Kew Gardens Toronto
Kew Gardens Toronto: A vibrant park with tennis, a baseball diamond, wading pool, ice rink, and a historic bandstand.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful strolls
Kew Gardens Toronto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kew Gardens Toronto: A vibrant park with tennis, a baseball diamond, wading pool, ice rink, and a historic bandstand.
"A versatile park offering fun for all ages, from playgrounds to sports and seasonal delights."
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Beat the rush by arriving right at opening, especially on weekends or during events.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so pack comfy shoes for exploring the grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Bandstand
Central Park Area
A charming Victorian-era bandstand, perfect for photos and imagining past performances. A true gem!
Tennis Courts
North-East Section
Well-maintained courts offering a chance for a friendly match or just to watch the action.
Wading Pool & Ice Rink
South-West Area
A seasonal delight! Cool off in the wading pool during summer or skate on the ice rink in winter.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Kew Gardens
Getting Around Kew Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Beat the rush by arriving right at opening, especially on weekends or during events.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so pack comfy shoes for exploring the grounds.
Do you have any tips for Kew gardens?
First day activity. Kew too much?
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Grab sandwiches from a local shop for a delightful picnic in the park.
🚗 Parking Strategy
If driving, consider parking in Richmond and walking to avoid closer lot congestion.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Beat the rush by arriving right at opening, especially on weekends or during events.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so pack comfy shoes for exploring the grounds.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Grab sandwiches from a local shop for a delightful picnic in the park.
🚗 Parking Strategy
If driving, consider parking in Richmond and walking to avoid closer lot congestion.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kew Gardens has a great play area, perfect for keeping children entertained.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kew Gardens Toronto is widely appreciated as a versatile public park offering a range of recreational activities and natural beauty throughout the year. Visitors praise its family-friendly amenities, including a great playground and seasonal attractions like the wading pool and ice rink. While generally well-maintained, some visitors note that parking can be challenging during peak times.
"I used to visit Kew Gardens way back in the late 80s and early 90s when I was young when we'd come to the Beaches to visit family. I played in the plunge pool, on the playground structures, and ran around the large open spaces. It's lovely to see that it's still very much the same 30 years on and that this generation can enjoy it as I did back in the day. Now, I can further enjoy the large mature trees and the small Grove of Dawn Redwoods in the southeast corner. Well worth wandering through the Gardens if one finds themself in the Beaches."
Nicholas Wightman
"Absolutely love this park. The playground is awesome with a wooden castle the kid can climb on, some little boats and little houses.
There is also a wading pool opened in summer.
Once done with the playground you can enjoy the park with a lot of green areas, perfect for a picnic in the shade. They also have basketball fields.
You can go and enjoy a walk by the lake once done with this park."
Lisa M.
"Kew Gardens is my favourite public park in Toronto. It's a rustic, vast and beautiful enclave of greenery, picnic chalets, little forest paths, tennis courts and hockey arenas, a big baseball court, and many more. There is also a large playground and a mini water park with water toys where children can play and enjoy themselves.
One may find themselves shifting from a sunny flower garden to a wooden bridge path surrounded on both sides by imposing trees providing a pleasant shade. There is much to see here and time feels as if at a standstill. The sheer size of the trees and the century-old library right next to this park often makes me reflect on the history of this place, where children played and laughed a hundred years ago in this park that likely changed very little in that time. A perfect place for a picnic or an adventure of exploration, Kew Gardens will be an instant favourite once you spend enough time here!"
Thomas S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kew Gardens Toronto is accessible by public transport. Several TTC bus routes service the area. If driving, there are parking lots available, though they can fill up quickly during peak times.
Yes, there are parking facilities available. However, it's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or during special events, as parking can become limited.
Depending on your starting point in Toronto, walking might be an option. For those coming from Richmond, a pleasant 15-20 minute walk is suggested as an alternative to driving.
