Free (or Low-Cost) Things to Do in London Ontario

UPDATED FOR 2023!

You don’t have to spend money to have fun. There are plenty of free things to do in London Ontario. From parks to museums to concerts and more, there’s something for everyone.

Some of these are admission by donation. You may wish to bring some cash along to help support the venue. 

>>>>>>>>>>You might also enjoy: Canada Day activities in London Ontario<<<<<<<<<<

Free Things to Do in London Ontario (*Some are low-cost)

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Be sure to pin this post to your Pinterest board. It will be updated frequently as things change and more things open back up again so this will be a resource you can refer to for years to come!

Click on the title of each venue/activity and you’ll be taken to their website for more information or registration (if needed).

Local Festivals –

There are many local festivals in London that offer free admission. Check out this post for more information: Summer Festivals in London Ontario

Festival Fridays at Storybook Gardens –

Each summer, Storybook Garden’s hosts Friday Night Festivals, offering free admission for children and $5.00 admission for adults on Fridays after 5:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Each Friday night, Storybook Gardens will have a new theme and special guest entertainers with a focus on community engagement and diversity. Nightly activities include character meet and greets, family dance party, photo booth, scavenger hunt, face painting, food trucks and a good night story plus local event partners and vendors. 

Art at Museum London –

Current hours – Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm and Thursday 11 am to 8 pm. Closed on holidays. Admission by donation (not just on Sundays now – every day!)

On Sundays, they have free guided tours from 2-3 pm available as well.

Music at Springbank Gardens –

Exciting news!! The 2023 Springbank Garden Concert Series announced its lineup of incredible live music performances on Sunday afternoons from June 18-September 3. Admission is free.

Concerts from 2-4 p.m. at the Guy Lombardo Pavilion, Springbank Gardens, 285 Wonderland Road. Presented by London Musicians Association and Woodshed Concert Series.

The Young Ones – Instrumental 60s pop – June 18

The Jitterbugs – Jump, jive, and wail – June 25

Laurraine Sigouin & Enchante – Laissex le bon temp roulez! – July 2

Sunfest Performance – International – July 9

Soul Sausage – Rhythm & Blues – July 16

Blown Ashore – East coast celebration – July 23

Taste of Sinatra – Best of Francis Albert – July 30

Busker – 2 guys – big sound – August 6

Take 3 – Easy listening vocal jazz – August 13

KJ & the Motones – Motown music – August 20

Denise Pelley & Ken Foster – London’s finest – August 27

The Music Makers – 9 piece swing – September 3

Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory –

Located at Western University.

8:30 pm to 11 pm on Saturday nights from June 17 through August 26.

Public summer nights are back! Free admission gives you the opportunity to look through the telescopes and learn from the astronomers. No reservations needed. Come and go as you please.

There will also generally be a presentation of general astronomical interest to be held in the main floor lecture theatre at one or more times during the evening.

Still open on cloudy nights, but may close earlier than usual. Free parking at the university on the weekends.

Saturday Night London Arts Live

Free.

The City of London and the London Arts Council present Saturday Night London Arts Live, where local musicians from a variety of genres will be hosting live concerts for all to enjoy!

Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m.

Dundas Street between Clarence Street and Wellington Street (Dundas Place)

Tour the Jet Aircraft Museum –

Admission by donation.

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

This is the only aviation museum dedicated solely to the flying and restoration of Canadian jet aircraft and other Cold War jets.

Although Proof of Vaccination is no longer be mandatory in Ontario, to protect JAM’s many elderly volunteers and other patrons, we require visitors to wear a mask while visiting the museum.

We recommend you book a tour ahead of time to avoid any long waits. You can do so by calling the museum at 519-453-7000 during operating hours or emailing ‘[email protected]’.

TD Music Mondays

Free.

Join the London Public Library for a series of free lunch time concerts, where local artists will perform music from an array of different genres. This program is hosted by the London Public Library with support from the London Music Office and TD Bank Group. 

Mondays from 12 to 1 p.m.

