10 Free Date Night Ideas in Scarborough
Planning a memorable date night in Scarborough, Ontario, doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking to deepen your connection or simply enjoy each other’s company, there are plenty of free indoor activities to choose from. Here’s a curated list of over 10 engaging and cost-free date ideas in and around Scarborough.
Romantic 10 Free Date Night Ideas in Scarborough
1. Explore the Doris McCarthy Gallery
Located within the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, the Doris McCarthy Gallery offers contemporary art exhibitions that can spark meaningful conversations. It’s a serene environment to appreciate art and each other’s perspectives.
- Current exhibition: Love + Numbers (Works by Theo Jean Cuthand)
- Location: 1265 Military Trail, University of Toronto Scarborough
- Price: Free
- Website: https://dorismccarthygallery.utoronto.ca/
2. Visit the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
Housed in a charming historic building, the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre features art galleries showcasing local artists. Strolling through the exhibits provides a relaxed atmosphere to discuss interpretations and discover shared tastes.
- Location: Cedar Ridge Park, 225 Confederation Dr, Scarborough
- Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00AM-9:00PM | Friday to Sunday 9:00 -4:00PM
- Price: Free
- Website: www.toronto.ca
3. Wander through the Aga Khan Museum
Step into a world of Islamic art and culture while admiring the striking architecture of the museum. From intricate calligraphy to stunning geometric designs, every corner tells a story of history and creativity.
- Location: 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
- Contact: 416.646.4677
- Price: free admission every Wednesday evening from 4–8 pm, presented by BMO. Tickets available in person. Pre-registration not required.
- Website: https://agakhanmuseum.org/
4. Visit the Scarborough Museum
Located in Thomson Memorial Park, the Scarborough Museum offers insights into the area’s history. Admission is often pay-what-you-can, making it accessible for all.
- Location: Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Road
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Price: General admission is free. Some exhibitions and events may carry a separate charge where noted.
- Website: www.toronto.ca
5. Experience Scarborough Bluffs
Explore 11 scenic parks stretched across 15 km of the Scarborough Bluffs, offering breathtaking lake views, nature trails, sandy beaches, lush gardens, and plenty of space for outdoor activities.
Website: www.toronto.ca
- Bluffer’s Park Location: 1 Brimley Rd. S. Scarborough
- Parking Lot: yes
- Trail to lakefront: no
- Swimming Beach: yes
- East Point Park location: 101 Copperfield Rd. Scarborough
- Parking Lot: yes
- Trail to lakefront: yes, start at the end of Beechgrove and Copperfield Road
- Swimming Beach: no
6. Stop by The History Box Scarborough
The History Box in Scarborough transforms a classic phone booth into a compact heritage centre, blending nostalgia with local history. It’s a creative way to learn about the area’s past in a unique and engaging setting.
- Location: 45 Eastborough, Scarborough
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
- Price: Free
- Website: https://scarboroughsmaritimeheritage.org.uk/
7. A Walk through Guildwood Park
Guildwood Park is a stunning sculptural garden along the Scarborough Bluffs, showcasing architectural remnants from early 20th-century buildings, preserved by arts patrons Rosa and Spencer Clark. Spanning 88 acres, the park features gardens, woodland trails, and the historic Guild Inn, once a vibrant hub for artists and artisans.
- Location: 201 Guildwood Parkway Toronto, Scarborough
- Contact: 416-392-CITY (2489)
- Price: Free
- Website: www.toronto.ca
8. Tranquil Escape at Port Union Waterfront
Explore a 3.8 km trail with nonstop views of Lake Ontario, perfect for biking, hiking, or skateboarding. Take a break on cobblestone beaches, spot wildlife like trumpeter swans, and learn about local ecosystems from interpretive displays along the way.
- Location: 169 Chesterton Shores, Scarborough
- Contact: 416-3922489
- Price: Free
- Website: www.waterfrontoronto.ca
Scarborough and its neighboring areas offer a plethora of free indoor activities perfect for a memorable date night. Exploring these options can lead to shared experiences that strengthen your bond without straining your wallet. So, pick an activity that resonates with both of you and enjoy a delightful time together.
9. Try the bike and walking paths
Take a break from the books and hit Scarborough’s scenic walking and biking trails. Start at the Valley Land Trail and follow Highland Creek through tree-lined paths to Lake Ontario, or ride the 22.5 km Finch Hydro Corridor, a multi-section route running east to west under the hydro lines.
- Accessible from the campus at the new Valley Land Trail, the Highland Creek Trail follows paved trails through Colonel Danforth Park (located northwest of Lawrence Avenue and Meadowvale Road) and runs along Highland Creek from Old Kingston Road all the way to Lake Ontario. A lot of the tree-lined trails are actually connected to the Bluffs.
- You could also let the hydro lines guide you through the 22.5-kilometre path at the Finch Hydro Corridor. The walk and bike trail runs east to west, just keep in mind that it is broken up into five different locations.
10. Checking out Local Art
Art is all over Scarborough, from street corners to international festivals.
Toronto’s streets are brightened by vibrant utility box murals, thanks to the StART Outside the Box Program, which has seen over 350 boxes painted by local artists since 2013. Near campus, check out the collection near Ellesmere and Military Trail, as well as the Creekside: Eastern Gateway Mural at Kingston Road and Military Trail. Use the mural map to discover even more artistic spots around the city!
More…
