One of the joys about summertime is that it’s actually pleasant to be outside, enjoying the weather with your significant other. Of course, a global pandemic makes dating a little more complicated, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be stuck hanging out on Zoom. There are plenty of safe and cheap date ideas that you can enjoy outdoors.
Grab your face mask and pencil in your date — we’ve got a list of ideas that you’ll love whether you’re just getting to know someone or are together longterm.
Here are 10 cheap summer date ideas in Toronto:
Take A Hike
If you’re itching to take in all the beauty that Ontario has to offer this summer, why not head out for a hike? There are so many gorgeous trails to visit that are easy to access and pretty cheap, if not free, too. Pack some of your favourite snacks and make a day of it! For the smallest crowds, we suggest visiting the trails during the week. Just be sure to check the official trail websites for new rules and hours of operation — some trails now require you to reserve time ahead of your visit.
Check Out The Zoo
Although the Toronto Zoo is pretty cool, it’s also pretty expensive so if you’re looking to cut down on spending but still see some cute animals, head to the High Park Zoo. There might not be those wild African animals at the High Park but there are the beloved capybaras that escaped all those years ago, plus some adorable Highland cows!
Cook Up A Storm With Restaurant-Quality Meal Kits
If you aren’t comfortable with going to a restaurant or patio yet, you can still enjoy great food from your favourite restaurants at home. Grab your significant other and cook up a storm in your own kitchen. From restaurants like Eataly to more budget-friendly options like President’s Choice, there are choices for every price range and whatever you are craving.
Drive-In Movie
With various drive-in movies located around the GTA, grab your pillows and snacks and go back in time with this cute, retro, and cheap summer date. Be sure to check out the drive-in’s official website to see what’s this week, our top drive-in picks include Stardust Drive-In and Ontario Place but you can find additional locales via DriveinTO.
Explore The City On A DIY Photography Tour
For this idea, all you need is a partner, your phones, and a great pair of walking shoes. Toronto is full of interesting areas and attractions. From Grafitti Alley to Kensington Market and beyond, you can create a tour that’s full of the city’s most Instagrammable spots — planning together is half the excitement! Pack some snacks and stop by one of the city’s parks once you’re done. You’ll capture so many memories, it’s sure to be a picture-perfect date.
Grab your floaties and have a Beach Day
With the humidity in full force, there’s nothing better than cooling down in the lake. Luckily, there are plenty of beaches around Toronto — and most are completely free to visit, making it an ideal cheap summer date in Toronto! Like most attractions, we suggest visiting during the week to avoid peak crowds. Additionally, be sure to catch up on new protocols before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Host A Game Night
Whether you’ve been with your significant other for a long time or you’re just getting to know each other virtually, a game night is always great for a little competitive fun, laughs, and starting conversations. For a virtual date, we suggest using the app House Party, which is completely free! Or if you’d rather team up and compete with people from around the world, check out Sporcle — virtual trivia tickets are just $5 per device.
Take A Stroll Through The Distillery District
While it is known for the famous Christmas market, the Distillery District is still worth checking out in the summertime, especially for a cheap summer date in Toronto. It’s a prime spot for patios and there are tons of cute stores to check out, but if you’re looking to save money, we suggest grabbing a coffee and checking out The Word on the Street outdoor art exhibition by L.A.-based artist Scott Froschauer, which is up until October.
Visit Allan Gardens
For nature lovers, Allan Gardens is the perfect place for a date. This hidden paradise in the middle of the city will make you feel like you ventured off somewhere tropical. With beautiful plants throughout the space, you can soak it all in with your loved one, as well as get a nice pic for your Insta feed. Just remember to bring a face mask!
Check Out A Farmers’ Market
Right now, local businesses need our support more than ever, so visiting a farmers’ market is a great way to support the little guys and squeeze in an awesome date. There’s a market open almost every day of the week, so you’ve got tons of different options.
Featured Image: Instagram/@sakithranaweera
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If you’re searching for safe ways to keep the whole family entertained during quarantine season, then it’s time for a trip to the Toronto Zoo because it’s about to open up for a unique drive-thru experience.
The Toronto Zoo’s Scenic Safari officially opens on Saturday May 23.
Expect to see the zoo in a whole different light as you drive on staff-only roads through the entire zoo, even the lion cave!
A few things to know about this new experience are:
- Vehicle dimensions must not exceed 7ft. high or 9ft. wide
- Safari patrons will not be allowed to leave their car at any point during the Safari
- Washrooms will only be available prior to the safari
- The tour is approximately 45 mins
- Listen to a guided audio tour during your Scenic Safari through our Wild For Life podcast that can be found on Spotify, iTunes, or Google Podcasts
This drive-thru experience will cost $44 for non-members and $32 for members who have two or fewer occupants in the car. If you have three or more occupants in the vehicle, it’ll cost $59 for non-member or $47 if you’re a member.
