the beach, or even take a dip in the lake. The water is usually cold, but on a hot day, that can feel refreshing.
I usually park near the beach or take the bus to Ashbridges Bay Park and then walk west. The boardwalk trail to the Leuty Lifeguard Station takes about 20 minutes, and then you can turn around and walk back.
My hot tip: from the parking lot, I like walking over to the splash pad in Woodbine Park. It is well worth adding to the trip, especially with little kids. The splash pad is located in front of 31 Northern Dancer Blvd.
#3 Rouge Park
Rouge Park is a Canadian National Park located right inside Toronto on the east side, and every time I visit, I am reminded how much nature we have within the city. The park has hiking trails for many types of families, with animals, birds, plants, ravines, and quiet green space all around.
When I walk there, it honestly does not feel like I am still in Toronto. It is a wonderful place when I want a real outdoor adventure without driving far from the city.
You can also join one of the guided walks, which can be a fun family activity. If you are hiking with a baby, I would plan to use a carrier instead of a stroller because the trails are not stroller-friendly.
There is no cost to enter the park, which is a big bonus. The only thing I watch for is parking, because spots near the beginning of the trails can be extremely limited. For more information about the park, visit https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/rouge, and for trail information, visit https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/index.
#4 Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Brick Works is an ecological campus at 550 Bayview Ave, between St.Clair and Bloor. I like it for a family day because there is a Children’s Garden, a cafe, a Garden Market, and plenty of space to walk around. There is no cost to visit the centre.
There are also a few walking trails that start from the campus and head north. I find the trails easy to walk, stroller-friendly, and very kid-friendly overall, which makes this a practical choice for babies, toddlers, and older kids. For more information, visit https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works.
#5 Toronto Waterfront
The Toronto Waterfront is one of my favourite places in the city during summer. On a warm day, I love starting at Harbourfront Centre and walking west along the water. There are boats, gardens, cafes, and plenty of places to stop, so the walk never feels boring.
Some of my favourite stops along the way include Ontario Square, Ann Tindal Park, HTO Park and its sunny area, and the Toronto Music Garden. You can easily spend hours exploring this stretch, especially if your child enjoys walking, watching boats, or taking breaks outdoors.
My hot tip: instead of driving, I like taking the subway and the Lakeshore streetcar. Then I can walk until everyone feels tired and simply hop back on the streetcar to head home.
#6 High Park
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, and it is packed with things to do. I go there for trails, lake views, picnic areas, the petting zoo, and one of the best playgrounds in Toronto. It is also home to the largest outdoor playground in Ontario.
There is a public outdoor pool and a splash pad, too, which makes High Park a strong summer pick. Because there is so much to explore, I think it works for a full day out, or even for repeat visits throughout the season.
My hot tip: the splash pad is only open when the outdoor pool is open to the public, so I always check the pool schedule before planning a visit with my LO. For more information about Toronto’s High Park, visit http://www.highparktoronto.com.
#7 Toronto Botanical Garden
Toronto Botanical Garden is one of my favourite outdoor spots for a baby or toddler day. The gardens are located at Leslie and Lawrence Ave, and you can get there on the TTC by taking a bus from Eglinton Station.
During the weekdays, I like visiting the gardens themselves. On weekends, the gardens are closed, but you can still enjoy a nature-filled walk, the flowers outside, and the ravine. It is also a lovely place for an outdoor picnic, and admission is free.
For more information about Toronto’s Botanical Garden, visit https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca.
These are some of my favourite summer spots in Toronto for families, but I know there are so many more gems around the city. If you have visited any of these places or have another favourite spot to recommend, I would love to hear about it in the comments.
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Inspired by this post on Toronto New Mom Blog.
