Keeping kids busy in Toronto does not have to be expensive. With a bit of planning, a family can fill a weekend with fun for very little, and sometimes nothing at all. This guide collects low-cost ideas for children aged 2 to 9, with a closer look at how to enjoy an indoor playground and go-kart visit for under $20 per child.
Free and nearly free outings
Start with the basics. The city has plenty of places where children can burn energy without a ticket.
- Neighbourhood parks and playgrounds: free, close to home and easy to visit often. Rotate between a few parks so the routine stays fresh.
- Ravine and trail walks: a short nature walk is a good outing for ages 2 to 9, especially in fall, when leaves are colourful.
- Public library visits: story time, picture books and play areas. A library card gives you a stack of books to bring home.
- Splash pads and wading pools: seasonal and usually free during the warmer months.
- Community centre programs: many centres offer drop-in play and low-cost classes. Check your local listings for schedules.
Cheap outings at home
- Backyard or balcony picnic: let children help make sandwiches and eat on a blanket.
- Obstacle course: pillows, chairs and blankets turn the living room into an adventure.
- Scavenger hunt: hide small items around the house, or make a list of things to find on a walk.
- Craft day: paper, crayons and glue sticks can fill an afternoon.
How to enjoy a Kart Town visit for under $20
An indoor playground trip usually feels like a splurge, but there are ways to keep it affordable. Kart Town is inside Parkway Mall at 85 Ellesmere Rd, Unit 102, Scarborough, and welcomes children aged 2 to 9 on a walk-in basis, first come, first served.
Track-only rides
If your child mainly wants to drive, the track-only option is the lowest-cost route. A single ride is $15, and a double ride is $20. Children must be at least 31 inches (80 cm) tall, and kids over 42 inches (107 cm) drive on their own. Children between 31 and 42 inches can ask staff about riding with a parent. The combined weight limit is 220 lb (100 kg). The track uses Classic Karts only and is shared with other guests.
Weekday walk-in savings
Weekday walk-ins from Monday to Friday get 20% off. On a Basic bundle priced at $20 per child, that brings the price down to $16. The discount does not apply on school holidays, public holidays or TDSB PA days. For more ideas, see our guide to weekday things to do with toddlers in Toronto.
Group savings
Bringing three or more children earns 10% off. For a group of friends or cousins, that adds up. The walk-in bundles for two hours of access per child are Basic at $20, Value at $25 and VIP at $30, so a Basic bundle for a group of three or more costs $18 per child before any other considerations.
Keep the adult cost low
An extra adult is $5. Adults are not allowed in the playground or bouncy castle, so many families send one adult to supervise and keep the rest of the group at home or nearby.
Money-saving habits for outings
- Bring your own snacks and water. Food at attractions adds up quickly.
- Go on a weekday if you can. Weekday offers and thinner crowds make outings cheaper and calmer.
- Combine outings. Pair a free park visit with a short paid activity so the day feels full without a large bill.
- Take turns. Alternate a free outing with a paid outing across the week.
A sample low-cost week
- Monday: library visit and story time.
- Wednesday: weekday walk-in visit at an indoor playground with 20% off.
- Friday: backyard picnic or park visit.
- Saturday: ravine walk and a movie at home.
- Sunday: craft day and early bedtime.
How to stretch a small budget further
The cheapest outing is the one you repeat. Children aged 2 to 9 are happy to return to a favourite place, so choose one or two low-cost spots and make them part of your weekly routine rather than hunting for something new every time. Pack the same simple snack bag each time, keep a spare set of clothes in the car, and decide in advance how long you will stay. A clear end time prevents the “just ten more minutes” negotiation and keeps the outing relaxed.
It also helps to match the activity to your child’s energy. A high-energy morning suits a park or a trail, while a slower afternoon is a good time for the library. Saving the paid activity for a day when the weather turns means you get the most value from it.
More budget ideas
If you are comparing options, our guide to the best kids activities near Parkway Mall lists other places nearby. For rainy days, see where to take kids on rainy days in Toronto. For weekends, read weekend kids activities in Toronto.
Check current prices
See today’s bundle and track prices on the Kart Town packages page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to enjoy Kart Town?
A single track-only ride is $15. On regular weekdays, walk-ins get 20% off, and bringing three or more children earns 10% off.
When is the weekday discount available?
Walk-ins get 20% off from Monday to Friday, except on school holidays, public holidays and TDSB PA days.
Do I need to pay to come in as a parent?
An extra adult is $5. Adults are not allowed in the playground or bouncy castle.
What are the height and weight limits?
Riders must be at least 31 inches (80 cm). Kids over 42 inches (107 cm) drive alone, and the combined weight limit is 220 lb (100 kg).
Is booking required?
Walk-ins are first come, first served.
