Hi All,

We are going to Toronto on a recce trip and taking our 18 month old son.

We were thinking of booking the Sheraton in downtown Toronto, anyone think there will be enough things around to keep our son entertained?

eg. soft play areas, play parks etc, we plan on taking him to the Zoo and stuff and there is swimming in the hotel.

Is the Sheraton more for business?

Is downtown not the place for toddlers?

Would we be able to get to other destinations easy enough by bus to child friendly places?

Louise

Be aware though that the Toronto zoo is in Scarborough, away from the city center per se. You can get there by Transit, but its probably going to take a couple of changes. My eldest kid is 6, we still havent gone to the "Big Zoo", its expensive and way too much for a young kid to take in I suspect. The petting zoo on the toronto islands is probably a better bet for you.

Most people with kids seem to gravitate towards the delta chelsea FWIW...cheaper and has a pool with a waterslide etc. Not really relevant to a 16 month old though I guess.

Toronto is a large city like any other with regard to parks and play areas etc...If you stayed in a major hotel in say central london, or New York, would you be asking this question?

If it's summer you might do better to be at the Raddisson on the water, there's lots of stuff for small children in the Harbourfront buildings. However, yes, it's easy to get around from the Sheraton.

That's a bugger of a trip without a car. The farm in Riverdale and the few animals in High Park would probably be enough for a small child and they're easily done. The Science Centre might also work but what does an eighteen month old need? A paddling pool, a few blocks?

My wife and niece did the trip to the zoo this week on transit. Not bad at all. From the Sheraton, subway to Bloor, change to Kennedy, then a direct zoo bus there. All for one fare. The bus also lets you off right at the entrance so no hassle with parking and no extra walking at that end. Would be fine IMO. However, the zoo is big and there is a lot of walking once there, as mentioned it might be a bit too much for a small kid.
I know the Sheraton very well and like it a lot. See what they are charging for a club level room. The club lounge is huge and has a great free breakfast buffet and evening snacks and free soft drinks. Location is excellent, I wouldnt stay down at harbourfront, always feels a bit out of it to me.