15 Free Things to Do with Kids in Toronto

toronto park2Are you headed to Toronto? First, don’t forget to bring your passport if you’re coming from the U.S. Next, don’t forget to find ways to cut costs on your getaway. One way to save money is to do as many free things as possible, assuming that they interest you and your family, of course. Take a look at 15 fun, fantastic and free things to do in Toronto. Have fun. 🙂

1. Just off Highway 401, you’ll find tons of free things to do at Yonge-Dundas Square. Every day there are free things to do, like free concerts, movies and live entertainment, even free wi-fi. There’s always something going on at the Square.

2. If the timing is right, plan to attend a free opera with the Canadian Opera Company. From late-September through May, you can discover new and established artists and experience musical performances in an incredible variety of genres at no cost.

3. A visit to Toronto’s High Park will bring you to 400 acres of nature, fun and frolic. Don’t miss the many kids play areas, as well as dog walks, cafes and a pool (which also has free admission).

4. Toronto is home to a fun heritage walking tour where you can see a lot of great architecture and learn about the history of Toronto.

5. For the art-lover in you, check out the AGO, which has free admission on Wednesday evenings to their permanent collection.

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6. Allan Gardens, which is part of the Toronto Botanical Gardens, offers free admission. It is over 100 years old and has a garden-filled greenhouse that covers over 16,000 square feet.

7. Brush up on Islamic history and culture at the Aga Khan museum, which offers free Wednesday evening admission. Due to space constraints on free evenings, pass on the strollers for the visit if possible.

8. In the winter, there is free public skating available at various Toronto city rinks. Note that there is a fee for skate rental.

9. Frisbee golf is a fun family bonding activity. Located near Eglinton & Don Mills Blvds, the E.T. Seton Disc Golf Course is free to use. Just bring your own Frisbee.

10. If the weather has you looking for something to do indoors, visit one of three Lego Stores in Toronto and build. Just use your creativity and have fun. Play is always free, but set spending expectations with the kids before you head in. 🙂

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11. Harbourfront Centre has tons of free events all summer long. From May to October, take a walk along the Queens Quay Promenade to Harbourfront Centre. Enjoy the free weekly music and film series or pick up your feet at the weekly social dance series. There are also multiple culture festivals during the summer.

12. The University of Toronto’s Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is for the book lover in you. If you love the smell of old books, this is your place.

13. Kids love mazes, so why not let them explore a real-life maze. Located near the Franklin Children’s Garden, the William Meany Maze is very popular with kids, as well as moms and dads, who can follow the paths and trees to find their way through the secret paths. It is open year round, but summer is a great time to visit for enjoying Toronto’s warm weather.

14. Nearly every weekend in summer there is a cultural festival in Toronto and almost all have free admission. From India Fest to Iranian Festival to Chinatown Festival and beyond, check Toronto.com to see which one is going on the weekend of your visit.

15. Far Enough Farm is on Centre Island and is home to 40+ species of farm animals and some exotic birds as well. It is a great place to take your children to see what farm life is like and more of Mother Nature as well. Alpacas or Norwegian Horses — which do you think your kids will find most exciting?

Have fun on your visit to Toronto, Canada’s most populous city. Near to Lake Ontario, there’s plenty to do in both nature and city life. So enjoy your visit without maxing out your credit card.

Photo Credit: evaingesl