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Parks and free things to do in London, Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada
London park addresses and amenities, Museum London hours and accessibility, seasonal water facilities, library events and recreation fee assistance.
Key information
London, Ontario has public parks, Thames Valley Parkway trails and free regular admission at Museum London. Use the tables below for addresses, facilities and museum hours. Parking, rentals and special programs can cost extra. Outdoor water facilities are closed for the season as checked October 13, 2026.
On this page
Locations and activity directory
Quick comparison and full source records
| Place or plan | Where | Check before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Springbank Park | 1085 Commissioners Road West | Park amenities, pathway work and any paid attraction |
| Victoria Park | 580 Clarence Street | Event setup, washrooms and seasonal facilities |
| Harris Park | 531 Ridout Street North | Event access and pathway conditions |
| Museum London | 421 Ridout Street North | Opening hours and any program booking |
| Library event | Branches across the city | Age group, registration and branch hours |
For a park-by-park reference, use the full parks and open spaces directory. It includes all 609 records in the City inventory, with addresses, land types and recorded facilities. The table below is a short starting list for activities, not the full park directory.
Springbank Park
1085 Commissioners Road West
Springbank Park is a riverside park with walking routes, play areas and picnic space. Use the source information below for the facilities recorded in this part of the directory.
Storybook Gardens is a separate attraction with its own admission and seasonal arrangements. A park location on this page does not include admission to every nearby attraction.
- Check before you go
- Park amenities, pathway work and any paid attraction
Sources: City park visitor information · City parks inventory and location data · City open data terms
Victoria Park
580 Clarence Street
Victoria Park is a central London park with paths and the bandshell. Its layout is used for public events as well as ordinary park visits.
Event setup and seasonal facilities can change access. Use the recorded features below as a starting point and follow current park signs for open paths and washrooms.
- Check before you go
- Event setup, washrooms and seasonal facilities
Sources: City park visitor information · City parks inventory and location data · City open data terms
Harris Park
531 Ridout Street North
Harris Park is a riverside park near downtown London and a venue for outdoor events. Paths and access can change during events and construction.
The City’s current paddling notice closes the Harris Park river access until May 2027 for Queens Bridge work. Do not treat a boat-access inventory record as an open launch.
- Check before you go
- Event access and pathway conditions
Sources: City park visitor information · City paddling access closure · City parks inventory and location data · City open data terms
Museum London
421 Ridout Street North
Museum London brings together art exhibitions and the history of the city. It stands at the forks of the Thames River, beside Dundas Place. General admission is free or pay-what-you-can. Workshops, guided tours and special programs can have separate charges.
The building has automatic entrance doors, elevators to its galleries and studios, and accessible universal washrooms. A museum visit and paid parking are separate costs. Groups should arrange their visit with the museum.
- Check before you go
- Opening hours and any program booking
- General admission
- Free or pay-what-you-can
- Regular hours
- Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday to 8 p.m. Monday closed.
- Telephone
- 519-661-0333
Sources: Museum London: plan your visit
Sources: City park addresses and amenities · Museum London visitor information · Library programs and events · City Parks open data inventory
Thames Valley Parkway routes and conditions
- Choose a section
Match the distance to your time and energy.
- Check conditions
Read closure and construction notices.
- Plan the return
Know your route back, bus or pickup point.
The City’s current Thames Valley Parkway guide lists a 45-kilometre shared trail, linked to more than 150 kilometres of other pathways. Pick a short section that suits your time rather than trying to cover the whole network.
Check the official map and construction notices. Plan how you will get back, and whether the section has the surface, distance and facilities you need. Share the path and follow signs.
Park facilities and access checks
Quick comparison and full source records
| Park | Listed features | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Springbank | Paved paths, play structures, picnic space and washrooms | Storybook Gardens is a separate paid attraction |
| Victoria | Paths, bandshell and washrooms | Seasonal rink and event use vary |
| Harris | Paved paths, picnic space and a boat ramp | Check events and pathway notices |
| Ivey Park / Forks of the Thames | Play areas, washrooms and river views; 331 Thames Street | Check water-feature notices; the 2026 spray pad is listed closed |
Check seasonal notices and event access. A directory feature may be closed for maintenance. For an access need, confirm the entrance, surface, slope and washroom that apply to your route.
Victoria Park
580 Clarence Street
Victoria Park is a central London park with paths and the bandshell. Its layout is used for public events as well as ordinary park visits.
Event setup and seasonal facilities can change access. Use the recorded features below as a starting point and follow current park signs for open paths and washrooms.
