Cheap/Free Attractions | Entertain Kids on a Dime
UPDATED! I have put together a list of FREE Outdoor Parks, Splash Pads, Beaches, Farms & Zoos. Please note that some places may charge for parking. I chose the most unique looking parks and splash pads to list. Some of them I have not yet visited but I plan to take my children to as many as I can. If you are going to plan a beach visit, make sure to check online that it is safe to swim. I hope you enjoy and save lots and lots of money while still having a great time with your kids.
**FREE PUBLIC PARKS & SPLASH PADS**
*Chinguacousy Park (Brampton) 9050 Bramalea Road
Central Park Drive & Queen Street East
Free Admission Free Parking (500 parking spaces on site) Picnic areas Beach Volleyball Courts Tennis Courts Tropical Gardens/Greenhouse Playground: FREE Splash Pad: FREE Barn Walkthrough: FREE Petting Zoo: $1 per person Mini Golf: $3.90 per person Paddle Boats: $9 for 30 minutes Merry Go Round: $3 per person
Train Rides: $5 per person
http://www.brampton.ca/en/residents/Community-Centres/DMG-Chinguacousy-Park/Pages/Welcome.aspx
*Kidstown Water Playground (Scarborough)
3159 Birchmound Road
Kidstown is the only water park operated by the City of Toronto. It is one of Scarborough’s most popular outdoor aquatic facilities for preschool and grade school children. It offers a variety of water features, including a tipping bucket, spray rings, squirting aquatic animals, a slide, wading pool, splash pad and so much more.
Playground on on site.
416 396-8325
http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/352/
*Rocket Ship Park (Whitby)
Twin Streams Road
(Personal Photo: Courtesy of Entertain Kids reader Colleen Morris)
Playground Soccer Field Basketball Court
Splash Pad
*Personal photo by Colleen Morris
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=209264309111580&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fca.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%3B_ylt%3DA2KLj9GofNRTO18AwSTtFAx.&_rdr
*Earl Bales Park (North York)
4169 Bathurst Street
2 playgrounds Splash pad Walking and bike trails Picnic areas
Fire pits
http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/337/index.htm
*Jamie Bell Adventure Park (Toronto) High Park Blvd.
(Entrance from Parkside Ave.)
Jamie Bell Adventure Park is located by the Duck Pond, close to the High Park Blvd. entrance from Parkside Ave.
FREE Zoo & Wading Pool
http://highparktoronto.com/playground.php
*Kew Gardens (Toronto)
2075 Queen St East
Fun large tree house style playground Wading Pool
Short walk to the beach
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kew_Gardens_(Toronto)
*Corktown Common Playground (Toronto)
Cool playground Very high slide, Sheltered pavilion
Splash Pad
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corktown_Common
*Little Norway Park (Toronto)
Bathurst Street and Queens Quay
Wading pool, children’s unique playground
many walking paths through gardens.
http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/128/index.htm
*Dufferin Grove Park (Toronto)
The Wading pool The Sandpit an oval of sand about 20 feet wide by 40 feet long, ringed by big wooden logs. It was put into the park in 1993.
Playground
http://dufferinpark.ca/play/wiki/wiki.php
*Neshama Playground/Oriole Park (Toronto) Chaplain Crescent
Near Davisville and Yonge
Saucer Swing Large musical chimes Spider web spinner that moves in circles Water table
Splash Pad
http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/11476e3d3711f56e85256616006b891f/b6f7cd1c7c8fb02585257a44003ee64b
*Withrow Park (Toronto)
Carlaw (Major Intersection: South of Danforth at Carlaw)
Ball diamonds Sports field, Two outdoor tennis courts Volleyball court Dog off-leash area Wading pool Children’s playground
Sandbox
http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/306/
*Exhibition Park (Guelph)
70 Division Street
Playground with unique design Wading pool Tennis Courts Soccer field
Baseball fields
http://guelph.ca/exhibition-park/
*Pier 4 Park (Hamilton)
64 Leander Drive
There’s an 80-foot tugboat play structure that is oriented to provide children with a full view of the water. Playground Splash Pad Marina
Picnic area
http://www.hamilton.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-and-beaches/parks-listing
*Valleyridge Park (Oakville)
2524 Valleyridge Drive
Soccer Field Playground
Splashpad
http://www.oakville.com/directory/parks/valleyridge-park
*Lakefront Promenade Park (Mississauga)
800 Lakefront Promenade (off of Lakeshore Road East, east of Cawthra Road)
Boardwalk Marina Walking Trails Playground Splash pad Fishing areas
Licensed out door patio and grill.
