The Whole World Is Our Playground: Donnybrook Park

On the rare days where we have had rain in the forecast for Toronto we still try to get out.  This park review is from a couple of weeks ago when we rushed out for a quick play to beat the incoming storms.

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail.com .

Park Name:

Donnybrook Park

Dundas and Montgomery (Just east of Islington)

Parking:

There is free street parking on Loyalist Road and Allanbrooke Drive (on either side of the park/parkette)

Theme of Park:

Classic playground in mini shady community based area. 

Ground Coverage:

The playground is surrounded by grass and has sand around the majority of the equipment.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This playground is great for little kids and is pretty much a toddler's paradise, with a big focus on smaller equipment for little kids.

Best Parts of the Park:

When your little ones are exploring the park there is a mini take a book, leave a book library located right beside the perfect reading bench.  A lot of buckets, shovels and other toys have been left for kids to play with, so this is a great, shade covered space to do some digging.

Lending Library

Downfalls:

This park is pretty small, and geared towards little ones.  Bigger kids will need to amp up their imaginations to avoid getting bored.  Molly utilize the base of the play structure as a pretend restaurant and spent most of her time serving pretend meals to patrons of the park.

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 3 out of 5.  The kids had a lot of fun, but were a little old for the space, but at ages 2-4 they would have been in heaven.  Daddy monster spent a lot of time chasing Jackie around, but it was a nice, quiet, and safe space to wear off some energy before the storm hit, on our drive home.  I would go back again with slightly younger kids or a ball to enjoy some other playground play.

To view my playground review of the playground with the boat (Vermont Square) click here.

To view my playground review of Pricefield Road Playground click here.

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The Whole World Is Our Playground: Christie Pitts Playground

The summer continues to be a scorcher, and I have to be honest, I'm one of those people who loves this kind of heat.  Especially when I can take some time with Molly and Jack to explore a local playground.  And at the end of the day we have air conditioning, time our outings for minimal heat exhaustion, and then there's always ice cream!

Approaching the park

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail.com .

Park Name:

Christie Pitts

Christie and Bloor

Parking:

There is cheap pay parking most of the week on Bloor, or it's also a very short walk from Christie Subway Station.

Theme of Park:

Classic playground sunken in the park, with ample green space for non-playground activities. 

Ground Coverage:

The playground is surrounded by grass and has sand around the majority of the equipment, with some of the newer equipment having wood chip ground coverage.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This playground is great for kids of all ages with a variety of climbers, swings and slides.  The playground also has an old school spinner which the kids played on for a little while.  From July to September there is a wading pool with lifeguards for those who really want to get wet.  Older kids can enjoy the "maze" painted into the floor of the wading pool and see if they can "find" their way out.

Best Parts of the Park:

There is some great shade cover here, particularly on hotter days.  A rare gem is how this park also has a clean (for a public washroom) available for day use.  Molly and Jack fell in love with the tall towered spider webbed climber here and spent a lot of time here.  When Jack climbed too high for his own comfort level an older (9ish year old) boy helped direct him down, which really helped build his confidence.  Kids playing here were happy to include each other, which was nice.

Climbing the green web at Christie Pitts 

Downfalls:

This park is busy and downtown.  We saw a toddler get trampled by someone playing Pokemon in the park and not paying attention to his surroundings, and there was some broken glass around the playground we needed to avoid.

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 4 out of 5.  The kids had so much fun and were thrilled when I told them that we'd be stopping at the Baskin Robbins right beside Christie Station on the way home.  An overall win with both kids playing really, really well, particularly when I was one parent watching two minions.  We'd go back again.

Splashing around Christie Pitts

To find 10 more free splash pads around the city to beat the heat click here

To read my review of High Park's new splash pad click here.


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The Whole World is Our Playground: Exploring Lithuania Park

I've been fortunate enough to have a lot of time to explore the city with the minions this summer and last week was no exception.  We've been driving by Lithuania park for years, often admiring the perfectly kid sized toboggan hill there, and even though it's summer time we decided to go check things out.

The secure (yet wobbly bridge)

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail,com .

Park Name:

Lithuania Park

155 Oakmount Road (Keele and Glenlake, just north of Bloor)

Parking:

This park has a lot of local street parking and is also just an eight minute walk away from Keele Subway Station according to Google Maps, but I think it's even a little bit closer.

Theme of Park:

Classic playground, with ample green space for non-playground activities. 

