It happens every year: you’ve spent all month buying your holiday presents, decorating the house and baking goodies… and now you have to keep the kids busy and entertained for two or three months more of cold weather?! It’s a daunting task, but never fear, you and your family this winter can have fun without hurting your wallet further with our Guide to the Best Cheap and Free Winter Activities in Toronto and the GTA…

Physical Activity

Outdoor Skating
Opportunities for ice skating have become more plentiful in the city in recent years, with freeform paths being built in parks and even under highways! Outdoor skating is one of those rare activities that families of all ages can enjoy together during the long and cold winter months.

Tobogganing
An afternoon of sledding on the hills is family winter fun at its finest and it’s completely free to enjoy! Plus, climbing back up the hill will be sure to tucker the kids out.

Cross-Country Skiing
If you like it flatter and slower than those crazy sledding kids, you can do it here in Toronto and the GTA. There’s even snow loops for snowshoeing on city-run golf courses.

Hiking Paths
They might be busier in warmer months, but Toronto’s hiking paths are still beautiful in winter! If you want to go out a little further out of the city boundaries, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has even more nature paths to explore.

Indoor Pools
If you’re not so much into the wintery outdoors, you can hang out at an indoor pool. Pretend you’re at an all-inclusive resort — sorry, no cocktails allowed in the pool! City-run pools are free for City of Toronto residents.

Free Winter Festivals in Toronto

Toronto Union Station: TD Union Winter
Date: November 26, 2025 — January 18, 2026
Toronto Union Station gets the party going through the holiday season and into the new year with TD Union Winter, inside the newly opened TD West Carriageway.

City of Toronto: Cavalcade of Lights
Date: November 29, 2025 – January 7, 2026
The City of Toronto hosts Cavalcade of Lights, a free festival that bathes Nathan Phillips Square, transforming City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling wonderland every night during the the holiday season.

YZD: Hangar Skate
Date: December 19, 2025 — February 16, 2026
Hangar Skate returns to YZD, with a free pop-up skating rink at the vibrant 370-acre neighbourhood at the former Downsview Airport lands. The event features complimentary indoor arts programming, Friday DJ Skate Nights and special events, affordable skate rentals, free lessons, and more.

Free Winter Festivals in the GTA

Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Date: November 15, 2025 — January 4, 2026
Get your fill of sparkle and good cheer at the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights. It’s Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival!

Burlington Festival of Lights
Date: November 28, 2025 — January 7, 2026
Drive or walk along the waterfront in Burlington for the annual Festival of Lights for a great free outing for the family, along with pop-up events.

Halton Hills: Light up the Hills Winter Festival
Date: December 1, 2025 — January 11, 2026
Halton Hills lights up again this holiday season at the Light up the Hills Winter Festival to bring joy and hope with light displays that are free to view.

Orangeville Christmas in the Park
Date: December 1-31, 2025
The month-long free Christmas in the Park event in Orangeville includes millions of dazzling lights, music, entertainment, hot chocolate and more.

Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights
Date: December 6, 2025 — January 3, 2026
One of the biggest exhibits of Christmas lights in Canada, you can either drive or walk through the brilliant path of light displays at the annual Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights event, even on Christmas Day!

Lights on Stratford Winter Festival of Lights
Date: December 12, 2025 — January 18, 2026
The free annual Lights On Stratford Winter Festival of Lights transforms Stratford’s heritage downtown core and parks with luminous art and interactive light installations.

Exploring Toronto

First off, be sure to look through our full list of Cheapies and Freebies, which includes concerts & shows, festivals, special events and so much more!

Public Gardens
Stroll through both indoor and outdoor gardens that are free and open year-round: Allan Gardens Conservatory downtown, Toronto Botanical Gardens in North York and Centennial Park Conservatory in Etobicoke.

Free Zoos
Riverdale Farm in Cabbagetown stays open throughout the year (though some animals stay in the barns).

Toronto Public Library Branches
There is always an adventure to be had at the library! Enroll in programs and classes, attend a special event, or just hang out to peruse the racks and read a book. For a special trip, head downtown and check out the futuristic Toronto Reference Library… Scarborough-born musician The Weeknd even filmed a video there!

Tourism

Canada Strong Pass
Looking for an unforgettable (and affordable!) family fun adventure over the holidays? From December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026, the Canada Strong Pass is back! Its intention is to open the door to some of the best museums, experiences, and train journeys in the country for affordable family fun.

  • VIA rail tickets are completely free for kids and teens, plus there are discounts for young adults and FREE access to national parks for everyone.
  • The Royal Ontario Museum has joined the program, with free general admission for kids aged 3-17 and the reduced price of $8.75 for youth aged 18-24.

