Kids love participating in hands-on activities that test their physical and mental skills. It is a fun, interactive way to nurture their development, especially after making a big move. But keeping your children engaged doesn’t have to break the bank. Canada offers plenty of free, family-friendly activities you can all do to occupy any downtime.
In this article, Remitly helps you find free activities for kids across Canada, including outdoor recreation, museums, community events, and seasonal highlights.
Importance of free activities for kids
Creating shared experiences with your children through free activities strengthens family bonds. These pastimes also nurture physical, emotional, cognitive, and social skills—all without you spending a dime.
Those moments of playing together along a nature trail or wandering around a museum build rapport. Just as a game of tag in the park or charting a scavenger hunt promotes unity and teamwork between friends and family.
Such activities are also great for building strength and resilience, which is vital for motor development in children. Plus, outdoor games cut stress and provide a chance to soak up some vitamin D, resulting in better mood and focus in kids.
That said, it’s worth noting that the activities you can engage in will vary depending on the season and where you live in Canada. This provides plenty of variety, keeping your kids interested for a long while.
Explore national parks and nature reserves for
Getting free access to national parks in Canada requires some knowledge of specific policies and programs.
How to access Canadian national parks for free
Canada is home to 37 national parks, 11 national nature reserves, and over 100 historic sites. There are also numerous protected areas for plants, wildlife, birds, and marine ecosystems. If you want to access any of them for free, there are several options available:
- Free admission days
July 1 is Canada Day, and it comes with a waiver of entry fees to most national parks. While this is a great time to explore more of the country, expect parks to attract sizeable crowds.
Meanwhile, the third Saturday of July marks Canada Parks Day. This free-access occasion typically features campfire talks and guided walks through parks.
Discover more important Canadian holidays here.
- Free access for kids under the age of 17
Canadian parks have a standing policy that allows anyone aged 17 or below to gain free admission into any national park, marine conservation area, or historic site.
However, this policy only covers sites managed by Parks Canada, so visiting provincial, territorial, or private parks could attract a fee.
Parks Canada Xplorers program
The Parks Canada Xplorers program offers free activities for kids visiting national parks, providing no-cost access to nature, history, and exploration. Its purpose is to turn trips to Canadian parks into an adventurous experience with tasks to complete and cultural lessons to learn.
This program involves choosing an adventure such as spotting birds, hiking, sketching, or counting tide pool critters. Once your child completes their adventure task, they’ll receive a tag as the prize, which is unique for every park.
Age requirements are flexible, but children aged six to 12 are typically eligible to enroll. Those who are slightly older or younger may also be considered, depending on their role.
Free park passes for immigrants and new citizens
All immigrants and new Canadian citizens enjoy free park passes issued by Parks Canada as a gesture of hospitality. This is done via the Canoo mobile app, which is managed by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
So, what is Canoo? It’s an innovative way to ensure newcomers discover the best things to do around the country. Through the app, you can get free access to over 1,400 parks, museums, conservation areas, and historic sites for up to a year. When visiting, inform the attendant at the entrance of your Canoo membership, get the right venue code, and you’re in.
The app is accessible for free on Google Play or in the App Store. After registering, you will activate your free one-year plan. Download the Canoo app for more details.
Indoor activities to enjoy throughout Canada
From cultural to educational activities, there are lots of screen-free ways to have fun indoors:
Engaging and educational activities available indoors
To keep your children both busy and entertained at home, make learning a fun family affair with some easy activities:
- Work on a puzzle
- Put on a play or puppet show together, and see what your kid’s imagination can come up with
- Make a book and encourage kids to write down their favorite stories or jokes
- Learn to cook a meal using local recipes
- Create a new family board game
Cultural hubs often also provide unique indoor learning opportunities. In Toronto, for example, the Art Gallery of Ontario lets visitors in for free on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Activities include painting, scavenger hunts, and regular courses for kids and young people.
Participating in local libraries and reading programs
Local libraries across Canada provide indoor havens for kids to interact and relax. Activities can range from craft workshops to reading programs and story times. Here are a few local initiatives you can start with:
- Forest of Reading: The largest recreational reading program in Canada, and spotlights Canadian authors. This program offers rewards for different age groups.
- TD Summer Reading Club: Open to children of all ages, this initiative celebrates reading and provides resources for kids with disabilities.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Mails kids one book a month until they turn five. Local partners run the program.
Museums with free entry for families and children
Several museums allow children and families to view world-class exhibits for free, including:
- Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art: Free on the first Sunday of every month for all ages.
- Ottawa Art Gallery: Free every day for visitors of all ages.
- Maritime Museum of BC: Entry is donation-based or free if you’re on a budget.
Outdoor adventures and nature engagements
Kids love spending time in nature, so plan outdoor fun that allows for safe exploration.
Hikes, parks, and trails
Banff National Park in Alberta offers opportunities for little ones to hike the Johnston Canyon. Waterfalls dashing out of its deep ravines are sure to thrill children, as are the beautiful birds floating in the fjord.
