MY MEDALLION
Busy parents may be looking forward to the Easter long weekend, but it can be a challenge to occupy kids not in school or daycare. Finding activities that are affordable and appeal to both adults and children alike isn’t easy, but we’ve come up with a great list right here in the city. With a bit of research we turned up four great completely free activities to try in Toronto this Easter weekend. Read on to start planning for your time off!
Catch the Spring Show at Allan Gardens Conservatory
Described as “an oasis in the middle of Toronto,” Allan Gardens is an indoor botanical garden that is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the city and functions as both a historical site and a beautiful display of flora. Best of all, it’s completely free and open year round! Founded in 1858, it’s one of Toronto’s oldest parks and the beautiful architecture of its six greenhouses proves it. Make sure to look for the repetition and symmetry in the building design that is characteristic of the era in which it was built. That is, if you aren’t busy being awed by the sight of the plants on display, from cacti at the Arid House to the orchids in the Tropical House. Easter in particular is a great time to visit and catch the spring flower show which runs until late April and features special varieties of lilies and hydrangeas. Check out the visiting hours this Easter weekend for a fun activity that will show you a different side of our city and provide great views at no cost at all.
Family Time at Parliament Library
Having books read aloud buy a great storyteller can be a special treat for a young child and absorb otherwise restless preschoolers. Many parents might find themselves at a loss as to how to occupy their kids over the long weekend, but the excellent programming at the Toronto Public Library is here to help. Family Time at the Parliament Library runs every Saturday from 10:30am and allows caregivers and kids alike to bond over the magic of storytelling with staff-led stories, songs, and other fun activities. Depending on the day, you can expect puppetry, crafts, or other creative distractions for kids 0-5. No registration is required, and of course, it’s a completely free and ideal Easter weekend activity!
Easter Eggstravaganza in Richmond Hill
Another great event to please kids is the annual Easter Eggstravaganza, which combines face painting, scavenger hunts, crafts, and petting zoos! If, after that, kids still have energy, there’s a bouncy castle and wagon ride as well. In addition, there’s also some more adult-friendly options available such as a cafe and artisan market. It all takes place on the afternoon of the 19th in the welcoming environment of Summit Community Farm in Richmond Hill. As a bonus, you can feel good knowing the proceeds go to local charity 360Kids, which works to support at-risk and homeless youth. Tickets are required for entry but admission is completely free and you won’t regret taking advantage of this no-cost Easter activity!
High Park Zoo
The High Park Zoo is a city-run zoo that keeps sheep, bison, capybaras (the world’s largest rodent!), and peacocks, amongst other animals. Besides being completely free, another advantage of the High Park Zoo is the short walking distance between pens since the land area is smaller than your typical zoo. The Zoo has been a treasured part of Toronto’s community since its founding in 1893, and continues its mission of engaging visitors free of charge while promoting education on the species it houses. This Easter weekend the famous Llama Pen will be open from 11:00am to 3:00pm, during which time kids can pet and interact with llamas, chickens, and wallabies. If you have some pocket change to spare, the train ride around High Park is a hit with children, and weaves a scenic route through the gardens and ponds of the park for only 4.50 per person (not free but close!). Overall, the Zoo and the surrounding park are a wonderful escape for Easter weekend and are completely free!
We hope these suggestions have piqued your interest and shown you that you don’t need to spend a penny to enjoy yourself this Easter weekend in Toronto. Have a Happy Easter and be sure to follow along the Medallion Blog for more great tips on how to enjoy our wonderful city!
