Looking for activities or wondering what to do in Etobicoke as a family? You’ve come to the right place.
I remember being a young mom of two little ones born within 18 months of each other, trying to figure out ways to occupy our time before the beloved nap times. If you live in Etobicoke, it’s an even harder struggle.
My friends who live further west, in communities like Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington, have a plethora of activity places because of how those cities were built. More attention was paid to ensuring new communities that were being built had within their plan a community facility focus.
On top of that, we are an older city. Our community centres are smaller and older than new ones being built “out west”, where they incorporate things like skate parks, splash pads, ice rinks, libraries, baseball diamonds all in one.
However, it’s not just community centres. Large-scale activity centres are everywhere in the cities west of Etobicoke. In South Etobicoke, industry was prioritized, which is why we have huge swaths of land north of the Alderwood and New Toronto communities, dedicated to factories, not play gyms.
But don’t fret! Being a mom in the community, you sniff out all the great spots, so here is my list of things to do in South Etobicoke as a Family:
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Best Parks in Etobicoke
Some of the best places to visit in Etobicoke are parks!
If you’re a kid in South Etobicoke, and you’ve run cross country, you KNOW Centennial Park. But….you also know it’s in need of a refresh.
Built in 1967, to commemorate our country’s “Centennial” year, it spans over 526 glorious acres! The good news is that a new master plan was introduced in 2021. The first phase of improvement projects includes an improved playground and new water play areas; hubs for soccer, baseball, and cricket that will include new fields and supporting facilities; a new skate trail with an updated chalet; and improvements to the existing trail network.
The recently announced update in July of 2025 states that construction on the baseball hub, volleyball and pickleball courts continues and that the fencing for the baseball diamonds is nearing completion. To be kept up to speed on monthly updates, follow the Centennial Park Master Plan Implementation – City of Toronto.
The biggest and best splash pad in Etobicoke is here, and if you’re lucky, you might get to splash in the waters of Lake Ontario at the same time (water quality is tested here regularly). Home to some outdoor beach volleyball courts, a pool, a bike trail, and picnic areas, you could spend a whole day here with the family.
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Sports Facilities in Etobicoke
Staying active as a family is a great way to spend time with your kids. Luckily, Etobicoke has lots of places to do exactly that.
Fairgrounds Public Racket Club
We all know how huge pickleball has become. We also know that our beloved malls and spaces are being sold off to the highest bidder to build condos. Luckily, QuadReal Property Group is redeveloping the 32-acre mall site and has decided to include pickleball courts among the mixed-use features.
For now, you can book some family time at their courts that require no membership or initiation fee. Not many places where you can get an hour of fun in this city for the price of $40/hour!
Located behind the Kia dealership on Queensway at East Mall, Kings Court is a multi-sports indoor court rental facility. Your kids may have attended summer camp here, but did you know you can rent out courts to improve your volleyball or basketball skills?
You’d be hard pressed to find a family that hasn’t graced this gym. Located off of Browns Line, this massive space is home to aspiring gymnasts, or a place to put your active kid. They run great programs on PA Days, March Break and other holiday breaks.
In 2022, Eurostep built its own training facility at 55 Horner Ave. in Etobicoke. This little basketball company that could has grown to give Etobicoke a state-of-the-art basketball training facility for all levels of basketball players. Outside of regular league play, they host special events, camps and more!
Festivals in Etobicoke
Etobicoke hosts all kinds of family-friendly events year-round – including a number of festivals.
Lakeshore Grilled Cheese Festival
Hosted by the Lakeshore Village BIA, the annual Grilled Cheese Festival takes place on Lakeshore Blvd West between Islington Avenue and Second Street. Typically occurs in the first week of June. Cast your vote for the best Grilled Cheese and cheer on your favourite!
Every Canada Day weekend, Rib Fest takes over Centennial Park! Stuff your face and enjoy carnival rides at everyone’s favourite Rib fest
Enjoy a large street festival with food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities the first weekend after Labour Day. This is considered the last hurrah of the summer, and where you will most definitely run into someone you know.
Enjoy the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean located at, you guessed it, Centennial Park! Typically hosted the first weekend after the August Long Weekend, this year it will be from August 8-10, 2025
Etobicoke Farmers Markets
Who doesn’t love a butter tart – combine shopping for the family and enjoy a sweet treat, or maybe catch a snake charmer at these locations in Etobicoke:
Searching for advice on buying a family home in Etobicoke? Check out these other blogs from my site!
Play Centres in Etobicoke
Etobicoke is home to a couple of play centres, which, on top of being a great family-friendly activity, are popular destinations for local birthday parties too.
One of the only kids’ indoor adventure places in all of South Etobicoke. Again, if you have a kid, you’ve probably attended a party here. Why wait for an invite? Grab your family and head out to this Etobicoke landmark where you can enjoy whirlyball, laser tag, virtual golf and more!
For the past 9 years, this has been Etobicoke’s place to jump in a ball pit and just…goof around! They have drop-in times every weekend if you need a place to go with the kids.
A Few Other Fun Things to Do With Family in Etobicoke
These are two really cool options that are a unique option for an evening activity with the family. Since they are bordered on this side of the Humber River, I can call them Etobicoke activities (IYKYK).
A Guided Glow in the Dark Paddle on the Humber River
Glide through the shimmering waters of the Humber River in our illuminated Voyageur Canoe. Our experienced guides will take you on a 1.5-hour tour of some of the coolest spots on the Humber! Hosted every two weeks beginning in July through to September 25. Advanced Tickets are required!
Music on the River: A Paddle-In Concert
Located on Toronto’s beautiful Humber River, embark on a scenic paddle of the meandering river before enjoying a 45-minute set from popular local Toronto artists! Runs from July to September, weather permitting.
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