By Shannon Del Marco
With school out and the summer sun finally here, July in Toronto is the perfect time to explore the city—without draining your wallet. Whether you’re a parent looking to keep the kids active, or just eager to make the most of our short summer season, there’s no shortage of affordable fun around town.
Start with Toronto’s iconic landmarks. The CN Tower remains a must-see for first-timers or those looking to re-live the thrill. While a general admission ticket costs around $45, families can save with a CityPASS, which combines entrance to multiple attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, and the Toronto Zoo at a discounted rate. The ROM also offers free entry to some exhibits at select times, and their Indigenous collections are always free to view.
For those who prefer the outdoors, Toronto’s park system is a treasure. Head down to the waterfront and enjoy a day at Sugar Beach or HTO Park, where shaded Muskoka chairs and splash pads make for an easy family outing—no swimming fee required. The Martin Goodman Trail is another highlight, perfect for walking, cycling, or rollerblading along the lake, with beautiful views the whole way. Riverdale Park is a local favourite, especially in the evenings when movies are screened under the stars, and kids can enjoy the splash pad and public pool during the day.
If you’re looking for something a little different, take a stroll through Bobbie Rosenfeld Park just next to the CN Tower. It’s ideal for a casual picnic, with open green space, fountains, and nearby food vendors. Or check out The Bentway, a creative public space beneath the Gardiner Expressway that often hosts free events, roller-skating, and family programming.
Many families forget that the Toronto Public Library system also ramps up in July. Our local branches, including Emery Village, run excellent summer programs for kids and teens. From storytime and crafts to reading clubs and science workshops, it’s all free and listed by location on the library’s website. You can even borrow passes to local museums and galleries with your library card.
The City of Toronto also offers a wide range of recreational options. From drop-in swimming and yoga to sports programs and art classes, local community centres provide excellent low-cost or no-cost fun. Spaces are limited for the CampTO programs, but some locations may still have availability. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and save even more—grocers and delis around Emery offer affordable and delicious takeaway options perfect for a day in the park.
Transit makes it easy to get around. If you’re not driving, a PRESTO card will help you save on TTC fares and even offers discounts for several city attractions. Better yet, it works with bike-share programs and GO Transit too.
For under $50, a day in Toronto could include a scenic bike ride along the waterfront, a relaxing beach stop, an afternoon swim, and a free cultural event or outdoor movie to cap it off. It’s all there—we just need to get out and enjoy it.
So, whether you’re headed downtown or staying close to home in Emery, there’s no shortage of things to do. Just leave July 1st out of your planning—we covered that last edition. For everything else, Toronto in July is open, vibrant, and waiting to be explored.