7 free summer activities

Summer activities can get expensive. But there’s tons of fun to be had at little or no cost at all. Check out these ideas that should please most kids and keep parents’ wallet happy, too.

1. Head to a fire station. Check your local fire department’s website to find out how to arrange a tour.

2. Go bowling. Visit kidsbowlfree.com/bowlcanada to register for coupons to bowl free of charge. You’ll have to pay a few bucks to rent the shoes.

3. Take in a rec baseball game. Head to the local ball diamond to watch an adult team swing, hit and score—for younger kids, it’s as exciting as the big leagues. Bring popcorn!

4. Touch nature and history. On July 1, visit any national park or National Historic Site managed by Parks Canada and skip the day-entry fee. Discover wilderness parks and waterways or explore historic sites like forts, lighthouses or ships.

5. Build something. Home Depot stores offer free workshops on the second Saturday of every month; kids aged four to 12 can hammer and glue their very own mini-scooter and chalkboard door hanger. Lowes has monthly workshops for kids in grades two to five, in which they learn how to build a planter and a pullback race car —theirs to keep, along with a free work apron and goggles.

6. Watch the planes. Take a trip to a small regional airport to watch planes take off and land—perfect for aviation-obsessed little ones!

7. Get political. Older kids might enjoy an insider look at your provincial or territorial legislature, or Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The free tours generally give an overview of law making and a closer look at each building’s historic art and architecture.

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A version of this article appeared in our July/August 2015 issue with the headline “7 Activities That Don’t Cost A Cent”, p. 92.