Toronto has no shortage of programs to help new moms get out among the population; to amuse older kids on rainy or wintry days; give mom or dad a break; or just allow kids to to socialize with their peers, learn new skills, or blow off some steam. And many of these programs are 100-percent free!
Here you’ll find some excellent resources for drop-in programs for kids of all ages. Drop-in means you don’t have to pre-register: you just show up—though some programs are first-come, first-served, so you you may want to arrive early.
The programs and offerings we’ve included here are all free, but nearly all of these centres and organizations also have free and low-cost pre-registered programs too. (Meaning you sign up for a program that meets regularly—usually weekly—for a set number of weeks or months.)
Also see our full directory of free and paid/pre-registered drop-in programs for kids and family resource centres and community centres, which have weekly schedules of activities for kids, both drop-in and pre-registered.
Note that drop-in programs are not drop-off programs. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
City of Toronto Children’s Play Programs
Free drop-in play programs for kids and families at city community centres. Most programs are for ages 5 and under but some centres have programs for older kids, too. (Parents must accompany kids for all of these.) Each centre is different, but it’s essentially open gym time, with age-appropriate climbing and sliding structures, sports equipment, tubes and tunnels, and lots of padded surfaces for little ones. Essentially, the perfect way to blow off steam indoors! Check schedules here.
City of Toronto Drop-In Programs
Many community centres throughout the GTA have drop-in sports and arts programs, plus games rooms for kids. Check the offerings at your local centre(s). You can find basketball, soccer, ball hockey, volleyball, tennis and badminton drop-ins for kids ages 5 to 17.
Most drop-in arts programs are for adults, but some community centres have music, dance, or visual art programs for kids, too. You can also find groups and where kids and teens can just play games or socialize at City of Toronto centres.
Swimming
Leisure swim times are available at city-operated pools. All are free, but you may need a quarter for the lockers! Check city pool schedules here.
Ice Skating
The city has so many free skating rinks at parks, community centres, and other public spaces that you can skate somewhere at any time, any day of the week. (Note that rinks may be unsupervised.) At some rinks, times are set aside especially for younger kids. Rentals are only available at a few rinks, so be sure to call ahead or bring your own skates and helmets. Find City of Toronto skating rinks or check out 8 family-friendly skating rinks we love.
Ontario Early Years Centres
There are two dozen Ontario Early Years Centres across the city with drop-in programs six days a week, with activities for kids ages 6 and under. Songs, story time, and creative activities for kids. Some programs are for specific age groups, such as kindergarten readiness programs, and some centres have registered programs as well. Some temporary, occasional free child care is available, too.
Toronto Public Library Programs
Free programs offered by the Toronto Public Library include drop-in storytime, puppet shows, musicians, magic shows, films, and more.
Family Resource Centres and Neighbourhood Community Centres
These are non-profit, community-based centres with resources for parents and families: drop-in programs with unstructured playtime for kids, art projects, snack and maybe even coffee for parents. Some have limited space and are first-come, first-served, so arrive early to get a spot. Some are Ontario Early Years Satellite sites, which means they offer OEY programs.
Look for centres using the Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs database.
Find more family resource centres in Toronto.
Parenting and Family Literacy Centres
These free programs for kids ages 0 to 6 are located in nearly 80 Toronto public schools (including Catholic and French immersion schools) and offer play-based programs to promote literacy and social, cognitive, and language skills.
Find a TDSB centre near you. Or see a list of all centres in the Toronto area.
