I often hear people complain that there just isn’t anything to do in London. But, I find so many fun and interesting things to do here in the Forest City. These budget-friendly summer date ideas will give you some options that are perfect for an afternoon or evening out with your significant other.
With inflation, rising gas, and grocery prices, you might be looking for some ideas that are frugal and yet still, fun (and dare I say it, even romantic?). The ones I have rounded up here range from free (yes, free!) to low/medium cost (some as low as around $6 and extending to about $20 per person).
>>>>>>>>>>FREE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON ONTARIO<<<<<<<<<<
Budget Friendly Summer Date Ideas London Ontario
***Updated for 2023***
Attend an outdoor concert together. *FREE*
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
Western Summer Shakespeare *LOW-MEDIUM COST*
Western Summer Shakespeare is a longstanding tradition in the London community. It is outdoor theatre, staged on campus at Western University. The first Western Summer Shakespeare performance took place on 4 August 1981, making it the longest running campus, or indeed outdoor, Summer Shakespeare in Canada.
Western Summer Shakespeare is proud to present Much Ado About Nothing for its 2023 Season!
This charming, funny, and heartwarming Shakespearean comedy is as relevant and topical now as it was when it was first written. It has a double narrative following romantic and realistic relationships that are filled with banter, jealousy and joy. Enemies to lovers. Lovers to enemies, back to lovers. It has everything that you could want.
PLUS it will be presented in 90 minutes, will use a contemporary setting, and be site-specific outdoors in the Beryl Ivey Gardens (on campus, behind Univesity College).
Show Run: July 18-23, 2023
Tickets typically run about $15 each.
Go to the drive-in. *LOW-MEDIUM COST*
The Mustang drive-in is located at 2551 Wilton Grove Road. It offers a double feature each night for $26 per couple. On holiday weekends, they typically offer a triple feature for $31 per couple.
Half-price movie nights for select showings, every Wednesday during July and August.
Take in an exhibit at Museum London. *FREE-LOW*
Museum London is located at 421 Ridout St. North, in downtown London, Ontario at the intersection of Dundas and Ridout Street overlooking the Forks of the Thames River. Admission is by donation.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm, Thursdays until 8 pm.
On Sundays, they have free guided tours from 2-3 pm available as well.
Admission by donation.
Take me out to the ball game! *LOW-MEDIUM COST*
London Majors baseball is a lot of fun (they’re a great team!) and really economical. My daughter and her husband attended a game recently and they had a great time. They said that the food was even reasonably priced.
Tickets start at $10-12.
Paint your own pottery.*MEDIUM-HIGH COST*
Note: This is not one of the most economical options. Prices vary according to the pieces you choose. Expect to pay between $20 to $50 each.
At Crock a Doodle, you can paint your own pottery pieces. Reservations are recommended, but drop-ins are always welcome! Pricing is all inclusive of the pottery painting process.
Located at 671 Wonderland Road Unit A5-104.
Hours:
| Monday | 10 AM – 06 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 06 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 06 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 08 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 08 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 06 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM – 05 PM |
Take a tour of a working brewery. *LOW-MEDIUM COST*
Labatt brewery tours are available year-round – usually. I’ve heard that they’ve opened up again for these tours but their website is not particularly helpful and I haven’t received a reply to my email as of yet. I will update this post if and when I do.
I added this to the list so you have the information about them in case this is something you want to pursue. The tours must be pre-booked by email ([email protected]) or by phone at 519-850-TOUR(8687).
The tour takes about 2 hours to complete and includes a full guided tour of the brewery, and samplings. The tour costs $12 per person as of last time it ran prior to the start of the pandemic (cash only) and everyone on the tour MUST wear closed toe, closed heel and flat footwear (running shoes preferred).
Go browsing for books. *FREE-LOW COST*
If you are avid readers, head to one of the two Chapters Indigo locations here in London and browse for books together. They have a Starbucks located inside so you can browse for books and then chat over a cuppa and some goodies.
