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Parents need a break! We’ve got some great cheat sheets here to help make your family time easier and more fulfilling. We add more articles all the time, so check back often! 

Things To Do This Weekend With Kids

The weekend is here and we have combed through our events calendar to bring you a list of fun things to do this weekend in Hamilton, Halton, Niagara and beyond!

Treetop Trekking Hamilton – Fun in the Forest

Hamilton is home to outdoor activities for kids and adults that you will love! Treetop Trekking in Hamilton offers fresh air activity and this is the perfect opportunity for kids to impress themselves with their skill and bravery!

Playtown Niagara Is A Pint-Sized Imagination Space

Playtown in St. Catharines is a super fun destination for kids who love pretend play and using their imaginations to the max! Esther and her daughters visited this week and here’s what they experienced.

It’s Cherry Picking Season! Here’s Where to Pick Cherries Nearby

Cherry picking is a fond memory I have of time well spent with my grandparents. Make some memories of your own this summer when you and the whole family go cherry picking near me in the Niagara, Hamilton and Halton regions. We really do grow the best cherries out this way!

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Outdoor Birthday Party Venues

If you are lucky enough to have a summer birthday, take your party outside! The weather is perfect and kids will love the fresh air and sunshine they get to soak up at one of these outdoor birthday party venues. Indoor parties happen 9 months a year, as a result, your party will be memorable and unique when it happens outdoors.

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50+ Things To Do This Summer At Home

This summer doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg just because you have some kids to entertain! To help you make the most of your family time, we’ve got 50+ things to do this summer when you want to have fun without leaving home.

7 Reasons To Visit Cherry Hill Gate This Weekend

This nature reserve beckons outdoor fans, offering a perfect blend of wilderness, charming hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere. Come along with us as we delve into the wonders that await visitors at Cherry Hill Gate.

Hamilton Farm Crawl

What is Farm Crawl Hamilton, you ask? Farm Crawl provides public access to farms across Hamilton to learn about agriculture, see operations and have a “genuine” farm experience. It happens 3 times a year, so get your tickets today!

Outdoor Waterparks

9 Outdoor Waterparks You Must Visit This Summer

Visiting a waterpark in the summer is one of the more exciting things to do with your kids. We’ve rounded up all of the waterparks near Hamilton, Niagara and the GTA to help you plan an awesome summertime day trip with your family.

Maple Park in Burlington is Gated and Has a Skate Park, Too!

Located just south of Mapleview Centre in Burlington’s west end, this park has a ton to offer families and kids of all ages. Maple Park in Burlington’s south-west had a makeover and the upgrades make it ideal for toddlers! But bring your big kids too, because this park has fun for all ages!

Paletta Lakefront Park and Mansion

Nestled behind a stone wall and manicured shrubbery sits Paletta Mansion, at Paletta Lakefront Park in Burlington. The grounds make for a peaceful place to stroll, and the mansion is ideal for the specialist of occasions. Come with us on a mini tour of Paletta Lakefront Park.

Things To Do in Stratford Ontario

Spend the Day in Stratford, Ontario

Have you been to Stratford, Ontario? I hadn’t been in years, so when a friend inspired me to visit again, I did. I took the kids on the road and we spent the day in this adorable small town. Here’s what we did.

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Where To See Trains: 8 Places in Halton, Hamilton & Beyond

Wondering where to see trains nearby? If you’re a train enthusiast or simply love the charm of locomotives, you’re in luck! There are several fantastic places near you where you can witness the beauty of trains up close. Here’s a list of must-visit locations.

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13+ Things to Do At Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville is just one of the 340 Ontario Parks. We visit multiple times a year in every season because there’s always something fantastic to do at Bronte Creek. Here are some highlights of what you can expect when you visit.

Where To Play Footgolf in Hamilton

Hamilton’s Buncrana Golf Course is now home to a footgolf course and it looks like a blast! Buncrana Golf Course is located in Hamilton and is home to a 12-hole

5 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Halton, Niagara & Beyond

Visiting lavender farms like these can be a relaxing and photographic summer outing for your family. Spend some quality time together surrounded by fields of lavender in every shade of purple and violet blue. Go for a walk where the lavender grows, have a picnic, snap some photos, and treat yourself to some honey lavender ice cream.

How To Get Scholarships in Canada

Discover a wealth of educational opportunities in Canada through scholarships. Learn about eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding sources for pursuing your academic future.

