Creative Activities: Unique Things to Do in Toronto

Between assignments, midterms, and studio projects, everyone needs a break once in a while. If you’re looking to step away from your laptop, explore the city, get your creative juices flowing or spend time with friends off campus, Toronto has plenty of hands-on workshops that let you learn a new skill and take home something you’ve made yourself. 

Most of these spots are easily accessible by TTC from downtown universities and colleges, making them perfect for an after-class activity or a weekend outing. We’ve rounded them up from budget-friendly activities to a few splurge-worthy experiences if you’re looking to treat yourself.

Jump to a section:
Affordable Activities
Attainable Activities
Treat Yourself Activities

Affordable Activities

1. Crock a Doodle – Pottery Painting

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, Crock a Doodle lets you choose from a wide variety of ceramic pieces to paint, from mugs and bowls to seasonal décor. Once finished, the studio glazes and fires your creation before it’s ready for pickup. You’ll end up with a handcrafted masterpiece for your dorm room.

📍 723 Gerrard St E
🚇 505 Streetcar to Broadview Ave & Gerrard St East

Price: $15–$60, depending on the pottery piece

2. Pinot’s Palette – Sip & Paint Night

Enjoy an evening of painting while sipping your favourite beverage at Pinot’s Palette. An instructor guides everyone through the same artwork, making it a fun experience even if you’ve never painted before. Truly is a memorable experience with friends, and a perfect excuse to wind down after class.

📍 2866 Dundas St W

🚇 At Keele Station, take any North bus to Dundas St West

Price: Approximately $45–$65

3. Lip Lab – Create Your Own Lipstick

Ever wanted a lipstick shade that’s completely your own? Lip Lab is the place for you. You’ll work one-on-one with a colour expert to create a custom lipstick, choosing everything from the shade and finish to the scent and even the name printed on the tube. You’ll end up with the best lipstick shade for school, placements, and everyday life.

📍 326 Queen Street West
🚇 Osgoode station, walk about 10 minutes

Price: Approximately $55–$160

Attainable Activities

1. Spin Pottery – Pottery Wheel Class

Get your hands dirty learning how to throw clay on a pottery wheel. Whether you’re trying pottery for the first time or looking to develop your skills, Spin Pottery offers one time workshops and multi week courses. A fun activity with friends or by yourself, and a great piece of decor for your room.

📍 287 Dundas Street West
🚇 St. Patrick station and walk about five minutes.

Price: Approximately $75–$120

For York University Students:

• 10% discount with your YU card when you sign up for a multi week class
• 15% discount when you refer a friend and sign up for a multi week class
  

2. Olivia’s Garden – Latte Art Workshop

Perfect for coffee lovers, this workshop at Olivia’s Garden teaches the fundamentals of latte art. Learn how to pour hearts, tulips, and other café style designs while improving your espresso making skills. This could help you cut costs with learning to make your own coffee instead of buying coffee between classes.

📍 569 Crawford Street
🚇 Take Line 2 to Ossington station, then ride the 63 Ossington bus south and get off near Bloor Street West.

Price: Approximately $80

3. Orris Labs – Create Your Own Perfume

Discover the science and artistry behind fragrance while blending your own signature perfume at Orris Labs. You’ll explore fragrance notes and create a scent that’s uniquely yours to take home. 

📍 1333 Bay St.
🚇 Bloor-Yonge Station, walk about 10 Minutes

Price: Approximately $90

Looking to Treat Yourself

1. Olivia’s Garden – Floral Arrangement Workshop

Create a beautiful seasonal bouquet while learning the basics of floral design at Olivia’s Garden. Workshops often feature fresh flowers inspired by the current season.

📍 569 Crawford Street
🚇 Take Line 2 to Ossington station and transfer to the 63 Ossington bus

Price: Approximately $90–$150.

2. Le Dolci – Culinary Classes

Whether you’re decorating cupcakes, making macarons, mastering pasta, or learning cake decorating techniques, Le Dolci offers a variety of cooking and baking classes suitable for beginners and experienced bakers alike. You’ll become the go-to place for hosting events amongst your peers.

📍 12 Sousa Mendes Street
🚇 Take Line 2 to Dufferin station, then ride the 29 Dufferin bus north to Bloor Street West and walk a few minutes

Price: Approximately $95–$160 depending on the class

3. EWoWDay – Leather Bag Workshop

Design and handcraft your own genuine leather bag at EWoWDay and learn traditional leatherworking techniques. You’ll cut, stitch, and assemble your project with guidance from experienced instructors.

📍 269 Danforth Ave
🚇 Chester Station

Price: Approximately $90–$250

4. Kandl – Candle Making Workshop

Learn how to blend fragrances, pour natural wax, and decorate your own candle at Kandl. It’s a cozy, relaxing activity that pairs perfectly with the fall or winter seasons and you’ll leave with a handmade candle to enjoy at home.

📍 88 Avenue Rd
🚇 St George Station, walk about 10 Minutes

Price: Approximately $95–$120

5. Chillax Studio – Rug Tufting Workshop

Turn your favourite design into a custom rug using a tufting gun at Chillax Studio. The instructors guide you through every step, making it beginner-friendly. And you leave the workshop with a personalized dorm decor piece.

📍 135 Tecumseth St.

🚇 501 Streetcar to Palmerston Ave

Price: Approximately $130–$220

Get Creative This Fall

Whether you’re looking for an affordable afternoon activity between classes or planning a special weekend outing, these workshops are a great way to recharge outside the classroom. From pottery and painting to perfume-making and rug tufting, you’ll leave with a new skill, a handmade keepsake, and maybe even a new favourite hobby. It’s the perfect reminder that some of the best study breaks happen when you step away from your screen and get creative.