Sometimes Chapters has guest speakers – author visits, book signings, and that sort of thing to add to the experience.
If you’re looking for something of a more local nature,
Head to the races. *MEDIUM COST*
If you’re car or racing afficionados, head to Delaware Speedway to get in on the action. Races are only $20 per person (online), $25 at gate.
Located just 15 minutes West of one of Canada’s fastest growing metropolitans, London, Ontario, Delaware Speedway is nestled in a natural ampitheatre beside the Thames River between the towns of Delaware and Komoka.
Famed for its unique asymetrical shape, the half-mile track is Canada’s longest running asphalt race track, operating since 1952. The facility offers something for everyone with a wide range of seating options, top-notch concessions, and a variety of different events from May-October.
Go hiking together. *FREE*
The 109-kilometre Thames Valley Trail runs along the Thames and North Thames Rivers. The trail is paved and passes through a few of London’s parks, including Gibbons Park and Springbank Park.
The trail runs from Delaware to St. Mary’s, passing through London along the way. It is well-marked at regular intervals, making it easy for you to find your way.
The Thames Valley Trail is a lovely hike and is a great way to spend a beautiful day. It offers spectacular views of the valleys and other elevated areas. Group hikes are offered, or you can enjoy it on your own.
For a less challenging walk, you could head to Sifton Bog, Meadowlily Woods, Westminster Ponds, or one of the other Environmentally Significant Areas in London.
Take a guided walk through the city. *FREE*
Download the ‘Heart of London App’ onto your phone and let your personal tour guide lead you around the city, telling stories along the way. Stroll along the riverside and through the city centre, seeing all of the main sights.
The app has 90 minutes of commentary, which includes 28 stories on the history of some of London’s finest sites. These include the Eldon House, the Middlesex County Building, the London Museum and Labatt Park.
The app also tells you stories of historic moments that took place in the city, like the Battle of the Atlantic and the city’s first ever hanging! It is a fun and informative way to tour around the city on your own.
Go dancing! *FREE-LOW/MEDIUM COST*
Street Salsa Fridays are taking place every Friday from 7:30 to 10:15 p.m. at Dundas Place (Dundas Street between Richmond Street and Clarence Street)
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!
Fred Astaire Studios also offers one free ballroom dancing lesson for newcomers and frequently has a deal on for 5 lessons for about $20. If you and your partner love to dance, this could be a great series of date nights for you.
Take in a yoga class. *MEDIUM COST*
Go to a drop-in yoga class together. At Shangrila Studios, their drop-in rate is $20 per class. The studio is located at 111 Mount Pleasant Ave. They have both indoor and outdoor classes.
Visit the oldest house in London. *FREE-LOW COST*
Eldon House is the oldest home in London. Virtually unchanged since the nineteenth century, Eldon House is London’s oldest residence and contains family heirlooms, furnishings and priceless treasures of the Harris Family.
Eldon House is an historic site in downtown London that has been preserved and maintained since 1960 when it was donated to the City of London. It was home to four generations of the Harris family, and is an excellent example of Georgian and Regency architectural styles. Its gardens are considered among the most beautiful in the city.
Located 481 Ridout Street North. Head there for a visit and marvel in days gone by. Admission by donation.
Have afternoon tea together. *MEDIUM TO HIGH COST*
Or you can register for afternoon tea on the beautiful lawns of Eldon House, overlooking the Thames River. Enjoy an afternoon sipping tea, surrounded by the grounds and gardens of London’s oldest residence. Choose either a “light tea” or a “full tea”. Guests are required to purchase their tickets online in advance at least 72 hours in advance.
They have raised their prices for the full tea quite a bit this year so it is not as economical as in previous years. The light tea is a more affordable option.
Description of the tea types are:
Light Tea is $20.00 (incl. HST) per person, and includes a scone with butter and jam, fresh fruit, one small dessert item, and a selection of one of our loose leaf teas.
