The post Ride the Antique Carousel at Lakeside Park appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>About The Lakeside Park Carousel
It really is a thing of beauty! This carousel was hand-carved between 1898 and 1905 and is the design masterpiece of a man named Charles I.D. Looff. Looff was a master carver who came to America from Germany in 1870. Charles Looff designed and built dozens of carousels and amusement parks in his time, including the famous Santa Monica Pier! The carousel was designed and crafted in Brooklyn, New York then made its way to Scarborough, Ontario before finally setting down permanent roots in St. Catharines in 1921.
Read More: Find more great fun in the Niagara Region right here.
Handcrafted Beauty and a Real Bargain
The Lakeside Park Carousel has 68 hand-carved wooden animals, including horses, lions, camels, goats and giraffes. The carousel also has four chariots. The animals on the carousel still have real horsehair tails. Like the day the carousel first opened, rides are still only 5 cents each. All fees are used to keep the carousel in pristine condition.
Hours, Pricing and More Info
You can visit the Lakeside Park Carousel from spring to fall.
- Weekends and holidays, May 18 to July 1: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Daily, July 1 to Sept. 2: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Weekends, Sept. 7 until Oct. 14: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Carousel is still 5 cents a ride or admission by donation. You can also purchase a Season Pass for $22.10 including HST. You can purchase the Season Pass from the gift shop during your next visit. It’s also available for photography rentals and sponsorship.
More To Do Near The Lakeside Park Carousel in St. Catharines
There are lots of things to do with kids in St. Catharines in addition to the Lakeside Park Carousel, so plan to spend the day – or more – here. Your little kids will love seeing the sweet animals and birds at Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm. It’s free to visit, and all donations made go to supporting the health and care of the animals you’ll meet. Watch the massive ships go in and out of the Canal from the Lock 3 Viewing Platform. Enjoy a family-friendly and accessible hike at the Glenridge Quarry and you’ll see children’s science and nature area, a pond boardwalk with a viewing area and the wildflower meadow.
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
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]]>The post Parent Support Groups and Social Programs appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>>>
>> More great things to do with your babies and toddlers
Parent Support Groups in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville
The Common Moms
Classes & Drop in Program Costs Vary
The Common Moms was built with the hopes of helping moms to get social, have fun, and find support from their peers. They provide activities, programs and resources at both their Flagship ‘Family Room’ and at drop in locations throughout Halton & Hamilton. Common Moms programs and classes encourage and enhance psychological and social development for babies and toddlers while foster friendships for parents.
Empowered Mothers Group Program
$150 investment
This is a 6 week program based in Mississauga that offers connections with like-minded women and assists in navigating the challenges of motherhood.
https://www.monicabhardwaj.com/empowering-mothers-group
Mommy Connections Burlington & Oakville
Classes & Group Event Costs Vary
Mommy Connections is a local organization that offers unique programs from pregnancy, birth and up to age 4! They include things like CPR classes, special events, and weekly meet-ups to local moms looking to discover new things and make new friends.
Read More: Find toddler-approved indoor play centres here
The WOMB Burlington & Milton
Classes & Workshop Costs Vary
The WOMB fosters an environment for support and education from fertility to early parenthood through a collaborative whole-health team. They offer everything from fitness & yoga classes to parent & tot groups, as well as free workshops and drop in programs. They also offer health services like acupuncture, breastfeeding support, counselling, chiropractic care and more.
https://www.thewomb.ca/who-we-are/
Oakville Parent & Child Centre (OPCC)
Classes & Drop in Program Costs Vary
For over 40 years, the OPCC has been offering quality activities and programs for parents to gather, grow and learn. They focus on empowering children and their families as they interact and develop. They offer both free and paid programming. Choose from drop in play time to stroller walks, and music and art classes, OPCC offers anything you can think of to support parents and their children up to age 6!
Growing Together Therapy
Class Costs Vary
Growing Together Therapy was created by a licensed Social Worker with the goal of providing support & encouragement through play based interventions. Play reduces stress, increases positive behaviours, and majorly impacts parent child relationships. Connect With Play offers group classes & programs to teach, connect and encourage more play and positivity!
https://www.growingtogethertherapy.ca/
Halton Region Parenting Supports
Free!
Did you know that the Halton Region offers 14 different parent support programs? From Prenatal Classes to Parenting with Love Programs, they strive to offer a variety of classes to support healthy growth and development in children and encourage confidence and positivity in parenthood.
Read More: Find toddler-approved indoor play centres here
EarlyON Centres
Offer Free & Paid Programs
EarlyON Child & Family Centres provide opportunities for children from birth to six and their caregivers to participate in playful, positive, inquiry-based programming and support. Their parent support groups range from drop in playtimes to professionally guided classes on things like child development, parenting and more. There are programs offered throughout the Halton region, many of which are free and do not require registration.
https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Children-and-Parenting/EarlyON-Child-and-Family-Centres
Read More: Drop into The Family Room and experience their play space that caters to new parents and their kids.
