Feeling a little strapped for cash this December?  Looking for some free or low-cost activities for you and the family to keep you busy over the break? You’re in the right place. I’ve put together a list of  family friendly winter activities that are sure to put a smile on your face without breaking the bank!

• Catch a family-friendly flick: For just $2.99 per person, you can enjoy holiday favorites on Sunday Mornings with Cineplex Family Favorites! This December, Polar Express and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be playing in theatres across the city.

• Visit the Toronto Christmas Market: Admission to the Christmas Market in the Distillery Historic District is FREE between Tuesday-Fridays and features tons of great activities (including live music and entertainment) for the whole family.

• Grab your skates and head to the rink: Most of the city’s outdoor skating rinks are now open, including the beautiful Natral Rink at the Harbourfront Centre. Skating is FREE but skates and helmets can be rented at an affordable price. There are over 50 outdoor skating rinks in Toronto, so find one near you.

“Tobogganing Fun,” CC Image Courtesy of Anthony J on Flickr

• Throw on a few extra layers and go tobogganing: Once the snow begins to fall, tobogganing is one of the favorite winter activities for kids. Check out this list of the top 10 places to go, or find your own in your neighbourhood.

• Escape to planet ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) for an intergalactic adventure featuring hands-on activities and new video games. There’s discounted admission after 4:30pm and extended hours over the holiday break!

• Visit one of Toronto’s Museums for a range of holiday events including Christmas at Colborne Lodge, Gingerbread Cookie Decorating at Gibson House and the Holiday Market and Gift Sale at Montgomery’s Inn! Admission fees range depending on the museum and the event, but most are under $10 per adult and $5 for kids.
• Check out your local Public Library for free children’s activities including; movie days (many locations), comic book workshop (Barbara Frum Library) and Make a Wild Thing craft session (Toronto Reference Library). Use the TPL website to select your local branch and browse through their upcoming programs or events, or stop by in person!

• Go for a dip:  Who said you can’t go swimming in the winter? What better way to get out of a winter-funk than to hit the pool and go for a dip! Check out the leisure swim times at your local pool.

• Hit the slopes at one of Toronto’s two ski hills, Earl Bales Park and Centennial Park (weather permitting!). Lift tickets cost $30.00 per day and rentals are available!

• Attend Winterfest on Dec. 18, 19 & 20th for photos with Santa for pets,  the Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show, a chance to discover the Arctic at the Museum of Inuit Art (MIA), and free musical performances at the Toronto Waterfront! There will also be a FREE BeaverTails® Pastry-Eating Contest… could there be ANYTHING better???
• Enjoy the free Christmas concert at Toronto City Hall on Dec. 24th at 11:00am featuring  All The King’s Voices the Toronto Beaches Children’s Chorus and the Toronto Mass Choir

I hope you’ve found something here that peaked your interest – if you end up checking out any of the events above, be sure to let me know what you thought!

Wishing you and your family a fun and relaxing Winter Break 🙂