The Whole World Is Our Playground - Ravina Gardens

In order to prevent the kids from vegging out in front of TV 24-7 on summer days with me I try and get at least a little time with nature.  Another playground in our area has recently undergone renovation - and now has a brand new splash pad and wading pool, so I packed up the kids and Ted Theodore Logan (our dog) and walked over.

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 .

A small but sweet splashpad under shady cover

Park Name:

Ravina Gardens Park 290 Clendenan Avenue

In the West end of Toronto, an 11 minute walk from High Park Station

Parking:

There is some free parking on the side streets, just be wary of the school limited parking hours on weekdays, during the school year. 

Theme of Park:

Shady Oasis

Ground Coverage:

The playground has ample shade coverage and has soft wood chips to cushion any kid related falls, along with wide expanses of grass to play on.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

Most equipment is designed for younger kids (three to eight years old), with smaller, but interesting climbers.  The splash pad has both a wading pool and sprinkler style water play area (something nearly unheard of in Toronto nowadays) and is perfect for toddlers and little kids alike.  

Enjoying the spinner (not sure the formal thing for this equipment)

Best Parts of the Park:

This park has a variety of equipment under ample shade coverage and so many shaded seats for parents, kids, and picnics (including umbrellaed areas by the splashpad).  There are more benches than I've seen in any park of this size.  There is a station to fill up your water bottle and a Portopotty for kids who need to use the facilities.  The park features several swings, including a wheelchair accessible one, and a clubhouse style play structure.  If you sit near the centre of the park you can view children playing at both the splashpad and the climbers. Molly says her favourite part of the park was the spinner structure, where she and a few kids worked to spin around, while Jack loved the new splashpad, and the ease that he could run from the splashpad to the wading pool.

How Long My Kids Stayed to Play:

We were at the park for just over an hour and left because the kids were hungry for lunch. We could have stayed a lot longer, particularly if we'd brought some other toys to play with (or a picnic lunch). 

Downfalls:

A couple of bigger, more challenging play structures would be good to allow older kids to play with a challenge.  Because this park is on a side street it's not really near any food or convenience stores unless you're willing to walk at least ten minutes away.

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 3.5 out of 5, mostly because I think my kids are going to 'age out' of this park within a year or so (but man would I have loved this place had it been built a couple of years ago).  

Plenty of space for Ted & I to hang out while the kids 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: Grange Park Playground Review

We've managed to make our summer more about play and kid focused, which means I'll be posting a lot more content in the next few weeks.

One of our summer bucket list items was to explore at least three new parks.  When we heard about the brand spanking new Grange Park we just knew we had to check it out!

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:

Grange Park

In the heart of downtown Toronto, beside the Art Gallery of Ontario & OCAD
(Spanning the space between the intersections of Beverly Street & McCaul Street and Dundas Street and Queen Street)

Parking:

There is some pay parking available on the street, or you can walk over from St. Patrick Subway station or arrive via the Dundas or Queen Street car).

Theme of Park:

Innovative, artistic, modernly designed playground meant to inspire within the local art community.

Ground Coverage:

The playground has ample shade coverage and has soft wood chips to cushion any kid related falls.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

Most equipment is designed for kids between 5-12 years old, but younger kids were happy to toddle, slide, and swing with the assistance of their caregivers.

Best Parts of the Park:

This park was amazingly innovative and accessible.  Even the benches have spaces for a person in a wheelchair to enjoy a snack.  The slides were some of the highest I've seen in a long time.  Both Molly and Jack agreed that their favourite part was climbing the giant barrel structure.

Jackie Climbs

Downfalls:

The splash pad sprinkler system either isn't working yet, or wasn't activated the day that we were there.  This was a major disappointment to Jack who wants all of our summer playground outings to involve water.

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 4.5 out of 5.  The kids loved all the different structures to play on, and the shade of the trees was perfect for picnicking together.  There was a craft market very close by, so those attending on weekends may get to enjoy a little shopping with their 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: Playground Review Lora Hill Park

I can't believe it's been six months since we explored a new playground, and we couldn't wait for spring to come so we could start exploring again.  That's why we have visits to three new  on our seasonal bucket list.