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Canada Day Fireworks 2025: Where To See Them

Can you believe that July 1st is around the corner?! We sure can’t! It’s so exciting to see the return of many in-person Canada Day fireworks in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and beyond. In this article, to help you and your family make the most of the Canada Day weekend, you’ll find a list of all the fireworks displays and festivals to mark this special occasion!

Pick Your Own Strawberries Near Burlington, Oakville and Milton

Make the most of the early days of summer by taking the family to pick your own strawberries in Halton! Strawberries are at their peak sweetness in the early days of summer vacation – June and July – and we know where you can find the best farms for strawberry picking near Burlington, Oakville and Milton!

Family Pride Events

Family Pride Month events provide a platform for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, parents, and allies to connect, share stories, and amplify their voices. It is a time to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the challenges faced, and envision a future where every family is valued and respected.

Hidden Valley Park

Hidden Valley Park is a Must-Visit Destination

Have you been to Hidden Valley Park in Burlington? Many parents agree it’s one of Burlington’s best free things to do. And get this, Hidden Valley is home to 2 playgrounds, each completely different and so worth talking about.

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Local Pick-Your-Own Produce Farms

Updated for 2024! There’s nothing better than fresh, local produce, and it doesn’t get any fresher than picking your own right at the farm! Read on for local pick-your-own farms.

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Rotary Park in Milton

A sweet hidden gem in the heart of Milton is Rotary Park. If you’ve never been, this summer is a great time to visit. It has something for everyone, even in the winter! 

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50+ Free Things To Do In The Summer + Printable

Active Parents has your Guide to 50+ things to do in the summer that won’t break the bank. Share this list of cheap and free summer fun with everyone you know and be the SUMMER SUPERSTAR!

Wild Waterworks in Hamilton: A Thrilling Aquatic Adventure

From exhilarating water slides to lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we’ll take you on a detailed journey through the park, highlighting its attractions, amenities, and everything else you need to know for an unforgettable day of fun and adventure.

Watch Free Outdoor Movies This Summer

Enjoy free outdoor movies near you this summer! Nothing tells you it’s summertime like the release of the movies in the park schedule. We’ve got the whole line-up here for you, so start popping that popcorn!

Teacher Gift Ideas

These Are The Gifts Teachers Really Want

There are so many ways to thank your child’s teacher for a great school year, but to make sure we were ranking high on our gift giving, we consulted some of

ice cream shops in Hamilton

Ice Cream and Gelato in Hamilton

Temps are rising and I can’t think of a better way to cool down than with a frosty dessert! Read on for your guide to the best spots for gelato,

Pick-Your-Own Strawberries in Niagara

Our guide to Niagara region pick-your-own strawberry farms provides you with all of the info we could track down online. As farms release more info, we will be back to update our guide – so stay tuned!

strawberry picking hamilton

Strawberry Picking in Hamilton

One of our favourite early summer activities is strawberry picking in Hamilton at a local fruit farm. FInd all of your options, plus pricing and info here.

forster park splash pad in oakville

Splash Pads and Pools in Oakville

Oakville has dozens of wet and wild splash pads and pools to cool down on summer’s hottest days. Whether you prefer a light mist, a big splash, or a sunny poolside to relax on, we’ve got you covered with our full list of the best spots to visit this summer.

ice cream and gelato in oakville

Top 10 Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Oakville

Temps are rising and I can’t think of a better way to cool down than with a frosty dessert! Read on for your guide to the hottest local spots for gelato, frozen yogurt, and ice cream in Oakville!

12 Recommendations for Family Camping in Ontario

Camping in Ontario is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family. With an abundance of provincial parks and campsites, there’s no shortage of places to camp in Ontario with kids.

Adventure Village – High Energy Excitement Awaits

Nestled amidst lush greenery and boasting a myriad of attractions, Adventure Village promises an action-packed day out for parents and kids alike. Read on for details and enjoy our Adventure Village photos, too!

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Visit Lowville Park in Burlington Every Season

The amount of fun, fresh air and family time you can get from a visit to Lowville Park in Burlington is limitless! We try to visit a few times every summer, at least once in the fall and we even come back for tobogganing in the winter!

Green Beans at Farmers Markets in Burlington Hamilton Oakville

Farmers Markets in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton

Visit a Farmer’s Market in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville. It’s a great way to support the hardworking folks who grow and make our food, and to show the kids where their dinner ingredients *really* come from!

