A Guide to Visiting Toronto History Museums with No Admission Fee

If you’re looking for fun, educational and budget-friendly outings in the Greater Toronto Area this year, here’s great news: Toronto’s city-run history museums offer free general admission all year long — including in 2026! 

🎟️ Free Year-Round Admission

As of May 1, 2022, the City of Toronto permanently removed the admission fee for general entry to all 10 Toronto History Museums. This means that visitors of all ages can walk in without paying to explore local heritage, connect with community stories, and enjoy engaging exhibitions throughout the year, including right now in 2026. 

These museums showcase Toronto’s diverse history through a range of sites such as historic homes, forts, mills, inn sites, and more. You’ll find engaging displays about pioneer life, early city development, cultural milestones, and stories of everyday Torontonians from the past and present. 

🗺️ What to Visit

Here are some of the must-see museum sites where you can enjoy free admission:

• Fort York National Historic Site – Step back into the late 1700s and early 1800s at one of the city’s oldest military sites, with restored buildings and fascinating exhibits.
• Spadina Museum – A Tudor-style mansion with beautifully preserved rooms and gardens offering a window into Toronto’s early 20th-century life. 
• Colborne Lodge – Historic house and grounds in High Park once home to Toronto’s first architect, perfect for a relaxing cultural stroll.
• Todmorden Mills Heritage Site – Located in the Don Valley, explore the city’s industrial beginnings and riverside heritage. 
• Montgomery’s Inn – With roots in early 19th-century life, this historic inn offers family-friendly exhibits and gardens. 

…and several others, like Mackenzie House, Gibson House, Scarborough Museum, Market Gallery and Zion Schoolhouse — all part of the free-admission program. 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why It’s Great for Families

Free admission makes these museums ideal for family outings, especially with kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, a school holiday visit, or a casual Sunday family walk, you can:

✔ Explore historic homes and walk through Toronto’s past

✔ Attend interactive programs and seasonal activities

✔ Tie your visit to community-wide events like Doors Open Toronto or Museum Month (check event calendars before you go)

Many of the sites also host special events, kids’ programs, and guided tours throughout the year, though some of these may require advance registration or a ticket for certain activities. https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/

📍 Tips for Visiting

Check hours ahead of time: Some museums have seasonal schedules or are open only certain days of the week (often Wednesday through Sunday). 

Plan around events: While the admission is always free, special workshops or performances might have separate sign-ups. 

Combine trips: Pair a museum visit with other free Toronto attractions such as ice skating or public library programs to make a full-day family adventure.