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
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]]>Hosting a Parent and Tot program in Hamilton, Burlington or Oakville? Click here to add it to this guide.
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
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]]>The post Natures Superheroes: Brand New Winter Exhibit at RBG appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Royal Botanical Gardens is back with another amazing, interactive exhibit for the winter and spring. If you have school age kids or lifelong learners, this is a great way to spend a few hours together.
Meet Nature’s Superheroes
Life is full of surprising wonders. Over billions of years, living things have evolved from simple cells into a stunning variety of life forms—full of different colours, textures, behaviours, special parts, and cool skills. Some animals and plants are familiar, but others are so amazing that they make us think in new ways!
Even though some plants and animals might seem really special, their unique features often help them with basic things like reproduction, breathing, and basic movements. They also find smart ways to sense the world, eat, and stay safe. The living things you’ll learn about at this exhibit have creative solutions to these simple, everyday challenges.
You’ll learn about popular animals like penguins and porcupines, and you can see cool characters like the axolotl and turtles.
Special Features
In additional to this extraordinary and immersive display, your tickets also include shows and animal encounters!
Weekday Schedule:
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discovery Station
- 10:30 a.m. Turtle Talk
- 2:00 p.m. Animal Encounters
Weekend* Schedule
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discovery Station
- 10:30 a.m. Puppet Show
- 11:30 a.m. Animal Encounters
- 12:30 p.m. Discovery Show
- 1:30 p.m. Animal Encounters
- 2:30 p.m. Discovery Show
- 3:30 p.m. Animal Encounters
- 4:30 p.m. Storytime
*Also runs holidays and March Break. An additional Animal Encounter show runs at 9:30 a.m. on dates the exhibit opens at 9 a.m.
Your Questions Answered!
What ages will enjoy this show?
The RBG says elementary school-age kids are who this exhibit is geared towards. I saw kids as young as 3 having a great time, and I as an adult loved it on my own. Lots of grandparents were there with their grandkids, too. If you like animals and nature, this is a great exhibit to check out.
What “live” animals will we see?
There are a variety of aquariums with live sea creatures in them. At the shows, listed above, you can see a few more animals up close.
2023 Royal Botanical Gardens Tickets
This is a time-ticketed exhibition and pre-registration is required. Tickets will only be available at the door when capacity allows. The winter exhibit is included in your RBG Membership, but registration still required.
| Admission Type | Ticket Price |
| Adult | $19.50 |
| Senior 65+ years of age | $16.50 |
| Student (valid student card from a post-secondary institution is required) | $16.50 |
| Child ages 3-12 | $11.50 |
| Child 0-2 | Free |
| RBG Members | Free |
While You’re At The Royal Botanical Gardens
A Must See In Any Weather – the Natural Playground
One of the top reasons families love going to the Royal Botanical Gardens in the nice weather is their great natural playground. Access is included in your admission and kids will love channelling the Swiss Family Robinson as they explore.
Visit The Indoor Gardens
While you’re at Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, you can also go and check out the Mediterranean Garden and the Cactus Garden. Two beautiful spots filled with various domestic and exotic plants, cactuses, succulents, and fruit trees. My favourite or the lemon trees! Also, check out the water features and the fish pond. So tranquil! Royal Botanical Gardens is a perfect mini escape from the winter cold.
Upcoming Events at Royal Botanical Gardens
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
The post Natures Superheroes: Brand New Winter Exhibit at RBG appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 50+ Things To Do This Winter appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Let’s banish those winter blues! Here are more than 50 things to do in winter in Hamilton and Halton area, including Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Waterdown, Hamilton, Stoney Creek and beyond. We love keeping this list on hand for those days when you need a little extra motivation to head out into the coldworld. This list of winter thing to do should inspire you to revisit a family favourite winter adventure, try something new and have fun!
Explore Nature
- Hike at one of our favourite kid-approved hiking spots. We’ve got stroller-friendly hikes here, so bring the littlest explorers with you.
- Wander near the water. Lake Ontario’s waterfront is easily accessible, smooth-paved in most areas, and always free to explore.
- Keep an eye on the wildlife all winter in Burlington’s Cherry Hill Gate. Bring your binoculars and observe the birds, squirrels and other animals in the waterways.
- Visit Bronte Creek Provincial park and explore the working Victorian-era farmhouse and see some of their farm animals. If the temperatures are mild, they may be out in their pens!
- Take a trip to the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. It’s a tropical oasis that kids will love.
