- Updated on March 27, 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.
Aurora Ribfest
Aug 28
to Aug 30, 2026
Machell Park, Aurora
Mark your calendars because the tastiest event of the year will be taking place at Machell Park, as the rib teams get fired up starting on Friday, August 28. Not only will there be the tastiest ribs but also roasted yams, roasted corn on the cob, beavertails and ...
Free Game Building Session for Kids – Burlington
Aug 28
to Aug 28, 2026
Triple Stone Learning / Ultimate Coders Burlington
Join us for a free Game Building Session for kids and teens! Students will explore coding, create their own simple game, and experience the fun of learning through technology. No prior coding experience needed. Wednesdays and Fridays, 4:00–5:00 PM, Aug 12 to Sep 4. Drop in or reserve ...
Hopeville Kite Festival
Aug 29
to Aug 30, 2026
Hopeville Kite Festival Grounds
Look to the skies for an unforgettable weekend at the Hopeville Kite Festival, Ontario’s largest kite festival! See the sky come alive with giant professional kites in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Families can enjoy professional kite displays, live music and entertainment, a Family Fun ...
Thai Festival Toronto
Aug 29
to Aug 30, 2026
Experience the flavours and traditions of Thailand at Thai Festival Toronto 2026. This free, all-ages celebration features authentic street food, cultural performances, and unique shopping, bringing the spirit of Thailand to the heart of the city. Marking 65 years of Thailand–Canada diplomatic relations, the festival offers a vibrant ...
Storytime at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Space
Aug 29
to Aug 29, 2026
Waterfront Neighbourhood Space
Settle in for stories, creativity, and family fun at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Space. Enjoy a family-friendly storytime, colouring activities, sweet treats, and other engaging activities for children and caregivers. The Waterfront Neighbourhood Space is a pop-up gathering place on Ookwemin Minising, created from repurposed materials sourced from projects ...
The Next Chapter Festival
Aug 29
to Aug 29, 2026
Scarborough Town Centre
The Reading Partnership unites families, community partners and supporters to create joyful, engaging experiences that inspire children to discover the power of reading. The Next Chapter Festival is a prime example of this, transforming Scarborough Town Centre into a vibrant hub for children’s literacy with live readings, music, ...
Peppa Pig Meet & Greet at Bridlewood Mall
Aug 29
to Aug 29, 2026
Bridlewood Mall
Peppa Pig is coming to Bridlewood Mall! Share a hug, give a high-five and snap a photo with your favourite characters. Join us for a free meet and greet event with Peppa and George August 29th, it’s going to be a Peppa-perfect day!
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Aug 30
to Aug 30, 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
Aug 30
to Aug 30, 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 ...
Free Game Building Session for Kids – Burlington
Sep 2
to Sep 2, 2026
Triple Stone Learning / Ultimate Coders Burlington
Join us for a free Game Building Session for kids and teens! Students will explore coding, create their own simple game, and experience the fun of learning through technology. No prior coding experience needed. Wednesdays and Fridays, 4:00–5:00 PM, Aug 12 to Sep 4. Drop in or reserve ...
Movie Nights presented by INsauga
Sep 3
to Sep 3, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
Families can enjoy their favourite movies, from action-packed adventures to animated classics, all under the stars. Movie Nights also offer an interactive pre-show featuring special giveaways, courtesy of Square One. Movie schedule: Thursday, August 6 – Bad Guys 2 Thursday, August 13 –The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants ...
Toronto Dragon Festival
Sep 4
to Sep 6, 2026
Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto, get ready for an unforgettable spectacle! The sixth annual Toronto Dragon Festival (TDF) returns to Nathan Phillips Square from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, igniting the city with a thrilling fusion of tradition, technology, and imagination. This year’s Festival promises mythical encounters and futuristic thrills. ...
Orillia Pirate Party
Sep 4
to Sep 6, 2026
Port of Orillia
Prepare to batten down the hatches — the Pirates of the Orillian Sea are setting their course for Orillia’s Downtown Waterfront! Word on the wind is they’ll make landfall just in time for Labour Day weekend, bringing a treasure chest full of swashbuckling fun, live entertainment, and high-seas ...
Free Game Building Session for Kids – Burlington
Sep 4
to Sep 4, 2026
Triple Stone Learning / Ultimate Coders Burlington
Join us for a free Game Building Session for kids and teens! Students will explore coding, create their own simple game, and experience the fun of learning through technology. No prior coding experience needed. Wednesdays and Fridays, 4:00–5:00 PM, Aug 12 to Sep 4. Drop in or reserve ...
