Roundhouse Park

Roundhouse Park sits just south of the CN Tower in Toronto's downtown rail corridor, built on the site of a historic railway roundhouse. The park combines a playground, restored vintage trains, and a seasonal miniature steam train ride into a free outdoor experience that train-loving kids go wild for.

The miniature steam train is the star attraction. Run by the Toronto Railway Historical Association on weekends and holidays (typically May through October), this working steam locomotive pulls passengers on a small-gauge track that loops through the park. The ride lasts just a few minutes but for train-obsessed kids ages 2-8, it's genuinely magical. Tickets are a few dollars each.

Around the park, full-size vintage locomotives, rail cars, and a turntable are on permanent display. Kids can examine these up close and, in some cases, climb onto platforms for a better look. The Toronto Railway Museum (a separate attraction inside the park) offers additional indoor exhibits for a small admission fee.

The playground in Roundhouse Park has equipment with subtle railway themes and is suitable for toddlers through about age 10. The surface is rubberized and the equipment is in good condition. Benches surround the play area for parents.

The park's location between the CN Tower and Rogers Centre puts it in the middle of Toronto's tourist district. After playing in the park, families can walk to the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, or the Harbourfront waterfront — all within a 10-minute walk.

There are no washrooms directly in the park, but the Steam Whistle Brewery building (the former roundhouse) has public facilities. Food options in the surrounding area are plentiful, including the Steam Whistle beer garden which has a family-friendly patio.

The park is fully accessible by stroller. Union Station is a 5-minute walk via the PATH system.