- Triple C Farm is one of our favourite places to visit. Their farm takes in animals in need and is home to goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, pigs and more!
- It’s always a warm, spring day at the Gage Park Greenhouse. Bonus – it’s free to visit all year long!
Soak Up The Christmas Spirit
- Use our Google Map to find streets and neighbourhoods decked out in their Christmas lights and displays.
- Wander through Downtown Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park and see the annual Lakeside Festival of Lights. No cost, and strategically located near some great hot chocolate shops!
- Top Pick: check out our Map of Christmas lights – it includes photos, address, and driving routes.
Add a Memorable Family Experience To Your Calendar
- Hop aboard one of these epic train rides and enjoy the ride, the sights and the experience.
- Save your pennies and skip the major leagues! We absolutely love OHL hockey games. They’re family-friendly and full of action for a fraction of the price of a Leafs game. Check out the home games for the Hamilton Bull Dogs (who have temporarily moved to this arena in Brantford) and the Niagara Ice Dogs here.
- TreeTop Trekking in Hamilton has their Tree Walk Village open over the winter break.
- Families who love a challenge will love the skills needed to beat an Escape Room. We have a ton of them to choose from, and each location has different themes, rooms and skill levels required.
Run, Jump, Climb and Play!
- Play Indoors no matter the weather. Here’s our massive list of indoor things to do nearby.
- You can read our coverage of local play centres here and see which ones are going to be added to your “must-visit list”.
- Tweens and Teens will love climbing at The Hub Climbing in Mississauga.
- Indoor play centres are always an option to escape the winter temperatures while also keeping the kids active and moving. Here are the lists of indoor play centres in Halton and this list is for Hamilton and Niagara.
- My teens love an afternoon at the arcade. And I love when I can beat them at retro video games and air hockey!
- Bowling is one of our favourite things to do with the kids because we never know who will score the lowest haha! But the best part is that you don’t need to win to have a great time.
Easy Outdoor Activities For Winter Fun
- Toboggan the hills, there are 10 city-approved sledding hills in Hamilton and Burlington for you to try.
- Skate at an outdoor skating rink. We know where the best ones are!
- Glide around these cross-country skiing trails in and around Halton and Hamilton.
- One of the most popular outdoor winter activities for families is snow tubing. There are more local tubing hills that you would imagine!
Take a Road Trip or a Day Trip
- Stratford, Ontario looks like a Hallmark movie set in the winter, and their downtown shopping is quaint. Don’t miss out on their widely-known chocolate shops while you’re there.
- Spend the day or weekend in Guelph because there is so much to do! Here are 10+ things to do in Guelph to get you started.
- Have you read our recap of our trip to London, Ontario? You need to add a visit to your winter season itinerary!
- Staycation-ing is my jam, and we loved our local stay trip in Burlington.
- Have you heard of Leamington? It’s a cute little town that is home to an excellent hotel that is so much fun you won’t need to leave it!
Eat Great Food
- It wouldn’t be winter in Canada without a visit to the maple syrup farms and festivals.
- Our readers told us the very best donuts in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville – go get one today!
- The best french fry joints are open all year long. You told us these were the best spots for fries in town.
- It’s never not a great time for ice cream! And lots of these ice cream shops are open all year.
Free and Cheap Ideas
- Look into Postcrossing. We’ve been talking about it non-stop since we discovered it. You get an address for someone who would love to receive a postcard and send them one. You, in turn, get one sent to you. We’ve sent and received cards from Japan, England, Lithuania and Africa!
- The same goes with Letters From Afar. Kids will love following Isabelle on her world adventures through beautiful letters, maps and stamps. We’ve been subscribers for years and these letters are truly something you can save and read with your grandkids!
- Get science-y with these easy and quick at-home experiments you can do with simple items from your cupboards. Kids will love it and they’ll leave a little something, too!
- Check out the Library. They’ve got books, movies, games, learning kits, audiobooks and even family passes to art galleries, conservation areas and museums!
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
The post 50+ Things To Do This Winter appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Enjoy Christmas town, Winterlit and Winter Fun at Mountsberg Conservation Area appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Mountsberg Conservation Area is one of eight Conservation Halton parks. It’s located in Campbellville, just north of Burlington, and features outdoor activities and attractions suitable for everyone from littles to seniors. A pay-one-price lets you enjoy a full day of fresh air, animals and best that nature has to offer.
Article Contents
How Much Is Admission To Mountsberg Conservation Area?
Reservations are not required, but you can book your visit online and save on gate fees. If you are not particulr on when you visit, why not check out a FREE Conservation Halton Family Pass from your local library.
| Age Group | Online Price | At The Gate Price |
| Adult (15-64) | $10.50+hst | $12+hst |
| Senior (65 and over) | $8.25+hst | $9.75+hst |
| Child (5-14) | $7.25+hst | $8.75+hst |
| Child Under 5 | Free | Free |
Mountsberg Attractions and Activities
No matter your age – stroller to seniors, everyone loves Mountsberg. The grounds are beautifully maintained and offer a variety of things to do. You can spend 3+ hours here, so pack a picnic and snacks.