- Listed features
- Paths, bandshell and washrooms
- Important distinction
- Seasonal rink and event use vary
Sources: City park visitor information · City parks inventory and location data · City open data terms
Sources: City park addresses and amenities
Museum London admission, address and hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Thursday | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
Museum London’s regular admission is free, with donations welcome. It is at 421 Ridout Street North, near Dundas Place and the Thames River.
Special activities can have separate booking rules, and parking is not included with admission. Check holiday changes on the visitor page.
Sources: Museum London visitor information
Museum accessibility and visitor support
| Need | Available support |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Two accessible parking spaces; ground-level main entrance with automatic doors |
| Moving between floors | Elevators and a transport chair |
| Washrooms | Accessible and gender-neutral facilities |
| Sensory support | Free sensory kits at the Welcome Desk, first come, first served; leave valid ID |
| Assistance | Service animals welcome; support persons admitted free |
For access questions, call 519-661-0333 or email info@museumlondon.ca. Confirm equipment availability and any arrangements for a specific program before travelling.
Library events and indoor recreation
The library’s program calendar lets you look for activities by audience, including children, teens, newcomers and older adults. Check whether an event needs registration and whether there are spaces left.
For a paid City activity, use Play Your Way to check the real session, price, location and registration rules. A free park visit does not make every program at that park free.
- Library programs and events
- City recreation registration and programs
- More library services and free study rooms
Sources: Library programs and events · City recreation registration and programs
Seasonal spray pads, wading pools and outdoor pools
The City says outdoor pools, spray pads and wading pools are closed for the season as checked on October 13, 2026. Do not use a summer opening announcement to plan an autumn visit.
During the operating season, spray pads are free and unsupervised. Use the current facility page for reopening dates and closures. A spray pad, wading pool and swimming pool have different features and rules.
Play Your Way Fund eligibility and application
| People | 100% fee support: up to | 50% fee support: listed range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25,909 | $25,909 to $39,002 |
| 2 | $31,533 | $31,533 to $47,470 |
| 3 | $39,265 | $39,265 to $59,109 |
| 4 | $48,986 | $48,986 to $73,744 |
| 5 | $55,781 | $55,781 to $83,973 |
| 6 | $61,862 | $61,862 to $93,128 |
| 7 or more | $67,944 | $67,944 to $102,284 |
The Play Your Way Fund helps qualifying London residents pay for City recreation. The current program offers up to $300 per person over 12 months after approval. It is not an automatic credit for everyone.
Applicants must be London residents aged 18 or older. The City’s chart uses 2024 after-tax Low Income Cut-Offs. Renew annually.
- Prepare ID, household income evidence and proof of London residency.
- Apply online, in person or by mail using the City’s form.
- After approval, confirm program coverage and your remaining balance.
Both support levels remain subject to the $300 limit. The City repeats boundary amounts in both bands; ask staff to confirm your assessment.
Questions about free things to do in London
Is Museum London free?
Yes. Regular admission is free and donations are welcome. Check hours and any separate activity booking before visiting.
Are London spray pads open all year?
No. They are seasonal. The City lists outdoor water facilities as closed for the season as checked October 13, 2026.
Can the City help me pay for recreation?
The Play Your Way Fund may help if you meet its rules. Check eligibility and apply before assuming a program will be covered.
How long is the Thames Valley Parkway?
The City’s current guide describes a 45-kilometre shared trail linked to more than 150 kilometres of other pathways. Choose a section that fits your time and check closures before planning the return route.
Is Storybook Gardens included in a free Springbank Park visit?
No. Storybook Gardens is a separate paid attraction. A park visit does not include attraction tickets, paid programs or rentals. Check the specific activity when planning a free outing.
Where can I find the full London parks list?
Use the linked parks and open spaces directory. It includes every record in the City inventory captured for this guide, including natural areas and facility land. The short activity table on this page is only a starting list.
What can I do indoors on a low-cost day in London?
Look at library events and Museum London’s regular exhibitions. Choose the actual date and age group, then check registration and any separate program charge. City indoor recreation may have admission or registration fees.
Source: Library programs and events
Does Museum London offer sensory or mobility support?
Its access page lists elevators, a transport chair, accessible washrooms and sensory kits at the Welcome Desk. Equipment and kits have availability limits. Contact the museum about the support needed for your specific visit.
Does a park listing guarantee an open washroom?
No. A recorded washroom can be seasonal or closed for maintenance. Check the facility and current notices for your intended visit, especially if the washroom is essential to your route.
Does recreation funding automatically reserve a program place?
No. Applying for the Play Your Way Fund and registering for a program are separate steps. After approval, confirm which activity is covered, your available balance and whether the session still has space.