Six free and fun things to do in the city with the family this summer

With no school for two months, it’s assumed that kids always have the best summer breaks. However, this extended time-off usually comes with its challenges, such as almost every kid complaining about being bored. This brings a new task for parents every year as they try to keep their kids busy in ways that not only are fun for them, but also stimulate their creative energy and keep them active.
If you're looking to keep your kids entertained on a budget, here are six free things to do in the city this summer.

Port Credit Busker Fest
The Port Credit Busker Fest is a three-day international street performer festival happening for its 13th year this summer from August 17th to 19th. The festival is entirely free, includes international performers at numerous performance sites, continuous shows and is located on the city’s beautiful waterfront. The event also features a “Kids Zone”, which is located at the north end of Memorial Park, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Some of the activities and events happening at “Kids Zone” this year include: a Bubblemixology Show, Car Art, Silver Elvis and more!

Stargaze at Celebration Square
Calling all movie lovers, this activity is sure to be one you and your family will love! This summer, Celebration Square will be hosting free movie nights at the city’s largest outdoor theatre. Running from May 24th to August 30th, a movie will be shown every Thursday from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The line-up includes movies for the whole family, from recent box-office hits like Coco and Star Wars: The Last Jedi to classics like Mrs. Doubtfire and Toy Story. . All you have to do is grab your popcorn and you and your family will be all set to enjoy ‘Stargaze Movie Nights’ at Celebration Square all summer long! 

Enjoy Nature with the City’s Free Parks
After being stuck inside for most of winter, there’s nothing better than a beautiful change of scenery and some fresh air. To assist parents and kids with this, Mississauga has many nature-rich parks that are absolutely beautiful and completely free to enjoy. Some of the city’s most popular parks include the Rattray Marsh (which features incredible bird-watching) and Lake Aquitaine Park (which has amazing trails as well as a great playground for kids, a soccer field and a seasonal splash pad). Additionally, Lakefront Promenade Park is every kid’s dream as it features a full splash pad, a playground and a sandbox, making it the perfect spot to hang out at all summer long!

Free Swimming and MiWay Transportation with the Freedom Pass
For parents with older kids who are hoping for a little extra freedom this summer, this is for you! Having begun on May 1st, kids ages 12-14 (those born between January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2006) have the opportunity to sign up for a Freedom Pass! The pass allows young teenagers to travel on MiWay transportation and swim at both indoor and outdoor pools in the city for free all summer! This is perfect for parents and kids because it allows young teens to start to gain some independence while not having to worry about the costs of going swimming or transportation. Get yours today by filling out this form.

Visit the Library
Some days it’s almost too hot to be outside all day, but that’s what all 18 of the city’s libraries are perfect for! Kids will love perusing through all of the books, magazines, DVDs and more that the library offers and some may even sign a book or two out to take home! Additionally, all libraries across the city have WIFI access as well as computer workstations that everyone could use. Most importantly, all libraries will be offering a variety of free daily activities such as science workshops, story time and LEGO clubs for little ones to partake in this summer. For more information, please check out the City library’s summer program here.

Mississauga Waterfront Festival
This event is coming back to Memorial Park in Port Credit on June 15th, 16th and 17th this year This free festival is fun for all ages, features tons of music and activities! A few of the stand-out free activities for kids include: the rock climbing wall, face painting, kiddie train rides, inflatables, CirquesWorks – circus activity station, a goat petting farm and much more! Additionally, there are several performances happening daily throughout the weekend that are sure to keep the whole family entertained.