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.

Canada Ski Council Snow Pass
The Canada Ski Council Snow Pass lets Grades 4 & 5 kids ski and snowboard at many participating hills all winter for only $29.99!

Free Winter Festivals

Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights
When:
Until January 6, 2024
More brilliant than ever, the annual Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights event features light displays every evening, even on Christmas Day!

Niagara Falls Festival of Lights
When:
Until January 7, 2024
Get your fill of sparkle and good cheer at the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, Ontario’s largest free outdoor light festival.

City of Toronto: Cavalcade of Lights
When: Until January 7, 2024
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.

Burlington Festival of Lights
When:
Until January 8, 2024
Drive or walk along the waterfront in Burlington for the annual Festival of Lights for a great free outing for the family.

Toronto History Museums: Lots of Light
When: Until January 8, 2024
Make memories with loved ones with light and joy through art, music, food, culture, and storytelling in a mix of free and ticketed activities.

Halton Hills: Light up the Hills Winter Festival
When:
Until January 14, 2024
Halton Hills is lighting up their parks this holiday season at the Light up the Hills Winter Festival to bring joy and hope to surrounding communities with light displays, free to view.

Lights On Stratford
When:
Until January 14, 2024
The Lights On Stratford annual winter festival transforms Stratford’s heritage downtown core and parks with luminous light installations.

Port Union Winterfest
When:
January 27, 2024
The Port Union Winterfest returns to Scarborough with their annual family-friendly event, with a market place, live entertainment, games for kids and food.

Toronto Union Station: TD Union Winter
When: Until February 4, 2024
Toronto Union Station gets the party going through the holiday season with TD Union Winter, inside the newly opened TD West Carriageway for a fun and magical free winter experience.

Exploring Toronto

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 has their holiday trees out until December 31.

Toronto Public Library Branches
There is always an adventure to be had at the library. Enroll in courses, 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

Free Museum Admission Nights

Aga Khan Museum — Wednesday nights are free from 4:00–8:00pm. Limited tickets are available at 9:00am each Wednesday.
Art Gallery of Ontario — Always free for patrons under 25, with free admission for all to regular galleries on Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00pm. (Note: Free General Admission tickets must be booked online in advance.)
Bata Shoe Museum — Free Sundays is an ongoing program throughout the year, plus
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 4:00pm.
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) — 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 8:45pm.
ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) — Third Tuesday Nights program offers free admission for everyone from 4:30-8:30pm each month.

Toronto History Museums
The City of Toronto has announced that Toronto History Museums are now free, all the time! The goal is to provide everyone with the opportunity to fully participate in cultural heritage and spaces.

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.

Toronto Public Library – Museum + Arts Passes
Did you know that all TPL branches offer free passes to museums? One pass is permitted per person, per week, which is usually good for two adult and two child admissions.

Attractions Ontario Coupons
For cheap tickets to museums at regular times, be sure to check out Attractions Ontario coupons. They’re available for lots of popular venues such as Bata Shoe Museum, Casa Loma, Glow Zone, Hockey Hall of Fame, Legoland, Little Canada, Medieval Times, Ontario Science Centre, ROM and much 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 to many minor sports league games, museums, shows and special events.

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!)

 

Looking for more Winter Outdoor Activities in Toronto? Click here for more!