Full Tea is $45.00 (incl. HST) per person, and includes a scone with butter and jam, fresh fruit, an assortment of small French pastries, one savoury chilled mini vegetarian quiche, and a selection of one of our loose leaf teas.
Wander through Wortley Village. *FREE-LOW/MEDIUM COST*
This lovely neighbourhood in Old South London is filled charming little shops and restaurants. Just meandering through the area makes for an enjoyable day.
Immerse yourself in history. *LOW/MEDIUM COST*
Make a visit to Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village tells the story of rural communities in the former townships of Westminster, London, North Dorchester, Delaware, West Nissouri and Lobo in Middlesex County from 1820 to 1920 and the founding and development of the City of London up to 1840.
Enter at 1424 Clarke Road
(Veterans Memorial & Clarke Road Intersection)
Open Saturday, May 20, 2023 to Monday, October 9, 2023, Wednesdays to Sundays, and Tuesdays in July and August, 10:00am – 4:30pm, with final admission at 4:00pm.
Admission is $10 per adult
They also hold special events such as art classes, plays, and reenactments in the Village . These are available for a separate fee.
Outdoor movies *FREE*
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: Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle, Shang-Chi, Encanto, Space Jam A New Legacy, and more.
Each movie night will start at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m., in the locations listed below. No registration is required to attend a movie night. Bring your own snacks, drinks, chairs and blankets to complement this great film experience.
Browse through one of London’s flea markets. *FREE TO LOW/MEDIUM*
You can head to Gibraltar Market or Trail’s End Market to browse through a huge variety of products from food to clothing to furniture to collectibles and more.
Go stargazing at the Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory. *FREE*
Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory is 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.
Take in some jazz. *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
Take a walk through the gardens. *FREE*
The Civic Gardens are a lovely place to take an afternoon stroll. Located at 625 Springbank Drive with plenty of free parking. There are picnic tables and benches available too in case you want to bring along a snack or picnic.
London’s only large-scale conservatory, full of exotic plants and trees. The conservatory is pesticide free. Australian ladybugs are used to control unwanted insect population.
Go on a picnic. *FREE*
We have some beautiful parks here in London and they are the perfect locations for a lovely afternoon picnic. One of our favorites is Springbank Park, home of Storybook Gardens. Located at 1085 Commissioners Road West.
Take a walk along the river, bring out your inner child and play on the swings and play structures,or simply relax and enjoy a beautiful day.
Or take your dog(s) to the dog park. *FREE*
Take your dog for a walk together or if you both have dogs, let them play together at an off-leash dog park.
Enjoy a lunch date together with these fun activities. *FREE*
TD Music Mondays
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
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
Summer Street Curling
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
Or head to a lunchtime
Lunchtime Music in Market Lane
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
Attend your local bar’s karaoke or trivia night. *LOW-MEDIUM COST*
This can be a lot of fun and other than buying a couple of drinks or some nibbles, there is generally no other cost involved.
Do some volunteer work together. *FREE*
There are many volunteer opportunities available in London. You could help sort or put together boxes of food at the Food Bank, walk dogs at the animal shelter, serve meals at Ronald McDonald House, and so much more!
Go swimming. *FREE TO VERY LOW COST*
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.
If you live in the area for Thames Pool and Glen Cairn Pool (both closed this summer), you can get free recreation swim passes and scheduled bus rides to South London Community Pool for free recreation swim sessions.
Take a morning stroll together. *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)
Attend a festival. *FREE TO LOW-MEDIUM COST*
London has many summer festivals. Most are free admission – the money you pay will be for food or in some cases, some special events and activities they have at the festivals. Take your own picnic and enjoy the music and ambiance for free!
Take in a concert. *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
Tour the Jet Aircraft Museum. *FREE/LOW COST*
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]’.
Tour the Secrets of Radar Museum *FREE/LOW COST*
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.
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)
Enjoy Live Arts Exhibitions *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)
Enjoy some Friday night tunes. *FREE*
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
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