Every year, we count the minutes until summer arrives. When it finally does, the sweltering heat sometimes makes us wish for snow again. Fortunately for Toronto residents, the city offers many ways to escape the heat while enjoying fun times with your family. Whether you want to sneak away for a few minutes at one of the many splash pads (80 at last count) or head to the beach for an afternoon, you’ll find no shortage of places to cool off this year. Some of the more popular attractions may have a small fee, but there are many places nearby you can enjoy at no cost!
Let’s take a look at some of our favourite places to keep cool in Toronto’s West End.
Sunnyside Beach
Nothing will cool you off faster than the refreshing water of Lake Ontario! Sunnyside Beach is one of the best places to spend a hot summer afternoon. You’ll find everything you need at one of the many cafes, restaurants and shops along the Lakeshore. We love the Sunnyside Pavilion because it’s right on the beachfront, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cool drink or quick snack.
If you find the beach water too cold or too deep, you can always relax in the Sunnyside – Gus Rider pool in the same park. You’ve probably seen it while driving by the Lakeshore or on the Gardiner. It’s one of Toronto’s go-to destinations in the summertime, and you’ll often find plenty of children laughing as they plunge into the heated water.
The pool is open daily for leisure swims from 12:00 to 6:45. Best of all, the price is right! Admission is free at all outdoor Toronto pools all summer long. You’ll never need to suffer through another hot spell again!
Toronto is the place to be for all-season fun! Here are just a few other ideas you have to try:
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Toronto Island Beaches
When you have a day to spare, a visit to the beaches of the Toronto Islands is a must! You can catch the ferry at 11 Queen’s Quay. From there, you’re only 15 minutes away from the most beautiful beaches in Toronto, including Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island. You’ll find sandy shorelines supervised by lifeguards where your entire family can enjoy a refreshing swim. But there’s much more to enjoy during your visit, from playgrounds and picnic areas to ping pong tables and outdoor volleyball courts.
And of course, don’t forget about Centreville Amusement Park, which is the ultimate destination for young children. The Log Flume, Twirling Tea Cups, and Antique Carousel are just a few attractions to keep the young ones laughing all day long. If you have any energy left after a day of fun in the sun, be sure to check out the gorgeous hiking trails, especially Ward’s Island Boardwalk.
High Park Outdoor Pool
Located at 1873 Bloor St West, High Park Pool is minutes away whether you’re in High Park, Bloor West Village, Roncesvalles, Parkdale or Swansea. It’s the perfect place for a quick, refreshing swim for residents of all ages. Children and teens will love the giant, spiralling slide, and exercise enthusiasts have their own area for lane swimming. There’s even a separate wading pool where young children can cool off and safely splash around.
As spectacular as the pool is, there are many other things to see and do in the park. You’ll find picnic tables, walking and biking trails, a tennis court and even an off-leash dog park for the four-legged members of your family.
Leisure swims run every day from 12 – 6:45 pm, and plenty of parking is available.
Budapest Park
Budapest Park is located 6 minutes away from Roncevalles at 1574 Lakeshore Blvd West and is a spectacular getaway for families with young children. Whether you’ve got 15 minutes to spare or all afternoon, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy at this beautiful beachfront park. There’s a delightful playground, complete with toy dinosaurs to climb on and a wading pool to cool off in. Comfy Muskoka chairs provide an excellent place for the grown-ups to relax when you’re not dipping their toes into the water.
If you’re in the mood for a swim, Sunnyside Beach is a quick walk away along the boardwalk.
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Lakeshore Inflatable Waterpark
The largest inflatable waterpark in the province recently opened in Toronto, and it is epic! The young and young at heart can run, splash and bounce across trampolines, slides and obstacle courses. The highlight of the day is the Blob, a giant cushion that is nearly impossible to climb, but it’s loads of fun to try!
Located right on the shore of Ontario Place, Lakeshore Inflatable Waterpark is about a 15-minute drive away from Parkdale and is easily accessible by transit. Admission is $35, and the park is open from 11 to 6 every day. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable way to keep cool on a sweltering summer afternoon!
Are you searching for the perfect neighbourhood for your new home in West Toronto? You’ll find lots of information in our detailed community guides right here!
