Exploring museums and galleries is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family, but admission costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, many of Toronto’s top museums and cultural attractions offer free admission on select days or evenings throughout the month, making it easier to experience world-class art, history, science, and culture without stretching your budget.
Whether your family loves dinosaurs, famous works of art, fascinating historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, or hands-on creativity, there’s something for every age and interest. From monthly free evenings at the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario to weekly free admission at the Bata Shoe Museum and Gardiner Museum, these programs offer the perfect opportunity to discover somewhere new or revisit a family favourite.
Monthly Free Admission Schedule
| Attraction | Free Admission |
|---|---|
| ROM | Third Tuesday: 4–8:30 pm |
| AGO | First Wednesday: 6–9 pm |
| Bata Shoe Museum | Every Sunday |
| Gardiner Museum | Wednesdays: 4–9 pm |
| Aga Khan Museum | Wednesdays: 4–8 pm |
| MOCA | First Friday & First Sunday |
| The Power Plant | Always Free |
Before you head out, be sure to check each attraction’s website, as free admission schedules and reservation requirements can change. Many free admission events are popular, and some museums require advance tickets even when admission is free.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
- Free Admission on the Third Tuesday of every month from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
From towering dinosaur skeletons and ancient Egyptian mummies to sparkling gemstones and fascinating wildlife exhibits, the Royal Ontario Museum is one of Toronto’s most popular family attractions. Kids can easily spend hours exploring the galleries, while rotating special exhibitions mean there’s often something new to discover on repeat visits.
Best For: Ages 4+
What Kids Love: Dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, gemstones, wildlife galleries, and plenty of space to explore.
Family Tip: Free evenings are busy. Advance reservations are recommended.
Learn more at: rom.on.ca
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
- Free Admission on the First Wednesday of every month from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Home to one of the largest art collections in North America, the Art Gallery of Ontario offers something for every age. Families can explore Canadian and Indigenous art, discover colourful contemporary exhibits, admire famous works by artists such as the Group of Seven, and enjoy engaging installations that encourage children to look at art in new ways. The gallery also hosts family-friendly activities and creative programs throughout the year, making every visit a little different.
Best For: Ages 6+ (especially creative kids)
Family Tip: Free evenings are popular, so reserve your tickets in advance if possible. If you’re visiting with younger children, focus on just a few galleries rather than trying to see everything in one visit. The AGO is large, and shorter visits often make for a more enjoyable family experience.
Bonus: Visitors aged 25 and under enjoy free admission anytime with a free AGO Annual Pass.
Learn more at:Â ago.ca
Bata Shoe Museum
- 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7
- Free Admission Every Sunday
From tiny embroidered slippers to towering platform boots and footwear worn by celebrities, athletes, and people throughout history, the Bata Shoe Museum offers a fascinating look at the stories shoes can tell. Interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and imaginative collections make it much more engaging for children than many people expect. Families can explore footwear from cultures around the world while discovering how shoes have shaped fashion, sports, and everyday life through the centuries.
Best For: Ages 5+
Family Tip: The museum is smaller than many of Toronto’s major attractions, making it an excellent choice for younger children or families looking for a shorter outing. Plan to spend about 1–2 hours exploring the exhibits, then enjoy lunch or a stroll through nearby Yorkville.
Learn more at:Â batashoemuseum.ca
Gardiner Museum
- 111 Queen's Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7
- Free Admission Every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Dedicated entirely to the art of ceramics, the Gardiner Museum showcases everything from ancient pottery and porcelain to contemporary ceramic art from around the world. Families can explore beautifully crafted pieces, discover how ceramics have been used throughout history, and enjoy exhibitions that blend art, culture, and creativity. The museum also offers family clay programs and hands-on workshops throughout the year, making it an especially appealing destination for budding artists.
Best For: Ages 6+
Family Tip: The Gardiner Museum is a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter museum experience. Plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the galleries, then take a stroll through nearby Queen’s Park or combine your visit with the Royal Ontario Museum, located just across the street.
Learn more at:Â gardinermuseum.on.ca
Aga Khan Museum
- 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 1K1
- Free Admission Every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Discover over 1,000 years of art, history, and culture through stunning collections from across the Muslim world and beyond. From intricate ceramics, textiles, and illuminated manuscripts to contemporary art and thought-provoking exhibitions, the Aga Khan Museum offers families a chance to explore diverse cultures and traditions in a welcoming, beautifully designed space. The museum also features spectacular architecture, peaceful gardens, and a reflecting pool that are worth exploring before or after your visit.
Best For: Ages 8+
Family Tip: Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring the galleries, then enjoy a walk through the landscaped grounds. Older children and teens with an interest in history, world cultures, or art will get the most from a visit, and the museum often hosts family-friendly performances, workshops, and seasonal events.
Learn more at:Â agakhanmuseum.org
MOCA
- 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 1K1
- Free Admission on the First Friday of every month from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Free Admission on the First Sunday of every month from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Located in Toronto’s vibrant Junction Triangle neighbourhood, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) showcases thought-provoking exhibitions by Canadian and international artists. Unlike traditional museums, MOCA focuses on contemporary art, featuring immersive installations, multimedia works, photography, sculpture, and interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to see the world from new perspectives. With regularly changing exhibitions, there’s always something new to discover.
Best For: Ages 10+
Family Tip: MOCA is best suited to older children and teens who enjoy creative thinking and contemporary art. Since exhibitions change frequently, it’s worth checking what’s on before your visit. Plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the galleries, then grab a bite or explore the shops and cafés in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Learn more at:Â moca.ca
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
- 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
- Always free!
Located along Toronto’s scenic waterfront, The Power Plant is Canada’s leading public gallery dedicated to contemporary visual art. Visitors can explore thought-provoking exhibitions by Canadian and international artists featuring painting, sculpture, photography, video, and large-scale installations. With exhibitions changing throughout the year, every visit offers a new experience and a fresh perspective on contemporary art.
Best For: Ages 10+
Family Tip: The gallery is an excellent stop while exploring Harbourfront Centre. Plan to spend about an hour browsing the exhibitions, then enjoy a walk along the waterfront, visit nearby parks, or stop for a bite to eat. Older children, teens, and families who enjoy art and creativity will get the most from the experience.
Learn more at:Â thepowerplant.org
Always Free Toronto Museums
Did you know the City of Toronto operates several historic museums with free general admission year-round? These sites offer a fascinating look at Toronto’s past through historic homes, military forts, and heritage buildings.
Some family favourites include:
- Fort York National Historic Site
- Spadina Museum
- Gibson House Museum
- Todmorden Mills
- Colborne Lodge
- Montgomery’s Inn
- Scarborough Museum
- Mackenzie House
- Zion Schoolhouse
- Market Gallery
Whether you’re planning a rainy-day adventure, looking for an affordable weekend activity, or hoping to introduce your children to art, history, and culture, these free admission programs make it easier than ever to explore some of the GTA’s best attractions. Bookmark this guide and check back throughout the year, as admission programs and schedules may change.