Carnival Barrie
Sep 5
to Sep 6, 2026
Will Dwyer Park
Barrie’s Most Vibrant Latin Festival Returns September 5-6, 2026! In the rich tapestry of Latin American traditions, from the rhythmic music to the tantalizing cuisine. Every moment is a celebration of culture. Experience two days of music, food, dance, and culture at the Barrie waterfront.
Taste of Mississauga – Summer Festival 2026
Sep 5
to Sep 6, 2026
Ridgeway Plaza
Taste of Mississauga – Summer Festival 2026 is a vibrant two-day community celebration bringing together families, food lovers, local businesses, and the multicultural community of Mississauga for a summer festival filled with flavour, entertainment, and community connection. The festival will feature delicious food offerings, family-friendly entertainment, local vendors, ...
Yoga in Trillium Park
Sep 5
to Sep 5, 2026
Trillium Park, Ontario Place
Yoga in Trillium Park at Ontario Place is a free outdoor yoga series running from June 6 to September 27, held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. beside the Pavilion. Presented In collaboration with NÜLOVE, classes are led by some of the GTA’s most ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Sep 6
to Sep 6, 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
Sep 6
to Sep 6, 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 ...
Movie Night in The Square: Karate Kid
Sep 6
to Sep 6, 2026
Streetsville Village Square
Come out and enjoy a movie in Streetsville under the stars. Bring your family, a blanket, or chairs and gather in the Village Square to see The Karate Kid (2010). The movie will begin at dusk but we’ll have lots going on to keep you entertained so arrive ...
Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival
Sep 11
to Sep 13, 2026
Port Credit Memorial Park
The 28th Annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle, a non-profit, award-winning blues and jazz festival, takes place September 11-12-13 2026, in the village of Port Credit and Port Credit Memorial Park, Mississauga, Ontario. The three-day event features two free stages, one ticketed stage, and a free Saturday afternoon street ...
Taste of The Kingsway 2026
Sep 11
to Sep 13, 2026
Bloor Street West between Montgomery Rd and Prince Edward Dr
Taste of The Kingsway returns September 11 – 13, 2026, bringing three unforgettable days of food, entertainment, shopping, and family fun to South Etobicoke. Presented by Mantella Corporation, the neighbourhood’s largest annual street festival transforms Bloor Street West from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Street into a celebration ...
Kerrfest Kids
Sep 11
to Sep 13, 2026
Westwood Park
Celebrate the start of fall at Kerrfest & Kerrfest Kids, returning to Westwood Park in Oakville for its 10th anniversary! This popular three-day community festival brings together live music, great food, local vendors, an artisan market and plenty of family-friendly fun. Friday and Saturday feature an impressive lineup ...
Moonlight Movies in Richmond Hill
Sep 11
to Sep 11, 2026
Richvale Community Center
Every summer Richmond Hill hosts the Moonlight Movies event under the stars where attendees can enjoy a blockbuster or local film production shown on a large screen at one of our local parks! August 17: Mount Pleasant Park, 5 Hopkins St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada August 24: Ozark ...
The Cabbagetown Festival
Sep 12
to Sep 13, 2026
Cabbagetown
The Cabbagetown Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit, diversity, and history. Whether you’re here for the mouthwatering food, the eclectic shopping, the energetic performances, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, we can’t wait to see you in September. So, ...
Yoga in Trillium Park
Sep 12
to Sep 12, 2026
Trillium Park, Ontario Place
Yoga in Trillium Park at Ontario Place is a free outdoor yoga series running from June 6 to September 27, held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. beside the Pavilion. Presented In collaboration with NÜLOVE, classes are led by some of the GTA’s most ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Sep 13
to Sep 13, 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
Sep 13
to Sep 13, 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 ...
Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival
Sep 18
to Sep 20, 2026
Bloor West Village
The Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival welcomes you to come and enjoy everything the Ukrainian culture has to offer. Discover Ukrainian culture in Canada and share the Ukrainian spirit at North America’s largest Ukrainian Street Festival.
Moonlight Movies in Richmond Hill
Sep 18
to Sep 18, 2026
David Hamilton Park
Every summer Richmond Hill hosts the Moonlight Movies event under the stars where attendees can enjoy a blockbuster or local film production shown on a large screen at one of our local parks! August 17: Mount Pleasant Park, 5 Hopkins St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada August 24: Ozark ...
Yoga in Trillium Park
Sep 19
to Sep 19, 2026
Trillium Park, Ontario Place
Yoga in Trillium Park at Ontario Place is a free outdoor yoga series running from June 6 to September 27, held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. beside the Pavilion. Presented In collaboration with NÜLOVE, classes are led by some of the GTA’s most ...
