Free Programs & Services for Kids in Ontario
Every parent wants their kids to have fun, but somehow, “fun” almost always comes with a hefty price tag. The good news is, Ontario is packed with events, products, and activities you and your kids can enjoy for free – if only you knew where to look.
And guess what? We’ve done the “looking” for you! Keep reading because we’ve rounded up some of the best free stuff for kids in Ontario in one place so you can start enjoying these freebies today.
Free Programs & Services for Kids in Ontario
Public Library Programs
Public libraries are well-known for their free book lending services, but they offer much more than that. Two Ontario libraries leading the way in child-friendly programs are the Toronto Public Library (TPL) and Ottawa Public Library (OPL).
TPL runs the TD Summer Reading Club, a free program that encourages kids to read through fun activities and prizes during the summer months, along with Ready for Reading Storytimes, which help parents develop the early literacy skills of their little ones.
Meanwhile, OPL offers Imagine Space Workshops, where kids can explore STEM concepts.
If you’re looking for smaller, community-focused libraries, here are a few that offer free kids’ programs worth checking out:
- Whitchurch–Stouffville Public Library: This library runs Mother Goose on the Loose, an interactive session combining music, movement, and storytelling for young children.
- Pembroke Public Library: Kids can join a “Lego Club” where they explore their creativity through building challenges.
- Markham Public Library: This library provides a Kids Makerspace at the Connell branch, equipped with toys and digital tools geared toward STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
Get in touch with your nearest public library to explore the latest free programs being offered, along with any seasonal activities your kids can enjoy.
Government & Non-Profit Programs
When it comes to free resources for kids, Ontario offers several helpful government-supported child programs to support families in many ways:
- Kidsport Canada: Offers grants to help families cover the cost of sports registration fees and equipment
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres: Offers free activities like reading sessions, storytelling, sing-alongs, and games for young children. Parents can also get guidance from early childhood development professionals.
- Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy: A government-funded program that provides subsidies to help parents manage child care costs, including support for children with special needs.
- Healthy Babies Healthy Children: Offers free home visits from trained family home visitors and public health nurses to support children with health or developmental concerns.
- Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities: Provides financial support to help parents create a more inclusive environment for children with severe disabilities..
- Preschool Speech and Language Program: Offers services for children with speech and language delays to help improve their communication skills early on.
Beyond what the government offers, several non-profits have also made it their mission to create a more supportive environment for children in Ontario.
- Children’s Foundation: Runs the Free to Grow program, which provides funding for recreational and life-skill experiences such as sports, arts, and leadership development.
- Easter Seals Ontario: Offers funding to make equipment, camps, incontinence supplies, and scholarships more accessible for children with physical disabilities.
- Right To Play: Runs play-based programs designed to support children in Indigenous communities and refugee camps.
- Justice for Children and Youth: Provides select legal representation to low-income children in Toronto and surrounding areas.
- Kids Help Phone: Offers 24/7 free and confidential support to kids and young people across Canada facing mental health challenges.
Free Events & Attractions for Families
Museums & Cultural Attractions
Ontario is home to several museums that offer free museum days, along with a variety of family-oriented cultural events and special activities:
Aga Khan Museum: Offers Family Sundays, featuring hands-on craft activities and free gallery admission every Sunday from 4 to 8 PM. Booking tickets in advance isn’t required.
Royal Ontario Museum: Free access to most galleries and special exhibitions on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:30 to 8:30 PM.
Gardiner Museum: The museum offers free admission for children 18 and under, along with engaging family clay workshops.
Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery: Admission is free all year round, showcasing contemporary Canadian artists’ exhibitions.
Aviation and Space Museum: Interactive displays, family-friendly activities, and exhibits highlighting Canadians’ contributions to aerospace. Admission is free for kids 2 and under.
Canada Science and Technology Museum: Free entry for kids 2 and under and includes a children’s innovation zone and interactive demos to engage young minds.