Explore the Discovery Centre and learn about native animals and trees and how they coexist.
Wander the trails throughout the area and keep your eyes peeled for rabbits, horses, so many birds and reptiles.
Make time – lots of time – for the Mountsberg Raptor Centre because this is my favourite part. Beautiful birds of prey like the Barn Owl, hawks and a bald eagle are all waiting to meet you. Stay for a presentation or book a tour. Both are well worth it.
Grab your fishing pole and head to the Mountsberg reservoir. You may also see some frogs, ducks and turtles. They’re allowed to swim, but no swimming for the humans, please!
Visit the animals at the Barn. You may see sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens. During the warm months, you’ll see some gorgeous horses in their yard. They’re big beauties!
Special Events at Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg Spooktacular
In October, everyone is invited to Mountsberg Spooktacular, a family-friendly Halloween event. Spooktacular includes a spooky walk, scavenger hunt, a haunted barn and more. But don’t worry, nothing too scary, so kids of all ages will love it. Click here to read all about Mountsberg Spooktacular.
Christmas Town at Mountsberg
Each year, Mountsberg Christmas town draws families from all throughout the region. Everyone loves this event because it is an enchanting encounter with Santa in his woodland retreat. Ticket are sold for this event and they sell hour fast – within hours! This year, Christmas Town runs from November 16 to December 23, available Tuesday through Sunday (excluding November 25/26).
The Christmas Town experience:
- A guided excursion via woodland wagon ride to Christmas Town (please note: a tractor may be utilized in certain cases due to weather conditions or the well-being of the horses)
- Exclusive family meeting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Tour Mrs. Claus’ kitchen where treats are baked
- Scavenger hunt, crafts and keepsake ornament making
- Decorating cookies and savoring hot chocolate
- Explore Elf Academy, Toy Central and the Flight Academy
- Additionally, guests can visit the Raptors (during daytime) and farm animals or play at the natural playground
Winterlit
The trails at Mountsberg are always beautiful in winter, but now they’re even more special! Winterlit offers a unique outdoor experience with holiday lights and illuminated art installations along the way. The Illuminated Sugarbush Trail is about 1 km long has soft overhead lighting for a lovely evening stroll. The WInterlit Trail is also 1 km, so you can easily do both in your single visit. Enjoy local musicians’ music as you explore Mountsberg in winter on Thursday to Sunday evenings.
On specific nights, join the winter wildlife excursion, Owl Prowl, Mountsberg’s Raptor Centre staff host guided Owl Prowls on select 2024 dates – January 6, 7, 13, 14, and February 3 and 4. These mysterious creatures are active this time of year. The program takes guests into the woods to listen for wild owls after meeting one of the resident Mountsberg owls up close. Passes for these walks are limited and can be added to your Winterlit ticket.
Winterlit runs evenings between December 29, 2023 and January 7, 2024 (January 2, 2024 excepted) and Friday through Sunday January 12 to February 19, 2024.
Winterlit Pricing:
Non-Members – $22/adult, $19/child or senior, child 4 and under free
Members – $16.00/adult, $14/child or senior, child 4 and under free
Add Ons: Paint a Heart: $5 and/or Owl Prowl: $10
Enchanted Evenings are December 31st (New Years Eve) and Saturday, February 10 (right before Valentines Day) and these nights have added magic to make your visit extra special. Visitors will enjoy bonus entertainment, like a magician and fire performers and can take part in candle making. Listen to live music and treat yourself to some delicious food.
Winterlit Enchanted Evenings Price:
Non-Members – $30/adult, $25/child or senior, child 4 and under free
Members – $23/adult, $18/child or senior, child 4 and under free
Add Ons: Paint a Heart: $5, Candle Making: $8, Owl Prowl: $10
Maple Town at Mountsberg
Late winter is a “sweet” time of year when you visit Mountsberg Maple Town. Learn how maple syrup is made now, and how it was made long ago. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the Mountsberg sugar bush and sample some hot syrup poured over fresh, clean snow. Mountsberg Maple Town is a special event and may require addition payment and booking in advance.
Related: Read about local Maple Syrup Festivals here
Things to know before you go To Mountsberg Conservation Area
- Wheelchair accessible with an elevator in the discovery centre
- Stroller friendly with packed gravel trails
- Gift shop on the main floor of the discovery centre with light snacks and souvenirs available for purchase
- Washroom available with changing stations (outhouses available too)
- Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park if you’d like to bring your own food
- Reservations are recommended but not required. Pre-book your reservation online ahead of time to save on gate fees.