Ground Coverage:

The playground itself has a dirt ground covering and the surrounding area is quite grassy.

We're slowly growing confident little climbers!

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This playground is another one that is specifically geared to younger kids with one climber in particular dedicated to kids aged one to five.  There are some big kid swings, a see-saw and a variety of slides.  There is also so much space around in the valley (between the road and the playground equipment) for older kids to play a variety of sports. 

Best Parts of the Park:

This park itself has great shade coverage and has ample room to play away from the road.  It also has a basic wading pool that kids can enjoy on summer days.  The line of sight here for parents watching kids of various ages is fantastic and means lower stress for caregivers who want to enjoy some shade and a little coffee.  Molly liked the bridge and sandbox best while Jack (as usual) loved the wading pool.

An easy way to cool off on a hot day!

Downfalls:

This park is geared towards younger kids, but this can be easily remedied by bringing some sports equipment for older kids to play with on the ample sized lawn.  Part way through our play the local camp came by and took over the playground, and things got a little crowded.  There is nothing innovative or new here to play with, but not every park has to have a gimmick.

Molly frolicking in the field around the playground

Overall Rating:

I would rate this park a 3.5 out of 5.  It's local and would be a wonderful place to attend if I were better prepared with a picnic and a soccer ball or other games to play nearby.  I am going to have this location on the top of our list for tobogganing come winter 2016!

To find 10 more free splash pads around the city to beat the heat click here


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The Whole World is Our Playground: Wychwood Barns Playground Review

It was really hot outside this weekend and we wanted to take the kids out to a playground with a splash pad, so we decided to head to Christie and St. Clair to check out Wychwood Barns.

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail,com .

Park Name:

Wychwood Barns

76 Wychwood Ave, Toronto, ON M6G 4C6 (Christie and St. Clair)

Parking:

This park has a lot of local street parking and is also steps away from the 126 bus out of Christie Station or the St. Clair Streetcar line.

Theme of Park:

An artistic mix of urban agriculture and play in the city. 

Ground Coverage:

Primarily cement and sand with a sprinkling of trees and planters.

The canoe herb garden

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This playground is a toddler and preschoolers dream.  There are small structures and a splash pad that sprays (no wading pool).  There are swings, small climbers, and a big sandbox with a tap in the middle for making castles and mud pies, all without the worry of big kids taking over the equipment from the toddlers.

Best Parts of the Park:

This playground is clearly a big part of the local community.  On Saturdays parents can enjoy a farmer's market in addition to playing, this also makes snacking easy.  The connection to Artscapes has the area aspiring to be a cultural hub, so there art galleries open within Wychwood Barns, so people can take a break from play and check out an exhibit if they like.  The splash pad is great for little ones who want to run through the sprinkler gauntlet, operate a spray gun, and jump in puddles around the floor sprayers.  There is a washroom available for kid use.

Toddler sized play structure, ideal for tiny hands and feet

Downfalls:

There is very little shade cover.  The sandbox and one or two highly coveted benches are the only reprieve from the summer scorch, so bring your sunscreen and a hat. This park is really good for kids five and under, but older kids would get bored quickly, particularly if you attended on a day when there weren't the distractions of the farmers market.  

Ready, aim...

Overall Rating:

I would rate this park a 3 out of 5.  I'm glad we caught this playground this year, before Molly and Jack are too old to enjoy it, but I don't think I'd be back unless I was local or was also going with my primary activity centring around the farmer's market and/or to see an exhibit.  Don't get me wrong, if you're nearby and you have a little one who loves to splash and jump in puddles, this is a great spot for them to visit free from worry of the dangers of a wading pool!  The kids had a good time, Molly said her favourite part was building castles in the sand and Jack said the best part was spraying daddy with the splash pad water shooter/ laser. 

To find 10 more free splash pads around the city to beat the heat click here


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The Whole World is Our Playground: Corktown Common

Last weekend, on Mother's Day, we went out exploring a playground that has been on my "must see" list for quite some time now.

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me.

Park Name:

Corktown Common - East of Bayview Avenue and South of King Street

Parking:

 There is limited pay street parking that is free in some areas before 1pm on weekends.  The 504 King Street Car (River Street Stop will drop you off a short walk away from the park)

Looking for Kermit.

Theme of Park:

Urban wetland meets concrete jungle.

