The Top 10 Free Things To Do In Canada This Summer

June 19, 2015 | Maria Samurin

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Are you new to Canada? Are you unsure of how to spend your summer? Well, you're in luck! I've put together this list of the top 10 things to do in Canada this summer. They're fun and, best of all, they're free!

1. Enjoy the Pan Am Games

The Pan Am Games are the third largest international multi-sport games. The games happen at a different city every four years, and in 2015 they're coming to Toronto! They'll start off with the Pan Am Games (July 10, 2015 - July 26, 2015) followed by the Parapan Am Games (August 7, 2015 - August 15, 2015).

There will be tons of free events all over the city. You can also come celebrate at the library with free Pan Am Games themed events for adults, children and teens.

2. Visit Popular Arts and Cultural Attractions

MAP Pass

Art Gallery of Ontario    Royal Ontario Museum

     Ontario Science Centre   City of Toronto Historic Sites   Black Creek Pioneer Village

Museum of Inuit Art    Gardiner Museum    Toronto Zoo

Another great way to spend the summer is to go to museums, art galleries, and other popular local attractions. You can visit them free by checking out a Toronto Public Library's Museum + Arts Pass with your library card from a participating branch.

3. Plan a Camping Vacation

Planning a Camping Vacation

   Kids gone campin'  The pocket guide to camping

  The essential family camper   Camping in comfort

Camping is a fun and inexpensive way for newcomers to learn about Canada and explore the Canadian wilderness. If you've never been camping before, Albert Campbell Branch has a free workshop, Planning a Camping Vacation on Thursday, June 25th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. You'll learn everything you need to know, from packing checklists to tips for life at the campsite.

4. Go to the Movies

In many Canadian cities—like Toronto—you can expect some extremely hot and sunny summer days. A great way to cool down is to head indoors and enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Movie theaters charge admission, but many Toronto Public Library branches have free movies for kids, families, adults, and seniors. To find out more, contact the library or stop by your local branch.

5. Check out a Digital Innovation Hub

In Branch Equipment    3D Printer     Digital Design Workstations

Digital Innovation Hubs are a ton of fun!  They have 3D printers, video and photography equipment, audio and music equipment, Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, and much more.

The Toronto Public Library has three Digital Innovation Hubs at the: Toronto Reference Library, Fort York Branch and Scarborough Civic Centre Branch. You can drop by during library hours, register for some free programs and classes, or use branch equipment to work on various projects. 

6.  Take a Computer Class

Computer Class at Agincourt Branch
Computer Class at Agincourt Branch

Did you know that there are free computer classes for beginners? If you have a friend or relative who has never used a computer before, they can learn some Basic Computer Skills at the library. You can take a look at the complete list of computer and library training or pick the closest library branch from the drop-down list to see what they're offering. Classes include Email and Social NetworkingDigital DesignInternet and Library ResearchDownloads and eBooks, and Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

7. Read a Book, or Two, or Twelve

Whether you're lounging on the beach or curled up on the couch, reading is a wonderful way to spend the summer. If you borrow books from the library, it also won't cost you a cent. Just get your free library card and pick up some books at your local branch. Best of all, you can find material in your language

8. Join the Summer Reading Club

Summer Reading Club Logo

Reading is a great way for kids to spend the summer! You can get them reading this summer by joining the TD Summer Reading Club: a fun, free program for kids of all ages. Sign up at any library branch and receive your free kit, which includes a notebook and access code. You can use it to keep track of your child's reading. Plus, kids who come to the library and tell us about the books they've read earn free stickers!

Summer Reading Club Kit

9. Listen to Stories

Dial-a-Story boy

Help your little ones fall asleep on a hot summer night with Dial-a-Story.

You can dial 416-395-5400 any time and listen to stories in 16 different languages:

  • English
  • French
  • Cantonese
  • Gujarati
  • Italian
  • Korean
  • Mandarin
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Somali
  • Spanish
  • Tamil
  • Tagalog
  • Urdu

Or visit the Hear-a-Story website and listen to free stories online. There are 11 different languages to choose from:

  • English
  • French
  • Italian
  • Korean
  • Mandarin
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Tagalog
  • Urdu

10. Volunteer

Toronto Reference Library Cyber Seniors teen volunteers
Teen Volunteers at the Toronto Reference Library

Volunteering is a very rewarding experience and a great way to help your community this summer. If you'd like to volunteer at the library, we have many volunteer opportunities for adults and teens that you can be a part of. 

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