Playgrounds are magical spaces where children can escape the indoors to run, climb, imagine, and explore. In Ontario, families are spoiled for choice when finding safe, fun, and engaging playgrounds. Many are open throughout the winter and perfect for alleviating that “cooped up” feeling.
Whether your child loves sliding down twisty slides, pretending to be an explorer on nature-inspired equipment, or simply enjoying a few runs down the local toboggan hill, there’s a playground for everyone.
Here, we highlight some of Ontario’s best kids’ playgrounds. We’ll cover it all, from playgrounds near Childventures locations to indoor play spaces perfect for chilly days. You’ll also find options for accessibility and unique attractions, ensuring every family can enjoy time together.
3 Kids’ Playgrounds Near Childventures Locations
If you’re a Childventures family or live near one of our centres, you’ll love these nearby playgrounds that offer fun and adventure close to home.
1. Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket
Located near our Childventures Newmarket centre, Fairy Lake Park is a family favourite. It features a large, well-equipped playground, open green spaces, and beautiful walking trails. Kids can climb, slide, and swing to their heart’s content while parents enjoy the scenic views.
Key features: Large play structures, picnic areas, and a picturesque lake.
2. Memorial Park, Hamilton
Just a short drive from Childventures Ancaster, Memorial Park offers an expansive playground with activities for all ages. The play area includes slides, climbing walls, and swings, surrounded by shaded picnic areas.
Key features: Multi-age play equipment, walking paths, and splash pad.
3. Earl Bales Park, North York
Earl Bales Park is a versatile outdoor destination for families near Childventures’ North York location. The park has walking trails and seasonal activities like tobogganing in winter and a large playground.
Key features: Inclusive play equipment, splash pad, and year-round activities.
3 Indoor Kids’ Playgrounds for the Coldest Days
Ontario winters can be frosty, but that doesn’t mean kids need to miss out on active play. Even in colder temperatures, it’s still important to ensure that children are playing outdoors. To compliment outdoor time, these indoor playgrounds in Ontario provide a safe, warm environment for kids to burn off energy.
1. Playcious, Vaughan
This bright, colourful play space features climbing walls, trampolines, and a soft play area perfect for toddlers. Playcious offers hours of indoor fun for kids of all ages.
Why it’s great: Clean, well-maintained, and designed for active play.
2. Kids Fun City, Toronto
Located near North York, Kids Fun City combines classic arcade games with soft play structures for younger children. This playground is perfect for rainy or snowy days.
Why it’s great: Various activities, including mini-golf and obstacle courses.
3. Adventure Village, Hamilton
While primarily known for its outdoor mini-golf, Adventure Village offers an indoor arcade and play area for cold days.
Why it’s great: A mix of fun games and cozy play options for little ones.
3 Nature-Inspired Kids’ Playgrounds
Childventures strongly believes that playing outside during the winter is so crucial for kids, and all it takes is a little bundling up to prepare for colder weather. For families who love the outdoors, nature-inspired playgrounds offer a unique way to connect with the environment while engaging in active play.
1. Harmony Valley Park, Oshawa
This nature-themed playground incorporates logs, rocks, and other natural elements. It’s perfect for kids who love exploring and climbing.
Unique features: Trails and open areas for unstructured play.
2. The Humber Arboretum, Toronto
This hidden gem combines nature trails with interactive play areas, teaching kids about the environment while they play.
Unique features: Hands-on nature activities and guided family programs.
3. LaSalle Park, Burlington
Close to Childventures Burlington, this park offers a nature-themed play structure surrounded by scenic views of Lake Ontario.
Unique features: Water play areas and natural climbing structures.
3 Accessible Playgrounds for Children
Every child deserves a chance to play, and Ontario is home to some fantastic, inclusive kids’ playgrounds that cater to children of all abilities.
1. Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan
The KidZ Zone playground is designed with accessibility in mind. The soft flooring and inclusive equipment make it a standout for children with diverse needs. The only downside is that you’ll have to wait for the park to open for the season in late spring.
2. Gage Park, Brampton
This inclusive playground offers wheelchair-accessible ramps and swings, ensuring every child can enjoy the experience.
3. Joanne’s House Park, Pickering
This park is a haven for inclusive play with sensory-friendly zones and equipment for all abilities.
3 Unique Attractions and Play Structures
Some of Ontario’s best kids’ playgrounds go beyond the basics, offering exciting attractions that make them destinations in their own right.
1. Toronto Island Park, Toronto
This iconic park has a whimsical playground featuring pirate ships, castles, and adventure towers. It’s a day-long destination with stunning views of Lake Ontario.
2. Dundas Driving Park, Dundas
Known for its large splash pad and modern play structures, this park is famous for summer outings.
3. Victoria Park, Kitchener
This park blends traditional playground features with interactive water play areas, perfect for families seeking variety.
How Childventures Supports Play and Active Learning
At Childventures, we believe physical activity is paramount and encourage an active lifestyle for children. Our programs integrate structured play into daily routines, helping young ones develop motor skills, creativity, and social skills.
Whether through guided activities or free play, we create an environment where children can grow while having fun. Want to see how we support active learning year-round? Schedule a tour of the nearest Childventures centre and learn how play-based learning is integrated into our programs.
