- Updated on September 23, 2026
Local guide to FREE events for kids and families
Some of the best things in life really are free. Explore fun, no-cost events for kids and families across Toronto, Mississauga, York Region, Durham, Halton, and surrounding areas — all in one easy, always-updated guide. Check back often to discover new ways to get out with the kids and enjoy quality time together without stretching your budget.
Kids Craft & Play — Erin Mills Town Centre
October 10, 2026
Erin Mills Town Centre
Join us for Kids Craft & Play at Erin Mills Town Centre during Thanksgiving Weekend, October 10–11, 2026. This family-friendly festival features kids activities, arts and crafts, interactive games, local vendors, festive entertainment, food and community experiences. Families can enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Erin Mills Town Centre ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
October 11, 2026
125 Burnaby Blvd
The 9th Annual Eglinton Way BIA Farmers’ Market Season Opens June 7th! Since 2018, our market has become a staple weekly event dedicated to strengthening and promoting our community, supporting local farms and businesses, and enhancing food security. Find everything from local vendors and live music to fresh ...
Kids Craft & Play — Erin Mills Town Centre
October 11, 2026
Erin Mills Town Centre
Join us for Kids Craft & Play at Erin Mills Town Centre during Thanksgiving Weekend, October 10–11, 2026. This family-friendly festival features kids activities, arts and crafts, interactive games, local vendors, festive entertainment, food and community experiences. Families can enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Erin Mills Town Centre ...
Free Sundays at the Bata Shoe Museum
October 11, 2026
Bata Shoe Museum
Explore thousands of years of footwear history for FREE at the Bata Shoe Museum! Every Sunday, families can discover fascinating shoes and artefacts from around the world while exploring the museum’s permanent collection and changing exhibitions. Free admission is available thanks to KPMG, and advance ticket reservations are ...
Storytime at the Park
October 17, 2026
Downsview Park
Enjoy stories and nature together at Downsview Park! Storytime at the Park is a free outdoor program featuring an interactive read-aloud, activities inspired by the month’s theme and a small snack. Sessions alternate between programming geared toward ages 3–6 and ages 7–9, although everyone is welcome. English and ...
Storytime At The Park
October 17, 2026
Downsview Park
NEW PROGRAM ALERT! The Downsview Park Education Team is excited to launch a new free outdoor program for families, with sessions offered in English and French! Families will enjoy: 📖 Interactive read-alouds of beloved books 🎨 Themed activities 🌳 Nature exploration 🍎 A light snack 😊 For children ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
October 18, 2026
125 Burnaby Blvd
The 9th Annual Eglinton Way BIA Farmers’ Market Season Opens June 7th! Since 2018, our market has become a staple weekly event dedicated to strengthening and promoting our community, supporting local farms and businesses, and enhancing food security. Find everything from local vendors and live music to fresh ...
Family Sunday: Artist Residency Guest
October 18, 2026
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
This month we are joined by artist in residence Lana Yuan. In the lobby, we will be creating abstract mosaic collages. Use coloured paper against a black background to make it pop! Suitable for ages 3+ Adult supervision is required in all gallery/ studio spaces. Free admission, no ...
Free Sundays at the Bata Shoe Museum
October 18, 2026
Bata Shoe Museum
Explore thousands of years of footwear history for FREE at the Bata Shoe Museum! Every Sunday, families can discover fascinating shoes and artefacts from around the world while exploring the museum’s permanent collection and changing exhibitions. Free admission is available thanks to KPMG, and advance ticket reservations are ...
Jr. Forest Explorers
October 19, 2026
Downsview Park Discovery Centre
Connect little ones with nature at Jr. Forest Explorers! Designed for children ages 18 months to three-and-a-half years, this 90-minute outdoor program encourages curious kids to explore, play and get their hands dirty through fun, hands-on activities. Caregivers must stay for the duration of the program. Sessions take ...
18th Annual Pumpkin Giveaway
October 24, 2026
Free Family Fun!! Join us for another year of free pumpkins, face painting, hot dog BBQ and good fall fun! Buy some yummy baked treats at our bake sale or try your luck for one of the raffle prizes all in support of Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity (net ...
Bloor West Halloween Fest
October 24, 2026
Bloor West Village
Get ready for a day of Halloween fun as Bloor West Village Halloween Fest returns on Saturday, October 24! This free family event brings Halloween activities, entertainment and seasonal fun to locations along Bloor Street West. Dress up in your favourite costume and explore the neighbourhood, with activities ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
October 25, 2026
125 Burnaby Blvd
The 9th Annual Eglinton Way BIA Farmers’ Market Season Opens June 7th! Since 2018, our market has become a staple weekly event dedicated to strengthening and promoting our community, supporting local farms and businesses, and enhancing food security. Find everything from local vendors and live music to fresh ...
Free Sundays at the Bata Shoe Museum
October 25, 2026
Bata Shoe Museum
Explore thousands of years of footwear history for FREE at the Bata Shoe Museum! Every Sunday, families can discover fascinating shoes and artefacts from around the world while exploring the museum’s permanent collection and changing exhibitions. Free admission is available thanks to KPMG, and advance ticket reservations are ...
City of Brantford Halloween Fun Fair
October 25, 2026
Bell Homestead National Historic Site
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Bell Homestead’s Halloween Fun Fair! Families can make a Halloween craft to take home and try their hand at fun, old-fashioned Halloween-themed games. Home-baked goodies and refreshments will also be available for purchase from The Exchange Café. Date: Sunday, October 25, ...
