Free Classes

The Orléans branch of the Ottawa Public Library holds a bilingual English and French family storytime on Sunday mornings, with stories, songs and rhymes for children of all ages with a parent or caregiver. It is a relaxed way to start a family Sunday. It runs Sundays at 10:15 AM until December 6, 2026, and it is a free drop in program with no registration.

The Ottawa Public Library runs a weekly Saturday STEM Club at the Main Library on Metcalfe Street, with hands on science, technology and building activities for curious kids aged 7 and up. It is a fun way to spend a winter Saturday afternoon downtown. It runs Saturdays at 3 PM until December 12, 2026, and it is a free drop in program with no registration.

Thirteen Toronto Public Library branches, including the Toronto Reference Library, have Digital Innovation Hubs with 3D printers, design software, audio and video recording studios with a green screen, and a fabrication studio with sewing machines and a vinyl cutter. The library runs free programs and classes to help you learn these tools, and hub computers and studios can be reserved online. Open during library hours. Programs are free; check the page for booking rules and any material costs.

Volunteer led nature and history walks through High Park on Sunday mornings, from 10:30 AM to noon. Meet at the centre triangle median just inside the main Bloor Street entrance; walks are announced monthly, so check the High Park Nature page for the next date. Some walks use wooded trails, so dress for the weather and wear good shoes. Free, no registration.

A free self-guided walk that follows rainwater from Riverdale's streets down to the Don River, covering lost streams, storm sewers and the area's urban history. It starts at Chester subway station and ends about two hours later at Chester Springs Marsh. The ground can be wet and sometimes difficult, so wear good footwear. Free (donations welcome), with a City of Toronto route map.

Guest musicians show off instruments from Toronto Public Library's Musical Instrument Lending Library, and kids get to try playing them and learn the basics. For preschool and school age children; children under 9 must come with an adult. Friday, November 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon in the York Woods atrium. Free drop in program.

A hands on workshop where kids aged 7 to 14 explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math through interactive activities, mixing tech based challenges with creative DIY projects. At the Orléans branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Saturdays November 7 and November 21, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM in the Bériault Room. Free bilingual drop in program, no registration needed.

Beginner and intermediate English as a Second Language classes covering vocabulary, grammar, speaking, pronunciation, reading and writing, adapted to each group in a welcoming setting. Ideal for newcomers and adults of all ages, at the North Gloucester branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Ogilvie Road. Fridays from November 6 to December 4, 2026, 1:30 to 3:00 PM. Free drop in classes, no registration needed, but space is limited so arrive early.

A monthly get together where adults and teens crochet or knit side by side and chat, at the Richmond branch of the Ottawa Public Library in the village of Richmond. All skill levels are welcome. Last Wednesday of the month from November 25, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (no December meeting), 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Free drop in program, no registration needed.

Black Belt World's Toronto headquarters on Bloor Street West teaches taekwondo and martial arts for kids and adults. Your first class is free for new students. The studio hopes you will sign up afterwards, but there is no obligation. Request your free trial lesson through the form on the school's website; no payment information is asked.

Stuck on a tricky stitch or an unfinished project? Drop in to these knitting and crochet help sessions for adults at the Orléans branch of the Ottawa Public Library to learn a specific technique or get help finishing your work (they are help sessions, not formal classes). Saturdays November 14 and 28 and December 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM or 1:00 to 3:30 PM. Free bilingual drop in program, no registration needed.

Toronto Aikikai is a long running dojo teaching aikido and iaido, with beginner programs for adults, youth and children. Your first class is free for new students. The studio hopes you will sign up afterwards, but there is no obligation. The dojo says the trial aikido or iaido class has no cost, and you may also watch as many classes as you like for free.