Cruel Summer - 10 Free Splash Pad and Wading Pool Options in the GTA

There have been a number of heat warnings issued in the city of Toronto over the past few weeks and the toasty weather is going to stick around for at least a few more days. While we can retreat into the air conditioning to keep us cool in the evenings or night, summer is still summer and we want to make sure that we enjoy the great outdoors while the sun is still shining.  There is plenty of time in the winter to hibernate.

Why not slather on some sun screen and take the family to a splash pad or wading pool!  Below are 10 great free parks that feature splash pads and wading pools, organized by area.  The links will take you to more detailed reviews of each.  Splash pads in Toronto are open from 9AM-8:30PM daily until September 20th.

Jack enjoying the splash pad at Marie Curtis Playground.

Uptown

Yonge and Davisville - Neshama Playground - Innovative park and splash pad that is completely accessible.

Yonge and Eglinton - Sherwood Park - Great park with small splash pad.

Downtown Toronto

Bathurst Street South - Little Norway Playground - cool lion slide and splash pad (aka "hot mom park")

Dupont and Bathurst - Vermont Square Playground - playground features a splash pad and a sandbox with a tap to make mud pies.

Etobicoke/Mississauga

South West Toronto/ Mississauga Border - Marie Curtis Park  - Extensive Splash Pad with Muskoka Chairs for caregivers to watch and giant sun umbrellas for some shady coverage.

Central/West Toronto

Dufferin and Bloor - Dufferin Grove - Well shaded park that includes a splash pad.

Junction - Vine Avenue Playground - Basic but functional wading pool to cool off, although often busy.

Junction Triangle - Perth Square Park - Hidden Gem, with a splash pad. 

West of the City 

Mississauga/Oakville border splash pad that includes rainbows and giant sun umbrellas visit Lakefront Promenade Playground. 

Brampton - For a splash pad, trains and so much more visit Chinguacousy Park.

Stay Cool...

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The Whole World is Our Playground: Review Little Norway Playground

I first saw this park in BlogTo's Best Playgrounds in Toronto Edition last summer.  We decided to explore it with the minions this weekend to see what the fuss was about.

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:

Little Norway Park

Parking:

 There is a little bit of parking on Stadium Road near the park, but while we were there people who didn`t obey the signs were ticketed.  This park is a three minute walk from the Fleet Street Stop on the Bathurst Streetcar line.

Theme of Park:

Little retreat in the big city.

Ground Coverage:

Mixed coverage of sand, concrete and grass.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

 This park has a couple of unusual features (Lion Slide and Tunnel) and spider web climber as well as a very basic wading pool.  Most of the kids playing here were six and under.

Best Parts of the Park:

If you want to check out some neat sculptures and a city view this is a great park to relax and enjoy the view.  It's well hidden with some decent shade covering on a hot and steamy day.  For kids who are obsessed with planes you can see a lot of take-offs and landings because of the close proximity to Billy Bishop Airport.  The people-watching at this park is unparallelled: If you've ever wanted to know where "the beautiful people" go to hang out, Little Norway Park is the answer: from the fitness buffs doing boot camps, to hot moms, to those sunbathing, there is a lot to see.

Downfalls:

 After exploring some of the neat sculptures, the slide and a once over all of the playground equipment, the kids got bored. Some other patron took a deuce in the wading pool they had to shut it down for half an hour while they chlorinated (it wasn't my kids, I checked.  No seriously, I checked). That's when we knew it was time to go home.

Overall Rating:

This people-watching paradise is something that is worth going to at least once to check out the scenery and relax - Chris now refers to it as "Hot Mom Park".  If you live in the area, find yourself nearby or are waiting for a flight from Billy Bishop it may become more of a regular retreat.   Rating 3.5/5.

To read my review of Marie Curtis Playground click here

To read my review of Dufferin Grove Playground click here

To read my review of Vermont Square Playground click here

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