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: Kew Gardens

After a long winter we've all been itching for warm sunshine and regular exploration of the great outdoors.  We were all very excited to get out for the first playground review of spring.

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:

Kew Gardens - 2075 Queen Street East

Parking:

 There is limited pay street parking and a few Green P parking lots within walking distance of the park (about $1.00 per half hour).  The 501 Queen Streetcar will also drop you off in front of the park.

Theme of Park:

Urban getaway by the lake (including wooden benches designed to look like canoes and a row wooden playhouses that look like miniature log cabins)





Canoe bench

Ground Coverage:

Large wood chips.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

There is some great equipment for kids aged three to around ten years old.

Best Parts of the Park:
The giant wooden castle structure was Molly's favourite part of the playground, offering a labyrinth for little ones to explore, but enough open space for parents to be able to monitor for safety from a distance and without helicoptering. The area around the playground has a public baseball diamond with bleachers, benches and shady trees (including a gazebo) and a beautiful public fountain.  This centrally located park is close to a variety of coffee and tea shops and a grocery store to stock last minute picnics.  The park also hosts a basic splash pad in the summer for those who want to cool off.


Molly checks out the fountains




Molly's "castle" on the beach.

Downfalls:
As parents of pre-schoolers, one of which has been potty trained for less than a month, I was unimpressed that the public washrooms were locked.  We had to wait in a lengthy line at a coffee shop, which isn't ideal with a three and a half year old who needs to go "NOW!!!".  There were some older kids who were not only bogarting the baby swings while other kids were waiting, but were also standing on the swings and setting a pretty bad example for safe play.

Overall Rating:

This is a great way to enjoy the "beach" area of Toronto with more shade coverage.  Would definitely come back again, maybe even this summer.  4.0/5.

Some more traditional equipment.

Dancing in the gazebo.

To read how I feel about Sherbourne Common Playground click here

To read my review of Neshama Playground click here.

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The Whole World is Our Playground: Lakefront Promenade Park

We wanted to go to a park with Chris's parents that was half way between their place in Mississauga and our place in the Junction that had a decent view, a picnic area and a splash pad.  My search led me to a parkland area that borders on Etobicoke/Mississauga called Lakefront Promenade 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.

Park Name:

Lakefront Promenade Park

Parking:

 There is quite a bit of parking inside the park near the splash pad, but it fills up quickly.  By the time we went home people were sharking for a spot.  You can take the Lakeshore street car west to Long Branch and hop on the 23 Bus to get there, but it's probably much easier to drive.

Theme of Park:

Get away by the lake.

Ground Coverage:

Mixed grass, concrete paths, astroturf, woodchips, and boardwalk.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

 This park has a climbing structure, slides and variety of nozzels and sprinklers in the splash pad area along with giant umbrellas for parents to supervise under.  There are also bike paths and a board walk along the lake for some exploring.  Most of the kids playing were between 6-8 years old.

Best Parts of the Park:

This park has a lot of different spots to picnic and explore.  There was a food truck and snack bars if you forget your picnic basket at home.  The walk along the lake was neat and we spotted a lot of boats, a kite, some ducks and a swan.

Downfalls:
 The set up of the park area  is not ideal when you have toddlers who wander, with a lake on one side and parking structures and roadways on the other. We were constantly on our toes - even with four adults.  Parents with kids aged four and over seemed significantly more relaxed.

Overall Rating:
I won't go back to this park until Jack can obey traffic laws and knows better then to throw himself into the lake.  This park would definitely score higher in the summer since the splash pad is the main attraction.  I'd rate it 3/5, but just because I couldn't relax...My rating may change in a couple of years - which will likely be how long it us until I venture another visit.

To read my review of Marie Curtis Splash Pad and Playground in Etobicoke click here


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The Whole World is Our Playground: Playground Review of Charles G. Williams Park

This Toronto playground was recommended via Torontoist in their Best Playgrounds feature so we decided to make it a part of a weekend visit to the shops and fruit markets in Roncesvalles Village.

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:

Charles G. Williams Park

Parking:

 There is a decent amount of paid street parking on Roncesvalles for $1.50 an hour.  The park is about a 15 minute walk away from Dundas West Subway Station. 

Theme of Park:

Traditional community playground.

Ground Coverage:

Sand.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

 This park is a toddlers paradise as most of the equipment is standard fare that is designed for children 4-5 and under.  Most climbing structures are fairly small and won't be daunting to little ones.

I have no idea why both of my children insisted on wearing coats on such a warm weekend.

Best Parts of the Park:

The park is fenced in and has a dedicated sand box for little ones to play in.  The absence of bigger kids and low to the ground monkey bars can help little ones build up their climbing confidence.  Jack hung from the climbing structures giggling maniacally for most of our visit.  An added bonus to parents and "snacky" children is that Sunny Joe's Cafe is situated directly opposite the playground. 

Downfalls:

 This park is a little aged and rough around the edges in terms of paint and wear and tear.  It doesn't have any innovative or accessible equipment either.  If you're looking for anything beyond standard fare, this park  probably is not for you.   

Overall Rating:

This is the first time Molly has had the confidence to tackle some of the bigger climbers without a helping hand.  It was great to be able to encourage her and hear her declare "I did it!" when she reached the top.  This is a great place for a break or a picnic with your little kids as a reward after enjoying some shopping in Roncesvalles village.  Rating 3.5/5.

Read my review of Jamie Bell Adventure Playground

Read my review of Pricefield Park

Read my review of Dufferin Grove Playground 

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