http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/parks?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=300020
*Madoc Skatepark (Madoc/Near Bellville)
11379 Highway #62, RR#5
•Large skate park •Junior skate park for beginner levels •3 Level high playground •Splashpad
•Skateboards, helmets, and bikes are available to rent
http://www.ruralroutes.com/5184.html
*The ROC (Keswick)
26479 Civic Centre Road
Free Amenities Basketball Courts Beach Volleyball Bike Park Nature Trails Tennis Courts Playground Splash Pad
Pioneer Village
Added Costs Rock Climbing Zipline
High Ropes
http://www.georginaroc.ca/pricing.aspx
**PUBLIC BEACHES**
*Innisfil beach (Innisfil, ON)
Free admission
Parking:
$3 per hour $15 per full day Kids playground Picnic benches Public washrooms
No Dogs
http://www.innisfil.ca/i-want/contact-town-general-concern
*Centennial Beach (Barrie, ON)
65 Lakeshore Drive
Features: Sandy beach, Lifeguard, Washrooms, Accessible playground, Mini golf, Beach volleyball, Food concession, Parking lot, Walking distance to downtown, Paved 4-season multiuse recreation trail that is part of the Waterfront Trail and the Trans Canada Trail, Dogs are not permitted on waterfront parks.
http://www.barrie.ca/Living/RecreationFacilities/Pages/Beaches.aspx
*J.B. Tudhope Park (Orillia)
450 Atherly Road
Accessible playground Splash pad Swimming beach Beach volleyball courts 2 lit baseball diamonds Flower gardens Picnic tables Trail
Washrooms and fountains
http://www.ontarioslakecountry.com/listing/jb-tudhope-park#sthash.1fT6zplG.dpuf
*Couchiching Beach (Orillia)
140 Canice Street
Playground Swimming beach Icecream Store Mini Train Rides (There is a small fee for the train)
Trail
http://www.orillia.ca/en/livinginorillia/communityparks.asp
*Blue Water Park (Wiarton)
402 William Street
•Camp ground •Picnic area •Outdoor swimming pool •Beach •Playground •Trails
•Historic train station
http://www.touristtown.ca/mobile/listingdetail.html?listing_id=1064&category=75&parent=5&cat=Things%20to%20Do&subcat=Wi-Fi%20Available®ion=6
*Rogers Cove (Peterborough)
131 Maria Street
•Trans Canada Trail •Playground structure •Washroom facilities •Splash Pad
•Supervised Beach (in the summer)
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Peterborough_Parks/Rogers_Cove.htm
*Cobourg Beach (Cobourg)
Kids Playground Splash pad Board walk
Free Parking on Side Streets on Weekends
http://www.cobourgtourism.ca/index.html?devicelock=desktop
*Riverside Park (Guelph)
709 Woolwich Street
Children’s playground Antique carousel (extra charge) Pedal Boats (extra charge) Miniature train rides (extra charge) Horse pits Giant chess/checker game Sand beach area Trails 3 baseball diamond
Picnic shelters
http://guelph.ca/seasonal/rides-at-riverside-park-carousel-miniature-train-and-paddle-boats/
*Beachway Park and Pavilion (Burlington)
The Beachway Park Pavilion and multi-use trails provide a 2 km route from Spencer Smith Park to the canal. The pavilion provides change rooms, outdoor showers, seasonal concession facilities featuring the Snack Shack and year round washrooms. Amenities at the beach include the pavilion, parking, a pay phone, a playground, and lots of sun, sand, and water.