We were headed to Oakville for some Easter Egg hunting with the cousins and grandparents and decided we should enjoy the weather and blow off some steam first.  Lora Hill was en route to the highway and had received solid online reviews from other people in the area so we decided to go and check it out.

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 .

Big slides at Lora Hill Park

Park Name:

Lora Hill Park

Islington and Norseman (36 Fernalroy Avenue)

Parking:

There is free street parking on the streets around the park, with more available on weekends.  The park is a 17 minute walk from Islington subway station.

Theme of Park:

Modern playground with something for people of any age. 

Ground Coverage:

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

The mini climber and slide designed for kids 18 months to 5 years old

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This playground caters to everyone.  Not only are there two different main play structure areas, one for little kids and one for bigger kids, but there is also a tennis court right beside the playground so older kids or adults with kids who are big enough to play more independently could take in a game while the little ones play.

Best Parts of the Park:

The set up of this park is great.  Everyone has been considered.  It is easy to supervise kids in multiple structures, even from the tennis courts which are excellently maintained.  There are trees all around to provide shade coverage in hot summer months.  There are covered areas for the sandboxes and some covered benches so a sprinkle of rain, or parent who wants a shady retreat can sit without a sunburn.  There are also some picnic benches.

Racing up "the mountain" to the big kid structure

Downfalls:

There are a number of abandoned toys in this park in bad repair.  Molly wanted to ride in a toy car, but two of its wheels were missing and it tipped over, this could be particularly dangerous for little ones who aren't going to watch for sharp edges on broken plastic etc.

Racing to the top of the triangle climber

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 4.5 out of 5.  Chris and I really want to go back to try a game of tennis while the kids play.  Molly's favourite item in the park was the triangle climber that we all raced up and down several times.  Jack loved the big slides.  I have to admit these are the tallest slides I've ever seen at a park, and they were pretty cool, aside from a bit of static.  We will definitely return!

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: 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.

To get access to the newest posts from Multiple Momstrosity and more on Facebook click here and follow today

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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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Welcome to the Jungle - An Indoor Playground Review - Kidsopolis

Even though we've had a warm winter so far, it's been damp.  We haven't been able to hit the hills for any tobogganing, skating or other outdoor winter activities.  We decided that it was time to check out an indoor playground and work off some energy.   I first heard about this place because of a promotion on Groupon, unfortunately they were all sold out of the deal for weekend play, but we decided we'd check it out anyway.

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 ideally some in Toronto proper (indoor or out or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me:

Playground Name:
Kidsopolis

Location:

Unit 15-16 407 Speers Road ,Oakville

Parking:

There is free parking in the lot.  This location is a five minute drive from the Oakville Go Station, or 30 minute walk.

Theme of Park:

Innovative, interactive and safe play for children of all ages.  The design of the playgrounds feels like it's come out of the imagination of Dr. Seuss.

Cost:

$12 for the first child, $10 for any additional siblings.  Two adults may accompany any one child. There are also multi-passes available for purchase.  Anyone who wants to visit between 6PM-8PM Monday to Thursday can take advantage of $6 admission.

 The Minions swinging on the hanging vines that look like candy gumdrops

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This playground's activities and play are geared towards kids aged 1-6, with the candy coloured Yu Kids Play Structures (all as pictured above) only available for use for kids under 48 inches tall.  The other section of the playground is available for kids of all ages and admission provides kids over 48 inches in height with two laser game tokens (Mission Impossible type game, avoid the lasers and enter the code into a keypad across the room.  I would've liked to have played myself).

Jack in the moving balloons fan room.

Best Part(s) of the Park:

This playground featured ideas I have seen no where else, ever.  The balloon room is a caged room at the top of a play structure with four fans blowing in from all angles, with the addition of a number of fairly durable balloons kids can chase, bump and actually feeling like they're catching bubbles.  Other unique items included a transparent jumping bubble where you can look down at kids below you and exit via an inflatable slide, and the hanging vines which slowly rotate. There was also a more traditional play structure/maze that has slides, tunnels, and interactive games.  The kids played happily for around two hours.  Basic snacks and drinks (think juice and granola bars) are available for sale at reasonable prices.  Molly said her favourite part was "absolutely everything" while Jack was crazy about the "bubble room".