Jr. Forest Explorers
October 26, 2026
Downsview Park Discovery Centre
Connect little ones with nature at Jr. Forest Explorers! Designed for children ages 18 months to three-and-a-half years, this 90-minute outdoor program encourages curious kids to explore, play and get their hands dirty through fun, hands-on activities. Caregivers must stay for the duration of the program. Sessions take ...
Boo Bash
October 28, 2026
Museum on the Boyne
Get ready for some Halloween fun at the Museum on the Boyne! Kids can enjoy spook-tacular activities, make a Halloween craft, paint a pumpkin, complete a scavenger hunt and go trick-or-treating around the museum. A fun evening of Halloween activities for kids of all ages! Date: Wednesday, October ...
Fall Info Fair
October 28, 2026
Burlington Lions Club Hall
Come and discover the many exciting year-round events managed by the Halton Outdoor Club. We offer hiking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, cycling and paddling, keeping you active outdoors with like-minded people. Enjoy single events, day trips, extended trips, and skill development. Try the first two events on us!
St. Jacobs Market Halloween Kids Day
October 31, 2026
St. Jacobs Farmers Market
Come One, Come All! Our Halloween Kids Day at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is a free event open to families, friends, and anyone who wants to enjoy a joyous Halloween celebration in a safe and welcoming environment. We encourage everyone to participate, so spread the word and bring ...
Halloween on Main
October 31, 2026
Main Street Stouffville
Get ready for a spooktacular day in the heart of Stouffville! Main Street will come alive with family-friendly Halloween fun. Bring the whole family for activities, costumes, and fun along Main Street. Participating businesses will be handing out candy while supplies last – so don’t forget your treat ...
Free Sundays at the Bata Shoe Museum
November 1, 2026
Bata Shoe Museum
Explore thousands of years of footwear history for FREE at the Bata Shoe Museum! Every Sunday, families can discover fascinating shoes and artefacts from around the world while exploring the museum’s permanent collection and changing exhibitions. Free admission is available thanks to KPMG, and advance ticket reservations are ...
Held & Heard: Rewriting the Perinatal & Postpartum Story
November 4, 2026
Burnhamthorpe Community Centre
This free event is dedicated to breaking the silence around perinatal mental health. Moms, dads, partners, and caregivers are all welcome. Because no parent should navigate this journey alone. Parenthood is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it can also bring unexpected challenges, questions, and emotional ups ...
Storytime at the Park
November 14, 2026
Downsview Park
Enjoy stories and nature together at Downsview Park! Storytime at the Park is a free outdoor program featuring an interactive read-aloud, activities inspired by the month’s theme and a small snack. Sessions alternate between programming geared toward ages 3–6 and ages 7–9, although everyone is welcome. English and ...
Storytime At The Park
November 14, 2026
Downsview Park
NEW PROGRAM ALERT! The Downsview Park Education Team is excited to launch a new free outdoor program for families, with sessions offered in English and French! Families will enjoy: 📖 Interactive read-alouds of beloved books 🎨 Themed activities 🌳 Nature exploration 🍎 A light snack 😊 For children ...
BMO Student Life Expo
November 15, 2026
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building)
Mark your calendar Sunday, November 15th from 12 pm to 5 pm at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Hall F. Join us for a one-of-a-kind event where you can explore various Education and Employment opportunities and other resources to enhance your student life. Meet with university ...
Jr. Forest Explorers
November 16, 2026
Downsview Park Discovery Centre
Connect little ones with nature at Jr. Forest Explorers! Designed for children ages 18 months to three-and-a-half years, this 90-minute outdoor program encourages curious kids to explore, play and get their hands dirty through fun, hands-on activities. Caregivers must stay for the duration of the program. Sessions take ...
Storytime at the Park
December 12, 2026
Downsview Park
Enjoy stories and nature together at Downsview Park! Storytime at the Park is a free outdoor program featuring an interactive read-aloud, activities inspired by the month’s theme and a small snack. Sessions alternate between programming geared toward ages 3–6 and ages 7–9, although everyone is welcome. English and ...
Storytime At The Park
December 12, 2026
Downsview Park
NEW PROGRAM ALERT! The Downsview Park Education Team is excited to launch a new free outdoor program for families, with sessions offered in English and French! Families will enjoy: 📖 Interactive read-alouds of beloved books 🎨 Themed activities 🌳 Nature exploration 🍎 A light snack 😊 For children ...
Jr. Forest Explorers
December 14, 2026
Downsview Park Discovery Centre
Connect little ones with nature at Jr. Forest Explorers! Designed for children ages 18 months to three-and-a-half years, this 90-minute outdoor program encourages curious kids to explore, play and get their hands dirty through fun, hands-on activities. Caregivers must stay for the duration of the program. Sessions take ...
There’s always something fun happening around the GTA — and a great family day out doesn’t have to cost a thing! Check back often as we continue to add new free events, festivals and family activities throughout the year. For even more ideas, explore our Family Fun Guides for seasonal inspiration or browse our Family Event Calendar to see what’s happening near you. Have an event we’ve missed? Let us know so we can add it to the list!
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1 thought on “Free Things To Do with Kids in the GTA”
It is really important for the sake of your family that once a week, the whole family should visit some place or take part in a family activity. This will help in increasing the bond between all members.