Entertaining kids over their summer vacation can get expensive: there’s so much to do (don’t forget to check off our Summer Fun Bucket List for ideas!) and visiting so many venues can certainly hurt the wallet. But don’t worry, there are numerous options for affordable and free activities and events around the city. Whether you want to be active, cultural and/or adventurous, we’ve got you covered with our Cheap Summer Activities Guide for Toronto and the GTA!
Outdoor Recreation
Swimming
City-run outdoor pools, beaches and splash pads are all free to residents, and even visitors too, so take advantage while you can. Plus, don’t forget that indoor pools are still open (and free) throughout the year!
Hiking
Toronto’s hiking paths are bustling in warmer months but there’s still plenty of room to roam! 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.
Biking, Skateboarding & Roller Skating
Daredevils can show off their tricks at one of the city’s bike and skateboard parks. Plus, roller skating is back at both indoor and outdoor rinks around the city.
Playing
Of course, Toronto’s vast system of parks and playgrounds gives the perfect opportunity to spend a day for free. Many have exciting facilities and pools for built-in activities, and you can even bring your dog along!
Exercising
Planet Fitness is encouraging teens to get active and healthy this summer with their High School Summer Pass, and it’s totally free!
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) and High Park Zoo in the west end in (you guessed it!) High Park has numerous interesting animals from around the world.
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!
Outdoor Movies
You can catch a flick under the stars in a number of different spots around Toronto this summer. Many are free and/or accept donations.
Festivals
Many street festivals are free or by donation, including The Bentway, Big on Bloor, Salsa in Toronto Festival, Ossfest, Ontario Place SummerSeries, Festival of South Asia, Buskerfest and many more!
Concerts
There are also many free concerts to check out, such as Summer Music in the Park in Yorkville, Toronto Music Garden, Beaches Jazz Festival, and more.
Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Family Fun Program
Families can learn about the inner workings of Ontario’s Parliament at Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Family Fun Program in a free two-hour interactive program for kids aged 6-12 (plus adult accompaniment).
Toronto Public Library Summer Wonder Programs
At home or out and about, there is always an adventure to be had at the library. Enrol in in-person and online courses, join the TD Summer Reading Club or just hang out to peruse the racks and read a book.
Mississauga Library: Summer Fun programs
The Mississauga Library invites families to join them for their free Summer Fun programs, including the yearly TD Summer Reading Club program, Youth Summer Series contests/challenges, as well as regular summer performances and story time presentations. Make this summer one for the books!
Tourism
Canada Strong Pass
Looking for an unforgettable (and affordable!) family fun adventure this summer? The Canada Strong Pass is opening 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.
Update July 15: The Royal Ontario Museum has now also joined the program, with free general admission for kids aged 3-17 and the reduced price of $8.75 for youth aged 18-24.
Toronto History Museums
All of Toronto’s historical museums now have free admission, permanently! Step back in time and learn about our great city.
- Colborne Lodge
- Fort York National Historic Site
- Gibson House
- Mackenzie House
- Market Gallery
- Montgomery’s Inn
- Scarborough Museum
- Spadina Museum
- Todmorden Mills
- Zion Schoolhouse
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.
More Museum Free Admission Times
Aga Khan Museum: Enjoy free admission every Wednesday from 4:00-8:00 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.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Patrons aged 18 and under are always free, and free for all every Friday night from 5:00-9:00 PM and all day Sunday.
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, starting at 5:30pm.
Toronto Railway Museum’s Mini Train
Even if you don’t go into the museum, the Roundhouse Park trains are free to check out year-round. Plus, you can take the fun (and very affordable) mini-train around the yard.
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. Plus there’s options all across the province, which is handy for family road trips too!
Presto Perks
Many public transportation users have Presto cards for everyday travel, but did you know that you can get discounts to venues and services? There are plenty of great online deals on their website, including discounted CNE tickets, sporting events, theatre tickets, and even restaurants.
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, 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.
Canoo App
For newcomers to Canada, the Canoo app offers free entry to over 2,000 partner experiences, plus exclusive discounts on select events.
More Free Summer Events
City of Toronto Indigenous Arts Festival & Na-Me-Res Pow Wow
Date: June 20-21, 2025
The City of Toronto celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with the return of the Indigenous Arts Festival. This two-day event features the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow, craft and food vendors, performances, storytelling, and more. Better yet, this festival is family-friendly with FREE admission!
Guild Festival Theatre Family Fest
Date: July 10-13, 2025
Join Guild Festival Theatre for Family Fest, their yearly FREE outdoor festival! This four-day celebration of the arts features theatre, circus, dance and music performances, along with workshops, entertainment and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect family-friendly festival to kick off the summer outdoor theatre season!
7-Eleven: Free Slurpee Day
Date: July 11, 2025
Satisfy your need for icy refreshment at 7-Eleven locations across Canada on Free Slurpee Day on July 11. To honour the date (7/11, get it?!), you can get a free small-sized slush drink, but beware the brain freeze from drinking too fast!
Ontario Parks: Free Day
Date: July 18, 2025
Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks, Healthy People (HPHP) Free Day is back this year, where Ontarians can head out to their favourite park and enjoy free access to all participating parks for the day
CNE’s Agricultural Adventures and Horsecapades
Date: July 23 — August 1 & August 3-14, 2025
Can’t wait for the Ex to start at the end of August? Families can visit early to join FREE educational activities at the Farm buildings, which is great because for many of us, the best part of the CNE is the animals!
Get lots more ideas for family-friendly activities and events on our calendar here!
