Best indoor play centres on Toronto's east side

Photo: Sprouts

Let's face it: Kids have virtually unstoppable energy and imaginations to what sometimes seems like no end. So, whether you want to join them or just let them loose to burn out before nap time, here are the best indoor play and activity centres on Toronto's east side.

SPROUTS

Spacious and lofty, modern and squeaky clean, Sprouts has 6,000 square-feet of play space for young kids to go absolutely buck wild. Wooden structures with slides and crawlways, mini trampolines and enough toddler toys to keep even the most rambunctious kids in the zone, this indoor playground is the go-to for Leslieville moms and dads. Free Starbucks coffee and tea, plus stroller parking and pre-school, after-school and camp classes sweeten the deal even more.

183 Carlaw Ave.
sproutskids.ca

KIDS FUN TOWN

Ideal for kids six and under, Kids Fun Town is a quirky little indoor play space along the retail storefronts of Danforth East. What is lacks in size it makes up for in its exhaustive list of activities. It's got a bouncy castle with a slide, colourful ball pit, climbing structure and play house. There's also a kitchen and chill-out area for catching your breath while having a snack. Best of all, you can rent this place out for birthday parties (it often is) to make it a private play park.

2040 Danforth Ave.
kidsfuntown.ca

THE WRIGHT SPOT

The Wright Spot offers a combination of educational and recreational programs in a tastefully designed, two-level layout with 1,800-square-feet of room for kids to roam. The open-concept upper floor has a colourful letter and number display, living plant wall and shelves of toys and learning materials to keep kids busy. An art studio on the lower level keeps things creative with a space that gives children the freedom to marvel in their imaginations. The Wright Spot has camps, classes and stay-and-play or drop-and-play times, as well as a pre-school program. 

1495 Gerrard St. E
thewrightspot.ca

THE ROCK OASIS

Rather than have your kids climbing up the walls of your house, better to have them doing it in the safe, controlled environment of an indoor rock climbing centre. The Rock Oasis is a solid indoor alternative for letting kids ages four and up burn energy trying a variation of climbs. You can host kids parties at the facility, in which the staff look after all the safety details so you and your kids can have fun getting vertical. Rock Oasis also programs summer and holiday camps.

388 Carlaw Ave.
rockoasis.com

OAKS 'N ACORNS

Created for parents by parents, this kids activity studio on the Danforth packs in a seriously comprehensive program for kids of all ages from babies through to school-age children. Oaks 'n Acorns focuses on providing parents and children a productive space to learn, play and interact through drop-in classes or registered programs. It's bright and clean with plenty of natural light, a cafe and fitness classes for moms. 

1856 Danforth Ave.
oaksnacorns.com

JONES LIBRARY

When was the last time you stepped inside your local library? Libraries have changed a lot in the last few years, offering more up-to-date options and local community services than ever before. Not that there's a thing wrong with borrowing free books, but libraries are about so much more than that. Yoga for kids, LEGO club, Chatelaine's Quilting Club, family stories and songs, youth volunteering and, of course, book club are just a few of the highlights of Jones Library. Best part — all of Jones Library programming is free.

118 Jones Ave.
torontopubliclibrary.ca

BIZZY BEE PLAYCENTRE

Bizzy Bee has just about anything and everything a preschooler could want in an indoor play zone. Ball pit, climbing toys, slide, dress-up play area, arts and crafts — it's all here. Parents can hang out and enjoy free coffee and tea. Bizzy Bee also offers music and storytime programs, birthday party bookings and drop-and-shop/dine babysitting services.

1971 Queen St. E
bizzybeeplaycentre.ca