Top 15 Family Friendly Toronto Neighbourhoods

Choosing where to raise a family in Toronto is a big decision. The right neighbourhood should balance safety, schools, green space, and community while also being practical for commutes and childcare.

To rank Toronto’s best family neighbourhoods, we used these criteria:

Safety (25%)
Schools (25%)
Parks and Recreation (15%)
Main Street Amenities (10%)
Transit and Commute (10%)
Community and Programming (10%)
Childcare Access (5%)
Here are the 15 most family friendly neighbourhoods in Toronto.

1. Bloor West Village and High Park

Bloor West Village is one of Toronto’s most popular family neighbourhoods. Families have direct access to High Parkwith playgrounds, skating rinks, trails, and a small zoo. The neighbourhood has strong schools like Runnymede and Humberside Collegiate, plus a main street filled with family friendly shops, toy stores, and cafés.

2. The Kingsway in Etobicoke

The Kingsway is known for tree lined streets, larger detached homes, and the Humber River trails. Families enjoy boutique shopping, community dining, and access to the subway at Royal York station which makes commuting to downtown easy.

3. Leaside

Leaside is home to Leaside Gardens arena and pool, along with many youth sports leagues. Schools such as Roland Michener and Leaside High School are highly regarded. The area also features ravines and green space while still being close to midtown.

4. Riverdale and Playter Estates Danforth

Families in Riverdale and Playter Estates love Withrow Park and Riverdale Park, both of which have playgrounds, dog runs, and sports fields. The neighbourhood is walkable to Broadview and Bloor subway lines and the Danforth strip offers restaurants, bookshops, and year round community events.

5. The Beaches

The Beaches is Toronto’s lakeside community with a boardwalk, Ashbridges Bay, and Kew Gardens. Families enjoy highly ranked elementary schools and festivals such as the Beaches Jazz Festival. It has a strong sense of community spirit combined with outdoor living.

6. Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles has a village feel with local bakeries, bookstores, and cafés. Families gather at Sorauren Park for a farmers market, dog runs, and sports. The annual Roncesvalles Polish Festival is a major community highlight.

7. Yonge and Lawrence (Bedford Park and Wanless Park)

This midtown pocket is popular for its highly ranked schools such as John Wanless Junior and Lawrence Park Collegiate. Families also enjoy subway access, quiet residential streets, and parks including Wanless Park and Alexander Muir Gardens.

8. Leslieville

Leslieville offers a mix of trendy and family friendly living. The Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre and Park is a community hub. The neighbourhood is filled with stroller friendly cafés and brunch spots, and families benefit from quick streetcar access to downtown.

9. Banbury and Don Mills

Banbury and Don Mills combine quiet suburban style streets with city convenience. Families enjoy Edwards Gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden. Large family homes, access to the Don Valley Parkway, and established schools make this area a popular choice.

10. Guildwood and West Rouge

Located by the lake, Guildwood and West Rouge are ideal for families who value nature. Families can explore Guild Park and Gardens or Rouge National Urban Park. Large backyards, playgrounds, and GO Train access make these neighbourhoods attractive for commuters.

11. Danforth Village and East York

Danforth Village and East York provide more affordable detached homes compared to midtown. Families benefit from local parks, community centres, and subway stations along the Danforth which make the area highly accessible.

12. North Toronto (Yonge and Eglinton, Sherwood Park)

North Toronto offers Sherwood Park with trails and playgrounds, as well as a central hub for shopping and transit at Yonge and Eglinton. Families can choose between condos, townhomes, and detached homes, making it a flexible option for different budgets.

13. Swansea

Swansea is tucked between the Humber River, Grenadier Pond, and High Park. It has excellent schools such as Swansea Public School, a strong community feel, and is steps from the shops of Bloor West Village.

14. Scarborough Bluffs (Cliffcrest and Birch Cliff)

The Scarborough Bluffs neighbourhoods are known for lake views, sandy beaches, and outdoor recreation. Families enjoy large backyards, quieter streets, and easy access to Bluffer’s Park.

15. Weston and Humber Valley Village

Weston and Humber Valley Village are appealing to families who want spacious homes and established schools. The Humber River trails provide biking and walking options, while transit improvements such as the UP Express and upcoming LRT expansion improve connectivity.

Final Thoughts

Toronto has many family friendly neighbourhoods, each with unique strengths. If schools are your top priority, Leaside and Yonge and Lawrence are excellent choices. For green space, High Park and The Beaches are hard to beat. For affordability combined with community feel, East York and Weston may be ideal.

Wherever you choose, Toronto offers communities where families can grow, thrive, and feel connected.