Between busy schedules and the rising cost of living, it can be challenging to find activities to enjoy with your family. It’s the age-old conundrum; whenever you have time to spare, you don’t have a lot of money. If you’re putting in a lot of overtime, you may be flush with funds, but you’re short on time.
If you’re like many parents, you want to make sure your kids are having fun and creating positive memories. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to keep everyone entertained, not when you live in an exciting city like Toronto! Sometimes, you just need a little creativity in your approach!
Here are five fun activities to enjoy with your kids that have very little to no cost.
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1) Arrange a Scavenger Hunt
Do you want your kids outside in the fresh air rather than sitting for hours on end staring at a screen? Sometimes, the most enjoyable and mentally-stimulating activities have nothing to do with the digital world.
A scavenger hunt is a great example. Take some time to write up a series of clues that will engage their problem-solving skills and lead them to various hiding places around the house and yard. Better yet, see if your neighbours want to join the fun and make it a community thing!
Small toys, trinkets, and books make great prizes, and you can find anything you need at your local dollar or thrift store. Who said a prize has to be fancy? Watch your child’s eyes light up as they unearth a treasure like chocolate or a comic book!
If all this talk about Toronto excitement has you ready to pack up and move, the posts below can help you secure your perfect new home:
- 5 Little Known Things to Look For When Touring a Home
- What Are Toronto’s Most Affordable Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers?
- Should You Buy a Pre-Construction Condo?
2) Have a Picnic Lunch
With our increasingly hectic lifestyles, the art of a good picnic is becoming lost. The good news is it doesn’t take a lot of planning to create a memorable afternoon with your family. Toronto is full of gorgeous parks and green spaces where you can munch on delicious treats while taking in the scenic views.
Start by whipping up a few classics, like potato salad and cheese sandwiches. Ants on a log—which consists of celery, peanut butter, and raisins—is another kid-approved favourite.
If you’re really pressed for time or it’s wet and cold outside, don’t despair. You can enjoy your picnic lunch right in the comfort of your home. Put your food in a basket, and find a place to spread out your blanket. It could be in your backyard if you’re lucky enough to have one, or on your living room floor. Either way, your kids will enjoy changing things up!
3) Take a Physical or Virtual Field Trip
Many parents lament that kids are spending a lot less time learning and exploring than previous generations. It can be hard to find stimulating activities that are fun and educational. But did you know that many of Toronto’s top museums and attractions sometimes offer free admission?
Even the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario occasionally feature free evenings, typically through the week during less busy times. If you want to expand your horizons, you can take a virtual tour of some of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. At the click of a mouse, your family can explore a national park or historic site. Imagine taking in a view of the majestic Rocky Mountains without even having to book a plane ticket! To get started, make your way over to the Parks Canada website.
Closer to home, you can take your little ones on a field trip to the Toronto Zoo or Ripley’s Aquarium. Check with your local library; you might be able to get a free pass to see how your favourite animals are doing!
Toronto Public Library says all you need to do is log into it’s map reservation site with your library card, choose an attraction, reserve a date and print or download your pass.
4) Get Moving
Speaking of free activities, it’s hard to beat an escape to the great outdoors! Toronto, the West End in particular, is full of gorgeous trails, gardens, and wooded areas that will take your breath away.
Even if you have a yard of your own, it’s nice to get out and explore all that nature has to offer. Plus, there are only so many times you can throw a baseball back and forth. Grab a bottle of water, perhaps some snacks, and head on over to the iconic High Park, the Old Mill Walking Trail, or one of the countless green spaces in the West End.
If inclement weather comes your way, it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some indoor activity. If you can’t go out, GoNoodle will bring the fun to you. The best part? Its videos are approved by child development experts, so you can rest assured that they’re high quality.
Want to know more about the amazing activities you can enjoy in Toronto? Check out the related posts below:
- 6 Places You Have To Visit In The West End This Fall
- Top Hiking Trails In The West End
- Five Best Skating Rinks in the West End
5) Do Some Baking
There’s nothing quite like having a delicious baking in the oven and filling your house with a tantalizing aroma. While it’s important to maintain good eating habits overall, there’s nothing wrong with making the occasional batch of your favourite chocolate chip cookies.
Of course, a bounty of healthy recipes online means you and your kids can channel your inner bakers completely guilt free. Just look for baked goods made with less sugar and unsaturated fats. Just think of how incredible a hearty loaf of bread can smell in the oven!
Thinking about buying or selling a home? Get in touch at 416-769-3437 or email us at info@sidorovainwood.com with any questions.
