- 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.
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 ...
FREE Halloween Fun at Langstaff Market
October 31, 2026
Langstaff Market
🎃👻 LOOKING FOR FREE HALLOWEEN FUN IN VAUGHAN? 🍬 Bring the kids and join us for Halloween at Langstaff Market on Saturday, October 31! We’re hosting a fun-filled community Halloween celebration with something for the whole family! ✨ Here’s what’s happening: 🎃 FREE pumpkin decorating 🍬 Trick-or-treating with ...
Halloween in Clarkson Village
October 31, 2026
Clarkson Village BIA
Halloween in the Village Halloween in the Village returns to Clarkson Village on Saturday, October 31, 2026, for an afternoon of family-friendly Halloween fun. Dress up in your favourite costume and head to the Village for activities, entertainment, treats and a few spooky surprises. Families can enjoy: Bouncy ...
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 ...
Canoe Landing “Walk of Lights” Pumpkin Parade
November 1, 2026
Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre
Save your Halloween pumpkin for one more evening to shine! Join us for the inaugural Canoe Landing “Walk of Lights” Pumpkin Parade, a free, family-friendly community celebration bringing together local schools, families, and neighbours! Discover special pumpkin patches featuring creations by local schoolchildren, alongside a glowing trail of ...
Family Sunday: Everyday Matters
November 8, 2026
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
This month, take inspiration from the current exhibition Everyday Matters, a permanent collection exhibition about the things we see daily, that some may call ordinary. But there’s beauty in our world, even in the average things we see all the time! In the studio, we will get messy ...
Nature Connection: Fall Photo Walk
November 8, 2026
Downsview Park
As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, take a moment to join us for a walk through the Park capturing all the signs of fall! Bring your cell phone, camera or other photo-taking devices to capture all the evidence of changing seasons. Participants under the ...
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 ...
Hamilton Santa Claus Parade
November 14, 2026
Hamilton Santa Claus Parade Route
The holiday season is rolling into Hamilton! The annual Hamilton Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, November 14, 2026, bringing an afternoon of colourful floats, marching bands, festive entertainment and Christmas cheer for the whole family. This much-loved community tradition features creative holiday displays, cheerful characters and lively ...
Niagara Santa Claus Parade
November 14, 2026
Niagara Santa Claus Parade Route
The magic of Christmas is coming to downtown Niagara Falls! The annual Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, November 14, 2026, bringing families together for an afternoon of colourful floats, marching bands, festive entertainment and plenty of holiday cheer. Gather along the parade route to enjoy ...
Richmond Hill Merry Marketplace
November 14, 2026
Richmond Green Park
The Merry Marketplace is an outdoor holiday shopping experience featuring local artisans, live entertainment, food concessions, a display of winter lights, community displays, parades and more. There is also a meet and greet with Santa Claus!
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 ...
East Gwillimbury Santa Claus Parade
November 15, 2026
Mount Albert Parade Route
There’s a whole afternoon of holiday magic waiting for families in East Gwillimbury! The annual Santa Claus Parade, Holiday Market and Tree Lighting celebration returns on Sunday, November 15, 2026, with festive entertainment, family activities and plenty of Christmas cheer. The fun begins at 3 pm with the ...
Newcastle Santa Claus Parade
November 15, 2026
Newcastle Parade Route
The magic of Christmas returns to Newcastle with the annual Newcastle Santa Claus Parade! This much-loved nighttime tradition lights up the village with beautifully illuminated floats, marching bands, colourful characters and plenty of festive cheer for families of all ages. The evening traditionally begins with the lighting of ...
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 ...
Jr. Forest Explorers: Fall Frolic
November 16, 2026
Downsview Park
Join us at Downsview Park for a FREE caregiver and toddler nature program. Connect with the natural world through hands-on outdoor activities. Registration is required for all attendees. Fall Frolic: Fall is coming to an end and it is time to get outdoors for a forest frolic. Explore ...
Streetsville Christmas in the Village
November 20–21, 2026
Streetsville Village Square
Step into the magic of Christmas in historic Streetsville! The 11th Annual Christmas in the Village returns November 20–21, 2026, transforming the charming streets of Streetsville into a festive holiday destination filled with twinkling lights, seasonal entertainment and family-friendly fun. Bring the whole family to enjoy carnival rides, ...
