Kensington Market (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Kensington Market?
What makes it 75% Kids-Friendly: Children can splash at Bellevue Square, chase bubble buskers on Pedestrian Sundays, and taste churros, but weekday traffic, narrow curbs and scarce toilets require vigilant adults.
Positives:
- Car-Free Days: On last Sunday (May–Oct), streets close to cars, letting kids run safely.
- Compact Walkable Area: All highlights sit within a few blocks, so families can cover it on foot.
Challenges:
- Narrow Aisles: Some market lanes are tight; strollers can be hard to navigate at peak times.
- Limited Seating: Benches and tables fill up quickly around lunch; plan picnic spots early.
What is Kensington Market?
- A pedestrian-oriented neighbourhood in central Toronto with a dense network of narrow streets hosting small-scale shops, eateries and markets
- A designated heritage conservation district characterized by early-20th-century low-rise architecture interspersed with vibrant street art
- A multi-ethnic commercial enclave where produce stalls, vintage boutiques and artisanal food vendors coexist in a compact urban grid
What is so special about Kensington Market for with kids?
- Play at the playground and splash pad in Bellevue Square Park.
- Discover vibrant murals in a self-guided street art walk.
- Engage kids with a simple scavenger hunt across the market.
- Sample kid-friendly treats like free cheese bites and fresh churros.
- Enjoy car-free Pedestrian Sundays from May to October.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Families can explore the playground, street art, and snack stops at a comfortable pace without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Kensington Market
Bellevue Square Park Playground & Splash Pad:
Kids can play on the playground and cool off at the splash pad next to the market.
Tip: Bring a towel and change of clothes in summer; use shaded benches for breaks.
Self-Guided Street Art & Mural Walk:
Follow Kensington, Augusta, and Baldwin to spot colorful murals by local artists.
Tip: Download a free map from AroundTheWorld4U and plan a 30-minute loop to match your pace.
Scavenger Hunt Walk:
Turn market exploration into a game by spotting specific doors, murals, or food stalls.
Tip: Prepare a simple checklist (blue door, noodle shop, funny face mural) to keep kids engaged.
Cheese Tasting at Cheese Magic:
Let kids sample free cheese bites at this popular cheese shop.
Tip: Ask for “Mama Cheese” samples to get a variety; skip purchase if kids are full.
Pancho’s Bakery Churros:
Enjoy fresh churros stuffed with vanilla, chocolate, or caramel.
Tip: Order them fresh but share between two kids to avoid over-sugar; bring napkins for little hands.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kensington Market
- Arrive Before Peak: Visit before 11am on weekends to avoid crowds and secure picnic seats.
- Bring a Scavenger List: A simple checklist turns wandering into an engaging game for kids.
- Pack Light Stroller: Use a narrow or umbrella stroller for easier movement through market aisles.
When is the best time to visit Kensington Market (Toronto, Canada)?
In summer (May–October), visit on a Pedestrian Sunday for car-free streets and use the splash pad. In cooler months, focus on indoor pop-up shops and cozy cafes.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Churros at Pancho’s Bakery (4 pieces) | CAD 12 |
| Macarons at Daan Go (2 pieces) | CAD 8 |
| Picnic snacks (market produce) | CAD 20 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 40 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Kensington Market
Address: Kensington Market, Toronto, ON M5T, Canada
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Kensington Market (Toronto)?
About Kensington Market
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities