When most people think of fun in Toronto, minds often drift to dinners out, live shows at the theatre or just catching a movie. While these activities are delightful, they can put a strain on our pocket books. Never fear though – throughout winter, spring, summer and fall, Toronto has fun, educational, engaging and free experiences for everyone – all year round! There are lots of vibrant 60+ adults living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), who have the inside scoop on how to have a cheap and cheerful good time in the city. In today’s post, I will talk about some super engaging, secretly free activities to do around the city.
#1: Free Passes at the Toronto Public Library: Museum + Arts Pass Program (MAP)
Free passes (called MAP) from the Toronto Public Library will get you into various places around the city, including museums and art galleries. All you need is a library card! Most venues allow access for up to two adults and four children, which means you can bring the grandkids! Be sure to check the fine print just in case though.
A list of all the places you can access for free can be found online (click here):
Some of my favourite free activities offered through MAP, include:
Art Gallery of Ontario
Royal Ontario Museum
Ontario Science Centre
Toronto Zoo
The number of available passes and distribution times and method vary by library location; so, be sure to call your local branch to find out how to get a pass (details can also be found here). At most branches, new passes are distributed on Saturday mornings. I visited the Toronto Reference Library (location link) to ask if there were any secret tips on getting the MAP passes, and I was told to be sure to get to the branch as early as possible when the passes are released (Saturday, 9am), because availability is limited.
The Toronto Library is currently running a pilot program for passes to performing art shows around the city (including Canadian Stage, Factory Theatre, Hot Docs, the Royal Conservatory of Music and others). I called the Parliament Street branch to inquire about the process (one of only 10 branches that is currently a part of this pilot program), and was told that there is usually a line of around 30 people to get these particular passes (available on the last Saturday of every month); so, if you are an early riser it might be worth trying to get a Performing Arts pass this year (call the branch ahead of time for extra advice). For more information, you can go to here.
#2: Outdoor Entertainment
If you like being outside in nature (especially during the beautiful summer months), there are loads of free activities around Toronto. Below are my top four!
a. Movies under the stars (Christie Pits):
Want to watch a movie in the park? Pack a picnic and head on over to Christie Pits for their annual film festival (more information). The cost is free (suggested $10 donation). Bring your favourite blanket or fold-up chair for extra comfort. Many watchers opt to sit on the hill right in front of the screen; but, there is some flat ground at the back where you can place your chair, which might be a more comfortable option. Movies start at sundown, so get there early to set up your seat (first come first serve)! On Sunday, August 13, 2017 they played the 1961 classic: West Side Story. Closing weekend is this week – August 19 and 20, 2017.
b. Shakespeare in the Park:
If you love live theatre like I do, get to the High Park Amphitheatre (1873 Bloor St W – more information).
Performances are running until September 3, 2017 and are 90 minutes long (no intermission). You can catch King Lear on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays (8pm), and Twelfth Night on Wednesdays, Fridays or Sundays (8pm).
You can also catch a pre-show chat with some Canadian Stage artists (August 13-28, 2017 at 730pm), and find out what great shows they have coming up in their 2017-2018 season.
c. Take in an amateur sports game:
I truly enjoy watching baseball on a beautiful summer day. At Christie Pits (map link) you can sit in the bleachers, or on the grass, and watch some semi-pro baseball. The Toronto Maple Leaf’s baseball team play their regular season home games in the Christie Pits baseball diamond from May until July. Sadly, their postseason ended in mid-August (2017); but, if you missed them this year, to keep up-to-date on next year’s season click here.
d. Picnic in one of Toronto’s beautiful parks
Toronto has more than 1,500 parks with numerous open spaces and 600 km of trails. Finding parks within walking distance from your home, can be a powerful tool to help boost brain health and wellness. Check out this report by the World Health Organization of the benefits of frequenting parks (click here). Find something near you!
Below are links to my three favourite downtown parks to picnic in:
Christie Pits (information)
High Park (information)
Trinity Bellwoods (information)
#3: Get moving!
a. Riverdale Pool:
Stay physically active by heading to the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre (previously known as Regent Park Aquatic Centre; 640 Dundas St E.) – location link. They have loads of free programs, including lane and leisure swim, available at various times throughout the day.
For more information head here or call (416) 338-2237
b. Walking Groups:
Put on by the Royal Ontario Museum, ROMWalks are free (unless otherwise specified), guided walking tours around various Toronto neighbourhoods – including the Annex, St. James Cemetery, the Waterfront and so much more! No need to register. The tours start from various meeting locations, and do not last more than two hours. Don’t forget your walking shoes and drinking water to stay hydrated!
Upcoming tours:
August 16, 2017: Queen’s Park Circle @ 6pm (click here for more information)
August 20, 2017: Heart of Toronto @2pm (click here for more information)
August 23, 2017: Yorkville @6pm (click here for more information)
For more information about upcoming tours, go here, call (416) 586-8000 or email romwalks@rom.on.ca
Or, if you’re interested in nature walks, check out Toronto Field Naturalists (more information). They too host a variety of free walks (e.g., Glen Stewart Ravine, Lambton Park and the Humber).
c. Bird Watching:
The Toronto Ornithology Club hosts bird watching outings for the majority of the year (click here for more information). The outings are free; but, it is important that you wear comfortable shoes and come prepared to walk on various types of terrain, including steep, muddy and/or uneven ground. It is also advised that you bring a snack and a beverage to stay hydrated.
If walking around to watch birds seems like it may be a bit too strenuous for you, get the birds to come to you! Set up a bird feeder and water station outside in your backyard or on your balcony. You can even watch the birds from inside the comfort of your own home.
My dad is a new birder, and is loving every minute! Below is a picture of his backyard set up. I think it is pretty wonderful!
# 4: Festivals in the GTA
Enjoy one of the many festivals that take place regularly around Toronto. Festivals are a great opportunity to learn something new, taste something delicious, and/or listen to some amazing music.
My top three free festivals are:
a. The 50+ Festival historically takes place on campus at Ryerson University across a few days in the spring (late May/early June). The event consists of a variety of different talks (some free, some paid) that cover topics that range from psychology to music and dance. In 2014, I gave a talk at this festival on Mental Fitness (celebrate how aging is changing).
To stay up-to-date on events taking place at Ryerson University, click here.
b. Get your taste buds and feet moving by visiting one of the many food festivals that take place around the city. One of my favourites is the Taste of the Danforth. This year (2017) it ran from August 11 to 13, 2017 (more information). It is easy to get there – simply take the TTC to Chester station, and be dropped off right at the heart of this street festival. Walk the along the busy Danforth, and enjoy the smells and music. There are many food stations set up, where you can grab a small bite of Greece for a reasonable price.
c. Although the 2017 festival is over now, there is a spectacular Summer Beaches Jazz Festival that runs in the east end of the city (click here for more information). They even host free workshops run by wonderfully talented artists in the evenings during the festival (information). Next year’s festival is scheduled for July 6 – 29, 2018.
#5: Educational Lectures Series
If you live in the GTA, you are lucky to have access to a multitude of free lectures and talks that are put on by various organizations, at various times throughout the year.
Three key resources for such free events, include:
Toronto Library (health and wellness) – more information
Toronto Field Naturalists – more information
Ryerson – e.g., the Ryerson Image Centre – more information
High Park Nature Centre – more information
For example, the Toronto Library (Yorkville branch) hosts a weekly, free community exercise program for 65+ (location information ). For more details, click here.
Also, if you’re interested in nature, High Park Nature Centre is hosting a weekly Summer Speaker Series on Backyard Biodiversity until August 23, 2017 (suggested $5 donation). For more information, click here.
Conclusion
Staying active and engaged in your community and city is a central pillar to maintaining a healthy mind across the lifespan. I sincerely hope that the above list of free activities in Toronto has inspired you to get out and get engaged!
There are loads of fun and free activities happening in the city all of the time that should not be kept a secret. I would love to hear about your favourites! Please comment below, tweet me @BrainShapeTO or email me (andrea@brainshape.ca) to let me know about the awesome free activities that you get up to around the city. I would love to add to my ever-growing list and share it with our Brain Shape community.