Green spaces around the city for students on a budget

Stay parked.

As seasons change, we go through a cycle of activities that are connected to how we feel. The winter brings about its own unique adventures, the spring sings to us promises of what is to come and the fall brings autumn leaves. It’s the summer season, however, that allows us to touch grass.

There are so many green spaces and parks in the city where students can study, relax and reset.

Part of this process is exploring all that nature has to offer. Creating separation from your daily routine allows you to experience things that you haven’t had the chance to. Whether you already are an avid fan of parks and green spaces or you wish to begin exploring, let’s delve in.

The City of Toronto offers us a wide array of park options we can explore. The beauty? You will never have to pay to experience all that this beautiful city has to offer.

Benefits of being outside

An animated image of a cartoon character shaking his hands with the text below spelling "Yeah, well, better be safe than sorry" — *Via GIPHY*

The ability to live outside the classroom is crucial to your mental and physical well-being. But our focus will go much deeper than this and is connected to the concept of touching grass.

This, in a nutshell, means stepping away from your computer screen, your social media and your virtual life and reconnecting with reality.

Commune with nature and see what life has to offer outside of your usual routine. Fresh air can breathe life into your endeavours. As students, we need to decompress and unwind. A lot of activities cost money and do not often live up to expectations, so replace that costly event with a walk in the sun or a picnic with friends.

The Humber Arboretum

An image of a sign surrounded by green trees spelling "Humber Arboretum" — *Via GIPHY*

This centre for urban ecology exists as a unique tri-partnership between Humber Polytechnic, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. Covering approximately 100 hectares around the Humber River, the Humber Arboretum offers public gardens and nature trails, free to visit and open to all.

So, what can you expect when visiting? Nature! There is so much to see, and as the weather gets warmer, students are coming out of the midterm stress season. Clear your mind and enjoy everything that the Humber Arboretum has to offer.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

An animated image of a person on a bench flipping pages with a dog beside her in nature. — *Via GIPHY*

This storied piece of history sits at the stretch of shoreline at Kipling and Lakeshore. There are so many scenic plants, trees, birds and wildlife that you’ll never get bored.

Are you someone who enjoys biking? This might be just the place to explore, as you have 23 dedicated bike trails. There is also a community garden, a dog off-leash area, a football field and an outdoor track.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park has so much to offer. It’s conveniently located for students at the Humber Lakeshore campus, and all are welcome.

This park is also known as an amazing place for birdwatching. So if you’re into animal photography, this is your spot!

Etobicoke Valley Park

A picture of a person running, with the background changing from a trail, waterfront and a wooden cabin — *Via GIPHY*

This 19.6-hectare park runs along the east bank of the Etobicoke Creek, featuring four diamonds at the north end of the park, which is ideal for baseball and softball! Bring your friends, grab a bat and try not to strike out! Why not make a team with some classmates?

The other great thing about this park is that there is a playground right near Horner Avenue. The inner kid in you will love it, and if you have kids yourself, by all means, bring them! Complete with all the amenities anyone could ask for.

Sports can be so pricey these days, but playing in this park is the perfect opportunity to connect bat with ball and save some dollars.

Binge on a budget

An image of a black background spelling "What's the budget for fun". — *Via GIPHY*

The great things about green spaces around the city are that you aren’t confined to one particular area. Exploration and the chance to play outdoors are great aids to your physical and mental health.

As post-secondary students, we all know how stressful school can be. The concept of touching grass is no longer foreign to you, so go out there and enjoy what nature has to offer. All you have is already waiting for you.

My personal play yard? Etobicoke Valley Park is my favourite place to unwind and relax. To get my heart pumping, I love walking and going the distance. The fresh air boosts my mood and amplifies my well-being, while reducing stress and anxiety.

So, find a park that works for you and explore all that nature has to offer.

Feature image courtesy of Fernando Bossoes.

Are you now motivated to get out there and visit parks all around the city? Why not visit budget-friendly places that give you a small-town feel?