www.cms.burlington.ca
*Lakeside Park (St. Catherine’s)
1 Lakeport Road
Heritage Carousel (5 cents per ride) 1,500 feet of sandy beach Picnic area, Concessions Playground
Dressing area and washroom
http://www.stcatharines.ca/en/
*Beachfront Park & Millennium Square (Pickering, ON)
Southern end of Liverpool Road or Alex Robertson Park at the southern end of Sandy Beach Road.
Splash pad play area Children’s Park (9:00am-9:00 pm, weather permitting) 2 beach volleyball courts (nets hung daily during summer months) Swimming Allowed
Public washrooms (9am-9pm)
http://www.pickering.ca/en/discovering/beachfrontparkmillenniumsquare.asp
**To find out if the lakes are safe to swim in, go to www.theswimguide.org and in the search box type in the name of the beach.
**FARMS & ZOOS**
*Riverdale Farms (Toronto)
201 Winchester Street
This park features: Historic working farm, scenic pathways, programs and seasonal events, pig and poultry barn, historic Francey Barn, Simpson House, Meeting House, the “Residence”, Old Zoo Ruins.
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=a4f8dada600f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
*Lionel’s Farm (Stouffville)
11714 McCowan Road
Some of the animals that can be seen or touched are sheep, goats, pigs, cow, donkeys ponies, deer, llama, alpaca, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, pheasants, peacocks, and a various times throughout the year, many will have babies by their side. Our animals are curious and friendly and are a big hit with kids of all ages.
You can bring your own food to feed the animals: mini carrots, cut celery, lettuce, and/or bread.
http://www.lionelsfarm.com/petting-zoo/
*Pine Farms Orchard (King City)
2700, 16th Sideroad
This is my favourite place to pick apples. They have a small park, a few little animals, and a store filled with the tastiest food.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pine-Farms-Orchard/176480305709285?fref=photo
*Watsons Farm (Bowmanville)
2287 Regional Hwy 2
Small Place Tractor to climb on Hay Jump Teepee Slide
Wagon Rides are offered during strawberry or apple picking seasons
http://www.watsonfarms.ca/
*The Big Apple (Colborne, ON)
Off highway 401 at exit #497
Picnic Grounds Train Rides Shuffle board, Bocce Ball & Ping Pong Tables Mini Putt Golf Large Apple Observatory Animal Land (Chickens, Goats, Donkeys, Rabbits)
Country Store & Restaurant full of food and baked goods
http://www.thebigapple.ca/petting_zoo.asp
*Riverview Park & Zoo (Peterborough)
1230 Water Street
The zoo features 27 exhibits, with over 48 species, including Yak, Camel, Wallaby, Emu, Macaw, Squirrel Monkey, Cougar, Plated Lizard, Meerkat and more! The park covers 55.5 acres and is the largest and most diversified playground in the city. It also features equipment for physically-challenged children.
With a splash pad, frisbee golf course, walking trails, a miniature train ride, and beautiful gardens we have something for everyone.
http://www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo.htm
*The Dutch Mill (Dundas)
533 Millgrove Road Side Road
There is a giant market that carried everything and a restaurant on site. Free Petting Zoo
Free Park
http://www.thedutchmill.ca
*Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm (St. Catherine’s) 650 Read Road
(Corner of Read Rd. and Northrup)
Animal viewing area Large playground Picnic area and pavilion 9/11 Memorial Walkway Trail
The animals will be at Happy Rolph’s from Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving weekend.
http://www.stcatharines.ca/en/playin/HappyRolphs.asp
Read more
I have created a bucket list with 100 things you can do with your kids this summer.
