Playing Around
We’ll let YOU be the judge as to whether it’s worth the drive to Acton.
But what we can weigh in on is some playgrounds around town that we think are worth making a special trip to, even if they’re not in your own backyard so to speak.
So pack up the snacks, get the brood in the car and head out on your own playground discovery tour. There are some great spots out there to mix up your routine and sometimes, we find, a change is as good as a rest.
Sherwood Park
Why We Like It: Something about the name makes us think of Robin Hood and his band of merry thieves, and when you make your way down into the ravine, Toronto seems many miles away.
Don’t Miss: The wading pool with its giant water-spraying bulrushes and fish and the nature trails along the stream.
Good to Know: In July and August, Sherwood Park is full of summer campers so avoid weekdays from 9 to 3 pm or so for a more restful experience.
Getting There: Park at the entrance at the end of Sherwood Avenue or Stibbard Ave., south of Lawrence turning east off Mt Pleasant.
High Park
Why We Like It: Kids love the trackless train that travels along a nine-station circuit through the park from spring to autumn. We love it too as it allows us to cover a little more ground than we would on foot (Adults $4, children $2, children under 2 are free).
Don’t Miss: The 10,000 square foot playground, shaped like a castle, turrets and all, with its dedicated fenced-off area for smaller children (and parents’ peace of mind too) and the High Park Zoo on Deer Pen Road which dates back to 1890 when deer were kept in the park.
Good to Know: Cash only accepted for the train ticket so bring along a stash. For more scoop on the park, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/high-park/
Getting There: The High Park subway station is right by the main entrance and one of the trackless train stops. Remember that on Sundays and holidays the park can only be accessed by the Bloor Street entrance
Franklin Children’s Garden on Centre Island
Why We Like It: Much more ‘back to nature’ than most playgrounds, this magical place was inspired by Franklin and his friends adventures—with trails and ponds beautiful bronze sculptures and stunning perennial display for the grown-up gardeners to admire too, there’s lots to do here.
Don’t Miss: The watering can fountain and the treehouse.
Good to Know: If you make it to the top of the Unilever Snail Trail you’ll be at the highest point on the Toronto Islands. (At the top, handy binoculars let you view the full garden from there.)
Getting There: Since you’re awake anyway, we recommend you take an early ferry (they begin at 8:00 am and run every half hour over to the island to beat the crowds, enjoy the park and the come back after lunch. You’ll feel very savvy when you see the line-up that you avoided!
Pricefield Park
Why We Like It: Nestled in the heart of Rosedale (which makes for some good sight-seeing on the way), this urban park is our favourite for ‘one-stop shopping’. With free parking always available right next to the park, a full view of the (working) CP Rail train tracks and the Summerhill LCBO location—not to mention a Timothy’s a few minutes away on foot—it’s an urban enclave that makes going to the playground a very civilized experience.
Don’t Miss: About 40 trains come by every day. Stick around until you see one—it’s worth the wait to be that close to the real deal. Also the sandbox has a special digger kids can ride on—just like Bob the Builder!
Good to Know: There’s an open field next to the playground, great for soccer, which makes this a perfect park to for a group of all ages.
Getting There: From Yonge Street, turn right on Rowanwood, take the first left up to Pricefield and turn left again. For an aeriel view, click here.
Bloordale Park
Why We Like It: In actual fact, this playground isn’t much more than a slide and a few swings right now, but the local communities of Renforth, Neilson Park and Markland Wood are working hard to raise $80,000 by December 2007 to refurbish their park to make it a better place for the kids to get out and be active and we think that’s savvy.
Don’t Miss: Special fundraising events such as Spahhh Day for Moms on June 24 and a reading with author Robert Munch for the kids on July 6
Good to Know: Have an underused green space in you area? You can do this too. The Friends of Bloordale Park and all monies raised are transferred each year to the City of Toronto for the sole purpose of improving their park.
Stuck in the city this weekend? Here’s your passport to fun so get out and park it.
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Tested by Tess, age 6, Adam age 4 and Laine, age 3, Toronto |  |