National Gallery of Canada: In addition to guided tours, it hosts art-making activities for families and special events for kids. Admission is free for children under 11.
Art Gallery of Ontario: Free admission to Ontarians under 25 and free entry for everyone on the first Wednesday night of each month. The gallery also hosts classes and events for kids and families.
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Activities
What better way to enjoy free family fun than by exploring Ontario’s natural beauty? Here are some national and provincial parks with free entry you can check out:
This urban park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds (including inclusive play areas), and a free zoo. Each summer, families can enjoy free outdoor Shakespeare performances in High Park’s amphitheater – a wholesome hands-on nature exploration for kids and parents.
Ojibway Prairie Complex (Windsor)
This park is a recognized nature reserve that protects one of Ontario’s largest remnants of tallgrass prairie. It offers complex nature trails and a nature centre with informative and educational exhibits.
Located adjacent to Edwards Gardens, this free botanical garden offers themed gardens and free family-friendly workshops
Boyd Conservation Park (Vaughan)
This suburban land preserve offers a great spot for outdoor exploration with trails for birdwatching, hiking, and nature walks.
Albion Hills Conservation Area (Caledon)
This area offers trails for hiking and biking with scenic views, as well as camping opportunities. Some of the popular events in this area include:
- Mud Hero: a military-style obstacle course, with challenges such as mud pits and wall climbs
- Caledon Canada Day: An annual July 1 event featuring live music, food vendors, and fireworks.
- Run or Dye: Parents and kids can participate in a color run 5k trail event, getting sprayed with powdered color at stations throughout the race.
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Free Educational Resources & Activities
Online Learning & Virtual Programs
Whether your child is a math whiz, a science enthusiast, or just loves discovering new things, Ontario has some amazing online programs and virtual resources that your kids can attend right from home.
TVO Learn: Packed with creative videos, games, and activities across subjects like math, language, science, and social studies. It’s all aligned with the Ontario curriculum for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Recess Guardians: A free online program for elementary schools across Canada (including Ontario) that helps kids build leadership and social skills through play and physical activities.
Truth and Reconciliation Week Program: This free virtual program offers cultural experiences through pre-recorded videos, live sessions, and interactive play to help students Grades 1 to 12 learn about Indigenous Peoples and the history of residential schools.
e-learningforkids.org: Offers hundreds of e-lessons covering Math, Science, and many more, all designed to align with International Baccalaureate curriculum.
EdOptions Academy: A flexible online learning program that lets students learn at their own pace, with options available for public school students as well.
Free Kids’ Classes & Workshops
Learning doesn’t have to be all textbooks and homework. Across Ontario are lots of incredible free classes and workshops designed to help kids discover new hobbies, build skills, and just have fun.
Arthouse Halton: Provides free arts-based programs for kids and teens aged 7-17
OrKidstra: Promotes accessibility to music education by offering kids the chance to learn through free instruments, group lessons, and one-on-one instruction.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: Offers mentoring programs where kids are paired with caring adult mentors (either one-on-one or in group settings) with workshops that focus on life skills, academic support, leadership & community engagement, and more.
Free Kids’ Products & Giveaways
Free Samples & Product Promotions
These free samples and product giveaways are a fantastic way to try out new products without spending a fortune. Here are popular brands that offer freebies.
Canadian Parent: Sign up to receive baby samples, skincare items, and more things from trusted brands. They also offer literacy games, colouring pages, and sticker books to keep kids entertained.
Similac: Register for the Similac Club to get coupons and free baby formula samples
Pampers: Join the Pampers Club to receive free newborn diaper samples
Freecycle: You’ll come across a variety of free stuff on this community-based platform, including kids’ toys, books, clothing, baby gear, and more. Simply sign up on their website.
Don’t forget to check out all the great free stuff on our Giveaways page!
Community Sharing & Swap Programs
Ontario is home to some fantastic community sharing and swap programs where families can trade, donate, or snag free items for their little ones:
Just for Kids Buy and Sell: A popular buy-sell-swap Facebook group for parents where you can find free or low-cost baby and kids’ items.