CityPASS
For visitors to Toronto or local families looking to experience numerous attractions in a nine-day period, the Toronto edition of the popular CityPass can save you up to 38% off regular admission prices. You get a one-time admission to five attractions: the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and three attractions of your choice between Royal Ontario Museum, City Cruises Toronto (reopening April 2026), Casa Loma and Toronto Zoo.

CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) Membership Rewards
Members of CAA receive discounts to a wide range of hotel chains, restaurants, stores and services across Canada. Entertainment and attractions include Toronto Zoo, Ingenium, Canada’s Wonderland, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Mirvish Productions, CAA Centre, CN Tower and Cineplex.

Toronto Public Library: tpl:map (Formerly known as Museum + Arts Pass (MAP) Program)
Did you know that the Toronto Public Library offers free passes to museums, shows and attractions? Just reserve the date from the many available venues, download or print your pass, and have a fun adventure! Note: passes are no longer given out in person at branches and are now reserved exclusively throughout the tpl:map website.

Attractions Ontario Coupons
For cheap tickets to museums and attractions, be sure to check out Attractions Ontario coupons. They’re available for many popular summer venues across Toronto and the GTA, including Bata Shoe Museum, Glow Zone, Hockey Hall of Fame, Legoland, Little Canada, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Medieval Times, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, ROM, Toronto Zoo, and many more.

Presto Card Discounts
Throughout the year, public transit customers can do more with their Presto cards by getting a discount on services, events and venues around the GTA. Current options include tickets for many minor sports league games, museums, shows and special events.

Canoo App
For newcomers to Canada, the Canoo app offers free entry to over 2,000 partner experiences, plus exclusive discounts on select events.

Museum Free Admission Times

Aga Khan Museum: Enjoy free admission every Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Art Gallery of Ontario: Free admission for visitors under 25, with free admission for all to regular galleries on the first Wednesday night of each month, between 6:00-9:00 PM. (Note: Free General Admission tickets must be booked online in advance.)
Bata Shoe Museum — Free Sundays is an ongoing program throughout the year, plus seasonal events for public holidays such as the winter school break.
Gardiner Museum — Gardiner Museum offers Family Days, with free clay hand-building and decorating activities plus free admission for kids under 18, plus the museum is free to all on Wednesdays after 4:00 PM.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Free Friday Nights powered by Scotiabank are always free to visit. Visitors can book in advance to guarantee entry or drop in on the day, until 8:45 PM.
Gardiner Museum: Free admission for visitors under 18 at all times, free general admission on Wednesdays after 4:00 PM, plus free family activities on Sundays.
Royal Ontario Museum: The ROM offers free admission on the third Tuesday evening of the month throughout the year from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection: Family Sundays at the McMichael
McMichael Canadian Art Collection invites art lovers to visit Family Sundays, where every third Sunday of the month is FREE at the McMichael! Located in the picturesque town of Kleinburg, you can enjoy different themed family fun activities all day, including interactive tours and storytelling circles created just for families as well as a special performance.

Toronto History Museums
All of Toronto’s historical museums now have free admission, permanently! The goal is to provide everyone with the opportunity to fully participate in cultural heritage and spaces. Step back in time and learn about our great city at:

  • Colborne Lodge
  • Fort York National Historic Site
  • Gibson House
  • Mackenzie House
  • Market Gallery
  • Montgomery’s Inn
  • Scarborough Museum
  • Spadina Museum
  • Todmorden Mills
  • Zion Schoolhouse

Toronto Railway Museum
Even if you don’t go into the museum, the Roundhouse Park trains are free to check out year-round and they look so pretty covered with snow.

Family Fun Toronto Guides

Guide to the Best Holiday School Break Events and Activities in Toronto and the GTA
There’s always something fun to do in our busy city and no matter the season, kids will always have energy that needs to get expended before the dreaded boredom sets in. So get a move on with Guide to the Best Holiday School Break Events and Activities in Toronto and the GTA!

Guide to the Best Family-Friendly New Years Events and Activities in Toronto and the GTA
New Years Eve is a chance to spend time with family and friends, celebrating another fantastic year. Raise your glass and check out our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly New Years Events and Activities in Toronto and the GTA.

20 Cool Buildings to Discover in Downtown Toronto
Learn about our city’s past, present and future by putting on your walking shoes and checking off our list of 20 Cool Buildings to Discover in Downtown Toronto. (Be sure to take breaks and warm up with some hot chocolate in the process!)

Put away your wallet and discover more free and cheap events in Toronto here!