Ten FREE (or CHEAP) Things to Do With Kids in Toronto

Though hitting major attractions in Toronto can get expensive, it doesn't have to wipe out your budget. If you do your homework and scout out the deals, you'll find there's a plethora of free things to do - or cheap ways to get to them!

1. CityPass
If you're going to be a tourist in your own city and visit some major attractions, get a CityPass. You can visit 5 major attractions for only $59 CAD. Your pass is valid for 9 days so it's perfect for the summer holidays. The Toronto CityPass includes admission tickets to: Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, and Casa Loma. A youth pass (4 to 12 years) is only $39.00 CAD. You end up saving 45%. Tickets purchased separately at these attractions would end up costing you $108.12 for Adults and $71.58 for Youth.
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2. Plenty of More Attractions…
If you're looking for great deals throughout the summer, visit Attractions Ontario. Not only will you find facts on the best things to do in Ontario but you'll also find some great e-coupons for many attractions. Sign up or send away for their free 2009 Passport which is now available and save $850 at participating Attractions! To receive your free passport, visit their website or call 1-800-ONTARIO.
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3. Centreville - Free Return Visit in June
During the month of June, purchase any individual all day ride pass online and visit the park any WEEKDAY in June and you'll receive a voucher to return any other day during the 2009 season for free. Centreville Amusement Park is nestled in over 600 acres of parkland just across the harbour from the city. It's a natural destination for day trip with a fun ferry ride and tons of picnic areas. With over 30 rides and attractions, mainly geared towards younger children, this theme park is a feast of rides for little ones. Better yet, spring for a 2009 Season Pass to enjoy unlimited visits to Centreville all season long. At only $55.00 per person, it's a deal you can't beat for summer long island fun.
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4. ROM
Enjoy half price Friday nights at the ROM. Admission is discounted every Friday evening from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Adults are only $11 whereas children 4 to 14 years are only $7.50. Also, admission is free every Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm, except for specially ticketed exhibitions.
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5. Harbourfront Centre
For more than 30 years, Harbourfront Centre has brought together the best in both Canadian culture and the rich mosaic of cultures from within our country and around the world. Over 4,000 events are presented annually and the majority are offered at reasonable prices or are completely free of charge. Events will showcase works in contemporary visual arts, crafts, literature, music, dance and theatre for adults and children.
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6. Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is North America's unique shoe museum. There are over 10,000 shoes housed in an award-winning 5-storey structure. 4 galleries celebrate the style and function of footwear and 3 other galleries feature special exhibits. Every Thursday evening between 5 and 8 pm, admission is Pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $5.
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7. The Gardiner Museum
The Gardiner Museum is the only museum in Canada entirely devoted to ceramics. The collection, which exceeds 2900 pieces, is often described as a "jewel box of ceramic treasures." Admission is FREE every Friday from 4-9pm and all day on the first Friday of every month. Visit their website for a complete listing of Friday night events.
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8. Celebrate Toronto's 175th anniversary at the City's historic sites: Free on weekends all summer
Mayor David Miller recently announced that admission to 8 of the City's historic sites will be Free on weekends in July and August. The City is taking this first-ever initiative to commemorate Toronto's 175th birthday while offering residents affordable and accessible activities during recessionary times. Visitors can enjoy programming and events at Colborne Lodge, Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Mackenzie House, Montgomery's Inn, Scarborough Museum, Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens, and Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre. Programming at the sites features music, drama, crafts for kids, heritage recipes to taste and other fun for the entire family.
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9. Animal Adventures
Furry creatures are a pretty safe bet for a fun day out with kids and you don't need to drop a ton of money to get your animal fix. Check out the four legged beasts at Riverdale Farm, Toronto's only Free downtown Farm. On Riverdale Farm you'll have the opportunity to experience numerous farming responsibilities. You'll see farm animals, including horses, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. Demonstrations are another attraction for visitors. Milking, cream separating, butter-making, egg collecting, sheep sheering and more. Another fave is Lionel's Pony Farm & Petting Zoo in Stouffville, where there are a wide range of things for families to do for FUN!  It's a great little petting zoo to take the kids to, with a large variety of animals and birds. Children can also feed the animals. Pony rides are available but you should call ahead to make sure that rides are available (they may be reserved for Birthday Parties). Nominal cost for riding twice around a designated area. The Petting Zoo is Free however donations are appreciated.
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10. Free Events
The Toronto4Kids website keeps track of all free events taking place in the Greater Toronto Area. When you select your Event category or All Events, click on the Free Events Only Box and only free stuff will be listed. Check out free art tours for Mothers and their children offered by Art Strollers. June 6 is also Toronto Horse Day and the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF), the Riding Academy at the Horse Palace and the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit are hosting a free family horse camp at the Horse Palace, Exhibition Grounds with activities and interactive programs. The 7th Annual Taste of Asia Festival, Canada's largest Free Asian Street Festival from June 26 to 28, features tons of entertainment, a Kids Zone playground area with games and more.
Click here for more info (there are tons of Free events in the city!)

Know of another Free attraction or activity that we missed? Please email us so we can add it to the list!