- Mountsberg Conservation Area has an automated gate that will let you right in (no waiting)
- Tons of parking (one vehicle permitted per reservation)
- Dogs are permitted, however, they must be on a leash and are to be kept away from farm animal areas
- Check the Conservation Halton website before you go to see which attractions are open
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
The post Enjoy Christmas town, Winterlit and Winter Fun at Mountsberg Conservation Area appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 20 Things To Do With Toddlers At Home appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>We asked our toddler experts – parents! – how to keep a toddler entertained at home during the inclement weather. Here’s what they said.
Toddlers are funny little humans who wake up raring to go! Parents know if you don’t find a way to spend that energy it can mean tantrums, sleepless nights and an all-around difficult day for everyone. So we asked our favourite toddler parents – YOU! – what they’re doing at home with their little ones to keep everyone busy and sane. Try one today – or try them all!
Related: Try these easy crafts and at-home science experiments you can do with items in your cupboard.
Break Up Your Day Into Chunks
I had a kiddo who was a little ball of energy and one thing I tried to do when possible was to think of our days in time blocks. I tried to not walk into the living room in the morning with every toy, book and craft out ready to be played with. The over-stimulation was a big problem for her, and it made all toys boring after an hour or two. If you can (when you can) have toys away and bring them out to have some intentional time playing with them. Saying things like “Let’s build a big city with the blocks” or “Should we have painting time now?” can really help little ones focus on one activity at a time. Here are a few ideas for indoor activities for toddlers from real parents like you!
Borrow Some Fun from the Library
Local libraries are my top recommendation for every age – not just toddlers! If you’re short on time, or see something you love in the library catalogue online, you can place “holds” on the items you want. Once they’re available, the library gathers them up and notifies you that you can come and get them. It’s super easy. We’ve been doing this a lot over the past year and it’s been so great. You can do this with technology, free family passes, activity kits and more! Libraries have also removed late fines/fees to help encourage more people to borrow without the worry of a financial charge should they be late. Thanks, Libraries! Click your city to learn more about borrowing books and more from your local library: Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville.
Read Listen to Books!
Listening to a story is a great way to start a day or unwind after some serious action. You can re-read some of their faves or pull out a new book that is seasonally timed. I love the library for free books (and more!) but I also love little free libraries, Free-To-A-Good-Home-style groups on Facebook and thrift shops. If you’ve got a Spotify account, you can listen to stories read aloud through your app. Great stories and classics
Bathtubs For The Win!
Bathtubs are such an under-appreciated tool when it comes to toddler fun. If you at all concerned about the mess, move the play to the tub! It washes up easily and your kids will love it! Bust out the bathtub crayons, finger paint with shaving cream, glow sticks and bubbles! Anything goes in the bathtub when you are entertaining toddlers and preschoolers.
Bring The Outdoors In
When it snows and you just don’t feel like putting on all that gear, scoop some snow into a big bin and let the kiddos explore it! How can they melt it? Squeezing it, dropping water on it, breathing hot air on it? Give them some cool scoopers, measuring cups and an eye dropper with some coloured water and watch your Antarctic scientist conduct experiments until the snow melts. Bonus! Then you turn it into a water play bin. toss in some small toys, too. Another easy and free way to keep your toddler entertained at home.
We Love Sensory Bins
…And kids do too! I love that they’re relatively inexpensive to put together, and you can keep reusing the pieces over and over again (unless you use snow, that’s got a limited lifespan!). Get yourself a container with a lid. I liked the wide, shallow ones that slide under beds because it tucked under our cabinet perfectly. The lid is so great to have for an easy tidy up. Here are some themed sensory activities for toddlers to get you started.
- Dinosaur Hunters – kinetic sand, plastic dino toys, excavation tools from your kitchen drawers.
- Indoor Gardener – keep it tidy and use dry black beans as soil, pipe cleaners, faux flowers, trowel, garden gloves, and pretty pots.
- Super Chef – dried pasta, large kitchen utensils, a chef’s hat, and unbreakable serving plates.
- Under The Sea – water beads, sea creatures and seashells you gather from the beach (or dollar store!)
- You can mix them up for season and holidays with plastic easter eggs, leaves and things, feathers, rice, shaving cream and more!
Get Moving
Kids love a good action song and all that crazy movement is an excellent way to burn off some energy. Janelle is sharing her favourite Action Songs Spotify playlist. Over 40 minutes of free dance party tunes to groove to. Thanks, Janelle!
Bigger Is Better
A loooooong roll of paper like this one is worth its weight in gold! Kids love things that are oversized, and having a large piece of paper makes colouring and painting easier when the art surface is larger. Use it for drawing mazes, streets and roadways, tracing yourselves, and just about anything you can think of. Older kids will love it too.
