There’s no question there are 101 ways to spend money keeping the kids entertained during the summer. Camps. Amusement Parks. Summer programs. You might as well keep the credit card out. Which is why we love Toronto’s Historic Museums, which are operated by the City of Toronto and offer low cost (or free) programs, education, and fun.
Kids can explore the museums’ heritage, and get hands-on, historical education with programs such as period cooking classes, arts and crafts, musical performances, old-fashioned games and activities, and more. Here’s the list of the 10 museums for fun-seeking and fiscally minded families:
Colborne Lodge
John Howard, one of Toronto’s first architects, built Colborne Lodge in 1837. Visit the Lodge to see original furnishings and artifacts, and bring a picnic to enjoy in High Park. Limited free parking.
11 Colborne Lodge Drive, 416-392-6916
Fort York National Historic Site
Built in 1793, Fort York was the city’s primary harbour defence between the 1790s and 1880s, and was the home of a military garrison until the 1930s. Fort York offers seasonal guided tours as well as musket, drill, and music demonstrations. Free parking.
250 Fort York Boulevard, 416.392.6907
Gibson House Museum
Built in 1851, Gibson House was the home of Scottish immigrant David Gibson and his family. Visitors can step back in time and explore this elegant farmhouse. Limited free parking.
5172 Yonge Street, 416.395.7432
Historic Zion Schoolhouse
Travel back in time to this beautifully restored, one-room schoolhouse and experience a school day from 1910. Caters exclusively to booked groups. Free parking.
1091 Finch Avenue East, 416.395.7435
Mackenzie House
The home (circa 1858) of Toronto’s famous rebel and first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie. Visitors can explore the recreated print shop and gallery, or enjoy the many changing exhibitions. Paid parking.
82 Bond Street, 416.392.6915
Montgomery’s Inn
Enjoy an 1847 Country Inn, and explore the pivotal role of the tavern in colonial Canada. View the lodgers’ bedrooms, the bar room, second floor assembly room, and the Montgomery family bedrooms, sitting room and office. Free parking.
4709 Dundas Street West, 416.394.8113
Scarborough Museum
Discover rural life from 1850 to 1900 in Scarborough’s Thomson Memorial Park. Admission is by donation. Offers the Saturday Adventurer’s Club for ages 5-12. Free parking.
1007 Brimley Road, 416.338.8807
Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens (pictured)
Take in the beauty of one of Toronto’s finest mansions and tour its restored Victorian and Edwardian gardens. Next to Casa Loma. Paid parking.
285 Spadina Road, 416.392.6910
Todmorden Mills Heritage Site
Observe a fascinating collection of early industrial buildings in the Don River Valley. Today the site consists of historic millers’ homes dating from the early 19th century, the Brewery building, and the recently renovated Papermill Theatre and Gallery. Adjoining the site is a 9.2-hectare wildflower preserve with walking trails. Free parking.
67 Pottery Road, 416.396.2819
York Museum
View a collection of artifacts representing the history of York. The oldest object in the collection is a 3,000-year-old stone axe from the region’s long First Nations history. And the youngest artifact is a telephone switchboard that was used as late as the 1960s. Paid parking.
2694 Eglinton Avenue West, 416.396.2819