Duran Place for Kids: Hosts toy swap events where kids can gain new toys in exchange for their old ones.
Campfire Circle: An Ontario-based charity that offers free camp programs for children with cancer or serious illness and their families.
Also, keep an eye out for any local community exchange events as nearby community centers, libraries, or schools may host clothing swaps and hand out stuff for free.
Free Sports & Recreation Opportunities
Public Sports Facilities
Ontario has plenty of free facilities that benefit sporty kids who love to swim, skate, and shoot hoops:
Antibes Community Centre
Basketball, Pickleball, Tennis, etc.
140 Antibes Dr, North York, ON M2R 3J3, Canada
Markham Civic Centre Outdoor Ice Rink
Ice Skating
171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON L3P 7V1, Canada
Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata
Racquet Sports
4101 Innovation Dr, Ottawa, ON K2K 0J3, Canada
Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans
Skating, swimming
1490 Youville Dr, Orléans, ON K1C 2X8, Canada
Scadding Court Community Centre
Swimming
707 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 2W6, Canada
This is just a small sample of what’s available. For a full list of free sports facilities in your area, we recommend visiting your city’s government website — they often have updated details on recreation centers, schedules, and available activities.
Community-Led Sports Programs
Ontario offers more than just open-access facilities, it also offers free community-led sports programs for kids that combine fun with skill-building. Here are a few to check out:
Play Free Saturdays by the City of Ottawa: Kids can enjoy free drop-in swimming, skating, and gym sports at city recreation facilities every Saturday in 2025. The available facilities may vary, but you can find the details on their website.
Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre: On Family Day, this center hosts a free open house packed with sports programs and family-friendly activities
Shaedon Sharpe Basketball Program: If your kid loves basketball, they can join the free drop-in basketball program at the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre.
How to Find Free Stuff for Kids in Ontario
Websites & Apps for Free Offers
Here are some helpful websites and apps that can connect you to great offers in Ontario:
City Government/Public Services Website: Local municipal websites often list the latest free programs for kids, such as sports activities, educational workshops, and family-friendly events organized by the city.
Eventbrite: This event platform offers a dedicated search filter for free events, making it easy to find family-friendly festivals, workshops, and outdoor activities happening near you.
Entertain Kinds on a Dime: Check out this website and Facebook group regularly post free things and low-cost events happening across Ontario, perfect for parents looking to keep kids entertained without spending.
Kids Out and About: The site features a list of free events, festivals, and educational activities tailored specifically for families in Ontario.
Khan Academy Kids: A free educational app designed for children ages 2-8, offering interactive learning programs in math and reading, as well as social-emotional learning opportunities.
Canadian Parent: One of Canada’s trusted parenting sites, where we send out free Canadian stuff to families, including baby care items, kids’ snacks, and educational resources.
Tips for Maximizing Free Opportunities
Here are some helpful tips to help you find and maximize free programs, events, and promotions for your family:
- Follow Websites and Apps: We’ve already shared a list of great platforms. Now, take a moment to apply bookmarks or set reminders for new freebies and events regularly..
- Sign up for newsletters: Many organizations, including libraries and community centers, send email updates about free programs, upcoming events, and registration openings.
- Join Social Media Groups: Facebook groups are packed with parents sharing free and low-cost activities, as well as brands and charities posting exciting giveaways and events. Following these groups can keep you in the loop.
- Sign up early: Many freebies, including those on Canadian Parent, are available for a limited time. Some platforms have strict deadlines, so setting reminders or signing up as soon as possible can help you secure your spot.
- Consider weekday programs: Weekends are often busier, with limited spots and early registration deadlines. Weekday events may have better availability and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Bring the right supplies: Check if the event requires you to bring anything, like snacks, water, or craft materials. Being prepared means your kids can jump right in without any last-minute scrambling.
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