Things to Do in Hamilton for Free
Yes, things to do for free! Well, places to visit for free actually. But you can do some activities in these places. I know as a student, there will be some time that we want to save money but we still want to enjoy the weekend or long weekend to the fullest. Besides enjoying the beautiful nature of Hamilton, we also can enjoy other things, indoor. So, you can keep yourself warm in winter or cool in summer. You can visit and enjoy your time in some places below that can be the destinations in our lovely Hamilton.
1. Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse
You can breathe fresh air near the plants either in summer or winter. Choose for yourself. I really enjoy the time I spent in the greenhouse and see beautiful flowers. I am sure it will take out your stress. The plant that always catches my eyes is the corpse plant or Titan Arum. They name it as Kramer here. It's really rare to bloom and it is so phenomenal. Make sure to check the schedule when it blooms too.
Free: All-year-round (check the schedule for holiday hours)
Website: Click here
Special note:
- Check the schedule for the "Spring Tide Bulb Show" around March every year. It usually also a free event.
- Another show is "Fall Graden & Mum Show" around November every year. It is not a free event but the admission usually around $7.
2. McMaster Museum of Art
It is a small art gallery but the exhibitions change from time to time. As a graduate student, I sometimes go there too when I stuck in my research. Just to refresh my mind again.
Free: Tuesday to Saturday
Website: Click here
3. Dundas Museum & Archives
It tells you about the history of the Dundas area. It also has different exhibitions from time to time. I love how the history of Dundas was told clearly and easy to follow.
Free: Monday to Saturday
Website: Click here
4. Carnegie Gallery
It is a unique art gallery that merges with an art shop. It is a small gallery but a cozy place to take a rest after strolling around downtown Dundas. Sometimes, concerts are also held here.
Free: All-year-round (Check the schedule for holiday hours)
Website: Click here
5. Art Gallery of Hamilton
I know it is not a free admission art gallery but it has a program for "Free Friday Night" or you can go when there is Doors Open Hamilton event. I always love the installation of Kim Adams' Bruegel Bosch Bus on the second floor.
Free: First Friday of every month (11 AM to 8 PM)
Website: Click here
6. McMaster Biology Greenhouse
Do you know that it is interesting to see the corpse flower blooms? Yes, there is a corpse flower here too, besides the one in Gage Park Tropical House. Now, the second of the corpse flower or Titan Arum in here is named Magnus.
Free: Fridays (9 AM to 12 PM) and check for extended hours or Titan Arum's blooming schedule
Website: Click here
7. Piano Practice Room in the Central Public Library
Do you know that you can book a piano room for yourself for free in Central Public Library? As long as you have the membership card, you can give them a call and book it. I just came to know myself that there are other piano rooms in Red Hill and Terryberry public library branches. So, you can search for the music scores on the third floor of the library and use the piano room on the second floor.
Free: Monday to Saturday (1 hour only), Sunday (30 minutes) for Central Public Library
Website: Click here
8. Events in Hamilton Public Library
Not only you can read books in the libraries but they also have interesting free events, such as free movies in the library (of course it is not the latest movies but the movie choices are good), noon-hour concert, or free workshops. Last time I got a chance to join the workshop for making soap.
Free: Check for the events schedule
Website: Click here
9. Doors Open Hamilton
This is an annual event in Hamilton where you can visit a lot of places in Hamilton which usually not open to the public for free. Yes, once again, for free. So, plan ahead before you go because of course, you cannot finish it in one day, even two days. However, don't worry, you always can go the next year.
Free: Usually the first weekend of May every year
Website: Click here
10. Hamilton Civic Museums
I know all the civic museums in Hamilton are not free, but ... Once again, if you have a membership card from Hamilton Public Library, you can access all the museums for free.
All the information can be found here.
Free: Bring the HPL card and check the hours for each civic museum.
Website: Click here
So far, those are the free places that I've been to in Hamilton. I will update again once I have new info. Keep exploring Hamilton! Bye for now.