We’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots throughout the city to hang out with our little ones in tow. 

Sunshine means patio time in Toronto but luckily for us, it can also mean family time. Although patios can be busy and many focus on slinging cocktails more than juice or milk, there is no shortage of family friendly patio options in the city.

Most of these Toronto patios accept reservations and have seating that is family friendly (not just bar stools) but as always, please keep in mind that if you are planning to do a walk-in, it would be best to do so during the off-peak hours to minimize wait times and whining. 

Family-friendly patios
Take the whole family on a trip to Minami's patio

Minami

For a cool King West patio with a view of the CN Tower, this patio is very welcoming to families. If you have young kids, be sure to ask for a table with regular chairs (versus the high back bar stool tables) and yes, they also have highchairs. 

In addition to the daily drink specials and delectable Japanese dishes, the chef here is happy to make small modifications for the young ones. My kids ask for California rolls off menu on each visit and are known to steal the authentic Oshi (featuring fresh fish) off our plates too. Reservations recommended. 225 King St. W. Suite 100

Diwan 

Located in the Aga Khan Museum, this weekend patio allows families to enjoy an innovative meal featuring Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian cuisines inspired by the museum’s exhibitions. My kids always order the samosas and manakeesh here. In addition, while you wait on your food, you can stretch your legs whilst exploring the Aga Khan Park with its reflecting pools and free outdoor exhibits. Reservations only. 77 Wynford Dr.

A family at Stackt Market In Toronto, Ontario
The kids will love the colourful containers at Stackt

Stackt

This is one of our all-time favourite spots to hang in the city. Not only is there plenty of room for kids and pets to run around, but you can also enjoy great eats and drinks at their patios. Depending on your mood you can either grab food from the various vendors on-site or enjoy a sit-down experience.The recent enhancement brings the first ever 4800sqft licensed dog park so your entire family can have fun here. There’s a community basketball court in addition the community gardens and public seating. Of course, saddling up to a table at the brewery and enjoying some BaoBird is also equally fun. Walk-ins only.  28 Bathurst St

Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co

Located on the Toronto Islands, this low and slow BBQ spot’s menu features local ingredients and is family-friendly. As you sit on their patio, soaking the sun and sipping on local craft brews, you also get to enjoy spectacular views of Toronto’s skyline. A sunset sip here is highly recommended! There is no shortage of things to do on Toronto Island with kids so make a day of it as you’ll need to take a ferry or water taxi to enjoy this patio! Walk-ins only. 120 Centre Island Dock

A bowl of pho at Hanoi 3 Seasons In Toronto, Ontario
Sip on big bowls of pho at Hanoi 3 Seasons

Hanoi 3 Season 

With a Leslieville and Riverdale location, you’ll only find a patio at the tranquil and hidden Queen Street locale. If your family enjoys phở, banh cuon and bun cha, this Vietnamese restaurant featuring dishes from the North will please your taste buds. If it’s your first time, you can’t go wrong ordering the house Pho. The friendly staff here are so welcoming and always greet the kids. Walk-ins only. 1135 Queen St. E

Casa Loma Gardens

One of the hottest patios in the city, this magical patio is great for families looking for something different. You get to enjoy your meal al fresco in the centre of Casa Loma’s award-winning gardens with a castle as your backdrop on one side and a Toronto skyline on the other. With a variety of dishes ranging from fries and burgers to gyoza and lobster ravioli, there’s a dish for every mood! If you aren’t able to nab a reservation, be sure to check in for last-minute cancellations! Reservations highly recommended. 1 Austin Terrace

A rice dish on the patio at Queen Mother in Toronto, Ontario
Queen Mother is a true hidden gem in downtown Toronto

Queen Mother

What started as a cozy social hub in 1978, continues to be a hidden gem in downtown Toronto. This has been a popular hangout for downtown parents for many years and we continue to patron this Toronto institution because their ping gai is the best we’ve had in the city. 

Rain or shine, their back garden patio, serving Laotian-Thai specialties, is an oasis in the city. Though keep in mind that there are stairs so you may want to opt for their CaféTo pop-up on the street level if you have a stroller. Even on busy days, the staff here offer attentive service and a warm welcome. And yes, parents with toddlers, they have highchairs here! Reservations encouraged; walk-ins welcome. 208 Queen St. W.

Chef's Hall

You may be surprised to learn that in the middle of the Financial District is a food hall patio. This is Canada's first and largest chef-driven community market and here you get to experience a range of cuisines from some of Toronto’s top chefs. 

Although not all restaurants at the Toronto food hall are open currently, you can order an eclectic mix of dishes ranging from Colibri Tacos and Tachi Omakase to Ramen Isshin Shio. You can also walk through the food hall and grab items for takeout. Reservations encouraged; walk-ins welcome. 111 Richmond St. W

A child eating food on a patio
The little ones will love this plant-based Toronto café

Social Gardener Café

This hidden patio in Riverdale is perfect for those mid-afternoon snack attacks. This plant-based Toronto café is part of the social enterprise that supports marginalized women and youth through training and employment in the hospitality sector. 

Guests are encouraged to purchase food at the café and then dine on the front patio or the back garden patio (which is our preferred spot). Everything sold here is made in-house and they even grow some of their food in their very own rooftop garden! The Cold Soba Noodles and vegan treats with a smoothie are perfect on a hot day! Reservations encouraged; walk-ins welcome. 1326 Gerrard St. E

Liberty Commons

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly brunch in Toronto or an afternoon of pub grub, this Liberty Village patio in Big Rock Brewery is sure to please all. We enjoy hitting up this modern-day brewpub and BBQ joint for weekend brunch where the kids are happy to dig into carrot cake pancakes while I sip on a beer flight or their pineapple gin Radler and dive into a scotch egg breakfast. With a pie shop and bottle shop on-site, don’t forget to stock up on items to enjoy at home! Reservations encouraged; walk-ins welcome. 42 Liberty St.
 
 
If you aren’t ready to visit a patio with your family or if you are craving a restaurant that doesn’t have a patio, ToGoToronto continues to offer takeout and delivery options.