Allan Gardens (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Allan Gardens?
What makes it 88% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy scavenger hunts, a playground and hands-on garden workshops, all on flat stroller-friendly paths. Parents must watch children near delicate plants, and there are no indoor food outlets for quick snacks.
Positives:
- Free Admission: All greenhouses and park areas are always free to enter.
- Stroller-Friendly Paths: Paved, flat routes make it easy to push strollers through all buildings.
Challenges:
- High Humidity: Greenhouses can feel hot and muggy, which may tire younger kids quickly.
- Weekend Crowds: Narrow paths and limited seating fill up fast on Saturdays and Sundays.
What is Allan Gardens?
- A public botanical conservatory and urban park in downtown Toronto established in 1858
- A neoclassical cast-iron and glass dome conservatory dating from 1910 at the heart of the gardens
- Six climate-controlled greenhouses spanning 16,000 square feet showcasing global plant collections—tropical orchids and bromeliads, arid cacti and succulents, temperate ferns and cycads
What is so special about Allan Gardens for with kids?
- Free entry lets you explore six greenhouses full of exotic plants.
- Wide paths and a playground give kids room to roam.
- Seasonal activities like scavenger hunts and markets add fun.
- Nearby lawns offer a perfect picnic spot under mature trees.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore multiple greenhouses, play in the park, and join a quick activity without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Allan Gardens
Tropical House tour:
Walk among orchids, bromeliads and a working waterwheel.
Tip: Go early when humidity feels fresh and light streams through the dome.
Outdoor playground:
Let kids climb slides and ropes in the northwest corner park.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes; the soft surfacing can hide damp spots after rain.
Family scavenger hunt:
Follow picture cards to find plants across the conservatory.
Tip: Pick up free hunt sheets at the Palm House entrance on event days.
Weekend farmers’ market:
Sample local treats and try simple planting demos.
Tip: Arrive by 10 AM for kid-friendly demos before stalls close at 2 PM.
Picnic on the lawn:
Spread a blanket near mature trees next to the dog park.
Tip: Pack snacks and water; benches fill up quickly on sunny days.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Allan Gardens
- Visit on Weekdays: Choose mid-week to enjoy quieter spaces and fewer lines.
- Start at the Palm House: Beat the mid-day glare by exploring the main dome first while light is best.
Reviews of Allan Gardens
Krystal Leung
Very nice park and green house. There are two big sized green house (garden) in the park. A lot of healthy plants inside the green house and you can just walk around freely to enjoy admiring the plants there. For example you can see some cactus plants, money trees and lots of different types of plants that i cannot named them all here. This garden is a very chill place. You can just sit down and ...
R H
Absolutely beautiful! Great place to visit. It's definitely fun if you're really into exotic tropical plants. There is much to see, and the variety inside is just gorgeous; it feels like paradise. Cozy and warm experience during the winter, and the decor is amazing and seems well-maintained and taken care of. My husband and I were here 30 years ago for our wedding now, and it still looks wonderful...
sarah cooney
This is my favorite spot to visit. It is free to enter. They always updating plants and putting up new flower sculpture. The staff are friendly and take great care of the turtles,plants and fish. Its a great place to visit with families they have a awesome playground . They also have a farmers market on Saturday from 10 am to 2pm inside that is super cool.
Rebekah Huber
Don’t let ongoing renovations stop you from visiting. These free public gardens are beautiful to wonder through and enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself. I enjoyed seeing the turtles sunbathing by the waterwheel. At one point I spotted a plump squirrel in one of the greenhouses, little guy must be living good in there. The dedication and time put into these overflowing garden is incredible, and wel...
Dinah-Faith G
Allan Gardens may be undergoing renovations, but it’s still a fantastic spot to visit. The variety of plants, trees, and other species is impressive, making it a visual delight. The greenhouse offers a warm tropical escape, perfect for a break from the cold or to explore nature in warmer climates. Best of all, there’s no admission fee, and it’s open from 9 AM to 5 PM. They also host community eve...
When is the best time to visit Allan Gardens (Toronto, Canada)?
Spring: join the Easter egg hunt among spring blooms. Summer: morning visits stay cooler. Fall: spot the chrysanthemum display. Winter: see the poinsettia show inside.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| TTC round-trip fare for 2 adults | CAD 13.4 |
| Snacks and drinks for family | CAD 10 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 23.4 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Allan Gardens
Address: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5, Canada
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About Allan Gardens
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 416-392-728810 BEST nearby Activities
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