Harvest Fest
Sep 19
to Sep 19, 2026
Clinton Harvest Fest
Harvest Fest is coming to Clinton on September 19! Planning is underway for another amazing day. Featuring: Vendor market Classic car show Live music on the OLG Stage Sensory-friendly zone Rock climbing Bouncy castles Pony ride carousel Giant inflatable slide Face painting Food trucks Live Entertainment
Culture Days: Explore Tamil Art
Sep 19
to Sep 19, 2026
Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives
Discover the art of Kolam with Tam Fam Lit Jam. Learn its cultural significance, create designs together and share stories in a welcoming, intergenerational, queer-positive space celebrating Tamil traditions and community connections.
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Sep 20
to Sep 20, 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
Sep 20
to Sep 20, 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 ...
Tech Talks at Staples | Windows for Future Ready Learning
Sep 23
to Sep 23, 2026
Staples Canada
Prepare for the school year with practical insights into the technology students use every day at Tech Talks at Staples, taking place at the Staples Corktown store, located at 517 Richmond Street East, on Wednesday, September 23, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Microsoft experts will explore how ...
Arts of the Middle East Festival
Sep 25
to Sep 26, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
The Arts of the Middle East Festival brings people together to celebrate the rich culture, vibrant traditions, and incredible flavours of the Middle East. This year, join us for unforgettable performances, cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine that highlight the beauty and diversity of the region. Step into a ...
Fall Celtic Festival
Sep 26
to Sep 27, 2026
Toronto Rock Athletic Centre
Celebrate Celtic music, dance and culture at the Oakville Fall Celtic Festival, a free two-day festival for all ages! Taking place September 26 & 27, the festival brings Celtic traditions to life with live music, pipe bands, Irish and Highland dancing, cultural performances, food and plenty of family ...
The Word on the Street 2026
Sep 26
to Sep 27, 2026
David Pecaut Square
The Word On The Street’s 37th Annual Festival returns to its iconic fall weekend, September 26th and 27th, at David Pecaut Square. The festival will feature over 100 exhibitors and six stages of programming for book-lovers of all ages. Spend the weekend meandering through the vibrant marketplace, where ...
Fire Prevention Week Open House
Sep 26
to Sep 26, 2026
Richmond Hill Fire Station 8-1
Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services invites residents to a full day of fire safety, family fun and community connection at our annual Fire Prevention Week Open House. Families can explore fire trucks, watch live firefighter demonstrations, enjoy hands‑on activities for kids, and meet Sparky the Fire Dog. ...
Yoga in Trillium Park
Sep 26
to Sep 26, 2026
Trillium Park, Ontario Place
Yoga in Trillium Park at Ontario Place is a free outdoor yoga series running from June 6 to September 27, held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. beside the Pavilion. Presented In collaboration with NÜLOVE, classes are led by some of the GTA’s most ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Sep 27
to Sep 27, 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 ...
A Day of Monarch Magic
Sep 27
to Sep 27, 2026
70 Canuck Avenue, Toronto, ON M3k 2c5
Our beloved Monarch butterflies are facing challenges, and they need your support! Every year, these incredible travelers journey thousands of kilometres during migration, and together we can help make their life a little safer. We’re transforming the south mound in Downsview Park into a vibrant Monarch Mound, bursting ...
Free Sundays at the Bata Shoe Museum
Sep 27
to Sep 27, 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 ...
Monarch Movie Night in the Hub
Oct 1
to Oct 1, 2026
Downsview Park
Join us in The Hub on Thursday October 1st for Nick de Pencier’s Four Wings and Prayer. Four Wings and a Prayer is a documentary that follows the incredible journey of the Monarch butterfly. It explores their remarkable migration from Canada to Mexico and the mystery of how ...
Doors Open Brampton at PAMA
Oct 3
to Oct 3, 2026
Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives
Summary: Doors Open at PAMA is your invitation to explore the spaces and collections that bring our community’s history to life. We’re opening the doors for you to come in to explore, connect and create with us. Featuring: Behind the scenes tours of the Archives, Museum storage and ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Oct 4
to Oct 4, 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
Oct 4
to Oct 4, 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 ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Oct 11
to Oct 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 ...
Free Sundays at the Bata Shoe Museum
Oct 11
to Oct 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 ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Oct 18
to Oct 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 ...
Free Sundays at the Bata Shoe Museum
Oct 18
to Oct 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 ...
18th Annual Pumpkin Giveaway
Oct 24
to Oct 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 ...
Eglinton Way Farmer's Market
Oct 25
to Oct 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
Oct 25
to Oct 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 ...
Free Sundays at the Bata Shoe Museum
Nov 1
to Nov 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
Nov 4
to Nov 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 ...
BMO Student Life Expo
Nov 15
to Nov 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 ...
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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.