{"id":17176,"date":"2025-08-08T15:50:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T19:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/toronto\/?p=17176"},"modified":"2025-09-02T10:09:47","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T14:09:47","slug":"cne-family-budget-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/toronto\/cne-family-budget-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Best CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) Family Budget Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

The CNE (Canadian National Exhibition, or The Ex!) has marked the end of summer for families in Toronto since its inception way back in 1879. But naturally, prices have risen quite a bit since then! Between admission, rides, food, entertainment and shopping, a day of fun can put quite a dent in your wallet if you’re not careful. But you can have an amazing time at the Ex without going broke! Therefore, after many years of attending, we have pulled together the different ways we have learned about how to save money. Make the most of your visit with our Guide to the Best CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) Family Budget Tips…<\/p>\n

CNE Family Budget Tips \u2014 Admission Deals<\/h3>\n

Advance Tickets<\/a><\/strong>
\nBuying your tickets before the Ex starts is definitely cheaper than purchasing at the ticket booth. Advance sales are also not time-specific, which is handy if you know you’re going to attend but haven’t decided on a particular time. In person, advance sale gift cards are also sold at Circle K, Metro, Walmart, Food Basics and Longo\u2019s locations in the GTA until August 14 (while quantities last).
\nNote: A $2.99 per ticket processing fee applies to all online purchases.<\/p>\n

Advance Free School Tickets<\/a> (Ages 5-13)<\/strong>
\nKids in the GTA used to receive a free admission pass to the CNE in the envelopes of their end-of-year report cards, but now it is all online. On the School Tickets<\/a> page, select the school board that your child attends (located across Toronto, GTA and Southern Ontario) to access the School Kids Pass. From there, you can either print it or display it on your phone at the gate.
\nNote: Downloading is only available until August 14 at 11:59 PM. The kids’ pass includes grounds admission, and access to all shows and exhibits on any one day of the 2025 CNE, but not rides.<\/p>\n

Presto Perks<\/strong><\/a>
\nMany public transportation users have Presto cards for everyday travel, but did you know that you can save up to 47% on advance CNE tickets? There’s also deals on tickets once the Ex has begun. Just enter your Presto card number on the CNE’s ticket page and buy directly online for both general admission and ride-all-day passes.<\/p>\n

Entrance from Budweiser Stage<\/a> at Ontario Place or BMO Field<\/a> Ticket<\/strong>
\nHere’s a great tip from us locals… yes, you can get free access to the CNE grounds with a concert or sports game ticket! From Ontario Place, simply walk over the bridge that crosses Lake Shore Blvd., and keep your show ticket in case of a security check. This year’s events include the Toronto Argonauts<\/a>, Toronto F.C. Soccer, and concerts by KIDZ BOP<\/a>, Neil Young, Blue Rodeo, Leon Bridges, The Black Keys, and more.<\/p>\n

Ticket Specials<\/b><\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some ticket deals are only available while the CNE is running, including:<\/p>\n