Ground Coverage:

Grass, sand and cement paths, wooden bridges and hard rubber (to protect little ones from falls)

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

There is some great equipment for kids of all ages here.  Older kids can enjoy the climbing equipment, big slides as well as some smaller bumped spaces for aspiring BMXers. 

 Jackie on the spinner in Underpass Park.

One of the smaller climbing structures in Underpass Park.

Best Parts of the Park:

This park has two playgrounds pretty much attached to each other.  Underpass Playground is literally under a cement bridge, with Corktown Common just a few hundred metres away.  This offers a variety of play and is a great use of space.  The wetlands area by Corktown Common houses many frogs, which Molly loved looking for.  In warmer months this park features a basic splash pad.

Downfalls:

The Underpass Playground is near to roadways...so keep an eye on your little ones while you are there.  The proper play area in Corktown Common is sand based, which makes it's accessibility factor incredibly low.  The limited shade cover at Corktown Common paired with metallic equipment could make for some rather heated experiences on sensitive skin. 

Heading from Underpass Park to Corktown Common

The big drop

Sandy Spinner

Overall Rating:

This is a great little retreat in a sea of condos.  The kids had a lot of fun despite the sun beating down on us.  Would definitely come back again to see the frogs with Molly and the slide with Jack.  3.5/5.

To read a review of my least favourite playground click here.

To read a review for another downtown playground gem that prides itself on accessibility click here.

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The Whole World Is Our Playground: Playground Review Pricefield Road Playground

I found this playground during an online search.  It showed up as a hidden treasure, so I thought it might be worth a drive downtown/uptown to explore with the minions.

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me.

Park Name:

Pricefield Road Playground

Parking:

 There is a decent amount of street parking beside the park.  The park is a five minute walk from Summerhill Subway Station.

Theme of Park:

Mini urban playground.

Ground Coverage:

 Wood Chips

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

 Most of the equipment is best suited for kids five and under.  There are some climbing structures that have a bit more height that held the interest of some of the older kids.  I did not see anyone over about seven years old playing at this park while we were there.

Best Parts of the Park:

The park is right next to a soccer field and a dog park, so it would be very easy to multi-task if you had older kids who liked soccer and/or a pet who needed a walk while the kids played.  The park also is right near a series of train lines, so if you have a kid who is big into trains this is an added bonus.  If you are interested in seeing trains I'd recommend avoiding a Sunday when there aren't as many running.  As a family that lives in the Junction with a house near the trains, this wasn't a "wow" factor for Molly or Jack.

Downfalls:

There was no equipment available that you couldn't find at almost any other playground.  There were also a couple of people who waked their dogs directly through the playground (even though they didn't have children with them) which could be scary and or dangerous to the children in the playground depending on the dog and the kid.

Overall Rating:

I rate this playground a 2.5/5.  There was nothing available at the playground that I couldn't get closer to home, if you were a local it may be a decent find, but I would never go out of my way to take the kids here again.  Molly and Jack weren't overly wowed by the park and Molly actually asked me if she could go home after about 45 minutes there.  

To read my review of Jamie Bell Adventure Playground click here

To read my review of Dufferin Grove Playground click here

To read my review of Neshama Playground click here

To read my review of Vermont Square Playground click here

Want Multiple Momstrosity updates on Facebook click here

The Whole World is Our Playground: Marie Curtis Park

This past weekend I was thrilled to find out that BlogTo linked to my review of Vermont Square Playground as a part of their Best Playgrounds in Toronto feature.  In reading the article I flagged a bunch of new (to us) parks and playgrounds to explore and review.  This past weekend we decided to try one of the playgrounds that didn't make the Best Playground list, but was mentioned in the comments as the best park missed. 

 

Again, If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me.

 

 

Park Name:

Marie Curtis Park, Toronto Ontario

Location:

#2 42nd Street (Farthest South West Corner of Toronto - Almost Mississauga)

 

 

 

Parking:

When we arrived there was no parking spaces left in the park, no Parking along 42nd (no parking zone), but some parking a decent hoof away on a side street.  This is also not a very public transit (TTC) friendly location.

Theme of Park:

The splash pad is themed with bright primary colours on the equipment, big bright Muskoka chairs and yellow umbrellas.  It's like a Canadianized Salvador Dali painting, complete with screaming children.*  The key piece of playground is like a giant spider web.

