Eastward Ho!
Queen Street West has long been the mecca for cutting edge designs and a bit of grit in the T-dot (and it’s still very hip). But it’s time to point your wagons in the opposite direction (especially since you’re likely to own a wagon now) if you want to feel cool and keep those kids on your hip, hip. There are so many kid-friendly spots in Leslieville and we’ve put a go-to guide together for you.
Leslievillers consider a pretty long stretch of Queen Street as their ‘hood—stretching out between Broadview and Greenwood. There are lots of fantastic spots along that strip, but the best spots for young families start just after Carlaw and run east towards Leslie.
Baby on the Hip (969 Queen Street East)
Our tour starts with the sweet store that attracted us to Leslieville in the first place a few years back. Still full of amazing natural and organic fashions and gear for the newborn to two-year old set.
www.babyonthehip.ca
Nathalie-Roze & Co (1015 Queen Street East)
If you love recycling and you love fashion, it’s worth popping in to one of the neighbourhood mom’s favourite spots. Racks full of unique Canadian designs made from recycled, reclaimed or environmentally friendly materials. They have kids’ stuff too (we loved the recycled t-shirt onesies).
www.nathalie-roze.com
Good to know: If you are expecting, Nathalie-Roze will be launching its own maternity and new mom fashion line, which will be available starting on Mother’s Day.
Kid on the Hip (1142 Queen Street East)
The doors for this fantastic new find just opened on April 4. The newest venture by the owners of Baby on the Hip bill this store as “same eco-friendly focus, just older”. Targeted at kids from two to five, we loved the clothes and gear and the entire family really loved the play area at the back, where kids could test out some of the no-battery, imagination driven toys.
Tango Palace Coffee Company (1156 Queen Street East)
With perfect placement right next to our next stop (Leslie Grove Park), we had one of the best lattes ever at Tango Palace. Moodily decorated but undeniably kid-friendly, we suggest you stop in for some fuel before you take the kids to have some outdoor play time. If the kids need some calories, there are tons of fantastic baked goods to choose from, too!
Leslie Grove Park (1158 Queen St East)
This is a sweet little neighbourhood park with a great play structure and lots of swings. A great break from the retail tour of Leslieville, especially with a hot latte in hand!
Timmie Doggie Outfitters (1178 Queen Street East)
If you are trekking through Leslieville with your kids and your dog, Timmie Doggie Outfitters is a must stop spot. Great and fashionable gear, but we especially loved the cookie selection from Toronto’s Big Dog Bakery. A great treat after a long walk!
www.timmie.ca
It’s a great, not too long, walk on a sunny day. Just remember that many of the stores don’t open until noon on Sunday, so it’s best kept as an afternoon trek!
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Tested by Martha C., Toronto |  |