Reading Garden, London Public Library Central Branch

Games in Market Lane

Free.

Enjoy outdoor games on your lunch break or over the weekend! Come down to Market Lane and play games such as ping pong, giant Jenga, giant chess, giant connect four and corn hole.

Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Market Lane between Dundas Place and the Covent Garden Market

Tour the Secrets of Radar Museum –

Admission is by donation.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm

This museum is committed to sharing Canadian radar history, from its earliest secret experimentation to recent advances, and most importantly, to the preservation of real-life stories and personal experiences of the people who have worked and continue to work in radar.

Summer Street Curling

Free

Street curling? In the summer? Yes and yes! If you’re looking for a fun, new activity to take on during your lunch break, come out to Dundas Place and enjoy street curling on synthetic ice!  

Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dundas Street between Richmond Street and Clarence Street

Tour the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame –

Free

The Exhibit Hall inspires visitors with the stories of outstanding achievements of Canadian women and men who have changed the face of medicine and health in the world.

They are located at 100 Kellogg Lane (Atrium Entrance) in London, Ontario. The black glass Atrium entrance is located on Kellogg Lane near Dundas (you cannot reach our Exhibit Hall from The Factory entrance). Free parking is available directly across from the entrance.  

The Exhibit Hall is open for self-guided exploration during building hours, typically 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily (please see the 100 Kellogg Lane website for more details regarding hours of operation).

Guided tours by appointment only (Call our office 519-488-2003 | M-F 8:30 to 4:30)

Sunday Jazz in Market Lane

Free.

The London Ontario Jazz Hub and the City of London present Sunday Jazz in Market Lane. Drop by to enjoy concerts featuring local musicians and a variety of jazz styles.

Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Market Lane between Dundas Place and the Covent Garden Market

Free Nights at the London Children’s Museum –

Thursday nights, 5 pm to 8 pm

This is a hands-on museum that focuses on the educational and social development of children from infancy through age twelve.

Admission can be reserved in advance online or by walk-in at their front desk.

London City of Music Concert Series

Free.

Get ready for a thrilling lineup at the London City of Music Concert Series presented by the City of London and the London Music Office! From June 15 to August 31, enjoy performances from local, national and international artists in Market Lane! 

Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m.

Market Lane between Dundas Place and the Covent Garden Market

Eldon House

Admission by donation.

Open Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Eldon House Heritage Site and Gardens welcomes visitors to come in for self-guided tours! Our self-guided tours allow guests to explore the museum at their own pace. A Historical Interpreter will welcome visitors at the front door to provide an introduction and will be available to answer questions throughout the visit.

Please note that groups of 10 or more are required to book a tour.

Street Salsa Fridays

Free.

Head out for a night of dancing, laughter and good times with salsa dancing lessons presented by the Latin Passion Dance Academy and the City of London! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to salsa, all skill levels are invited to join in on the fun and dance to some salsa music!

Fridays from 7:30 to 10:15 p.m.

Dundas Street between Richmond Street and Clarence Street (Dundas Place)

Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Discover the history of archaeology and rich heritage of Southwestern Ontario. Featuring over 12,000 years of Ontario’s history, the Museum also cares for the Canadian heritage Site of the Lawson Village adjacent to the Museum. Learn about the human experience in Ontario, and life in the Lawson village from 500 years ago.

Please Note: Not open for Walk-Ins at this time. All visitors must pre-book a tour.

General Tours are approximately an hour in length and led by our knowledgeable guides who will take visitors through the Lawson Site and our permanent galleries.

You can also book a “Family Field Trip” which offers a tour and a workshop.

Pricing:

For groups up to 5: $25 (for tours) $35 (for family field trip with one workshop) $45 (for family field trip with two workshops)

For groups up to 10: $50 (for tours) $70 (for family field trip with one workshop) $90 (for family field trip with two workshops)

After 10, additional per person charge: $5 (for tours) $7 (for family field trip with one workshop) $9 (for family field trip with two workshops)

Pre-Booked Tours are available Tuesdays to Saturdays at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM*.

All tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

*Please note that Tour and Activities option is not available for the 3 PM time slot. General Tours are still available for this time slot.

Go for a morning walk and find some hidden gems.

Free.

Join the Core Area Walking Group, where Core Area Ambassadors will take you through Downtown, Midtown and Old East Village; sharing information about their favourite hidden gems, upcoming events and historical points of interest in the Core. The Ambassadors can also answer any questions you may have about the Core.

Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m., Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m.

Walks start and end at the Dundas Place Field House (179 Dundas Street)

Hike One of Our Natural Spaces in the City –

There are many to choose from including Westminster Ponds, the Sifton Bog, and more.

Lunchtime Music in Market Lane

Free.

The City of London presents Lunchtime Music in Market Lane, where local musicians from a variety of genres will be hosting live concerts for all to enjoy!

Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Market Lane between Dundas Place and the Covent Garden Market

Head to a Farmer’s Market –

Includes Covent Garden Market (free 1 hour parking weekdays with validation and free 2 hour parking on weekends with validation), the Western Fair Farmer’s Market (SAT  8am – 3pm and SUN 10am – 2pm), and more.

Forest City Selections Live

Radio Western, A Person Disguised as People and the City of London present Forest City Selections Live. Forest City Selections is a weekly radio program spinning electronic music on 94.9 Radio Western. Join us every Friday night for the live-to-air, Forest City Selections Live show and dance to some funky beats! Please note this event will start on Friday, July 7. 

Fridays from  8 to 10 p.m.

Market Lane between Dundas Place and the Covent Garden Market

Tour a Local Church –

St. Peter’s Cathedral and St. Paul’s Cathedral are beautiful churches that are generally open during daytime hours.

To book a tour of St. Peter’s Cathedral, please contact the parish office, M-F, 9am -4pm. Call: 519-432-3475 St. Paul’s has somewhat of a self-guided tour available on their site.

Go to a FREE Outdoor Movie Viewing –

The City of London holds free outdoor movies throughout the summer. Most of them are geared towards family/children’s movies, but there are a few you might enjoy.

Movies include: Minions: The Rise of Gru, Shrek 2, The Sandlot, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Puss in Boots The Last Wish, and more.

Each movie night will start at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m., in the locations listed on the website. No registration is required to attend a movie night. Bring your own snacks, drinks, chairs and blankets to complement this great film experience.

Spend Time at One of Our Local Parks –

Many to choose from including Springbank Park and Harris Park which are both by the river, the Civic Garden Complex, the Cancer Survivor Garden, and more. Some parks have playground equipment and/or splash pads.

Check out the library website every month for all kinds of crafts, games, and other activities.

They have so many fun things going on all the time – movies, puppet shows, concerts, craft classes, and more. On occasion, there is a small fee for materials used for crafts. 

Go on a Self-Guided Tree Trunk Tour.

The tree trunk carvings are quite amazing works of art. Several of them are beginning to rot unfortunately. They have been able to save enough to make it still a worthwhile way to pass an afternoon.

Take a Self-Guided Barn Quilt Tour

Another fun way to see unique art in our community. These barn quilts are, as you might expect, in rural areas around London with quite a number being based in the Wardsville area. 

Go Skateboarding as a Family

London has quite a few skate parks located throughout the city. 

Take a Tour Using the Heart of London App

Enjoy this fun and delightful historical tour of London Ontario, while relaxing at home or while meandering along the riverside at the forks of the Thames River, in the Heart of London, Ontario, Canada.

The app presents 90 minutes of commentary about the history of London while you enjoy the beauty of the heart of downtown London, at your leisure, on your own schedule.

Go swimming.

You could head to Port Stanley or Grand Bend or some other nearby beach or check out one of the local pools. Both indoor and outdoor pools are available. Recreational swims are available for $6.25 per adult, and $4.50 per child.

Looking for more ways to have fun with your friends and family on the cheap? Check out this post of ideas for frugal fun.