By Shannon Del Marco
August in Toronto is a time to savour the season, and the city is buzzing with free and family-friendly events that won’t break the bank. With school still a few weeks away, there’s no better time to explore all that our beautiful city has to offer—without the need for tickets or travel too far from home.
Kicking things off is Toronto Outdoor Picture Show’s free film screenings at various city parks. Bring a blanket and catch a classic or indie film under the stars at Christie Pits or Corktown Common. Over at Downsview Park, you’ll find ongoing Sunday nature walks and discovery activities perfect for curious young minds—and it’s all free. Just register in advance on their website.
Toronto Public Library branches, including Woodview Park and Humber Summit, continue their August programming with craft sessions, tech workshops, puppet shows, and storytelling hours for kids. It’s a great way to stay cool and engaged indoors during hot summer days.
Music lovers can head downtown for Harbourfront Centre’s free summer concert series, showcasing Canadian and international performers with a lakeside breeze. Meanwhile, in the west end, Earlscourt Park is hosting a series of local community events and performances, including children’s theatre and family yoga.
And if you’ve got a young train or transit enthusiast at home, don’t forget about the Toronto Railway Museum in Roundhouse Park. While entry to the museum has a small fee, walking the grounds, checking out vintage locomotives, and enjoying the open space is entirely free.
There’s still plenty of summer left to soak up—and with so many options at your doorstep, you don’t have to spend much to make memories.