Kids activities for newcomer families in the GTA
Last checked 2026-10-14
Activities help kids make friends, practise English or French, and settle in. Many good options in the GTA are free or subsidized. Program names, dates and eligibility change — always confirm on the linked page.
Public libraries (free with a library card)
- Library cards are free for residents. Libraries run storytimes for babies and preschoolers, homework help, coding and reading clubs, teen spaces and newcomer programs, plus free Wi-Fi and computers.
- Toronto Public Library: TPL Kids; homework help including free online tutoring for grades K–12; and tpl:map — free passes to museums and attractions, booked with an adult library card (passes are released monthly and go quickly). (tpl:map)
- Mississauga Library · Brampton Library · Markham Public Library — check each for programs and passes. Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oakville and other GTA libraries offer similar programs.
EarlyON Child and Family Centres (ages 0–6)
EarlyON centres offer free drop-in programs for children up to age 6 and their parents or caregivers — play, songs, early learning and a chance to meet other families. Many run programs in multiple languages. No registration fee. (ontario.ca: find an EarlyON centre)
City recreation programs and fee help
- Toronto: many community centres offer free drop-in leisure swimming, skating and other programs, and some “free centres” have no fees for City programs. (Free & lower-cost options) The Welcome Policy recreation fee subsidy gives eligible low-income residents a yearly credit for registered programs, swimming lessons, camps and memberships. Apply year-round. (Welcome Policy)
- Mississauga: ActiveAssist fee assistance for low-income households and newcomers with refugee status. (City of Mississauga)
- Brampton: ActiveAssist fee subsidy, applied as a credit to your recreation account. (City of Brampton)
- Markham: financial assistance may be available if cost is a barrier, and the City is a local Canadian Tire Jumpstart chapter. (City of Markham)
- Other GTA cities (Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Pickering, Ajax and more) have their own subsidy programs — search your city’s recreation page or ask at a community centre.
Sports funding charities
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart helps families in financial need with the cost of sports and recreation registration. (Jumpstart)
- KidSport gives grants toward sport registration fees through local chapters. (KidSport Ontario)
Skating and swimming
Free or low-cost drop-in public skating and leisure swims run at many city rinks and pools; schedules change by season. In Toronto, see skating & winter sports and recreation. Swimming lessons are worth prioritizing — ask about fee subsidies above. See also our first winter guide.
Newcomer youth programs
Settlement agencies and the YMCA run newcomer youth programs such as homework clubs, leadership, sports and summer programs. Ask your settlement agency, or see COSTI programs and the YMCA of Greater Toronto. Many schools also have settlement workers (SWIS) who can connect families to local programs. (Settlement.org: Education)
Parks and nature
- City parks have free playgrounds, splash pads in summer, trails and toboggan hills in winter.
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority parks offer trails, beaches and nature programs (entry fees apply at some parks). (TRCA parks)
- Ontario Parks for day trips and camping further afield.
Summer camps and March break
City-run day camps are often the most affordable and fill quickly — registration for summer usually opens months ahead (often in winter/spring), so mark the date on your city’s recreation site. Subsidies above can usually be used for City camps. Libraries, museums and community centres also run March break and summer programs, many free.
School extracurriculars
Schools often offer free clubs and teams — sports, music, chess, robotics, art. Ask your child’s teacher or the school office what’s available, and check school newsletters.