Kandice VincentWhen my best friend told me she needed daycare for her little one, we popped into the center closest to her house. Unfortunately, the sticky floors and cramped play area left us dismayed.
My friend looked very discouraged, so I promised I’d help her find better options. After some searching, I pulled together a list of the top daycare services in TO.
If you’re also looking for a safe and lovely place for your kids, check out the awesome options below!
How much do daycare services cost in Toronto?
Licensed daycare services in Toronto that are CWELCC-enrolled charge fees of $22 per day (about $400 to $500 per month). Non-enrolled centers can still charge $50 to $70 per day or more.
1. Midtown’s Tiny Tots Activity Centre
Business Address: 745 Mt Pleasant Rd, Second Floor
Website: https://www.midtownstinytots.com/activitycentre
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midtownstinytots
Contact Details: (647) 609-8358
Business Hours:
Mon – Tue: 9 AM – 5 PM
Wed – Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Midtown’s Tiny Tots Activity Centre is a large, interactive place, specially created for infants through pre-kindergartners.
Their Stay and Play session is great for caregivers or parents who want to spend quality time in the play space. And for only $15.50 per hour, you can bring up to two caregivers along with your child.
If you’re looking to save money, go for their Stay and Play VIP 10 package priced at $140. This deal gets you 10 hours of playtime plus a little bonus in savings.
They also have something special for parents who need a breather or a chance to get some work done. Their Coworking option includes a drop-in lounge you can work in while your little one enjoys supervised fun.
One thing to keep in mind, though. We heard parents mention that this spot can feel a bit understaffed at times.
They provide a fun, safe, and enriching space
“Midtown Tiny Tots is a wonderful place for kids! Our daughter always had a great time there, and the staff (especially Zarina) are warm, welcoming, and caring. We always feel genuinely looked after throughout our entire experience. They provide a fun, safe, and enriching space where children can learn, play, and enjoy themselves, while parents feel at ease. MTT has become such an important part of our community, and we’re so grateful for the joy and memories it has given us. Our daughter has now started preschool, but still misses her teachers and friends from MTT. We’ll definitely keep coming back!”
– Karthikeyan Kannan, Google Review
Doubled our productivity and saved us money
“This place single-handedly doubled our productivity and saved us money on a nanny! Their drop-in slots are perfect for entrepreneurs and digital nomads, enabling both parents to get work done in the space while having the peace of mind that their child is right next door. One of its kind in Toronto. The staff are wonderful and so kind to my toddler. The owner, Monice, is amazing! The price of $17.50/hour is perfect for those who need flexible childcare a few times a week. We come back here often and highly recommend them!”
– Bryce Leung, Google Review
2. Alphabet Treehouse Childcare
Business Address: 1780 Avenue Rd
Website: https://alphabettreehouse.com/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphabettreehouse/
Contact Details: (416) 548-7891
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Alphabet Treehouse Childcare, tucked right in the heart of Midtown Toronto, has programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. It’s led by Renata, who brings more than 20 years of childcare experience.
Instead of sticking to rigid routines, her staff follows the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, focusing on nurturing children’s natural curiosity through play and hands-on activities.
In the Infant Daily Program, babies engage in sensory play with light, water, and textures, while also engaging in creative arts, music, and pretend play.
As for preschoolers, experiments and projects based on their interests are encouraged. They actively shape their own education, which many parents find refreshing.
While we appreciate their range of programs, we were dismayed upon hearing about the rude management here. Hopefully, these types of instances are not the norm.
Alphabet Tree House is by far the best childcare centre!
“Alphabet Tree House is by far the best childcare centre! The staff is happy, respectful, and friendly. Even the teachers from other classrooms knew my children and always said a nice hello to them in the hallways if they passed by. The staff leads by example and always models and encourages proper interactions. ATC is more of a learning centre than a child-minding center. Both of my girls came out of the program with the right skills they needed to start school. Thank you, ATC, for getting our girls off on the right foot with learning and making lasting friendships!! You are truly the best!!”
– Jennifer Behar, Google Review
Impressed by the stimulating activities they offer
“Both my children have had a wonderful experience at Alphabet Treehouse. The center is very communicative with parents, and staff and administrators are caring, attentive, and committed to helping each child thrive. I’ve been impressed by the variety of stimulating activities they offer for children in each age group and the fun themes they use to make lessons fresh and interesting. My oldest was so well prepared for JK as a result of her time at ATC.”
– Caroline Butler Davey, Google Review
3. Candy Factory Day Care
Business Address: 1411 Bloor St W
Website: https://candyfactorydaycare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candyfactorydaycare/
Contact Details: (416) 537-3682
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Candy Factory Day Care has a wide range of daycare programs that are designed with convenience and accessibility in mind.
No matter the age group, their approach is to give a nice balance between teacher-led activities and self-directed exploration. Kids get plenty of opportunities to socialize, learn through play, and prepare for the future.