Who needs expensive theme parks with long lines? You can give your children a memorable summer, while saving your extra money towards things like vacations, RESPs, and their extra curricular yearly activities.
100 KIDS SUMMER ACTIVITIES ON A DIME
1) WATER GUN FIGHT/WATER BALLOON FIGHT
2) MAKE BUBBLE SNAKES
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/05/12/bubble-snakes-outdoor-activity/
3) MAKE A LIFE SIZE INDOOR BOARD GAME
http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2011/07/escape-volcano-shape-game.html?m=1
4) HOT CAR CRAYON MAKER
http://www.cometogetherkids.com/2011/07/hot-car-crayons.html?m=1
5) MAKE SOAP CLOUDS
http://ourbestbites.com/2012/04/kitchen-craft-soap-clouds-and-homemade-kiddie-tub-soaps/
6) CRAYON SAND PAPER T-SHIRTS
http://alphamom.com/family-fun/crafts/sandpaper-printed-t-shirt/
7) GLOW STICKS DANCE PARTY
Go to the Dollarstore and buy some fun glow sticks, turn off the lights, and blast some music!
8) MAKE BALLOON ROCKETS
http://discoverexplorelearn.com/balloon-rockets/
9) FAMILY CAR RACE
http://tpcraft.blogspot.ca/2011/02/toilet-paper-roll-race-car.html?m=1
10) MAKE A MARSHMALLOW SHOOTER
http://www.cometogetherkids.com/2011/09/mini-marshmallow-shooters-or-pom-pom.html?m=1
11) STORY STONES
http://www.creativefamilyfun.net/2011/08/story-stones.html?m=1
12) MAKE PLAYDOUGH MATS This will keep the little ones busy for a long time!
http://picklebums.com/2014/07/22/fun-food-play-dough-mats/#_a5y_p=2110571
13) ACTION DICE GAME
http://teachingmama.org/pool-noodle-water-wall/
14) FEED DUCKS AT A POND
15) POPCORN OLYMPICS
http://m.orsoshesays.com/06d5fln/articles/34077/The-Popcorn-Olympics-Fun-Activity-for-Kids-she-Veronica-
16) WATCH A FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE
Search online your city and movies in the park and you should find something close by.
17) MAKE A RETRO THEME DAY
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/2015/06/04/80s-retro-day-at-home/
18) MAKE A LEMONADE STAND
Kids will be busy decorating the signs and making the lemonade. Ask you neighbours come out and support your kids.
19) FROZEN ICE PLAY
http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/07/ocean-sensory-tray-with-frozen-rice.html
20) OUTDOOR WATER ART
http://www.serving-pink-lemonade.com/2013/06/water-art.html
21) TIC TAC TOWEL Take a plain towel and make a Tic Tac Toe board out of tape.
Kids can use sea shells or rocks as the pieces.
22) PUT ON A MAGIC SHOW Learn magic tricks and show family and friends.
http://www.funology.com/magic-tricks/
23) BALLOON POP ROCKS EXPERIMENT Do the Balloon Fizz Science Experiment
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/07/22/balloon-pop-rocks-experiment/
23) MAKE CUPCAKES
24) HIDE AND GO SEEK IN THE DARK
Play Hide & Seek with the lights off using glow bracelets.
25) MOCK CAMPING TRIP Make a mock camping trip
Use a play tent, sleeping bags or blankets, and flash lights. You can eat dinner out side and sing camp songs.
26) MAKE A “RESTAURANT” DINNER
Have your kids help you make dinner. Create menus with them to decorate and serve your spouse or neighbours.
27) DIY GIANT PAPER AIRPLANE
http://m.instructables.com/id/Giant-Paper-Airplane/
28) MAKE A COLLAGE
Make a collage with magazine pages or family photos.
29) MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMEMTS Find items around the house and construct different instruments. This teaches kids how to recycle waste into something useful and fun.
