Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids In Hamilton

Skate The Loop in Waterdown

Free   |  200 Hamilton St N, Waterdown, ON.  |   website

The free ice skating loop at Waterdown Memorial Park makes ice skating so much more enjoyable. It is open all winter as long as the ice is frozen and is free to use. Parks and Rec staff are on hand to make sure the number of skaters stays within the 50% occupancy per the provincial requirements. Parking is great, too.

Hamilton Waterfalls

Cheap   |   various addresses   |   website

There are SO many beautiful waterfalls to see in Hamilton, 10o in fact! And most of them are extremely accessible even with little kids. Here are some of the ones we love the most. Read a little about each waterfall at the link above and plan a great outing. Some of the more popular locations require a reservation during peak months May through November to visit as part of covid protocols. 

• Felker’s Falls
• Tiffany Falls (paid parking)
• Devil’s Punchbowl (paid parking)
• Albion Falls
• Smokey Hollow Falls 
• Sherman Falls (paid parking)
• Borer’s Falls
• Hermitage Cascade (paid parking)
• Webster Falls (reservation required)
• Tew Falls (reservation required)

Bayfront Park

Free   |  200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton, ON

Bayfront Park is located at the base of Harbourfront Drive near Hamilton’s downtown core. A beautiful scenic walk along the waterfront along the paved paths makes for a great stroller-friendly walk with friends and kids. In the warm weather, you can dip your toes into the lake, and in winter you can watch the local birds or enjoy the paved path. It is linked to Pier 4 Park, a great spot to play, by Macassa Bay Walkway. 

Walk, Run or Stroll Chedoke Radial Trail

Free

We love this walk in any season. It’s packed gravel so easy to push a stroller along and easy to walk for our family of 4. The incline is enough that you notice it but not enough that it wipes you out. Plus, the views from the top are gorgeous, and the scenery on the way keeps the kids engaged and moving forward. Did I mention the waterfall?! We park at the Chedoke Golf Course and pay for parking there (563 Aberdeen Ave).

Gage Park

Free   |  200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton, ON

This is a classic Hamilton park and popular destination for so many families, events and more.  A HUGE park with lots to see including outdoor gardens and beautiful water fountains. It also has a large parking lot and a huge walking path all along the outside of the park. Weaving through the park are gravel paths that my kids love biking on. The playground was recently renovated and includes some unique play pieces. Bring your swimsuit in the summer and kids will spend hours in the splash pad. 

Visit The Ottawa Street Farmer’s Market

Cheap   |   3 Britannia Drive, Hamilton, ON   |   website

Ottawa Street Farmer’s Market has been a staple in the neighbourhood for over 65 years! The Market is open Saturdays year-round. There are 20+ vendors of local, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, honey, eggs, syrup and baked goods. All vendors live within 100 km of the market, so you’re definitely getting local items.  It’s got loads of potential for learning colours, the names of fruits/veggies and counting, for little ones. And kettle popcorn for all! 

Have You Seen The Rail Trail Rock Art?

Free   |  20 Kimberly Dr, Hamilton, ON

If you didn’t already know, there is a guy along the Rail Trail by the Kennilworth stairs who is doing rock art to give us hope during these strange COVID times. He has some pretty incredible pieces that he’s done. He only uses items he finds in nature and brings them to life. Your kids will definitely be inspired to make their own nature art when they get home. 

Hamilton Farmer’s Market

Cheap   |  35 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON   |   website

Your senses will be delighted when you wander the stalls at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market. Kids will love seeing real bakers, makers and farmers. Treat yourselves to some fresh cheese, locally-grown products and baked goods fresh from the oven.

Visit The First Tim Horton’s Store – Free (or the cost of a double chocolate doughnut)

Cheap   |   65 Ottawa Street, Hamilton

DYK that Tim Horton’s opened their very first coffee shop on Ottawa St. in Hamilton? It’s been standing in the same place since May 17, 1964, and is home to some authentic Timmie’s artifacts and nostalgia.

*Hanes Corn Maze

Hanes Corn Maze has a ton of fun things to do for kids including both a large corn maze for adults or a small one for kids. The farm is also home to lots of adorable farm animals to see. I found Hanes to have the best variety of animals to check out. They had horses, pigs, chickens, goats, cows, sheep, ducks and bunnies. They also have a bakery with some very delicious treats. It’s $5 per person to get in and kids under 2 are free!

*Gage Park Greenhouse

Free   |  200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton, ON

The Gage Park Greenhouse is open year-round and is a beautiful 14,000 square foot indoor spot to check out some pretty amazing tropical plants. Their variety will surprise you and you’re kids will see plants they’ve never seen before! Be sure to look in the pond for fish and turtles. Their hours are a bit different right now due to COVID restrictions so be sure to check those on google before you go. Stroller-friendly. 

*Alpacas of Eighth and Mud – Free

Alpacas of Eighth and Mud is an urban farm that is home to friendly, furry alpacas! This spot is adorable and totally free to just go and see the alpacas. They come right up to the fence and you can touch them. They also have food for sale to feed them inside their fibre shop, along with some beautiful handmade things. Show the kids how they make the fibres from the alpacas into yarn. Whether you are a knitter/crocheter or not, this place is worth a visit.