9 Things To Do In & Around Toronto This Month For Less Than $25 That Are Actually Fun
No need to blow your budget!
Maple taffy on snow. Right: People at a St. Patrick's Day Party.
March has officially begun and it's time to start making some fun plans. If you're looking for things to do in and around Toronto that won't cost you your paycheque, then here are a few things to check out this month.
From maple festivities to nostalgic arcades and St. Patrick's day events, there's lots to enjoy without spending all your hard-earned cash.
These activities cost under $25 so you can make the most of your March without breaking the bank.
Here are nine cheap activities to enjoy in and around Toronto this month.
Sugar Shack TO
Price: Free admission
When: March 9 to 10, 2023
Address: Sugar Beach, 11 Dockside Dr., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Something sweet is coming to the city! In celebration of maple season, Sugar Shack TO is returning with all sorts of activities and treats.
The event will transform Sugar Beach into a "maple-filled, Canadiana Extravaganza."
You can visit two sugar shacks offering fresh Ontario maple taffy, cozy up by the fire at the Billy Bishop Airport warming station, test drive vehicles, see the Winter Circus Lumberjack show and take part in pop-up classes and interactive activities from Utility Fitness.
Admission is free and maple taffy is $5 each.
Easter Fun Fest
Price: $15 per adult
When: March 29 to April 1, 2024
Address: 10801 McCowan Rd., Markham, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy an Easter extravaganza at this giant festival near Toronto. Easter Fun Fest is taking place at the Markham Fairgrounds and there's lots to enjoy.
You can have fun on midway rides, enjoy live entertainment, go on an Easter egg hunt, and snap some pics at the photo ops.
There will also be arcade games, Easter bunny visits and food trucks where you can indulge in all sorts of dishes. Tickets are available online and are more expensive at the door so you'll want to purchase them in advance.
The Retro Arcade
Price: $18.80 +
When: Until March 17, 2024
Address: 111 Princes' Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This arcade, located in Hotel X, will whisk you back to the "golden age of gaming." You can play nostalgic games like Skee-Ball, Dance Dance Revolution and multiplayer Mario Kart.
In addition to the games, there will be themed nights like Flashback Fridays where you can enjoy DJs and a retro bar. Over the weekends you can check out some old-school films in the Hotel X Toronto screening room adjacent to the arcade.
You won't want to miss out on the retro candy, popcorn and expertly crafted cocktails.
Kortright Maple Festival
Price: $11.50 per adult
When: March 9 to April 7, 2024
Address: 9550 Pine Valley Dr., Woodbridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: Another way to celebrate maple season is by taking a trip to the Kortright Centre for Conservation. The Maple Festival is taking place all month long and you can learn all about this sweet Canadian delicacy.
According to the website, "authentic Early European Settler and modern sugar shack maple syrup demonstrations are included, as well as special activities for families added to the fun."
This year, you can visit on Friday and Saturday evenings and experience the forest at dusk. You can wander along an illuminated trail past lanterns and bonfires.
Other activities include wagon rides, pancake breakfasts and more. Tickets can be purchased online.
Guiness SPD
Price: $20.95 + per ticket
When: March 16, 2024
Address: 11 Polson St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Put on your greenest attire. Canada's largest St. Patrick's Day party is coming to Toronto and you can enjoy dancing, food and of course, drinks.
The event includes live bands with fiddlers and Irish dancers, three outdoor patios, a free pancake breakfast and Lucky Charms cereal bar, photo ops and more.
Tickets are available online so get ready to join in the festivities.
Hilton Falls Conservation Area
Price: $10.50 per adult
Address: 4985 Campbellville Rd., Milton, ON
Why you need to go: Spring is the perfect time to chase waterfalls as the melting snow can lead to beautiful cascades. This conservation area near Toronto has a trail that leads to a picturesque waterfall by old ruins.
Hilton Falls Conservation Area is under an hour from the city and it's a beautiful spot to get lost in nature.
The short, 3-kilometre Hilton Falls Trail leads to the magical cascade and ruins. You can also hike your way around a scenic reservoir on the Red Oak Trail.
It's a good idea to make a reservation before visiting.
Illuminate
Price: Free
When: March 1 to 31, 2024
Address: Downtown Yonge, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This new festival will light up your world! Illuminate is a new light festival that has transformed the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood into a glowing dreamland.
You can wander past six unique and interactive installations including illuminated drapes, enchanting butterflies, an immersive light and sound experience and more.
The festival is free to visit and can be enjoyed during the day or at night.
Par-Tee Putt
Price: $14.95 + per person
Address: 26 Duncan St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's tee time! If you're looking for a unique way to spend a day or night in Toronto, this mini golf experience is worth checking out.
Par-Tee Putt has 27 themed holes with nostalgic characters and cute photo ops. You can also enjoy boozy drinks and Detroit-style pizza from the onsite kitchen.
On Fridays and Saturdays, Par-Tee Putt hosts an After Dark event complete with all-you-can-putt, DJs, drink specials and a dance floor.
There's also a Date Night Special on Mondays which comes with "a tee-time for two, 27 holes of game play and an ACES Pizza for the love-birdies" and costs $52.95 for two.
Spring Equinox at Stackt
Price: Free admission
When: March 19 to 24, 2024
Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This springtime festival features "food and beverage specials, community events, family programs, exclusive pop-ups and vendor markets all celebrating the season of new beginnings."
You can also enjoy activities related to yoga, wellness, sustainability and more.
The event has free admission and more details are coming soon, so keep an eye on the website.
Stackt website
There's so much to do around the city this month, from festivals to themed events, and you don't have to spend a ton of money to have fun.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.