14 World Music Instruments That Can Be Made From Recycled Materials
30) Make Alien Bubbles
http://familylicious.com/alien-bubbles-science/
31) SALAD SPINNER ART You can purchase a salad spinner at The Dollarama.
http://theimaginationtree.com/2010/09/salad-spinner-art.html
32) MAKE HOMEMADE JAM
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1511719/homemade-raspberry-jam
33) MAKE A TIME CAPSULE
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Time-Capsule-Resources-255339
34) DO A JIGSAW PUZZLES
You can purchase puzzles at Dollarama for $2-$3
35) MAKE A SUN CATCHER
http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/16045/glass-gem-sun-catcher-craft
36) WATCH HOME MOVIES
37) DECORATE WITH PUFFY PAINT The Dollarama sells Puffy Paint in the art section and you can purchase a top or a hat to decorate.
Make sure you let it completely dry before wearing it.
38) HAVE A PICNIC
39) MAKE ICE CREAM IN A BAG
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/06/16/homemade-ice-cream-in-a-bag/
40) POOL NOODLE HOCKEY
http://www.sportingadvantage.com.au/news/team-building-learn-to-play-noodle-hockey
41) POTATO STAMPING
http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Colors/Potato_Stamps/Potato_Stamps.html
42) BUILD A VILLAGE OUT OF BLOCKS OR LEGO
43) MAKE A DEEJAY DANCE PARTY
Go to the dollar store and get glow sticks! Dress your kids in light colours. Close the blinds and the lights and activate their glow sticks. Put on their favourite songs and have them dance. This one is good when they have friends come over.
44) MAKE A SUMMER SCRAP BOOK
45) SPONGE WATER GAMES
http://www.mamaslikeme.com/2012/07/fun-water-games-for-kids.html?m=1
46) PAPER PLATE MARBLE TRACK
http://frugalfun4boys.com/2012/09/05/paper-plate-marble-track/
47) JUMP ROPE GAMES
http://www.jumpropeinstitute.com/kids.htm
48) CHINESE JUMP ROPE GAMES
http://www.gameskidsplay.net/games/other_games/chinese_jump_rope.htm
49) MAKE ICE EGGS
http://alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.ca/2011/09/ice-eggs.html?m=1
50) MAKE A FELT PLAY MAT
http://www.mydeliciousambiguity.com/2011/01/diy-felt-play-mats-construction-trains.html?m=1
51) AIRPLANE WATCHING
Take your kids over to Pearson Airport and watch the planes take off and land.
52) FREE CONCERT IN THE PARK
53) DIY KID “CAR” WASH
http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/kids-and-baby/kids-car-wash-sprinkler/project
54) VISIT IKEA
Kids meals are $2.99 and there is a free drop off kids play area while you shop. Need I say more …
55) MAKE A LUA
You can purchase leis, grass skirts and decorations at the Dollar Store. You can also make fruity virgin colada drinks for the kids.
56) GO TO A FLEA MARKET
http://www.fleamarketlist.com/CanadaFleamMarkets/Canadian_Flea_Market08.htm
57) DIY GIANT SLIP & SLIDE with a painter’s tarp and shaving cream.
58) MAKE A SCAVENGER HUNT
https://www.care.com/a/8-scavenger-hunt-ideas-for-kids-131030133254
59) MAKE A WATER BLOB This one is cheap and a lot of fun!
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/07/08/large-sensory-blob/
60) WASH YOUR CAR
Put the kids in a swim suit and give them the hose, some sponges and a bucket full of soap. They will have a ball.