The Fenland Loop trail also provides an easy and enjoyable adventure for kids. At sunset, you can spot elk or beaver in the marshy forest.
In Alberta, Jasper National Park has Old Fort Point, which offers panoramic views of the Athabasca River as you hike. You’ll also find the Maligne Canyon here, featuring waterfalls, fossils engraved in rocks, and bridges that most people find thrilling to cross.
Seasonal outdoor fun: winter and summer activities for kids
Winter activities
- Skating: At Prince Edward Island National Park or Fundy National Park, frozen rinks and ponds during winter provide ideal conditions to get the ice skates out. This is where kids can glide, slide, and have a good time while simultaneously sharpening motor skills.
- Sledding: The sleds come out during winter at Point Pelee National Park in Ontario or Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia. See your loved ones slide down gentle slopes with excitement, all free of charge.
- Wildlife spotting: Elk Island in Alberta is the ideal destination to watch the majestic bison, while Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland is home to caribous. Kids will leave feeling accomplished after spotting some unfamiliar animals.
- Snowshoeing: Stomping through the snow and leaving a trail of tracks at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or Jasper National Park can make your child feel like they’re on an expedition in wonderland.
- Snow play: Roll giant snowballs, create snow angels, and build snow forts in Manitoba or Alberta for a fun, chaotic day out with kids.
Summer activities
- Picnicking: Have a meal outdoors at Cape Breton Highlands National Park or Maligne Canyon, where plenty of picnic spots exist. This is an opportunity to bond with your kids over lunch as you enjoy the fresh air.
- Beach play: Prince Edward Island and the Pacific Rim are perfect locations for beach play. The messy and unstructured nature of these activities makes it all the more fun for the kids.
- Hiking: Going on hikes is a fun, timeless activity for kids and adults. Choose child-friendly trails to ensure safety as kids climb and explore nature. Banff and Fundy national parks offer incredible views during the summer.
- Paddling: Point Pelee or Riding Mountain national parks provide opportunities for kids to discover a passion for paddling, canoeing, or wading.
- Stargazing: Visit Forillon National Park or Grasslands National Park to enjoy watching the constellations. Forillon in Quebec even holds free star parties from time to time.
DIY crafts and home-based activities
Do you prefer to stay closer to home? Don’t worry—there are plenty of creative projects and crafts you can explore in ultimate comfort:
- Rock painting: Find smooth stones and gather some supplies, such as paint, nail polish, or markers. Then, let your child unleash their inner artist. Seeing their finished art will make them feel proud and boost their confidence.
- DIY obstacle course: This can involve anything from crawling under a barrier to jumping over make-shift obstacles. You can work with easily available items like furniture, cushions, kitchenware, and more.
- Mapmaking: Let your child sketch a map of the house or a park they’ve visited using markers or pencils. Include unique symbols to mark favorite spots, like the kitchen or bedroom.
Online resources for free, family-friendly activities
- National Geographic: This one-stop-shop combines free audiobooks, ebooks, YouTube shows, and activity kits from across the country. It is a great place for kids to learn about animals and science.
- Public libraries: Vancouver Public Library allows you to download science experiments, coloring pages, and scavenger hunt plans. They also offer storytimes on their YouTube channel.
- Educational websites: Sites like Funbrain and Kahn Academy are good places for kids to find entertainment while learning. They often include educational games and physical activities that keep kids fit and healthy.
Additional tips and resources
- Use websites and apps: Stay updated about free activities for kids in Canada by checking popular apps and websites. For example, Today’s Parent is a blog with helpful articles about free activities, city-specific events, seasonal roundups, and DIY activities.
- Explore free seasonal activities for kids: Winter festivals in Canada mean one thing: free outdoor activities. Events such as the Quebec Winter Carnival, Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur, and Ottawa’s Winterlude offer free outdoor activities for you and your family.
- Learn about community centre drop-ins: Urban and suburban centers across major Canadian cities facilitate free skating, crafts, and gym time.
- Enjoy free days museums: Visit museums on set days and times for free. You can find out about your region’s free entry days by searching through local websites.
Wrapping up
Accessing free activities for kids across Canada is a breeze. There are plenty of options to choose from, like visiting cultural and heritage sites or DIY activities. Your child will grow up in an environment that supports their development, setting the stage for a successful life ahead.
FAQs
How do I get into Canadian national parks for free?
There are several ways to gain free entry into Canada’s national parks, including free entry on special holidays or free park passes, which are granted to immigrants and new citizens for the first year. Children aged 17 and under can access all national parks for free, and the Parks Canada Xplorers program provides exciting kids’ activities at no cost.
Do immigrants get free park passes?
Yes, immigrants and new citizens get free park passes from Parks Canada through the Canoo mobile app. These passes provide free access to over 1,400 parks, museums, conservation areas, and historic sites for up to a year.
Are there any seasonal activities for kids in Canada?
Yes, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in every season, from summer to winter. Some examples of free seasonal activities for kids during summer include outdoor movie screenings, picnics in the parks, nature walks, and beach outings. During winter, you can switch gears to activities like skating, sledding, and snow play.