12 Free Things To Do in Toronto for March Break

Editor's Note:

Please welcome Hollie Pollard to the Lowest Rates blog today. She's our new Community Manager so you'll be seeing her around the web. You may already know her by her online persona Common Cents Mom. She's sharing fun things to do in Toronto over March Break and since she's born and raised in Toronto she knows all the good spots.

It’s March Break here in Toronto and families everywhere are looking for things to do. There are many frugal ways to have plenty of family fun in Toronto without breaking the break.

You simply do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to keep the kids entertained over the March Break holiday. Here are some of our favorite frugal things to do in Toronto:

1. Visit the Toronto Public Library.

They have plenty of programs for kids, families and yes, even teens. From Mad Science to crafts to Pan Am Themed activities there are many special events to choose from.

2. Chapters Indigo also has events planned for every day of the week at each of their store locations.

With activities ranging from Dr Suess story time to celebrating Cinderella, there are lots of great in store events to keep the kids busy.

3. Can’t get to the beach?

No worries, you can still go swimming for free. Check out the Toronto Parks and Recreation schedule for free leisure swim times.

4. Do you have a young one with an interest in politics?

Visit Ontario’s Legislative Building. Families are invited to explore this historic building with a scavenger hunt, dress up in the traditional black robes worn by Parliament, and enjoy some craft time. Registration is required.

5. Visit Toronto's newest museum on Wednesday evening.

You can visit the Aga Khan Museum for free from 4-8pm. It is definitely a wonderful new addition to the Toronto Landscape.

6. Have teens looking for something different to do?

Visit one of the board game cafes. May we suggest the Roll Play Café near Yonge and Dundas. You will have to buy something to eat or drink in order to play, but they have a great selection of games for you to try out. Another great café is Snake and Lattes near Bloor and Bathurst. Here it does cost you $5 to play, but they have an amazing selection of games.

7. If it rains or snows you can always go underground and explore the world’s largest subterranean shopping complex.

Better known as the PATH system, it connects 28 kilometers of shopping arcades and retail space all under the streets of Toronto. There are several Tim Hortons and Starbucks on the way so grab a hot chocolate as you explore.

8. Take a trolley ride.

Did you know the 501 Streetcar is one of National Geographic’s top 10 trolley rides in the world? It runs 24 kilometers from start to finish. Really you see all of Toronto’s best known neighbourhoods on this route from the beaches to the downtown core. Remember kids under 12 now travel on the TTC for free.

9. Have kids that love animals? Visit a working farm in the heart of Toronto.

Riverdale Farm is right in the heart of Toronto, and is a fun day trip for the whole family.

10. Explore a new neighbourhood.

Take an adventure and go outside your local community. Have fun and explore another part of the city. Some of the neighbourhoods we love include the Beaches, China Town, the Junction, Bloor West Village, Little India or Greek town. Grab a snack in one of the local cafes and take in the atmosphere.

11. Go skating for free at Ricoh Coliseum on March 16th to 19th from 12:30-4:00 pm.

Children under 12 are required to be wearing CSA-approved helmets.

12. Preview the Spring Flower Shows by visiting the Allan Garden Conservatory or the Centennial Park Conservatory.

The shows don’t start till March 29th but the flowers are already there and they are in bloom. Admission is free.

There are lots of things to do in Toronto that won’t blow your March Break budget. If you'd rather stay in, you can also do things at home like host a board game day, a movie night, go camping right in your living room, or even host your kids friends in your own version of a Master Chef competition.

Use your imagination and you are sure to save your pocketbook this March Break while still having a lot of fun.