Molly getting ready to take aim on target.

Downfalls:

I witnessed a "Dad Fight" (some dads getting into a very loud "discussion" over a pre-schooler bowling over a toddler in the playground) but it quickly quieted, and both parents left pretty shortly after.  Like any playground my issue generally stems from kids behaving badly and absent parents, although none of these things have anything to do with the playground itself.

Overall Rating:
I give this indoor playground five stars/a near perfect 5/5 score.  I base this on the satisfaction level of the kids in combination with the price paid.  This is a really neat place and I've never seen anything quite like it. Both kids have repeatedly asked if we can go back.  While I wish that Toronto had either some more indoor play options within the city or (even better) free indoor play structures for kids in colder weather, I know we need to usually head west to get to this type of facility and am thrilled this place exists just over a 30 minute drive away.

A part of the all ages play structure

To read my indoor playground review for Balls of Fun in Mississauga click here.

To read my indoor playground review for Lil Monkeys Playground in Burlington click here.


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Discover Me (And You'll Discover Love) - Children's Discovery Centre Review

While we've been very lucky this autumn in Toronto with many warm and sunny days there has been a certain bite in the air and it's starting to smell a bit like snow.  It's time for us to spend a little more time inside and explore some of the indoor activities options around the city over the next several months.  

My park/playground/activity 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/centres or activities ideally some in Toronto proper (indoor or out or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me at multiplemomstrosity@gmail.com

Playground Name: 

Children's Discovery Centre

Location: 

45 Strachan Avenue (Liberty Village)

Parking:

There is some street parking nearby and a few pay lots.  You can also take the King Streetcar to Strachan and walk three blocks south if you want to arrive by TTC.

Theme of Park:

Toronto's only Children's Museum with activities that have been designed by a team of early childhood development specialists to encourage play,and imagination.

Cost:

$13 per person (including parents or guardians). There is no cost for children under 12 months.  We funded this visit using birthday money from Molly and Jack's Great Grandmother, as this is beyond our usual budget for a weekend day outing.

 Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This discovery centre is specifically designed for children aged zero to six. There are physical activities or discovery zones including: bikes, scooters and a mini "construction" site in the Mini City and other rooms that highlight imagination.  Other areas include artistic space for painting and sculpting, the Boom Room to make a lot of noise and a number of other dress-up and imagination play activities including a camp site. 

Inside the Campground Room

Best Part(s) of the Park:

The variety of things to do for kids no matter what their interests are is amazing.  There is a kitchen where you can prepare or make-up your own food as well as some reasonably priced snacks available for sale at the front desk.  Molly particularly enjoyed the dress-up at the Make-Believe Station (that includes a stage) as well as painting and playing grocery store in the Eat Street Station.  Jack was a little overwhelmed with all of the choice of what to do, but eventually gravitated towards the Imagination Station (where you can build with foam blocks, tubes and shapes) the Boom Room (where you make loud noises and bang on stuff) and the giant Connect 4 game.  There is also a reading room where you can curl up in an imaginary house and read stories (we used the houses to play 3 little pigs (not sure we were as quiet as intended for the room).  There is also a Pet Vet Station where kids can play veterinarian to a variety of stuffed animals. During the day there are scheduled story and song times, although we did not participate in any during our time at the Discovery Centre.

 Giant Connect Four

 Jack building in the Imagination Station

Making Noise in the Boom Room

Downfalls:

This was not a cheap trip...I understand that this is a grassroots pilot project and that rent in Liberty Village isn't cheap, however the additional cost for guardians prohibits this as a regular destination for us. 

Overall Rating:

I rate this playground a 4/5 for creativity and ingenuity.  Molly and Jack had a really good time and have already asked when they can come back again, perhaps this is something we can do over the December break with some holiday spending money.  I will be keeping an eye out for coupons!  

Plan your visit before May 31 2016 when this pilot project comes to a halt!

Foam Noodle Curtain Exiting the Campground.

To Read my review of other indoor playgrounds in Mississauga click here.   If you have suggested playgrounds for me to review, please leave a comment.

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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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