As detached home prices continue to soar across the city, Toronto families are looking to condominiums as more affordable launching pads for young kids. While condos can make for an affordable starter home or a sound investment, they haven’t always been designed with children in mind — they can lack storage, adequate bedroom space and family-friendly amenities.
Times are changing, and developers are finding ways to cater to some of their youngest condo residents. If you’ve got little ones and are considering purchasing a condo, here are a few options from across Toronto that might meet your needs.
1. Artworks Tower
Developer: The Daniels Corporation
Community: Regent Park
Kid-friendly amenities: Kid Zone
Rising next to its sister project, Artsy Boutique Condominiums, Artworks Tower will top out at 32 stories on the corner of River and Dundas Street. Besides its dedicated Kid Zone, this condo tower in the heart of the revamped Regent Park neighbourhood is close to kid-friendly amenities, like the local Montessori school, community garden and the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre.
2. DuEast Boutique Condominiums
Developer: The Daniels Corporation
Community: Regent Park
Kid-friendly amenities: Kid Zone
Whether your tots prefer to run around outside or play indoors, DuEast Boutique Condominiums provides kid-focused spaces for both activities. Burn off some energy on the outdoor structures in the Kids’ Play Zone, or cuddle up in one of the padded kiddie corners to read or do puzzles. For the adults, this 11-storey community is outfitted with a community garden plot, co-working space and multi-purpose fitness centre.
3. Canary Commons
Developer: Dundee Kilmer Developments Limited
Community: Corktown
Kid-friendly amenities: Children’s play area
Condo amenities aren’t just for adults. Canary Commons residents can host a weekly playdate in the interactive playroom, where there’s plenty of room to read, play and do crafts. Grab some sun on the 9,000-square-foot rooftop terrace, where family and friends can enjoy a barbecue in the outdoor dining areas or take in a movie at the outdoor theatre.
4. Mirabella Luxury Condos
Developer: Diamante Development Corporation
Community: Swansea
Kid-friendly amenities: Children’s play area
Sharing the tenth floor of this two-tower community is a sprawling amenity space, complete with two playrooms for the little ones. Enjoy a workout in the exercise room or yoga studio before cooling off in one of the indoor pools. Unwind on the outdoor wood deck by the fire pit, or indulge in a good novel in the library.
5. Playground Condos at Garrison Point
Developer: Cityzen Development Group, Fernbrook Homes and Greybrook Realty Partners
Community: King West Village
Kid-friendly amenities: Kids’ play room
Kids have a great view of the city skyline from the Playground Condos’ kids’ lounge. Situated in the Garrison Point neighbourhood, just north of Fort York and east of King West Village, this 432-unit community is close to parks, retail and Toronto’s waterfront. In less than a 10-minute walk, arrive at major Toronto attractions like Exhibition Place, Liberty Village and Trinity Bellwoods Park.
6. 859 West Condos
Developer: First Avenue Properties and Latch Developments
Community: The Queensway
Kid-friendly amenities: Children’s play area
This 238-unit midrise sits right on The Queensway, placing you steps away from restaurants, the local Costco and No Frills. When the kids grow up and aren’t using the children’s play area anymore, they can kick a ball around Queensway Park or enjoy a movie at the Cineplex Cinemas.
7. Sixty-Five Broadway Condos
Developer: Times Group Corporation
Community: Midtown
Kid-friendly amenities: Children’s playroom
With a 500-square-foot playroom to run around in, kids at Sixty-Five Broadway Condos have their very own space to draw, read and use their imagination. On the same floor, grown-ups can make use of the catering kitchen for all of their partying needs, which connects to the outdoor terrace, or do a round of cardio or weights in the adjoining gym.
8. Notting Hill Condos
Developer: Lanterra Developments
Community: Westmount
Kid-friendly amenities: Children’s play area
The designated indoor play area in this 1,320-unit condo community is perfect for reading and games, but nothing quite beats the great outdoors. Notting Hill Condos is close to nearby parks and playgrounds, including Buttonwood Park, Fergy Brown Park, and Raymore Park, along with the Humber River and sprawling greenspaces from nearby golf courses.
9. Y&S Condos
Developer: Tribute Communities
Community: Yonge and Eglinton
Kid-friendly amenities: Children’s playroom
Offering 15,000 square feet of amenity space, Y&S Condos reserved a chunk of the communal area especially for kids in the shape of a colourful playroom. Situated just south of the bustling Yonge and Eglinton intersection, this 36-storey condo tower is steps from some of the city’s best shopping, dining and transportation options.
