It's been far too long since we've been able to breathe in the fresh air of spring and not have to bundle up just to walk down the street.
But with warmer temperatures just around the corner, there's excitement in the air instead of a chill. Plus, there are more hours of daylight (yay!), flowers are starting to bloom and trees have begun to turn green again.
With spring break arriving before we know it, there are plenty of activities in and around Toronto for you and your fam to take some time to enjoy the better weather and reconnect with nature.
Hit The Trails At Corktown Common
Price: Free
Address: 155 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Let's face it, getting exercise outdoors is something we've all been lacking throughout the winter months.
Why not head to Corktown Common to get your legs moving? With 18 acres that include trails, playgrounds for the kids, a splash pad, and a ton of green space to sit down for a quick snack, there's something for everyone.
Plus, you can pay a visit to a large nearby marsh that's home to birds, insects, frogs and ducks. How fun!
Watch The Sunset At Riverdale Park
Price: Free
Address: 550 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: There really is nothing better than a sunset in Toronto. Not only does the sky turn incredible hues of orange and red — and if you're lucky, pink and purple — but the city skyline is what dreams are made of.
Take a trip to sit on the large hill at Riverdale Park, which is home to some of the best views of the cityscape, and marvel at the sun disappearing beyond the horizon. It's a must-see in the spring.
Feast Your Eyes On The Views At The Scarborough Bluffs
Price: Free
Address: 1 Brimley Rd. S., Bluffers Park, Scarborough, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Scarborough Bluffs are one of the most interesting and beautiful natural attractions that Toronto has to offer.
If you and your family are looking for a place to commemorate spring — or if you're just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown — this is the perfect spot to check out.
Enjoy A Picnic Lunch In High Park
Price: Free
Address: 1873 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Pack up some blankets, your favourite snacks, and enjoy a relaxing family picnic surrounded by trees, wildlife and fresh air.
With nearly 400 acres of greenery, there's plenty of space to chill out with a good book and reconnect with nature.
Go Chasing Waterfalls In Hamilton
Price: Free
Address: Various in Hamilton, ON
Why You Need To Go: TLC may have told you not to chase waterfalls, but in this case, you absolutely should. Hamilton is known as the waterfall capital of the world and is less than an hour from Toronto.
You can take the whole family on a day trip and lay your eyes on as many waterfalls as your heart desires. Take your pick from a few of the most popular ones including the Devil's Punchbowl Falls, Tew's Falls and Webster's Falls.
Get Moving At Trinity Bellwoods Park
Price: Free
Address: 790 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: If your family is into sports, this could be the spot for you. At Trinity Bellwoods Park, there are three baseball diamonds, eight tennis courts, two volleyball courts, and an ice rink (closed for the season, sorry!).
Not only that, but the park also features a picnic area, a wading pool, and a children's playground. With an off-leash dog area, it really is fun for the entire family.
The cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring are also gorgeous and should be an essential addition to your to-see list (if they aren't blocked off from the public again due to COVID restrictions, like last year).
Have An Outdoor Adventure & Canoe In Toronto's Largest Marsh
Price: Free
Address: 195 Rouge Hills Dr., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for an outdoor adventure that satisfies what everyone in your clan wants to do, the Rouge National Urban Park could be the perfect place for you.
It features the city's most eastern beach that you can spend the day at, or make it a fun learning experience by bird watching and Googling a fun fact for every bird you spot.
If you're feeling a little more adventurous, this park also offers canoeing through the largest marsh in Toronto.
Take A Nature Walk At Albion Hills
Price: $6.20 General Admission
Address: 16500 Peel Regional Rd. 50, Caledon, ON
Why You Need To Go: You don't have to go too far outside of the city to feel like you're miles from home. Just 40 minutes from Toronto, the Albion Hills Conservation Park offers an escape right in your own backyard.
Relax with an afternoon nature walk, stroll along the small beach area or get your adrenaline rushing with a mountain bike ride through the woods.
It's important to note that the park's riverside campground doesn't open until summer.
Stroll Down The Beaches Boardwalk For Scenic Lake Views
Price: Free
Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This scenic route along Lake Ontario's boardwalk will give you and your family some much needed fresh air as you walk, run, bike or scooter across The Beaches Boardwalk, which stretches from Victoria Park Avenue in the east end all the way to Woodbine Avenue in the west.
It might be too cold to take a dip, but the views are just as nice.
Bike Along Humber Bay Park
Price: Free
Address: 2225 Lake Shore Blvd., Toronto, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: There are plenty of biking trails to visit in Toronto, but one that combines the gorgeous city skyline and the endless view of the lake is by far the cream of the crop.
Grab your bike — or rent one at the closest Bike Share Toronto around the city — and ride along the lake. Don't forget to stop and rest at Sheldon Lookout for a quick fuel-up, some water and a nice view while you're at it.
Put Your Toes In The Sand At One Of These Many Toronto Beaches
Price: Free
Address: Various
Why You Need To Go: It's really never too early to feel the sand between your toes and listen to the crashing waves.
There are a number of beaches for you to choose from in the city, including Cherry Beach or Woodbine Beach. You could also head to Sugar Beach, where you can enjoy the beautiful white sand and stellar views of the Toronto Harbour.
Or, if you're really feeling like an adventure, hop on the ferry over to Ward's Island to explore the least busy of Toronto Island's three main beaches.
Learn Something New At Edwards Gardens
Price: Free
Address: 755 Lawrence Ave. E., North York, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for an educational experience this spring, look no further than the Teaching Garden at Edwards Gardens.
The Children's Teaching Garden features plenty of learnings for children including plants with names that begin with the letters of the alphabet, a sensory garden where kids are encouraged to touch and smell the plants and a Dinosaur Garden with a model of stegosaurus (how cool!) and plants that the dinos would have eaten.
While you're out enjoying the spring weather and these exciting adventures, it's important to make sure you (and the kids) have the energy to get you through your spring break adventures.
The perfect way to keep everyone's hunger at bay is to have a few Nature Valley granola bars on hand at all times.
Not only are these delightful snacks perfect for on the go, but they're also made with wholesome ingredients from nature itself.