61) BOARD GAME NIGHT
62) PLAY WITH SIDE WALK CHALK
(Have a Colouring Contest, Mini Art Gallery, or create games like Hop Scotch and Tic Tac Toe)
63) OUTDOOR GIANT BOARD GAME
http://www.the36thavenue.com/kid-activities-backyard-game-board/
64) CATCH FIRE FLIES
65) TRIP TO THE PET STORE
66) PLAY IN THE SPRINKLER
67) FLOWER POT CRAFT
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/tag/flower-pot/
68) MAKE A VIDEO Whether you have one of those little FLIP videos, a camera, or your cell phone, get your children to make a play. Have them practice it a bunch of times. Find or make some costumes and have them perform their play on the video.
You can put it on the computer for them to watch.
69) CARD BOARD BOX CREATIONS Take your children to the grocery or drug store and ask for extra used boxes. Here are some cool ideas your can do with coard board boxes:
http://www.designdazzle.com/2013/09/15-cardboard-creations-to-make-for-kids/
70) GO TO THE BEACH
71) NATURE ART Take your kids to a local park or nature trail and have them pick out items (ie. leaves, sticks, rocks, flowers)/
Give them bristol board and glue and have them make abstract art using their findings.
72) MAKE SMORES
Using a microwave or a real fire pit, you can get into the camping spirit!
73) MAKE A PLAYING CARD CASTLE
74) MAKE PIZZA
75) SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html
76) OUTDOOR COMPETITIONS Get the neighbour hood kids over and host a competition. Split the kids in fair teams. You can create some games to play: * Potato Sack Races (using garbage bags or pillow cases) * 3 Legged Race using Socks or Shoe Laces * Water Balloon Toss
* Spoon Race (holding a ping pong ball or egg)
77) MAKE EDIBLE PLAYDOUGH
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/03/26/easy-play-dough-recipes/
78) MAKE A BOAT PATH
http://www.crumbbums.com/?p=2842
79) MAKE AN AQUARIUM All you need is two paper plates (cut out the middle of one), glue, googly eyes, foam, blue paint, saran wrap and rocks from outside.
80) HOME MADE TAP SHOES
Tape nickels to the bottom of your kid’s running shoes and you’ve got a pair of tap shoes.
81) GO TO A TOWN MAIN STREET Go for a walk down the street. Grab an ice cream cone.
Suggested Place: Unionville Main Street in Markham is a great choice. Any Cottage Country down town strip will do the trick.
82) FEED THE DUCKS
Go to a local pond with cut up bread.
83) MAKE A HOMEMADE SLIP AND SLIDE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMEpizMzWM8
84) BURY A TIME CAPSULE
http://www.familiesonlinemagazine.com/timecapsulejak.htm
85) GROW FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
86) GO TO A FARMER’S MARKET
87) VISIT A PET STORE
88) MAKE AN OBSTACLE COURSE
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/tag/diy-obstacle-course/
89) PLAY SHARK
All you need is a folded ironing board to be your boat. Keep the kids on the boat. If they fall off, they get “eaten” by the Shark, which Mom or Dad can play!
90) GO TO A SPLASH PAD
91) MAKE A WATER BALLOON SLIP AND SLIDE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbjD7rerj6E
92) MAKE SAND BUCKET MINIONS
http://frugalfun4boys.com/2015/05/13/minions-sand-buckets-with-a-free-printable-pattern/
93) HAVE A CARD GAME TOURNAMENT
http://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/10-kid-friendly-card-games/
94) MAKE A HIGH TEA PARTY
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-throw-afternoon-tea-party
95) GO GEOCACHING
https://www.geocaching.com/play
96) MAKE YOUR OWN MAD LIBS
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Mad-Lib
97) EXPLODING BAGS EXPERIMENT This one is messy but a lot of fun!
http://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/05/21/exploding-bags-fun-science-experiment/
98) MAKE A PET ROCK
Pick a rock outside. Let the kids paint them, decorate them
99) SUMO WRESTLING MATCH Make the kids are supervised during this one.
http://allfortheboys.com/home/2012/2/2/sumo-boys.html
100) MAKE A LEGO NIGHT LIGHT
http://frugalfun4boys.com/2015/05/07/how-to-build-a-lego-night-light/
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