The LEGO® Workshop
November 21–29, 2026
The LEGO Group
Make the holiday season a little more magical at the LEGO Group’s Holiday Workshop at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. From November 21 to 29, families can step into a festive world of building, creativity and seasonal surprises, with opportunities to explore the LEGO® holiday experience ...
Barrie Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
Barrie Parade Route
Celebrate the magic of the season at the 77th Annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026! This beloved holiday tradition returns with dazzling floats, marching bands, festive lights and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself. This year’s theme, Holiday Sweets & Treats, promises plenty ...
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
Bowmanville Parade Route
Join us for Bowmanville’s annual Santa Claus Parade You’d better watch out because Santa Claus is coming to town! Bowmanville’s most magical parade event happens annually on the Third Saturday of every November! The parade starts at Roenigk Drive, along King Street (Hwy 2) to Memorial Park along ...
Wee Asian - Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
November 21, 2026
Innis Town Hall
Turning 10 this year, Wee Asian cultivates a place for all ages and generations to experience the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival together. Come and join our free drop-in programming, featuring relaxed film screenings, storytelling, arts and crafts, and time for play or rest! Relaxed Screenings take ...
Newmarket Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
Newmarket Parade Route
Kick off the holiday season at the annual Newmarket Santa Claus Parade! Bundle up and bring the whole family to enjoy colourful holiday floats, festive music and plenty of Christmas cheer as the parade makes its way through the streets of Newmarket. Keep an eye out for the ...
Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
Uxbridge Parade Route
A favourite holiday tradition returns to downtown Uxbridge! The 65th Annual Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade takes place on Saturday, November 21, 2026, bringing families and neighbours together for a festive morning filled with colourful floats, holiday music and plenty of Christmas cheer. Gather along Brock Street to enjoy ...
Santa Claus Parade Mississauga
November 21, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
Downtown Mississauga is getting ready to sparkle! The annual Mississauga Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, November 21, 2026, bringing an evening of dazzling illuminated floats, festive entertainment and holiday magic to the heart of the city. This year’s theme, “Sauga’s Home for the Holidays,” celebrates the many ...
Richmond Hill Merry Marketplace
November 21, 2026
Richmond Green Park
The Merry Marketplace is an outdoor holiday shopping experience featuring local artisans, live entertainment, food concessions, a display of winter lights, community displays, parades and more. There is also a meet and greet with Santa Claus!
Light Up the Square & Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
Downtown Mississauga is getting ready for a magical evening of holiday fun! Light Up the Square and the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade return on Saturday, November 21, 2026, bringing sparkling lights, festive entertainment and Christmas cheer to the heart of the city. The festivities begin at 4 pm ...
Brampton Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
Brampton Santa Claus Parade Route
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Brampton Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026! This popular nighttime parade returns to the streets of Brampton with a dazzling display of illuminated floats, twinkling lights, festive music and plenty of Christmas cheer. Bundle up and bring ...
Collingwood Annual Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
Downtown Collingwood
Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Collingwood with a full day of festive fun at the annual Christmas Season Launch and Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026! This beloved community celebration transforms the historic downtown into a magical holiday destination filled with twinkling lights, seasonal ...
Orangeville Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
Downtown Orangeville
Step into a world of holiday stories and Christmas magic at the annual Orangeville Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026! This beloved nighttime tradition returns to downtown Orangeville with a special theme, “A Storybook Christmas,” celebrating favourite fairy tales, classic Christmas stories and beloved characters. Families ...
Town of Aurora Santa Under the Stars Parade
November 21, 2026
Aurora Santa Claus Parade
Aurora’s Santa Under the Stars Parade is back for another magical evening of holiday fun! On Saturday, November 21, 2026, Yonge Street will come alive with sparkling lights, festive music and Christmas cheer as families gather to welcome Santa Claus to town. Known for its spectacular nighttime atmosphere, ...
BWG Santa Claus Parade
November 21, 2026
BWG Parade Route
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Bradford West Gwillimbury Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 21, 2026! This beloved nighttime tradition brings families and friends together for a sparkling evening filled with festive lights, music and Christmas cheer. Bundle up and gather along Holland ...
Santa's Parade of Lights Oshawa
November 21, 2026
Oshawa Parade Route
Get ready for a magical evening of holiday fun at the annual Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights on Saturday, November 21, 2026! This beloved nighttime tradition brings the community together for a dazzling celebration filled with twinkling lights, festive music and plenty of Christmas cheer. Bundle up ...