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If saving money is on your to-do list, then the Toronto Public Library should be one of your favourite places to go in 2020. Even if borrowing books isn’t part of the plan.
Of course, nowadays you can find nearly anything on the internet, but there are still things accessible only to library-goers, including free access to thousands of books, magazines, new movies, e-learning resources, music, and e-books that you can borrow using your Toronto Library Card.
But did you know that the same card can give you free access to Toronto museums and cultural attractions, including places like the Bata Shoe Museum, ROM, and Ontario Science Centre?
Use your Toronto Public Library card to its full potential and save major money on entertainment and much more!
One of the best perks that come with the Toronto Library Card is the Museum + Arts Pass (MAP), which allows you to borrow a limited number of free passes to visit local museums, art galleries, and much more for free!
“The program’s primary goal is to broaden Torontonians’ access to the City’s cultural life by providing the opportunity to visit Toronto’s top cultural institutions,” states the website.
To get a free MAP, you need to present a valid adult Toronto Public Library card. Please note that you are only allowed to get one pass per week (each pass admits one family, or two adults and up to five children.) Learn more about the rules and restrictions on the Toronto Public Library’s website.
All 100 Toronto Public Library branches are participating in the MAP program, however passes for some venues are available only through a limited number of library branches.
Here’s a list of all participating museums:
Aga Khan Museum
Toronto’s newest cultural landmark is a great place to go with your entire family. At the museum you can explore the arts of Muslim civilizations through exhibitions, workshops, live arts performances, and more.
Bata Shoe Museum
If you’re into fashion and history, this museum is an absolute must-visit. Dedicated to the research and exhibition of the role of footwear in the social and cultural life, it showcases over 13,000 shoe-related artifacts from across the world.
Royal Ontario Museum
Canada’s largest museum of art, culture, and nature features 30 galleries including gems and minerals, Canada’s First Peoples, ancient cultures, and textiles and fashion. Even if you’ve already visited this iconic Toronto museum, there’s always something new to discover!
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Love history and nature? Then this museum is for you. Black Creek Pioneer Village offers visitors to take a trip back in time to 1860 and explore the farm and farm animals, historic houses, gardens, and more.
Gardiner Museum
Gardiner Museum is one of the most important specialty museums in the world, which focuses on ceramics. There are 4,000 objects to look at, with collections coming from the Ancient America, China and Japan.
Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is one of the most interactive museums in Toronto, which is dedicated to science and technology. It features Ontario’s only IMAX® Dome theatre, the Shoppers Drug Mart® OMNIMAX® Theatre, and Toronto’s only public planetarium.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo needs no introduction. One of the largest and well-known zoos in the world, it’s home to more than 5,000 animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from all over the world.
All eight of the Toronto History Museums
Embrace Toronto’s history with MAP and visit any of Toronto’s history museums. The pass is good for any one of the eight locations including Colborne Lodge in High Park, Gibson House Museum, Montgomery’s Inn, Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens, Fort York National Historic Site, Mackenzie House, Scarborough Historical Museum, and Todmorden Mills Heritage Site.
Art Gallery Of Ontario (AGO)
Another place Toronto Public Library Card MAP can get you in for free is the Art Gallery of Ontario. Located in the heart of Toronto, the AGO is a haven for art lovers of all kinds. The permanent collection features 90,000 pieces of work to browse, including works from Canadian, Inuit, European, First Nations, and Oceanic artists. As one of the largest museums in North America, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Textile Museum Of Canada
Discover textiles from around the world at the Textile Museum Of Canada. With a collection spanning over 2,000 years and 200 world regions, you can awe at fabrics, ceremonial cloths, garments, quilts, and more.
Hopefully this list will convince you to start using your library card more often or even get one if you don’t have it yet. And the best part is that it’s absolutely free! In order to be eligible for a free card, you need to live, work, go to school, or own property in the City of Toronto. Read more about how you can register for your free library card.
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Want to spend a summer evening at a party surrounded by the wild animals of Africa? Well this summer at Toronto Zoo, you can!
For just one night only, part of the Toronto Zoo will be transformed into a beer garden for its Brew at the Zoo event.
Instagram/@jeaneliemor
Enjoy a night of craft beer, cider, wine, and a variety of African-inspired eats all within the zoo’s African Savanna. If that’s not enough for you, the night will even include authentic African drumming performances and silent auctions.
Starting at 4 p.m, this is the ultimate summer night activity that’s much cooler than hitting up the same old bars and patios.
