Discovery Centre
Nature education programs for families and school groups
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Varies
Time Needed
1.5 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Weather Fit
Dress for the weather
Stroller Access
Yes, park paths
Washrooms
On-site
Food
Bring your own
Parking
Free lot
Booking
Required
Parent Effort
Medium (supervision)
A rare urban oasis where kids can get genuinely muddy while learning about local ecology. The free recurring programs make it easy to drop in regularly, and the toddler-specific offering is a standout for younger families.
About This Place
The Discovery Centre at Downsview Park offers hands-on environmental learning programs that let families explore meadows, ponds, and forested habitats right in Toronto. Free family-friendly sessions like Nature Connection run every second and fourth Sunday, while Jr. Forest Explorers caters specifically to toddlers aged 18 months to three-and-a-half years. School and community field trips are also available with curriculum-linked activities and flexible half- or full-day options. Registration is required for most programs, and French sessions can be arranged with advance notice.
Official Website open_in_new- Sunday
- 00:00 –
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Check the official website for current admission prices.
Free nature programs
Nature Connection and Jr. Forest Explorers run at no cost, lowering the barrier to outdoor exploration.
Hands-on learning
Curriculum-linked activities let kids touch soil, spot wildlife, and explore ponds and meadows.
Toddler-friendly sessions
Jr. Forest Explorers is designed specifically for 18-month to 3.5-year-olds with caregivers.
Self-guided adventures
Downloadable activities let families explore the park at their own pace any day of the week.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Registration
- Advance sign-up is required for all guided programs via the website.
- French programming
- Email at least 5 days ahead to request a French-language session.
- Age restrictions
- Nature Connection is all-ages; Jr. Forest Explorers is strictly 18 months–3.5 years.
- What to bring
- Water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended.
- Supervision
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Accessibility
- Contact the education team to discuss specific accommodation needs.
- Dogs
- Pets are generally not permitted during guided programs.
- Self-guided options
- Free activity sheets are available for independent park exploration.
Kid Fit by Age
Nature Connection welcomes all ages, but babies will mostly observe; no dedicated infant programming.
Jr. Forest Explorers is built for 18-month to 3.5-year-olds with hands-on outdoor play.
Nature Connection and self-guided activities are ideal for curious 3–5 year-olds.
School and community field trips offer curriculum-linked ecology lessons.
Nature Connection and volunteer opportunities suit engaged 9–12 year-olds.
Youth Environmental Stewardship and volunteer roles offer meaningful engagement.
Insider Tips
Arrive 10 minutes early to check in and use washrooms before the program starts
Request a French session at least 5 days in advance by emailing downsvieweducation@clc-sic.ca
Combine a guided program with a self-guided activity sheet for a full morning in the park
Follow Downsview Park on social media for last-minute program updates and weather cancellations
- •Programs are outdoors—dress for weather and terrain
- •Children under 16 must be with an adult at all times
- •Bring sunscreen and insect repellent seasonally
- •Stay on marked paths and follow educator instructions during guided activities
- •Contact the education team in advance to discuss mobility or sensory accommodations
- •Outdoor programs take place on park paths and grassy areas
- •Accessible washrooms are available in the park
- •Service animals are permitted; pets are generally not allowed on programs
schedule Best Time to Visit
Sunday afternoons for Nature Connection are popular, so register early. Jr. Forest Explorers runs Monday mornings in summer and select Mondays in other seasons. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and active wildlife.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxWater bottle for each participant
- check_boxSunscreen and bug spray
- check_boxWeather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes
- check_boxA small backpack for collecting nature finds
- check_boxA camera or phone for photos
Location
Address
70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5, Canada
Phone
+14166342566