Relocate To Make The Ordinary Extraordinary
Believe me when I say I understand how tedious the days can be with a little, and even more so now with very few places you can go. I feel for you! One more tip I had was to move around your living space. When you are going to read a book together, ask your toddler where they want to read the book. In the yard, on the porch, on the stairs, in bed? One mom friend moved lunchtime to the car just to change up the scenery! It’s a small tweak but it will seem like so much more to your little one. Who wouldn’t love to read a story in the bathtub.
Keep It Simple
New toys, books and electronics always get the attention – but for how long do they really keep your toddler entertained at home and at what expense? It’s such a cliché, but kids really would prefer the cardboard box to play with! Keep those delivery boxes, paper towels and TP tubes, egg cartons, bubble wrap and more! They’ll become essential tools for simple activities. Your toddler will love building with them, decorating them with crayons and stickers, and transforming them into everything from a racecar to a rocketship.
Tried, Tested and True Way to Keep a Toddler Entertained at Home
There are some activity ideas for toddlers that never fail to break up the day and keep your toddler entertained at home. They’ve been around for years and most of them from when we were kids! They’re great investments and can be used over and over again. Plus, they offer lots of hand eye coordination practice. Here are the staples to keep in your home:
- Blocks – either wooden or plastic
- Drawing supplies – crayons and chalk are easily removed
- Craft supplies – water paints, cotton balls, paint brushes, stickers
- Small balls – soft ones mean less breakage and less tears
- Play doh, kinetic sand, slime and ooblek
- Pillows – for playing the floor is lava, a cozy reading space, and more
- Wheeled toys – cars, trucks, anything with wheels
- Books – always books!
- Animal toys – for role playing, learning names/colours sounds
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
The post 20 Things To Do With Toddlers At Home appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post We Rock The Spectrum Indoor Playcentre Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>We Rock The Spectrum in Oakville is a kids gym where everyone is welcome, regardless of their abilities and needs. From toddlers thru teen years, everyone loves playing at this unique kid’s gym.
WRTS in Oakville is one of our favourite indoor places to play. This indoor gym has a variety of ways to play with its unique design. The equipment at this play centre can be changed around in just minutes. It’s never the same twice! My daughter loved this rainbow saucer-type swing so much we got one of the backyard. Family fun at its finest!
play equipment you won’t find at any other Indoor play centre
I think the best part of visiting is seeing the unique ways they play with the equipment. The yoga balls, the zip line and crash pad, and the one-of-a-kind swings, all lead kids of all ages into playing in new ways. Everything at this indoor play centre in oakville is open-ended and can be used in various ways. Imaginations are used like never before!
From The Owner
From, the owner: “After discovering We Rock the Spectrum in America, we knew how much our community needed it, and that we just had to bring this amazing gym to Canada. We Rock the Spectrum is more than just a gym – it’s a safe space for kids of ALL abilities to play and grow, where they can be themselves, feel embraced, understood, and feel that they belong! WRTS is a place where families will create memories that will last a lifetime! We are the place where you never have to say “I’m sorry”!”
In addition to active play options, WRTS Oakville also has a calming room. With its dim lighting, calming music and an under-the-sea feel, this is the perfect escape when you need some quiet time away from the play area or are feeling overstimulated. Read a book in one of the cozy corners or watch the gentle flow of the lava lamp-type decor. Get creative at the blackboard by drawing a masterpiece or playing one of the many board games or puzzles at the table. There are many unique ways to play at this indoor playground in Oakville.
birthday parties, open play and toddler programs
They are the home of amazing private birthday parties in their party room, hosts Toddler Time for kids under 3, and the gym offers open play times for everyone in the community. They offer programs that help kids on the spectrum connect with their peers, learn social-emotional skills, and explore music. Acting as a respite care service, parents with kids on the spectrum and with diverse needs can drop their kids off for supervised programs.
Address: We Rock The Spectrum is located at 245 Weycroft Road, Unit #3 in Oakville. You can visit their website here.
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
The post We Rock The Spectrum Indoor Playcentre Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Easy Crafts and Experiments For Kids appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>PA Day, weekend or a rainy day – no matter the reason, we have 5 easy experiments and messy crafts you can do with your kids! These simple activities can be done with things you (probably) already have around the house. The hands-on fun double as educational, but don’t tell the kids! Let’s go!
Slime Volcano
This is such a great experiment because it combines two of my favourite experiments, slime and volcanos, into one awesome one.
Ingredients
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Water
- Glue
- Food Color
- Contact Solution (re-nu brand works best)
- 2 containers for the mixtures and 1 large container to hold the eruption.