Instagram/@thetorontozoo
This gives you plenty of time to explore the zoo before the event begins! Plus, your ticket to the event gives you discounted parking, too.
Wondering what animals can be found in the zoo’s African Savanna? Expect to see
While January has been dreary AF, winter hibernation isn’t your only option! Cut yourself outta that deep freeze because it’s officially February and that means Spring and warmer weather is just around the corner. While we’re hoping and praying to see the sun even just once this month, distract yourself in the meantime with these awesome events! Take a look at the top things to do this February in Toronto and the GTA:
A Few of Our Favourite Tings (February 9)
Trick yourself into thinking you’re somewhere down in the tropics! U-Feast will be hosting their first-ever Jamaican themed dinner with the lovely boys and gals from Cadillac Jenkins. We can’t think of a better way to beat the cold than chowing down on some Island comfort food. Sign up at U-Feast to get $25 off and see the full menu here. Think Jerk Spiced Duck Confit, Oxtail Ravioli and more.
Image: U=Feast
Arts & Crafts Valentine’s Day Workshop (February 10, 11, 12, 14)
Grab your boo this Valentine’s Day and get crafty while you string your hearts together and fall in love at the Arts & Crafts Workshop by the Paint Cabin. Choose between making string art or couples painting then follow your hearts and make some art together. Both workshops come with complimentary champagne and cupcakes. Reserve your spot here.
Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Fest (February 11)
Brave the cold and find your whackiest retro ski suit because the Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Fest is back in Toronto on February 11th. Along with 40 Ontario Craft Brewers and Craft Cider producers, festival-goers can also give curling and skating a whirl, warm up by fire pits, view ice sculptures, and bite into eats from an assortment of local food trucks. Get tickets at the gate for $30.
Image: Facebook/ Steam Whistle Pilsner
I’d Tap that Onesie Dance Party (February 11)
If you live in onesies during the winter months than the Gladstone’s “I’d Tap that Onesie Dance Party” is not to be missed. Celebrate infatuation, flirtation, and forays into friendship in honour of Valentine’s Day and get saucy with meet-and-mingle activities like dancing, spin the bottle and match-maker games. Grab advance tickets for $10 and prepare for the comfiest party of the year.
Valentine’s Day Heart-Opening Yoga (February 11)
Get your heart pumping and do something different for Valentine’s Day this year! Lululemon on Queen West will be offering a 75-minute heart opening yoga class at The Attic. Register for $10 here and bring your partner, a friend or fly solo – there ain’t nothing wrong with a little self-love. Mats are provided but attendees must also bring a towel and an open heart (of course!).
Image: Instagram/@lululemonto
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival (February 17 – 19)
Grab some popcorn and get comfy! TIFF Bell Lightbox will be taken over by the next generation of film lovers during the 6th annual Next Wave Film Festival from February 17th to 19th. Movies will be FREE for anyone under 25 and film-goers can also feast their eyes and ears on special guest appearances and creator workshops, as well as participate in a 24-Hour Film Challenge, Battle of the Scores and more. See the full schedule here.
Wavelength Music Festival (February 17 – 19)
Wake up from your winter hibernation and head out to the 17th Annual Wavelength Music Festival cuz these beats are sure to melt the deep freeze. The festival promises a whirlwind of amazing music by Canadian indie bands like Tops, Diana, The Wrong Guys and so many more. Get an all access pass or RSVP to individual shows and be a part of what they’re calling the “live, curated mixtape.”
Image: Instagram/@wavelengthmusic
Kids Fest 2017 (February 18 – 20)
Looking for a fun Family Day activity? How bout making it an entire “Family Day Weekend?!” Kids Fest Toronto will be setting up camp at The International Centre from February 18th to 20th with a whole bucket load of interactive activities, games, and rides. Think mini-put, science experiments, a petting zoo, carnival games and more. Get ticket info here.
Polar Bear Fest 2017 (February 25)
February 25th is International Polar Bear Day and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than getting up close and personal with the real deal. The Toronto Zoo will be hosting Polar Bear Fest on February 25th, free with regular zoo admission. Learn all there is to know about polar bears during the “Polar Bear Invasion” and a special “Conserving the Polar Bear” Presentation (pre-registration required). Attendees of the special presentation will also have chance to win a private training session with a zoo keeper and one of the Toronto Zoo’s polar bears.
Image: Instagram,/@thetorontozoo
The Wedding Co. Market (February 26)
Tying the knot? The Wedding Co. Market will be transforming the Artscape Wychward Barns into a cozy winter marketplace showcasing all things wedding. From decor to flowers to everything in between, plan the perfect nuptials and be inspired by Toronto’s very best industry professionals. Grab online tickets for $20 or get them for $30 at the door.