For events like 'Doors Open Toronto', public transit is often the most convenient way to reach Kew Gardens and avoid parking hassles.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, parks in Toronto typically offer bike racks. It's a good option for eco-friendly travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kew Gardens Toronto is a public park, and general admission is typically free. Special events might have separate ticketing requirements.
As a public park, Kew Gardens generally has open access. However, specific facilities like the wading pool or ice rink operate on seasonal schedules.
No, entry to Kew Gardens Toronto itself is free. It's a public park for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, Kew Gardens is open year-round, offering different experiences in each season, from summer wading to winter ice skating.
Kew Gardens is a popular venue for weddings, with its beautiful scenery providing a picturesque backdrop. Inquiries for wedding bookings should be directed to the appropriate city department. [^SEO keyword: kew gardens toronto wedding]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kew Gardens features tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a wading pool in summer, an ice rink in winter, and a historic bandstand. It's a versatile park for recreation and relaxation.
Absolutely! Kew Gardens has a well-regarded children's play area that's a big hit with families.
Yes, Kew Gardens has tennis courts available for public use. It's advisable to check for any reservation policies or peak usage times.
During winter, Kew Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice rink for skating.
Yes, Kew Gardens offers pleasant walking paths, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the park's ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might not be extensive dining facilities within the park itself, one of the restaurants is conveniently located near the kids' play area.
Definitely! Kew Gardens is a perfect spot for a picnic. Many visitors bring their own food and enjoy it on the lawns or at designated picnic areas.
You can find various food options in the surrounding neighborhoods. Grabbing sandwiches from a local shop like Marks & Spencer for a picnic is a popular choice.
Yes, the area around Kew Gardens has several cafes and restaurants. It's easy to find a bite to eat before or after your visit.
Bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is generally permitted in public parks like Kew Gardens. Remember to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic bandstand offers a picturesque backdrop, and the park's diverse flora and seasonal changes provide numerous beautiful photo opportunities throughout the year.
Yes, Kew Gardens is a very popular and beautiful location for wedding photography, offering a range of scenic spots. [^SEO keyword: kew gardens toronto wedding]
Regulations regarding drone usage in city parks can vary. It's best to check with the Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation department for current bylaws.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – often provide the most flattering light for photography in the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
👟 Active Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Kew Gardens Toronto: A Seasonal Guide
As autumn arrives, the park dons a spectacular display of fall colors, creating a picturesque setting for photographers and nature lovers. The crisp air is perfect for exploring the walking paths. Winter transforms Kew Gardens into a serene, snowy landscape. The highlight of the season is the ice rink, offering a classic winter activity for visitors of all ages. The bandstand, though quiet, retains its historical charm against the winter backdrop.
Whether you're seeking outdoor recreation, a peaceful retreat, or a picturesque backdrop for photos, Kew Gardens Toronto provides a unique experience no matter when you visit. Its accessibility and free entry make it a beloved community space.
Family Fun at Kew Gardens Toronto
Beyond the playground, the park's seasonal offerings add to its family appeal. During warmer months, the wading pool is a refreshing oasis for younger children. In winter, the ice rink provides a fun-filled activity for the whole family to enjoy together. The open green spaces are also perfect for impromptu games of catch or simply letting kids burn off energy.
For a complete family outing, consider packing a picnic. Grabbing some sandwiches and snacks from a local shop and enjoying them on the grass is a budget-friendly and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. The park's relaxed atmosphere and diverse attractions ensure a memorable visit for families with children of all ages.
Kew Gardens Toronto: A Photographer's Paradise
The park's natural beauty evolves throughout the year, providing diverse photographic subjects. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and blooming flowers, ideal for capturing vibrant nature shots. Autumn paints the landscape with rich, warm hues, creating a dramatic and colorful backdrop. Even in winter, the snow-covered grounds and frosted trees can yield beautiful, serene images.
Beyond the iconic bandstand and seasonal foliage, the park's open spaces, sports facilities, and pathways offer dynamic compositions. The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset are particularly recommended for their soft, flattering light, enhancing the park's natural charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit