Guild Park & Gardens — Kid-friendly Outdoor Play in Toronto, Ontario
- Ages all ages
- Outdoor
Guild Park & Gardens offers a beautiful outdoor escape with unique sculptures and natural beauty, perfect for a family stroll or a picnic.
What to expect
This expansive park features a variety of outdoor sculptures set amidst gardens and walking trails, providing a visually stimulating environment for all ages. While primarily an outdoor space, it offers ample room for children to explore and enjoy nature. Be prepared for an outdoor experience as there are no indoor facilities.
Best for
Ideal for families looking for a free, open-air activity to enjoy sculptures and nature walks.
What parents say
Hunter Hunter
2024-10-18
Guild Park & Gardens is part of the Scarborough bluffs (though many of the paths are now closed due to it being unsafe) and has architectural pieces of Toronto’s history. Its an Outdoor Museum, free! There is an Arts Centre here where there are workshops, and art displays for local artists. There is also a wedding and party venue. I wish there was better signage showing each of the pieces, the before and after, and the history. Its not always clear what building each piece is from and it would help the experience. The most intriguing part is the remnants of Toronto buildings salvaged, reconstructed, and preserved by the Clarks from the 40s onwards: The Bank of Toronto, the old Globe and Mail headquarters that stood at King and York streets, the Toronto Fire Department's 19th century Engine House No. 2, the iconic Greek Theatre that is composed of eight Corinthian columns salvaged from the 1912 Bank of Toronto, the Inn’s entrance gates off Kingston Road were formerly the entrance to the Stanley Barracks at Exhibition Place, parts of the tallest building in the British Empire in 1896 the Temple Building was considered Toronto’s first skyscraper. These two recognized the sculptural value of Toronto’s disappearing nineteenth and early-twentieth century architecture and collected them. Now, these pieces are part of the City of Toronto park. You can find them closest to the parking lot near the banquet hall. The boardwalks behind the Arts Centre lead to the street and school near by and are a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. Clearly, the City and Community put a lot of money into the upkeep as rocks are painted orange if they are sticking up out of the ground (this neighbourhood is also “high end”). Some history: Philanthropists Rosa and Spencer Clark who apparently during the Depression, supported painters, sculptors, weavers, potters and other artisans by welcoming them to live and work on the grounds of their home. The Inn is where their home used to be, which is now part of the park. The space has since been renovated and revitalized by the Toronto govt and estate.
Rai Sa
2023-5-29
I love the park and gardens. It's unique from other parks because of the sculpture. I went there morning and I saw chipmunk, cardinal, robin and sparrow while walking in the wooden area. It's a good place to hear the sound of the birds. It has access to the Great Waterfront Trail too. I most probably go back there again. In addition, it very accessible. It was just right on the TTC bus stop.
novairah ajarekar
2024-7-24
The park is rich in history featuring remnants and architectural pieces of Toronto’s past. The place stands out with well maintained gardens. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
