Hotels
Chinatown-Kensington and Trinity-Bellwoods
Cambridge Suites
All 229 suites have separate living, bedroom, and entertainment bars. The room's kitchen includes all dishware and cooking tools. Plus, the concierge will not only create agendas for the day but will also pack the refrigerator with your family's favorites while you're out.
15 Richmond St., from $119 for a deluxe suite.
The Annex, Yorkville, and University
Four Seasons Toronto
Enjoy fresh cookies upon arrival; in-room manicures, pedicures, and massages; complimentary toiletries for babies and children; and strollers, games, and toys. The hotel is within walking distance of local galleries and a variety of museums, but you could spend hours lounging by the indoor/outdoor pool.
21 Avenue Rd., from $415 for a deluxe room.
MORE RESTAURANTS
Chinatown-Kensington and Trinity-Bellwoods
Rice Bar
Build your own rice bowl with ingredients that range from basic chicken and tofu to kimchi and chimichurri. This spacious joint also has plenty of room for strollers.
319 Augusta Ave., (416) 922-7423
Enjoy fresh-baked pizza, giant Italian sandwiches, and handmade pastas at this southern-Italian eatery. If it's picnic weather, get the food to go and head to Trinity-Bellwoods Park.
720 Queen St. W., (416) 504-0320
MORE STORES
Chinatown-Kensington and Trinity-Bellwoods
Courage My Love
A hippie hangover, this store is full of vintage finds from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Beaded necklaces, antique purses, and granny hats make it a great place for dress-up.
14 Kensington Ave., (416) 979-1992
This cozy independent bookstore, which caters to both adults and kids, has one of the most varied collections of children's literature in the city, plus all the stars of Canadian lit for you to read after the kids are tucked in bed. (Try David Bezmozgis's Natasha for a delicious coming-of-age story or What We All Long For, Dionne Brand's edgy tale of a young artist in search of her family's history.)
883 Queen St. W., (416) 366-8973
Beware: The toys at this small shop are apt to inspire shrieks of glee—wooden fruits and vegetables that you can pretend to cut (the pieces are connected with Velcro), precious accessories for little princesses, and locally hand-knit toys.
674 Queen St. W., (416) 681-0368
The Annex, Yorkville, and University
Lululemon Athletica
Downward-dog devotees swear that this Canadian clothing brand fits better than any other. You can't go one Toronto block without seeing someone—from preteens to grandmas—wearing the stretchy styles.
130 Bloor St., (416) 964-9544
This big-box bookstore chain has a good selection of children's books, a nice café, plenty of comfy chairs for a rest, and a bathroom with clean toilets and a baby-changing table.
55 Bloor St., (416) 925-3536
ACTIVITIES
Chinatown-Kensington and Trinity-Bellwoods
The Market
Stroll down Augusta, across Baldwin, and then down Kensington for a sampling of street life. Grab a cappuccino or a hot chocolate from a sidewalk stall, try a pupusa from a grocery counter and savor the eclectic energy.
The Annex, Yorkville, and University
Philosopher's Walk
Take a few minutes for a stroll (or sprint) down this tree-lined linear park, an urban oasis that runs south from Bloor Street and leads you to the picturesque University of Toronto campus. Enter via old gates on Bloor Street just west of the Royal Ontario Museum.
