Weekdays with a toddler can feel long. The mornings are busy, the afternoons stretch out, and by 3 PM many parents are searching for something to do before dinner. The good news is that weekdays are also the best time for outings: crowds are lighter, places feel calmer, and young children have more room to explore at their own pace.
This guide offers weekday ideas for toddlers and young children in Toronto, including how to structure a day, where to go and what to expect from an afternoon at an indoor playground.
Why weekdays work well for toddlers
Toddlers do best with routine, and weekdays are easier to plan around naps and meals. Outings on a weekday also have practical advantages:
- Fewer people means less waiting and a quieter atmosphere.
- Younger children feel more comfortable in a calmer space.
- Parents can chat with staff and ask questions without a rush.
- Special offers are often available on weekdays.
Morning ideas
Mornings are often the best time for outdoor or community activities, when toddlers are fresh and the weather is mild.
- Park and playground: a reliable, free option. Bring a snack and a change of clothes.
- Library story time: many libraries offer weekday programs for little ones. Check your branch for times.
- Short nature walk: a ravine or trail walk gives toddlers a chance to look at leaves, puddles and bugs.
- Community centre drop-in: a good option for a rainy day. Check local schedules.
Afternoon: an indoor playground visit
After lunch and a nap, an afternoon at an indoor playground is a good way to burn energy before dinner. Kart Town is inside Parkway Mall at 85 Ellesmere Rd, Unit 102, Scarborough, and welcomes children aged 2 to 9.
An early-afternoon visit after a nap is often quieter, which suits younger children. Here is what toddlers can enjoy:
- Playground: a supervised space for climbing and sliding. Adults are not allowed inside, so a parent waits nearby.
- Bouncy castle: a favourite for toddlers who love to jump.
- Toy car area: a gentle place where little ones can drive small cars without going on the track.
Go-karts for toddlers
Children must be at least 31 inches (80 cm) tall to ride a go-kart. Many two-year-olds are near this height, so some toddlers will be able to ride and some will not. For children between 31 and 42 inches (107 cm), ask a team member about riding with a parent. Kids over 42 inches drive alone. The combined weight limit is 220 lb (100 kg). The track uses Classic Karts only and is shared with other guests.
Weekday prices
Admission is by walk-in bundle per child, with two hours of access: Basic is $20, Value is $25 and VIP is $30. Walk-ins from Monday to Friday get 20% off, so a Basic bundle comes to $16. The weekday discount does not apply on school holidays, public holidays or TDSB PA days. Bringing three or more children earns 10% off, and an extra adult is $5. Walk-ins are first come, first served, which is usually easy on a weekday afternoon.
A sample weekday plan
- 9:30 AM: park or library story time.
- 11:30 AM: lunch at home.
- 12:30 PM: nap or quiet time.
- 2:30 PM: indoor playground visit with a snack.
- 4:30 PM: head home for dinner and an early bedtime.
Tips for toddler outings
- Plan the outing around nap time, not through it.
- Bring a snack, water and a change of clothes.
- Keep the visit short, since two hours can feel like a long time for a toddler.
- Stay close, since many toddlers need reassurance in a new space.
- Bring wipes, which are useful at every stage.
Playdates on a weekday
Weekdays also work well for playdates. Two or three families meeting in a quiet space is easier than a crowded weekend visit. Bringing three or more children also qualifies for 10% off.
Making the most of a quiet afternoon
A quieter venue changes how a toddler plays. With fewer children around, little ones can try the toy car area at their own speed, climb without being crowded and watch older kids before joining in. Many parents find that a shy two-year-old warms up much faster on a weekday afternoon than during a busy weekend.
Arrive a few minutes after opening, let your child look around before heading to the first activity, and follow their lead. If they want to spend the entire visit in the toy car area, that is perfectly fine. A relaxed first visit makes the next one easier, and many toddlers are ready to try more each time they return.
More ideas
For other low-cost ideas, read our guide to cheap things to do with kids in Toronto. For rainy days, see where to take kids on rainy days in Toronto. If you are exploring the area, our guide to kids activities near Parkway Mall has more.
Plan a weekday visit
See current bundle options and prices on the Kart Town packages page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a weekday discount?
Yes. Walk-ins from Monday to Friday get 20% off, except on school holidays, public holidays and TDSB PA days.
Can a 2-year-old play there?
Yes. Children aged 2 to 9 are welcome. Toddlers can enjoy the playground, bouncy castle and toy car area, and go-kart riders must be at least 31 inches (80 cm) tall.
Can parents go into the playground?
No. Adults are not allowed in the playground or bouncy castle. An extra adult is $5.
Do I need to book?
Walk-ins are first come, first served.
