Grange Park

Grange Park sits directly behind the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) at the intersection of Beverley and McCaul Streets, and it underwent a major renovation in 2017 that transformed it into one of downtown Toronto's best family parks. The park occupies the former grounds of The Grange, a Georgian manor that's now part of the AGO, giving the space a historical character you don't find in most city parks.

The playground is modern and well-designed, with equipment for multiple age groups. Younger kids gravitate toward the lower climbing structures and ground-level activities, while older children tackle the more challenging climbing walls and higher platforms. The playground surface is rubberized and the equipment is in excellent condition.

The seasonal splash pad is a major draw in summer. Water features are built into the park's design and operate during warm months, giving kids a place to cool off after playground time. On hot July and August days, the splash pad area gets crowded by early afternoon, so morning visits are ideal.

The Henry Moore sculpture "Large Two Forms" sits prominently in the park. While kids probably won't care about the art history, the massive bronze sculpture becomes a landmark they can orient around and often becomes part of their play (running around it, touching the smooth bronze surfaces).

The park has accessible, paved pathways that work well for strollers. Benches are plentiful, and the mature trees provide good shade coverage in summer. Public washrooms are available in the park, though quality can vary. The AGO building itself has better washroom facilities if you step inside.

The location is unbeatable for combining activities. The AGO is literally steps away (free admission for visitors under 25 and on Wednesday evenings for everyone). Chinatown and Kensington Market are a five-minute walk north for food. Queen Street West is one block south for shopping. This is a park you can build a full downtown day around.

The closest TTC station is St. Patrick on Line 1, about a 5-minute walk east. The 505 Dundas streetcar also runs nearby.