Ground Coverage:

Small wood chips for the actual playground, grass in the outer area and cemented around the wading pool.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

The park had great playground equipment for older kids with sparce choices for the little ones (three baby swings and one small structure for toddlers).   The big draw for the younger kids is the splash pad.  Our kids were on the regular play equipment for less than ten minutes before completely abandoning to enjoy the water works.   The play areas separated nicely, but probably a little too far to supervise multiple young children in both the splash pad and playground. The Splash Pad is open this year from June 28 - September 1st.  Most of the children in the splash pad were under four while those on the playground ranged from three to ten years old.

 

 

Jack Enjoying the splash pad.

 

Muskoka chairs and umbrellas

 

 

Molly and Dad with one pant leg rolled up, cause he's gangsta like that. 

Washrooms:

There were washrooms further along the path, away from the playground by the beach.

 

Downfalls:
The actual play equipment is for kids a little older than ours, and a lot of the older children were playing on the equipment meant for toddlers, blocking slides and climbers and their parents weren't supervising or stopping them from bogarting equipment for little ones who can't stand up for themselves.**  Also, the park isn't super accessible without a car and then when you get there parking is tough.

 

View from the pier.

 

Best Part of the Park:
The innovative splash pad (definitely a summer-time only visit for us until the kids get older) and the proximity to the lake.  There are board walked paths, a great beach, definitely a place to go for an afternoon and bring a picnic.
 

Overall Rating:
 I'd rate the entire playground area a 2.5/5 for kids under four years old, however if I were to rate the splash pad on it's own for summer time fun: 4/5

To read my review of Vine Avenue Playground click here

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*No melting clocks though.

**I may have given some parents the death stare for their eight year old son who wouldn't let Molly go down the toddler slide because he was climbing up it.  "Where are your parents?" has become code for, "Why are your parents letting you act like a giant douche at the park?"

The Whole World is Our Playground: Vermont Square Playground Review



Once the nice weather hit the city we began to explore local playgrounds with the minions.  It didn't take us long this spring to visit almost every park within walking distance of us.  While local parks are great on a regular basis, Chris and I wanted to mix it up a bit and get some new destinations and neighbourhoods to explore for our weekend play time with the kids.  As I started my research of some great parks in and around the city I realized how hard it is to find out what's out there and how appropriate it is for your kids (beyond the biggies like High Park and Toronto Island).  

Over the next several months I'll be providing reviews of parks in the GTA on a fairly regular basis based on some of the criteria we have.  If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to explore in your own area.  If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me.

Park Name: 

Vermont Square Playground, Toronto Ontario 

Location:

Palmerston Avenue, just south of Dupont between Christie Avenue and Bathurst Street

Parking:

Some Street Parking for free

Theme of Park:

It seems to be Ship themed, Ahoy!

Ground Coverage:

Sand within the actual playground, grass in the outer area.*

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

The park had great equipment for older and younger kids that was separated nicely so those who are less steady on their feet can play without being bowled over by older kids.  Play areas are still close enough together that a parent could easily supervise children of different ages in both sections of the playground.  There were both big kid and baby swings available.  In the summer months there is a splash pad.  Most of the children here while we played ranged from age two to eight.

 The Equipment for the older kids

 The toddler area

Washrooms:

Apparently there are washrooms, but I can't vouch for their cleanliness or availability.**

Special Features:

The play area had a tap in the sand box area to aid children in their pursuit of mud pies, sand castles and anything messy.  A few veteran parents had already equipped their offspring with rain boots and a change of clothes. 

This blue over sized top was a great way to spin Molly and Jack around.  They loved it, but toppled over if we went too fast.  A few other random kids jumped in to enjoy the free ride.

Downfalls:

With it being a city parkette we had to be more aware of the litter on the ground (i.e. broken bottles etc.) and Jack found a wine cork that he kept on trying to eat.

Best Sighting While There:



It appears this abandoned toy was vandalised, but Jack didn't mind cause he's punk rock like that.

Overall Rating:

4.5/5

To view a review of Vine Avenue Playground click here

To read my review of Jamie Bell Adventure Playground click here

To read my review of Dufferin Grove Playground click here

To read my review of Neshama Playground click here

Want Multiple Momstrosity updates on Facebook click here?

*You may be asking yourself, why is that important?  Molly does not like walking on sand much.  It makes her suspicious and slow on her feet.  While entertaining for us, sand coverage probably makes any playground about 20% less fun for her.  While she enjoyed this playground, she spent a lot of time on the grass around it.
**One of the only benefits of your children still being in diapers is the ability to avoid the stench of public washrooms.