Sometimes when compiling these lists, you need to call in the experts for advice. For a list about the best skateparks in Toronto and the surrounding areas for kids, the experts are Sam, 11, and his younger brother Finn, 9, both Toronto residents. The two boys think scooters are superior to skateboards, though after a bit of friendly trash talk, they give skaters some begrudging respect.
They also both have some strong opinions around which skate/scooter parks you should take you kids to this summer. And you know who else has some thoughts on which parks are worth your time? Their mom, Gill, who notices all those little but important details, like the presence of washrooms. Below, with Sam, Finn, and Gill’s help, we round up the best scooter and skateparks in Toronto and the surrounding areas for kids.
Skateparks in Toronto:
Ellesmere Skatepark
Ellesmere Skatepark
20 Canadian Rd, Scarborough, ON
This east-end park is Sam’s pick for Toronto’s best outdoor skate/scooter park due to its “good flow” and smart design. It contains tons of ramps and other “street” elements, which create the opportunity for impressive tricks. Ellesmere, which is Finn’s second-favourite spot, is also appropriate for all ages and skill levels.
Why parents will like it: This park is near a Costco as well as a community centre that in non-COVID times has washrooms. There’s also plenty of shade and other attractions nearby, including a playground and a basketball court.
Skateparks in Toronto:
Mississauga Iceland
Mississauga Iceland
715 Matheson Blvd E, Mississauga, ON
Finn’s favourite spot to scooter is packed with various features including a big bowl and three staircases. “You can get a bunch of speed,” Finn says, adding that this park is also great for doing tricks. He notes that there’s a gazebo, and sprinklers nearby for shade and cooling off.
Why parents will like it: There’s usually ample parking available and there are also plenty of other nearby amenities, including a playground, for non-skating/scootering family members. Washrooms are available inside the nearby ice rink, when it’s open.
Skateparks in Toronto:
Stan Wadlow
East York
Stan Wadlow Park, 888 Cosburn Ave, Toronto, ON
Sam’s second favourite skatepark in Toronto, “Has a really great bowl with two sections.” Its ramps are on the smaller side, but it still has plenty of elements to keep kids busy. And because it’s located in a family-packed neighbourhood, this is another great option for younger kids.
Why parents will like it: Stan Wadlow Park is also home to an outdoor pool, the perfect way to cool off after a busy few hours of skating or scootering (there’s also washrooms located over by the pool).
Skateparks in Toronto:
Ashbridges Bay
Ashbridges (Beach) Skate Park
1313 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON
This is another one of Finn’s favourite skateparks in Toronto because it is packed with so many cool elements including one very deep, kidney-shaped bowl. Sam notes that this park is more popular with skateboarders than scooter kids. It’s also frequently packed with younger kids though more advanced users also like it, including the youngest member of Canada’s first-ever Olympic skateboarding team. The downside? It’s short on shade and parking.
Why parents will like it: There’s a big play area nearby for kids who aren’t into skating/scootering, and it’s also located close to one of Toronto’s best beaches. Another key feature: A nearby McDonald’s that has cheap drinks and clean washrooms.
Skateparks in Toronto:
Wallace Emerson Park
Wallace Emerson Park
1260 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON
Unlike the other courses on this list, this choice isn’t a permanent skate park. Instead, come the warmer weather, Wallace Emerson Park’s double outdoor ice rinks are transformed into spaces Sam notes are ideal for skateboards. This temporary setup means that this park is missing some of the bigger elements, but it does have plenty of ramps, rails, and other “street” elements that should keep your kids busy. Outside of the rinks are two more sections: One meant for scooters and BMX bikes and then another, permanent course designed strictly for BMX bikes.
Why parents will like it: Adjacent to the Wallace Emerson Community Centre, in non-COVID times, this park has easy access to washrooms and water fountains. There’s also a reasonable amount of shade as well as a playground and a multipurpose field nearby.
Skateparks in Toronto:
Underpass Park
Underpass Park
29 Lower River Street, Toronto, ON
The most colourful park on this list gets a special “shout out” from Sam for its year-round availability. While it’s not one of the city’s more elaborate parks, it is fully covered. This means that it can be used even when it’s raining (and it also means plenty of shade).
Why parents will like it: This is the most transit-friendly of all of the parks on this list (in fact, it’s recommended that you leave the car at home due to limited parking). It’s also near all kinds of other amenities including Corktown Commons, which has washrooms and a splash pad.
Skateparks in Toronto:
Lake Wilcox Park
Lake Wilcox Park
Bayview Av, Bayview Park Ln, Richmond Hill, ON
Sam and Finn haven’t checked this spot out yet but it’s on their must-do list due to its stellar reputation with Toronto’s skater/scooter community. This large park is packed with features including a giant bowl. It’s particularly popular with families and is known as a kid- and beginner-friendly spot.
Why parents will like it: Lake Wilcox Park is so much more than just a skate park. This sprawling slice of greenery offers everything from play structures to beach volleyball. Just note that parking is paid.
Skateparks in Toronto:
Stanley Greene Park
Stanley Greene Park
38 Stanley Greene Blvd, Toronto, ON
This one wasn’t recommended by Sam or Finn but was mentioned to us as a great spot for little ones and newbies. The skate park is on the smaller side and, while there’s no big bowl, it does contain a variety of ramps, ledges, and other “street” elements that are ideal for kids looking to perfect their techniques.
Why parents will like it: Tucked away in Downsview Park, Stanley Greene is often quieter than some of the other spots on this list. It also features a really cool playground, a splash pad, and washrooms, thought a note dated June 15, 2021, on this park’s City of Toronto webpage states that Stanley Greene’s toilets are currently out-of-order.
Skateparks in Toronto:
Vanderhoof Park
Vanderhoof Park
60 Research Rd, Toronto, ON
Let’s wrap this list up with one of Toronto’s “legendary parks” (at least according to Session Atlas, the go-to website for all things skateparks). Vanderhoof is renowned for its big, deep bowl that is ideal for kids who love speed. While skateboarders of all ages and skill levels do use the bowl, note that it might be a better fit for more confident kids. In addition to its bowl, Vanderhoof is also home to a smaller “street” section that features elements that can be used by both new and experienced skaters and scooter
kids.
Why parents will like it: There’s a nearby playground and basketball courts, but the bigger appeal is likely this park’s proximity to a Tim Horton’s and all kinds of retail.
Tagged under: skateboard,skateboarding with kids,skateboarding,skateparks,skateparks in toronto
Category: attractions,outdoor-play,active
