Seven free or budget-friendly spring activities in Toronto and Mississauga
Experience spring in the city to its fullest with some of the best wallet-friendly activities.
Dark winter days have everyone anticipating weather in the double digits. Springtime in Toronto and Mississauga is the perfect time to spend outdoors before the summer sun starts scalding our skin. Experience the city’s rejuvenated air with a variety of free or budget-friendly activities, as enchanting flora and fauna emerge from the depths of a dreary winter and outdoor festivals and patios open. Or, if nature isn’t your thing, relish the fact that you won’t have to lug around your bulky jackets anymore!
- Cherry Blossoms
This springtime tradition has everyone excited about the beautiful cherry blossom trees to decorate the parks around Toronto. While High Park is the most well-known location to visit the blossoms during the short period of peak bloom, you can avoid the crowds by giving some love to the cherry blossom trees down at Riverdale Park, Cedarvale Park, and Toronto Island Park, to name a few.
Where: High Park, Riverdale Park, Cedarvale Park, Toronto Island Park
When: Late April – Early May
- Toronto Flower Market
With the spontaneous downpour recently, it’s indeed true what Thomas Tusser said about how “sweet April showers do spring May flowers” with the annual Toronto Flower Market planning its vendor lineup for 2024. From May till October, plant yourself into the community of growers, florists, and gardeners who brighten up the city with their prettiest bunch. Admissions are free but be sure to bring some cash if you wish to take some home!
Where: CAMH, 1001 Queen St W, Toronto
When: 2024 dates will be posted on torontoflowermarket.ca
- Allan Gardens Conservatory
If the outdoors isn’t your cup of tea, but you don’t want to miss out on the vibrant nature of spring, Allan Gardens Conservatory is the perfect place to visit. This indoor botanical garden has six greenhouses featuring lush flora from around the world. The conservatory is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the best part is that entry is free!
Where: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto
When: Seven days a week, 365 days a year
- Doors Open Toronto
Explore Toronto’s beloved architecture, history, and culture by touring 150 buildings and sites that aren’t typically open to the public for free. Each May, seize the opportunity to visit some beautiful places, including the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library and Osgoode Hall.
Where: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, Aga Khan Museum, Spadina Museum, among many others
When: May 25 – May 26, 2024
- Lumière: The Art of Light
Experience the magical light-based art exhibition composed of unique artworks by Ontario-based artists for free. Spend the evening, anytime between sunset to 11 p.m., captivated by light installations that illuminate the park. When it gets chilly enough, gather around the Trillium Park fire pit for bonfires every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Trillium Park, 955 Lakeshore Blvd W, Toronto
When: March 12 – April 20, 2024
- Stand-Up Comedy
While spring is all about appreciating picturesque nature, I can acknowledge that the sunny weather isn’t for everyone. So, stay indoors and have a laugh at some of the best stand-up comedy shows, hosted by some of Toronto’s best comics. Entry is free, so bring your friends, or enjoy a night to yourself, drowning out any thoughts of your hectic week with hysterics.
Where: The Cameron House
When: March – April 2024
- Lvlup Board Game Café
Here is another fantastic indoor activity to get out of the house and spend time with friends or make some new ones! Lvlup Games is a board game café created by gamers, for gamers. Indulge in some great food while playing any of their in-stock games or purchase one to take home.
Where: 833 Westlock Rd Unit #9, Mississauga
When: opens 12 pm daily
With the constant change in weather, be sure to enjoy these spring activities before it’s too late!