How to do it!
- Make the slime base by combing ¼ cup white glue, 2 tbs baking soda, food color and 2 tbs water. Mix together
- In another container make the activator using ½ cup vinegar, 2 tbs contact solution and food color.
- Put the base mixture (in its container) inside the large container.
- Slowly add the activator and stir to start the eruption.
- Once the eruption is done stir the mixture for a minute to make sure it is fully combined
- Remove your slime and enjoy!
Check out the video to see the Slime Volcano come to life!
Candy Rainbow
This experiment is so easy and fun and there are so many different ways to do it! It’s also a great way to use some candy you’ve had around the house for a while!
Ingredients
- Candy with a colorful shell (Skittles or M&Ms work best)
- Warm Water
- A small plate with a bit of a rim
How to do it!
- Make a circle around the edge of your plate using your candy. You can do the colors in whatever order you like but the more variety the better the looks.
- Pour the warm water over the candy and wait for a moment.
- Watch your rainbow appear!
Check out the video to see the rainbow in action!
Shaving Cream Art
This is a great activity that will give your child some really cool art and a fun sensory experience! There is no wrong way to make shaving cream art which is what makes it so great.
Materials
- Shaving Cream
- Paint
- Finger painting Paper
- A deep rectangular container
- A stick/chopstick/knife/closed marker, something to make your pattern
How to do it!
- Start by filling your container with shaving cream
- Add blobs of paint around the shaving cream
- Use your stick to create a design
- Place your finger painting paper on top and press
- Remove it and either scrape of the shaving cream or let it dry with the shaving cream still on
- Keep repeating until you aren’t getting a great design anymore
- Play with the shaving cream!
Check out the video for all the instructions!
Dry Erase Race
This is such a fun game that you can play again and again, you can even get creative with what you are racing!
Materials
- A deep glass container (like a baking dish)
- At least 2 DRY ERASE markers of different colors
- A piece of white paper or paper towel
- Something to use as a finish line.
- A container with water.
- Straws
Instructions
- Put your glass container on top of the paper towel and finish line.
- Draw a different colored circle for everyone racer using the dry erase markers.
- Slowly add enough water to loosen the dots so they are free floating and there is a small amount of water in the container
- Use the straws to blow your dots towards the finish line, first to the end wins!
- Empty the water, dry out the container and start again!
Super Simple Paint Rainbow
If you have paint and a large piece of paper give this simple rainbow trick a try!
Materials
- A large piece of paper (finger painting paper works create)
- Four + colors of paint
- A used paper towel roll
How to do it!
- Put 4 blobs of paint in a row on the left side of the paper.
- Place the paper towel roll in the middle of the paper with one side sitting in the paint
- Press firmly into the paint to make sure you get it on the roll.
- Hold the paper towel roll by the end that is in the centre of the paper
- Use your other hand to slowly spin the paper towel roll creating a rainbow.
- Have fun painting and decorating around your rainbow!
Check out the video to see how it works!
I hope you have a great March Break and enjoy some of these easy and fun activities with your kids!
You can find Sara sharing more easy crafts and activities on Instagram.
More Fun For Your Family
Looking for more ways to have a great day at home? Click here for our ideas!
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
- Dive Into These 5 Indoor Water parks in Ontario
- Chess Clubs For Kids: Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton
- Dance, Gymnastics and Cheer Programs in Hamilton
- Our 10 Favourite Things to Do with Kids in Niagara Falls, Ontario
The post Easy Crafts and Experiments For Kids appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Stroller-Friendly Trails Near Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Here are some of the best-loved and most recommended stroller-friendly hikes near me in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton. We asked our followers with wee ones where they love to walk with their wagons and wheels.
Stroller-Friendly Trails in Burlington
Burlington Beachway Park
Spencer Smith Park, Burlington
Home to 2 km of paved trails in the downtown Burlington area. One of the more popular stroller-friendly trails in Burlington. Park is free to access, and Some days/times offer free parking nearby. There are several paid parking lots close to the park: Spencer Smith Park West Parking lot and Waterfront Park West Lot both on Lakeshore Road, Waterfront Parking Garage on Locust Street, and several other municipal paid lots in the surrounding area. Washrooms are available at Discovery Landing at the west end of the park, near the splash pad.
Cityview Park
1500 Kerns Road, Burlington
1.7 km of gravel trails surround the playground, sports fields and wooded area. Free access and free parking.
Burloak Waterfront Park
5420 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington
Another favourite Burlington waterfront trail is located lakeside and beside a park. It includes several kilometres long in each direction as the trail is part of the Waterfront Trail. Free access to the trail with free parking. See our in-depth article on Burloak Waterfront Park here.