Parents also appreciate that they provide rest times. They have set nap schedules during the day for a calmer and more restorative environment.
Financial support is always welcome—that’s why we love their Child Care Subsidy program. This will help offset the high costs of raising kids in the city.
However, parents have one pet peeve: their very limited parking spots. The spaces are almost always full, and more often than not, used by upper management.
Amazed at the variety of activities they offer
“My husband and I had such a wonderful experience with this daycare. The transition back to work was so much easier than I expected, thanks to the amazing team here. My son is absolutely thriving. He and I were both going a bit stir crazy by the end of my maternity leave, and this has been the perfect change for both of us. I’m constantly amazed at the variety of activities they engage him in every day, and it’s clear how much thought and care go into everything they do. Everyone is so warm and welcoming. My son literally jumps out of my arms and into theirs the moment we arrive, which says it all. It gives me so much peace of mind knowing he’s in such good hands while I’m at work. Highly recommend!”
– Kristina Fritz Franklin, Google Review
Caregivers are patient and loving
“We have been very happy with the care at Candy Factory daycare. Blair is so friendly, helpful, and efficient. The caregivers are patient and loving towards the kids in their room. The food is varied and healthy, and my daughter eats more there than at home! She learns a lot and, most importantly, she is happy there. My son will be going there in a year as well.”
– Erin Dowie, Google Review
4. Kids Way Daycare
Business Address: 369 Broadview Ave
Website: https://www.kidswaydaycare.com/
MapQuest: https://www.mapquest.com/ca/ontario/kids-way-daycare-455903055
Contact Details: (416) 508-2160
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Since 2006, Kids Way Daycare has been offering a safe, nurturing environment for little Torontonians.
As a fully licensed commercial childcare center, it serves children from birth up to 2 years and 6 months. Unfortunately, if your kid is a preschooler, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Their programming is hands-on and age-appropriate, with plenty of arts and crafts woven into the day. From coloring to drawing, activities are tailored to play to each child’s strengths.
We like that they participate in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system. This helps lower fees for families by capping daily childcare costs.
Plus, an unexpected bonus: children are exposed to different languages and cultures since their staff members speak Bengali, Cantonese, French, and Mandarin.
Kidsway is the gift that keeps on giving
“Kidsway is the gift that keeps on giving. As first-time parents, we heard the transition to daycare could be tough, but that just wasn’t the case. Ever since our daughter started last year, she lights up anytime we’re on our way. We attribute that to Gloria and all the amazing staff who have been nothing short of perfect.”
– Ryan H, Google Review
They truly care about the children in their charge
“The team at Kids Way is fantastic – they truly care about the children in their charge. Our daughter is thriving in daycare, and the activities, outings, and personal attention she receives are no doubt a big part of that. There is a lot of emphasis on nutritious food and activities to promote each child’s development, which I really appreciate.”
– Georgia Luyt, Google Review
5. BrightPath Academy Forest Hill Child Care
Business Address: 5 Glen Park Ave, North York
Website: https://brightpathkids.com/brightpath-academy/locations/forest-hill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightpathkids/
Contact Details: +1 888-808-2252
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
BrightPath’s goal is to create a positive and supportive environment, not just for kids but also for their families.
Their learning spaces are bright, spacious, and full of opportunities: activity rooms, classrooms equipped with technology, play areas—you name it.
For preschoolers, they use Itchy’s Alphabet, a playful yet effective tool to get children ready for Junior Kindergarten. Alongside that, their numeracy program helps build early math confidence.
Even nutrition is given a thought here—they provide both a morning and afternoon snack, plus freshly made meals that are cooked in-house each day. Everything is certified by a Registered Dietitian, too.
Of course, these amazing perks come at a price. Luckily, they accept subsidy requests, which must go through your province or region.
Programming is fun, creative, and educational
“Both of my sons started at BrightPath Academy Forest Hill in the infant room before turning one, and we’ve had an amazing experience. The staff are incredible—caring, attentive, and truly invested in each child’s growth. The programming is fun, creative, and educational, and it’s been amazing to watch how much our boys have learned. They’re always excited to go! The meals and snacks are nutritious and thoughtfully prepared, which is such a bonus. BrightPath Forest Hill feels like a second home to us. We’re so grateful for the loving environment and the incredible start they’ve given our kids!”
– Jessica Capland, Google Review
Impressed with the program plans and activities
“Our child has attended BrightPath Foresthill for almost 2 years now. We like how the centre is on the second floor of a building and the outdoor play area is on the same level as the classrooms. Pick up/drop off is easy with designated parking around the building. The facility is newer and well-kept. Staff have always been wonderful and accommodating. Staff are responsive and update you with photos through our daycare app regularly. We are impressed with the program plans and activities each week and how much our child has learnt. We have full confidence sending our child to the centre each day knowing that they’ll be safe, fed nutritious meals, have fun and treated with love & respect.”
– Tania Saliba, Google Review
