One of my absolute favourite things to do is explore Halifax on a budget. I am always looking for free and low-cost activities that allow me to explore this beautiful city without spending a fortune.

I especially love finding something I have never done before and turning it into a little adventure with my family. It does not have to be an elaborate day trip or an expensive attraction. Sometimes, it is as simple as discovering a new park, visiting a gallery I have never been to, or checking out what is happening at the local library.

Having a family doesn’t mean every outing has to cost a lot of money. In fact, some of my favourite days have been the simplest ones.

If you’re looking for ways to get out of the house, explore Halifax and have a great time without spending too much, here are some of my favourite ideas.

Free Things to Do in Halifax With Kids

1. Visit Your Local Library

The library is one of those places that I think we sometimes underestimate. It is not just somewhere to borrow books. Libraries are filled with activities and programs throughout the year, and there is usually something happening for different ages and interests.

Whether you are looking for something to do during Christmas, March Break, summer holidays, or simply because you are bored at home, check your local library’s calendar. There are often story times, children’s activities, workshops, community programs and other events.

And it’s not just for families with kids either. Whether you are single, looking for something to do with friends, or simply want to get out of the house, there is usually something happening at the library.

The best part? You don’t have to spend anything to have a good time.

Budget: Free

2. Visit a University Art Gallery

One of my favourite things to do is visit university art galleries. I enjoy going because admission is often free, the exhibitions change, and you get to learn about different artists and different forms of art from both home and abroad.

Two of my favourites in Halifax are Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery and Mount Saint Vincent University’s art gallery.

Another thing I really enjoy about university galleries is how quiet they tend to be. A lot of the time, you can walk in and take your time looking at the exhibitions without feeling like you are in a crowded tourist attraction.

And if you are visiting with a child, I find the atmosphere much more relaxed. You don’t necessarily feel like everyone is watching you if your little one makes some noise.

Sometimes you can simply walk around, look at the artwork and enjoy a quiet afternoon together.

Budget: Free

3. Visit a Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ markets are another fun way to get out and experience something local without committing to an expensive day out. I enjoy walking around the market, looking at the different vendors and discovering something new. You can pick up a small treat, browse local products or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

If you are visiting with kids, it can also be a nice opportunity to introduce them to different foods, local businesses and the people who make up the community.

You don’t have to go with the intention of spending a lot of money. Sometimes the outing itself is the activity.

Budget: Free to browse; you decide how much you spend

4. Walk the Halifax Waterfront

The key to enjoying the Halifax Waterfront, in my opinion, is going when the crowds aren’t crazy.

It is easily one of my favourite ways to explore Halifax because you can take your time, walk along the harbour, enjoy the views and stop whenever something catches your attention.

One of the things I love about downtown Halifax is that it changes so often. If you haven’t visited in a few months, there is a good chance you’ll notice something new that you would have missed before.

You can make the entire outing low-cost by simply walking around, enjoying the waterfront and bringing your own snacks. Or, if you want to treat the family, you can make everyone smile with a stop for Cow’s ice cream.

Sometimes, that’s all you need for a good day out.

Budget: Free to explore; low-cost if you add food or treats

5. Explore the Halifax Public Gardens

The Halifax Public Gardens is such a beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle of Spring Garden Road.

Once you step inside, it feels like you’ve left the busy streets behind. You can slow down, sit and enjoy the gardens, people-watch and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Also, I love how picturesque the area is. With the gardens, the surrounding city and the Citadel nearby, there are plenty of opportunities to take beautiful family photos and create memories together.

It’s one of those places where you don’t need a long itinerary. You can simply walk around, sit for a while and enjoy being outside.

Budget: Free

6. Pack a Picnic and Head to Sir Fleming Park

Sir Fleming Park is one of those places I think is underrated. I like it because it feels tucked away from some of the busyness that you get around the waterfront. You can bring your family, slow down and actually enjoy being outside without feeling like you’re in the middle of a crowd.

There is a playground for the kids, and you can explore the Dingle Tower, which makes the outing more interesting than simply sitting in a park.

There’s also the opportunity to fish, and you get beautiful views of the water and the private boats passing by.

Having a picnic with a view like this is seriously underrated. Pack some food from home, bring a blanket, let the kids explore and enjoy the scenery. You can easily spend a few hours here without spending much money at all.

Budget: Free, aside from food and transportation

Affordable Things to Do Around Halifax

Not everything on this list is completely free. But these are the kinds of outings where you can keep your spending relatively low and still have a full day of exploring.

7. Explore a Museum

Halifax has several museums that are worth exploring, and museums can be a great option when you’re looking for something educational to do with your family.

