Where to go for family-friendly fun during a heatwave

Tahbit asked The Green Line on Nextdoor where to take elderly parents during heatwaves and cold snaps in Toronto. Here’s what I have for you!

If you’re looking for recs for the next heatwave, then make sure to check our listicle on where best to go. For those looking for an exhaustive list, the City of Toronto’s map of cool spaces is a great resource.

Which is where I’m gonna pull these next couple of recommendations, all suggestions I’m sure they’ll love to cool down at.

Main recs

If the elders in your life love to window shop at fancy stores or are looking to pick up some gifts, then it’s worth just going through the mall. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it is always fun to just look around. When I went to Toronto Metropolitan University, I would head over to the CF Toronto Eaton Centre during long gaps between classes and go into the fanciest stores to simply try stuff on. I’m sure it would be fun to play at a makeover montage with your parents to beat the heat.

Those looking to get into Toronto’s history without spending a penny should check out the city’s museums. Spadina Museum, in particular, is listed as a designated cool space, so definitely visit it. But if you’re looking for some curated activities, check out what’s hosted at the Cecil Community Centre or Clark Centre of the Arts. Those two centres are always hosting cool programs and events, some of which are paid, so make sure to keep an eye out for those details before heading over.

If your parents are like my mother and want a little screentime, then try going out for a live show taping. My sister gifted her tickets (which are free, by the way) to see The Social as part of the audience, at the coveted 299 Queen Street West studio. If they’re a gameshow lover, you can also snag free tickets to see the upcoming season of Family Feud, hosted by comedian Gerry Dee. And after either of the shows wrap up, there’s countless restaurants and cafés in the downtown core you can further treat your parents with.

Extra recs

If your parents are looking for some solo fun with folks in their age group, there’s also Social Club 150 that’s catered to Torontonians over the age of 40. They host weekly socials at both ends of the city as well as other curated fun meant to nurture community and friendship.

Now, where to go during a cold day is a whole other question, which we’ll cover in another tips and tricks post once winter rolls in. Keep an eye out on our site for that follow up.

Do you have any places to keep you and your parents cool in this summer?

Email us at hello@thegreenline.to for all inquiries or send us a DM on Instagram at @tglhelps.

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