Our Little Secrets

We’re lucky that we live in a city filled with culture and diversity. With world-renowned institutions like the AGO, ROM, the Ontario Science Centre (the list goes on), our kids are never bored. Right?

OK, so maybe you just need to switch it up a bit and discover some of the secrets we have hidden in our city. We’re calling them our secret gardens and there are more of them around than you think. So pack a picnic, a good blanket and see for yourself.

The Toronto Botanical Gardens has always been a favourite of ours—there’s no secret there. But what is a secret are the programs for kids. Rain or shine, kids can participate in activities that both inspire and educate at the James Boyd Children’s Centre. And you can have a tiny bit of peace in the garden.

A downtown oasis in the city that needs to be seen is the Allan Gardens Conservatory. Teach your kids that a greenhouse isn’t a house that’s painted green and visit the numerous buildings that cover over 16,000 square feet filled with tropical plants and flowers, fish ponds, statues and special exhibits. 

Further downtown is a tiny nook of solitude in the Toronto Music Garden. It’s not huge, but there’s lots to explore in this artistic park filled with beautiful ornamental statues and a stage that faces the lake for musical performances. It’s also a great place to watch the planes fly in and out of the island airport. Very urban.

If you happen to be a bit further east (maybe visiting a beach or two), you won’t want to miss Rosetta McClain Gardens in Scarborough. Perched atop the cliffs, you’ll take in breathtaking views of Lake Ontario 60 metres below.

So park it with nature this summer. Outdoor ed is just as important as the cultural kind.

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