our top Resources for Parents

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! 

fun at home

50+ Free and Cheap 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.

Strawberry Picking in Niagara – Your 2026 Guide

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!

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.

Strawberry Picking Near Burlington, Oakville and Milton (2026)

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!

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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!

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!

Family Pride Events in Halton, Hamilton and Niagara

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.

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 our favourite local teachers to get the goods on the gifts they’ve appreciated the most.

Best Mini Golf Courses in Hamilton (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best mini golf in Hamilton? Whether you’re planning a family day trip, summer outing, birthday party, or rainy-day activity, there are plenty of fantastic mini golf courses to explore across Hamilton.

40+ Birthday Freebies – Food, Fashion and Fun! (in Canada!)

Your birthday is a great reason to celebrate, so let’s get you some free birthday stuff, Canada! We know the top 40+ Canadian retailers who offer you free stuff on your birthday! Scroll through and find out who gives you free stuff on your birthday!

Best Mini Golf Courses in Burlington, Oakville & Milton (2026 Guide)

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.

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.

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!

African Lion Safari

African Lion Safari: Complete Family Guide for Visiting With Kids (2026)

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.

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.

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.

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!

Natural Playgrounds Exhibition Park

Natural Playgrounds Near Burlington and Hamilton

There are so many natural playgrounds near Burlington and Hamilton, and visiting one with a picnic in tow makes for an excellent and inexpensive spring or summer day! Read on and find your weekend play destination.

four corners algonquin glamping resort

Glamping in Ontario at Four Corners Algonquin

One of the best summer getaways we’ve had so far is glamping in Algonquin with Four Corners Algonquin. The comfort level and 5-star accommodations made this a vacation to remember. If you’re thinking of glamping in Ontario, you need to check out everything that Four Corners has to offer.

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.

Cherry Picking in Niagara, Hamilton, Halton: Family-Friendly Farms

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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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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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! 

Tulip Farms and Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms

Pick Your Own Tulip and 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

Sensory-friendly events

Sensory-Friendly Events And Special Needs Activities

Welcome to our calendar of local sensory-friendly events, activities, movies and shopping hours. This is a list of sensory-friendly events taking place near Halton, Hamilton, Niagara and the Waterloo Region.

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!

Postridge Park

Postridge Park is Perfect For Pirate Fans

Ahoy from Postridge Park in Oakville! We love this gem of a playground for its pirate theme. The equipment here makes this playground in Oakville suitable for young kiddos to

Colonel William Woods Park in Oakville

What could be better than a treehouse-themed natural playground in the middle of the woods? Nothing! That’s why we know you’ll love Colonel William Woods park.

Lasalle playground burlington merry go round

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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Best Skate Parks in Oakville for Kids & Teens

Oakville is home to five outdoor scooter and skate parks, spread throughout the town. They vary in size and style, but all pack a punch of fun and exercise for kids on wheels. We have details on what each one offers so you can choose the coolest one for your little thrashers.

Brant Hills Park Has A New Splash Pad!

Brant Hills Park in Burlington is a park and playground full of possibilities for kids who love to climb, run, splash and play! And that’s most kids, right? Thanks to

play equipment at Norton Park

Norton Park Burlington

One of Burlington’s largest parks, Norton Park is home to something for everyone, at every age, during every season. You’re going to love playing here at this park & playground.

skateboarding and scootering in Burlington

Best Skateboard & Scooter Parks in Burlington

Looking for the best skate parks in Burlington, Ontario? Burlington is home to 10 skateboard and scooter parks, each offering something a little different—from beginner-friendly ramps to larger parks with

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Heritage Green Sports Park and Playground

This Stoney Creek park is packed with adventurous play features you don’t see every day – think double ziplines, tall rope climbers, and a full splash pad, which makes it a top pick for families with active kids.

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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!

Springridge Farm in Milton, near Oakville and Burlington

Springridge Farm 2026: 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.

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.

Andrews Scenic Acres Farm Market

From spring through autumn, Andrews Farm Market – also known as Andrews Scenic Acres – is an ideal outdoor place to go with kids. This Milton farm offers a variety of activities and seasonal events that families will love. Read on for what to expect when you visit.

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Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park – Visit Today

This beautiful park has something for everyone, no matter their age or interest. Dog parents love strolling through the grassy waterfront with their pooches. Coffee talkers utilize the paved paths and beautiful scenery, including a marina and more sailboats than you can shake a stick at.

Playcious Oakville – Indoor Play Place

Discovered another excellent indoor play centre in Oakville! Your kids will like it here. Playcious Oakville is a large and vibrant indoor play space with tons of activities for toddlers to tweens.

The Coolest Places For Your Teen’s Birthday Party

Are you ready to throw the ultimate teenage birthday bash? Look no further! In this curated list, we’ve handpicked the coolest birthday party ideas for teens. From adrenaline-pumping adventure parks to trendy urban hangouts, we’ve got you covered.

House and Home Services Directory

Are you looking for trusted home services in Halton, Hamilton and Niagara? Whether you’re planning a renovation, searching for an expert home designer, or need a reliable realtor, our directory

Mind-Body Wellness Guide: Halton, Hamilton and Niagara

Welcome to the Mind-Body Wellness Guide, your go-to directory for discovering holistic health practitioners in Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara. Whether you’re looking for natural health solutions, integrative wellness experts, or mind-body healing, our guide connects you with trusted professionals.

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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.

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.

Outdoor scavenger hunt for kids

Outdoor Scavenger Hunts for Kids

You’re going to love these outdoor scavenger hunts to add a mission and destination to your next family walk. Grab the kids and maybe a pair of binoculars and enjoy these nature scavenger hunts.

14 Easy Easter Activities Anyone Can Master

I love any holiday that involves crafts and baking, and Easter is no exception. But I always have bigger dreams than I can execute. I envision myself a mini-Martha Stewart, and I’m more of a from-the-box-with-jelly-beans-on-top kinda cook. So, if you’re in the same category, read on. I’ve gathered up some festive and easy-to-execute Easter activities to make Easter memories with your family.

Girls shopping at the Aberfoyle Antique Market in Guelph

10 Things To Do With Kids in Guelph

Guelph, Ontario is just a short drive from the Burlington Hamilton area and makes for an ideal day trip, no matter what season. It’s a favourite of ours, so we put together some of the top Things To Do With Kids in Guelph.

Parent Support Groups and Social Programs

Parent support groups and social programs for new parents are a great way to connect with parents in the same stage of parenthood as you are. New parents, experienced parents,

Canadian Warplane Museum

5 Must-Dos For Visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the museum is home to a vast collection of aircraft and artifacts that showcase Canada’s rich aviation history.

Easter Egg Hunts and Events

Easter Egg Hunts And Easter Events Near You (Updated for 2026)

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about fun activities to do with your family and friends. One of the most exciting events of the season is the Easter egg hunt. And lucky for you, there are plenty of options right in your local area.

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