Cherry Hill Gate
680 Plains Road West, Burlington
This 2 km trail consists of packed gravel and a boardwalk and is one of the most-loved stroller-friendly trails in Burlington. Full of wildlife encounters and natural beauty. Free to access, paid parking at the trailhead. No washrooms on the trail, but there are washrooms at the main RBG Centre across the road. Also featured in our article Free and Cheap Things To Do in Burlington.
Lowville park
6207 Lowville Park Rd, Burlington
1.8 km trail through the playground and the wooded area provides you with packed gravel and mulch trails through a wooded area and alongside Bronte Creek. Access is free, but reservations are required until October 9, 2023. Free parking and washrooms available.
Read more: These playgrounds are a fabulous and free way to spend a day with your little one.
Hidden Valley Park
1137 Hidden Valley Rd, Burlington
5.5 km of packed gravel trails through woods and beside the creek. Free parking, free to access and washrooms available. See our in-depth article on Hidden Valley Park here.
Wagon and Stroller-Friendly Trails in Oakville
Crosstown Pipeline Trail
At Mowat Avenue and River Oaks Blvd W, Oakville, or access from Neyagawa Blvd near the baseball diamond at Neyagawa Park.
2 km of paved trails are perfect for a wagon or stroller walk. Free access to the trails, with paid street parking or at Neyagawa Park parking lot. No washrooms.
West Oaks Trail Community park
2860 Westoak Trails Blvd, Oakville
2 km of trails consisting of paved and packed gravel. Free to access, with free parking. Washroom facilities are open May to October.
Lions Valley Park
2417 Fourth Line, Oakville
10 km of stroller-friendly valley trails in Oakville wind throughout this large park. Made with packed gravel, and consisting of a few steep hills. Free parking, a playground, creek access and free to access. No washrooms.
Bronte Creek Provincial park
1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
Bronte Creek is home to 7 easy, stroller-friendly trails in Oakville ranging from 1.6 to 17.1 km, all included in your day-use fee or with your membership. Playgrounds, washrooms and picnicking are also available. See our article on Bronte Creek here.
Crawford lake Conservation Area
3115 Conservation Road, Milton, ON
1 km Crawford Lake Trail is a beautiful boardwalk. There are other trails ranging from 1.5-3.6 km that are packed gravel. Day Use fees apply or are included in your Conservation Halton Annual Pass with parking included. Washrooms at Visitor Centre and near the parking lot. This is one of our favourite hikes to do with kids.
Stroller-Friendly Trails in Hamilton
Bayfront park Loop Trail
200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton
2.4 km of paved trails along the Hamilton waterfront. Free access and free parking, plus washrooms, a playground and green space.
Chedoke Radial Trail
Beddoe Drive, behind Chedoke Golf Course
9.5 km and one of our absolute favourite hikes to do with kids. Packed gravel makes it a favourite for cyclists as well. Shaded and some of the best views of the city. Free parking at Chedoke Golf Course. No washrooms.
Cootes Paradise Trails at RBG
You can access a variety of trails around the Cootes Paradise Marsh, and each has something fabulous to offer. We love the area near the Hamilton Aviary Caleb’s Walk, Ravine Road Trail with its packed gravel trail. Download the Cootes Paradise trail map here and you can expand your walk as long as you’d like! Paid parking is available at various spots around Cootes Paradise.
Princess Point Loop
330 Macklin Street North, Hamilton
1.9 km of trails on packed dirt. No washrooms, but free access to the trail with paid parking at the trailhead.
Main Loop at Dundas Valley Conservation Area
650 Governors Road, Dundas
2.5 km long and one of our favourite hikes to do with kids. Ample shade, streams and even equestrians to see on this packed dirt stroller-friendly trail in Hamilton. Per vehicle entrance fee of $11, includes parking and is well worth it. Washrooms are available.
Valens Lake Boardwalk Trail
1691 Regional 97 Rd, Cambridge
4.2 km boardwalk and packed dirt trail around Valens Lake. One of our favourite beaches as well! Day use fees apply or are included with your Conservation Hamilton annual pass. Parking is included in fees. Washrooms available.
Joe Sam’s Park
752 Centre Rd, Waterdown
8.5 km of stroller-friendly trails in Hamilton are accessible in all seasons. Boardwalk, paved and packed gravel, grass. Ball diamonds, playground and dog park. Free access and free parking.
Rockwood Conservation Area
161 Fall Street South, Rockwood
2.9 km of trails that vary between packed gravel, soil and boardwalk. Day use fees apply or use are included with your Grand River parks membership. Parking is included in fees. Washrooms available.
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: Events and Activities
- Things To Do On Mother’s Day: Events, Ideas and Brunch Spots
- The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara
- Oakville Summer Camps With Single Day Booking
The post Stroller-Friendly Trails Near Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
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