Budget-Friendly Outings to Do this Holiday Break in Toronto

The holiday break is so close, we can taste it. And we know that after a day or two of watching movies and playing board games, the kids will need some outings to burn off steam and broaden their horizons. But after gift giving for everyone on our list and playing Santa, we're in need of free or (pretty darn cheap) adventures. So here they are—a list guaranteed to ward off cabin fever and keep the holiday spirit high.

It doesn't have to take the fun out of the season to instill a little bit of compassion in your kids this time of year. Here are 10 ways to give back in Toronto.

We love the 1920s and we're stoked to be able to see them come to life—holiday style—at Spadina House. Truth be told, we also love the art deco gas range in the kitchen and the kids are all about cider and treats. The holiday smells and mistletoe do a great job of filling us all with the festive spirit.

Skate beneath the holiday lights at

The Christmas Flower Show at Allan Gardens runs from December 6 to January 10 and features more than 40 different types of poinsettias and arrangements highlighting winter sports. Select dates are lit by candlelight making the displays even more gorgeous. Bring the family inside to the warmth of the conservatory where it always smells like wonderfully green growing things.

Fort York is cool for the whole family. And if we go from December 27 to 31, the kids can make gingerbread using a recipe from the 1800s in the Officers' Mess—plus it's included in the admission price. They'll use period cooking tools for sifting flour, crushing spices, pounding sugar, and grating nutmeg and ginger. Yum.

If the family wants a fun full-day adventure, head 45 minutes out of the city to Nottawasaga Resort. They have the most amazing pool with a 100 ft. waterslide (heated, naturally) and an indoor mini golf course, plus other sports and games (yes, there is an arcade).

From learning how to make holiday decorations to creating snowmen treats, there are so many amazing cooking classes for kids offered through Loblaw's stores that we're jealous of the kids. Find a few that work and let them loose in that kitchen (bonus: get the grocery shopping done while they cook).

Learn and create at Miss Lou's room, a hands-on, interactive exhibit. On from December 19-20, make a holiday decoration and personalize it with the best moments of 2015.

It's funny, frenetic and full of songs, dancing and free cookies. This family-friendly concert at Revival Bar on December 19 at 4 pm is certainly not to be missed.

Decorate a tree for the birds this holiday season at the High Park Nature Centre and learn a bunch about our fine-feathered friends. The kiddos will get to hike through the woods to feed chickadees from their hands, and will also help make edible garlands and pine cone feeders. Energetic, educational and a wonderful expression of the holiday season; runs December 19 and 20.

Ugly sweaters. Pet photos with Santa. An amazing spectacle of lights. Beavertail-eating contest. The Waterfront Winterfest is going to be super awesome, and it's all happening the weekend of December 19-20.

At Todmoren Mills, we get to learn what Christmas was like in the 1890s and the 1940s. Plus, there's a lot to do, from the take-home craft to outdoor wildflower preserve tours.

We've long admired the elegant Gibson house up at Yonge and Shepherd. This holiday break we're finally going to going inside to take a look at the traditions of a Scottish holiday season. Plus, there will be tasty treats from the open hearth. Yum.