Splash Pads, Outdoor Pools and Wading Pools in Burlington

Spend your summer cooling down at a Burlington splash pad (sometimes called splash parks or spray pads). Most of them are free summer activities! If you need a bigger refresh, we love the outdoor pools in Burlington. They offer waterslides, climbing walls, and they feel like local water parks.

Pick Your Own Flower Farms

Pretty colours and sweet scents await you at these Ontario pick-your-own flower farms.  Gather your family together and head out to a local farm this spring.  Take photos of your

Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals

Hellooooo Summer! Victoria Day is the (un)official kickoff to our Canadian summer, and it couldn’t come at a better time! This weekend you can enjoy Victoria Day fireworks, festivals and more fun events happening all weekend.

7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting

These Niagara region summer farmer’s markets are a great opportunity to buy fresh local produce and meet the people who lovingly grow the fruit and vegetables. Treat yourself to some fresh grown faire grown close to home.

The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now

Mini golf is a classic pastime that’s been enjoyed by people of all ages for decades. It’s a fun and easy activity that’s perfect for a family outing or a date night. In this article, you’ll find some of the best local mini-golf courses in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville.

Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

Select bowling alleys across Canada and the US offer free bowling for kids during the summer. Register on the website (linked below) to receive coupons for 2 games of bowling every day, all summer long. Read on for where and how to take advantage of the program in Halton and Hamilton.

Should You Use A Disney Travel Agent When Booking Your Next Vacation?

Raise your hand if you need a vacation. Now raise your hand if the thought of planning a Disney vacation seems overwhelming and full of room for error. We asked a local Disney-Focused Travel Agent, Jessica Malcew of Timeless Tales Travel for her tips and insider suggestions to make your next vacay magical.

50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families

So many of you are moving towards giving gifts that are going to gather dust to end up in the landfill sooner rather than later, so we thought we’d inspire you with a list of some of our favourite Experience Gifts for Kids.

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Splash Pads and Wading Pools in Hamilton

Just in time for the hot temperatures, splash pads and wading pools in Hamilton are opening up again for the season! You’re almost guaranteed to have at least one within

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Disc Golf Courses Near You

Explore diverse settings for disc golf enjoyment! From serene parks and beachfronts to bustling college campuses and sports complexes, this list guides you to unique places to perfect your throws.

Birthday Party Entertainers

Kid’s Birthday Party Entertainers

Are you planning a birthday for your kiddo and need a birthday party entertainer? Hiring someone is such a great way to offload some of the hard work to a

Opening gates at Brantford Zoo

Brantford Twin Valley Zoo – 2025 Update!

Twin Valley Nature Park ranks high on the list of must-visit destinations for so many reasons. Read on for those reasons, plus some helpful hints for your day with the animals.

free things to do this month

Free Things To Do With Kids This Month!

This month brings us a sandbox full of free things to do with kids, too. Whether you’re looking for educational outings or fun adventures, there’s something for every family.

African Lion Safari

African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari Adventure

Great news for fans of African Lion Safari – they are open for the season and have lots of WILD fun in store for you and your family! We have the inside scoop on what you can expect when you visit this summer, updates on the new African Lion Safari ticket prices plus some tips and important info for visitors.

Day Spas in Ontario That Will Leaving You Feeling Like A Whole New Person

Moms provide for their families each and every day of the year.  This Mother’s Day, give your Mom, or a Mom you love, the gift of rest and relaxation – a treatment, a day, or even a night or two at a spa.  This list has outdoor, indoor, day and overnight pampering options to make the Moms in your life feel appreciated and special.

Springridge Farm in Milton, near Oakville and Burlington

Springridge Farm 2025: Top Tips For Visiting From A Local

Springridge Farm is a long-time family favourite place to visit. This is a great place for multi-generations to visit together. The grandparents have as much fun as the kids do! Let us show you why Springridge Farm in Milton is always a great way to spend a day.

Pier 4 Park in Hamilton Has a Tugboat!

Meet me at the pier – Pier 4 that is! This waterfront destination in Hamilton is full of reasons to visit from an amazing nautical-themed playground and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the famous Theodore Tugboat Too!

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LaSalle Park in Burlington – You Gotta Go Here

LaSalle Park in Burlington’s west end is one of our favourite parks to visit. It’s got an upgraded playground that kids love, vast amounts of green space and of course, easy access to the marina and waterfront.

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