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
November 22, 2026
Toronto Santa Claus Parade
One of Toronto’s most treasured holiday traditions is back! The Original Santa Claus Parade returns on Sunday, November 22, 2026, celebrating 122 years of bringing Christmas magic to families across the city. This spectacular parade has delighted generations of children with its larger-than-life, hand-painted floats, colourful characters, marching ...
Buckthorn Wreath-Making
November 28, 2026
Downsview Park
We are excited to invite you to our Buckthorn Wreath-Making event on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This festive and eco-friendly activity is perfect for getting into the fall spirit! Did you know that buckthorn is one of the most invasive shrubs in ...
Pickering Santa Claus Parade
November 28, 2026
Pickering Parade Route
Santa Claus is coming to Pickering! The annual Pickering Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, November 28, 2026, bringing a morning of festive fun, colourful floats and holiday excitement for the whole family. This favourite community tradition features an impressive procession of creative floats from local businesses, schools ...
Markham Santa Claus Parade
November 28, 2026
Main Street Markham
Santa Claus is coming to Main Street Markham! The 52nd Annual Markham Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, November 28, 2026, bringing a wonderful morning of festive entertainment, colourful floats and holiday cheer for the whole family. This year’s theme, “The Power of Love,” celebrates the joy of ...
Richmond Hill Merry Marketplace
November 28, 2026
Richmond Green Park
The Merry Marketplace is an outdoor holiday shopping experience featuring local artisans, live entertainment, food concessions, a display of winter lights, community displays, parades and more. There is also a meet and greet with Santa Claus!
Orillia Santa Claus Parade
November 28, 2026
Downton Orillia Parade Route
Get ready for one of the biggest holiday parades in Ontario! The 121st Annual Orillia Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, November 28, 2026, bringing a spectacular evening of twinkling lights, festive music and Christmas magic to downtown Orillia. Known as the largest Christmas parade north of Toronto, ...
Wasaga Beach Santa Claus Parade & Tree Lighting
November 28, 2026
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach is getting into the holiday spirit with its annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 28, 2026! This favourite nighttime tradition brings the community together for a sparkling evening filled with illuminated floats, cheerful music, colourful holiday characters and plenty of Christmas magic. Families can gather ...
Santa’s Spectacle of Lights Ajax
November 28, 2026
Ajax Santa Claus Parade
Downtown Ajax will shine with holiday magic as Santa’s Spectacle of Lights returns on Saturday, November 28, 2026! This popular nighttime Santa Claus Parade brings families together for a sparkling evening of festive fun, twinkling lights and Christmas cheer. Bundle up and find a spot along the parade ...
Brantford Santa Claus Parade
November 28, 2026
Downtown Brantford
Brantford is marking a special holiday milestone this year! The 50th Annual Brantford Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, November 28, 2026, bringing a magical evening of twinkling lights, festive entertainment and Christmas cheer to downtown Brantford. This year’s theme, “50 Years of Kindness,” celebrates five decades of ...
Vaughan Santafest Parade
November 29, 2026
Vaughan City Hall
Santa Claus is making his way to Vaughan! The annual Vaughan Santafest Parade returns on Sunday, November 29, 2026, bringing a magical afternoon of colourful Christmas floats, marching bands, lively entertainment and plenty of holiday cheer for the whole family. This much-loved community tradition brings together local schools, ...
Whitby Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
Whitby Santa Claus Parade Route
Downtown Whitby is getting ready to welcome Santa Claus! The annual Whitby Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, December 5, 2026, bringing a festive morning of colourful floats, holiday music and Christmas cheer for the whole family. This year’s theme, “A True North Christmas,” celebrates the holiday season ...
Stayner Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
Main Street Stayner
Christmas cheer is coming to Stayner! The annual Stayner Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, December 5, 2026, bringing families and neighbours together for a festive morning filled with colourful floats, holiday music and plenty of small-town charm. Gather along Main Street to watch the parade make its ...
Bolton Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
Town of Bolton
The holiday season is rolling into Bolton with the annual Bolton Kin Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026! This cherished community tradition brings families together for a festive morning filled with colourful floats, marching bands, holiday music and plenty of Christmas cheer. Organized by the Bolton ...
Creemore Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
Downtown Creemore
Step into the charm of a small-town Christmas at the annual Creemore Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026! This favourite holiday tradition brings the community together for an afternoon of festive fun, colourful floats and plenty of Christmas cheer. Line the streets of historic downtown Creemore ...
Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School
A favourite holiday tradition is returning to the streets of Stoney Creek! The annual Stoney Creek Santa Claus Parade takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026, bringing families and neighbours together for an afternoon of colourful floats, marching bands, festive entertainment and plenty of Christmas cheer. This long-running ...
Richmond Hill Merry Marketplace
December 5, 2026
Richmond Green Park
The Merry Marketplace is an outdoor holiday shopping experience featuring local artisans, live entertainment, food concessions, a display of winter lights, community displays, parades and more. There is also a meet and greet with Santa Claus!
Port Perry Scugog Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
Port Perry Parade
Santa is making his way back to Port Perry for the annual Scugog Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026! This favourite nighttime tradition brings families and friends together for a magical evening of sparkling lights, festive music and holiday cheer. This year’s theme, “Under the Christmas ...
Grimsby Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
Grimsby Parade Route
The streets of Grimsby will sparkle with holiday magic at the 69th Annual Grimsby Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026! This year’s theme, “Christmas Night of Lights,” promises a dazzling evening of illuminated floats, festive music and plenty of Christmas cheer for the whole family. One ...
Guelph Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
Downtown Guelph
Downtown Guelph will sparkle with holiday magic as the annual Guelph Santa Claus Parade returns on Saturday, December 5, 2026! This favourite nighttime tradition brings families together for a festive evening filled with colourful floats, twinkling lights, holiday music and plenty of Christmas cheer. Watch as the streets ...
Stouffville Santa Claus Parade
December 5, 2026
Main Street Stouffville
Mark your calendars! The Stouffville Santa Claus Parade returns to Main Street on Saturday December 5 2026, at 6pm. Join us to celebrate the season of cheer with dazzling lights, festive floats, marching bands and more! The grand finale will feature Santa Claus himself, before he heads back ...
Burlington Santa Claus Parade
December 6, 2026
Burlington Santa Tour
We are excited to be returning to an in-person parade this year. Save the date for December 6, 2026. If you are interested in participating in the parade this year as a float or walking group, please complete the online application. 2026 Parade Route – See Website.
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 ...
Richmond Hill Merry Marketplace
December 12, 2026
Richmond Green Park
The Merry Marketplace is an outdoor holiday shopping experience featuring local artisans, live entertainment, food concessions, a display of winter lights, community displays, parades and more. There is also a meet and greet with Santa Claus!
Olde Tyme Christmas – Unionville Candle Light Parade
December 12, 2026
Historic Main Street Unionville
Experience the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas in historic Unionville! The beloved Olde Tyme Christmas Candle Light Parade returns on Saturday, December 12, 2026, bringing festive lights, holiday music and seasonal magic back to Main Street Unionville. After a pause in 2025 during the Main Street restoration, this ...
Family Sunday: Dawn and Dusk
December 13, 2026
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
This month we are inspired by our current exhibition Nightfall. This exhibition is motivated by the question: what opportunities are available to us at the threshold into night? How can we sense the world differently, turn inward, seek shelter with one another, and dream? Learn more here. In ...
Nature Connection: Bonfire Program – food around the fire
December 13, 2026
Downsview Park
We will be learning how to build fires, roasting some snacks and enjoying some time in the forest Pets are not permitted at this program. Service animals are always welcome. Please note this program is intended for individuals and families. Organized groups should book here. All ages are ...
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 ...
Jr. Forest Explorers: Celebration of Light and Sunshine
December 14, 2026
Downsview Park
Join us at Downsview Park for a FREE caregiver and toddler nature program. Connect with the natural world through hands-on outdoor activities. Registration is required for all attendees. Celebration of Light and Sunshine: Winter is a few days away and that means the darkest days of the year ...
Fire Building with Kory Snache
January 23, 2027
Downsview Park
Kory Snache is a cultural land-based educator that works for Wasauksing First Nation. He is from Rama First Nation and has been a traditional harvester for the majority of his life. Join us as Kory teaches us about Anishnaabeg general understanding of fire and how to create a ...
Georgina SnoFest
February 6, 2027
The ROC
Celebrate the magic of winter at SnoFest, Georgina’s annual winter festival! Bundle up and bring the whole family for a day of outdoor adventures, snowy activities, games and winter fun. Enjoy the fresh air, warm treats and plenty of opportunities to make wonderful winter memories together. A beloved ...
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.