One that I have enjoyed is the Museum of Natural History. I love activities where you can have fun while also learning something new, and museums are an easy way to do that. Read my museum and art gallery recommendation.

I also recommend checking the museum’s calendar before you visit. Some museums have special events, community days or other opportunities throughout the year when admission may be free or discounted.

This is one of those activities where a little planning can help you save money.

Budget: Free or low-cost, depending on the museum and event

8. Have a Beach Day

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a great family day at the beach. Gather your friends and family, pack some food and head to the nearest beach you have never explored.

You can spend the day swimming, walking, playing, having a picnic or simply sitting by the water. If you have kids, they can spend hours playing and exploring without you having to pay for an expensive attraction.

One of the things I love about living in Nova Scotia is having access to so many beautiful outdoor spaces. Sometimes the best plan is no complicated plan at all.

Pack some snacks, bring your beach essentials and go.

Budget: Free, aside from food and transportation

9. Spend the Day at Atlantic Splash Adventure

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Atlantic Splash Adventure is a great option for a family day out. It’s an outdoor waterpark with plenty of activities that let families have fun and make memories together. And it’s not just about the water; you can also try activities like go-karting, so there is something to keep everyone entertained.

This is one of those outings where you can spend several hours enjoying different activities rather than paying for one attraction and heading home.

If your family enjoys being active and trying different things together, this is definitely one to consider for a summer day out.

Budget: Paid activity; check current admission and activity prices

10. Spend the Day at Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove is one of those places that never really gets old.

One of the things I love about visiting Peggy’s Cove is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy it. You can simply go, explore the area, take in the scenery and spend time with your family.

Pack a picnic and make a day of it. You can sit somewhere with a view, explore the area and, if you’re visiting later in the day, stay to watch the sunset.

If you don’t feel like packing food, there are also restaurants in the area where you can stop for a meal.

The great thing is that you get to decide how much you want to spend. You can make Peggy’s Cove a completely simple outdoor outing or add a meal and other activities to your day.

Budget: Free to explore; additional spending depends on food and activities

11. Try Activate Halifax

Activate Halifax is one of those activities that is both mentally and physically engaging. You are not just sitting around watching something happen. You actually have to participate, think, move and compete with other players.

I really enjoy experiences like this because they give you something to do together rather than everyone being entertained separately. You can challenge each other, work together and have a little friendly competition along the way.

It’s a great option when you want to do something different, and you are looking for an activity that will keep everyone engaged.

Budget: Paid activity; check current pricing

12. Take the Ferry to Halifax

Coming to Halifax by ferry is such a top-tier experience. It never gets old seeing the Halifax skyline from the water and watching all the activity happening around the harbour.

One of my favourite things to do is head up to the top deck so I can take in the views and see everything going on around me. It is such a simple experience, but it makes you appreciate the city from a completely different perspective.

And the best part is that the ferry is a very affordable way to enjoy Halifax. On Canada Day, you can even enjoy a free boat ride, which makes it an even better option for a budget-friendly family outing.

If you haven’t taken the ferry in a while, this is your sign to do it again.

Budget: Low-cost; free on select special occasions

13. Have Fun at Playdium

Playdium is another one that is just so much fun. There is an arcade, a really cool bowling alley and plenty of games to keep you entertained. And if you’re anything like me, there is also the fun of trying to win enough tickets to take home a prize.

What I particularly like about Playdium is that you can decide how much you want to spend. You can buy as many credits as your budget allows, which means you do not necessarily have to go into the experience thinking you need to spend a certain amount of money.

You can decide, “This is our budget for today,” buy your credits and have fun within that amount.

That makes it a good option when you’re trying to enjoy a paid activity without losing control of your spending.

Budget: Flexible , you decide how much you want to spend

 

You Don’t Have to Spend a Lot to Explore Halifax

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate about living in Halifax is that exploring the city doesn’t always have to be expensive.nThere are so many ways to get outside, discover somewhere new and spend quality time with your family without constantly pulling out your wallet.

For me, budget travel isn’t necessarily about spending nothing. It’s about being intentional about where I spend my money.

If I can find a beautiful place to explore for free, I will take it. If I can pack a picnic instead of eating out, I will do that. And if there’s something I have never experienced before, I am usually happy to try it, especially if it allows my family to explore somewhere new together and do unique things in Nova Scotia.

So the next time you are wondering what to do with the family this weekend, don’t feel like you need to book an expensive activity.

Check your local library. Visit a gallery. Go to the beach. Pack a picnic. Take the ferry. Walk along the waterfront. Explore the Public Gardens. Or simply pick a place you’ve never been and go see what you find.

You might be surprised by how much of Halifax you can explore without spending much at all.