{"id":9839,"date":"2025-06-15T06:00:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-15T10:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/toronto\/?p=9839"},"modified":"2025-09-22T12:38:26","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T16:38:26","slug":"cheap-summer-activities-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/toronto\/cheap-summer-activities-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Cheap Summer Activities in Toronto and the GTA"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n

Outdoor Recreation<\/h3>\n

Swimming<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/span>City-run outdoor pools<\/a>, beaches<\/a> and splash pads<\/a> are all free to residents, and even visitors too, so take advantage while you can. Plus, don’t forget that indoor pools<\/a> are still open (and free) throughout the year!<\/p>\n

Hiking
\n<\/strong>Toronto’s hiking paths<\/a> 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)<\/a> has even more nature paths to explore.<\/p>\n

Biking, Skateboarding & Roller Skating<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Daredevils can show off their tricks at one of the city’s bike and skateboard parks<\/a>. Plus, roller skating<\/a> is back at both indoor and outdoor rinks around the city.<\/p>\n

Playing<\/strong>
\nOf course, Toronto’s vast system of parks and playgrounds<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n

Exercising<\/strong>
\nPlanet Fitness is encouraging teens to get active and healthy this summer with their High School Summer Pass<\/a>, and it’s totally free!<\/p>\n

Public Gardens<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Stroll through both indoor and outdoor gardens that are free and open year-round: Allan Gardens Conservatory<\/a> downtown, Toronto Botanical Gardens<\/a> in North York and Centennial Park Conservatory<\/a> in Etobicoke.<\/p>\n

Free Zoos<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Riverdale Farm<\/a> in Cabbagetown stays open throughout the year (though some animals stay in the barns) and High Park Zoo<\/a> in the west end in (you guessed it!) High Park has numerous interesting animals from around the world.<\/p>\n

Exploring Toronto<\/h3>\n

First off, be sure to look through our full list of Cheapies and Freebies<\/a>, which includes concerts & shows, festivals, special events and so much more!<\/p>\n

Outdoor Movies<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nYou can catch a flick under the stars in a number of different spots around Toronto this summer. Many are free and\/or accept donations.<\/p>\n

Festivals<\/a>
\n<\/strong>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!<\/p>\n

Concerts<\/a><\/strong>
\nThere are also many free concerts to check out, such as Summer Music in the Park<\/a> in Yorkville, Toronto Music Garden<\/a>, Beaches Jazz Festival<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n

Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Family Fun Program<\/a><\/strong>
\nFamilies 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).<\/p>\n

Toronto Public Library Summer Wonder Programs<\/span><\/a>
\n<\/strong>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.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Mississauga Library: Summer Fun programs<\/a>
\n<\/strong>The\u00a0Mississauga Library\u00a0invites 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!<\/p>\n

Tourism<\/h3>\n

Canada Strong Pass<\/a><\/strong>
\nLooking 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.
\nUpdate July 15:<\/strong> The Royal Ontario Museum<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Toronto History Museums<\/strong><\/a>
\nAll of Toronto’s historical museums now have free admission, permanently! Step back in time and learn about our great city.<\/p>\n