The post High-Energy Excitement at Activate Burlington appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>From their website:
“Activate is the world’s first active gaming facility, where you’ll play arcade-style games by actually jumping, climbing, and dodging. You and your group of 3-5 will move freely between eleven interactive rooms, choosing games that challenge your agility, problem-solving, and speed. Dive through lasers. Climb glowing walls. Only the best can conquer them all. Think you have what it takes?”
Read More: Indoor Places To Visit
Activate Burlington is a large, indoor entertainment facility for players ages 10 and older. The games are challenging and built with adults in mind. We had 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 10 and 12 with us and they tackled the games with gusto. We had a group of four, and Activate recommends 3-5 people per game. 2 can play, but it will be more challenging. Your visit is 75 minutes and you can choose your timeslot through their online booking system. You can have up to 10 in your booking time, but you’ll be split into groups of up to 5 to provide the best playing experience.
At Activate, you get access to all 9 rooms of gameplay, and you can play them more than once as long as time permits. I loved that the game rooms included both cooperative and competitive challenges because sometimes it’s fun to kick some butt! The rooms we each very different ad put our skills to the test. My kids loved the “Climb”, the room of light-up rock-climbing grips that change colour from green to red as you scale your way around the room. Stay off the red ones! There is also another level where the grips light up and you need to grab them whack-a-mole style!
“Grid” was a full energy mission to get from side to side without touching the lit tiles on the floor. Needless to say, I was the worst player on our team here, haha! But we laughed so much that I didn’t mind. This room has 3 variations of gameplay you can try. We had so much fun in all of the rooms, but my kids liked “Hoops” – a basketball shooting mission, and “Laser” the most.
“Laser” made you feel like you were creeping through a top-secret vault protected by motion-activated laser beams. It was another laugh-fest that made us sweaty and wide-eyed. This one was hard but so exciting. You can see all of the rooms at Active Burlington here.
Read More: More Things To Do With Your Tweens and Teens
Book your visit online before to make sure you get a spot. Walk-ins are permitted, but you may not get your preferred time. Bring a small group with you, and don’t worry about talent or skill because everyone will have a great time. This was an excellent outing for my tween and teen, and my husband (who likes being home) loved it too.
There are lockers to hold your coats/bags, etc. because you definitely want your hands free and to make movement easy. Short sleeves were good because you want easy access to your Activate wristband because that is what grants you access to the rooms, and tracks your scores. Think of it as a gym class: rubber-soled shoes, long hair tied back.
Outside of each room, and throughout the facility there was hand sanitizer, and we found it to be very clean.
Price: $28 per person, plus taxes. When you book online, you pay $5 to hold your spot and the rest upon arrival.
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.
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]]>The post Best Donuts in Hamilton, Burlington and Beyond appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Never would I have guessed our community would be so passionate about the question “Who makes the best donuts in Hamilton and Burlington?”. We asked and they answered! Here is our list of where to find the best doughnuts, in order of popular vote by the Active Parents online community.
Keep reading: What goes perfectly with doughnuts? How about the best French fries in Hamilton and Burlington?
This was a huge front-runner for our Facebook community. Grandad’s was voted the best donuts in Hhamilton. Clearly, our readers are smitten with the nostalgia that comes along with every order at Grandad’s. It’s got that ol’ orange and brown decor that reminds you of the 80’s, and the doughnuts are biggies. They’ve been around since 2007, and have served up the classics and even some special treats like the Justin Trudeau-NUT.
You won’t want to miss Sunshine Doughnuts. It’s made many an appearance on Instagram! Brought to you by the same team who brings you Son of a Peach Pizzeria, this doughnut shop brings you the best donuts in Burlington! Boasting flavour combos like pink champagne, Peanut Butter Banana Pie, and of course Birthday Cake, Sunshine has solidified itself as a staple in Burlington’s Downtown.
Read More: Couple your donuts with a visit to one of these epic playgrounds so the kids can run off their treats.
1401 Plains Rd E, unit 11, Burlington, ON L7R 0C2
Rotating flavors of vegan donuts. Pick from fritters, ring donuts and filled donuts, and from among chocolate and maple, fruit and tea blend flavours. Think peach crumble fritter, coconut cream filled, raspberry lime, rose pistachio and tiramisu.
Donut Monster’s yeast-risen dough is soft with a light chew. They were neck and neck for the title of best donuts in Hamilton. They create unique seasonal glazes and garnishes in combinations you may have never seen on a doughnut before. My favourite flavours are the cheesecake brownie and of course their classic apple fritter (it’s massive!) Their doughnut menu is ever-evolving and they offer both vegan and traditional options. You can order ahead and pick up a box of your faves, plus some coffee and even milkshakes!
5010 Pinedale Ave., Burlington, ON, L7L 0G3
Donuts are made while you wait and served fresh and warm. They serve up unique flavors like Bacon in the Sun and Blueberry Lemonade – there’s something for every donut lover.
Baked in Binbrook, Darling Donuts is the new kid on the block, and the baker, Alyssa, is bringing sweet treats in bite sizes to everyone – even those living the gluten-free and vegan life! Flavours like Nutella Churro and Cinnamon Toast Crunch make these little darlings something to write home about. Pre-order by the dozen, and choose up to 4 different flavours.
2 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1H8
Delicious, fresh, uniquely flavoured and chewy donuts. Mochi donuts are a cross between donuts and Japanese mochi. Anyone craving a Pistachio – Mochi, Churro – Mochi, Mango Passion Fruit – Mochi, or Double Almond – Mochi Donut? This might just be your new favorite style of donut.
With the Hamilton location now closed it’s worth the drive to 1111 Franklin Blvd., Cambridge, ON, N1R 8B5.
Lady Glaze has seasonal favorites made fresh daily including gluten free and sugar free. Sample flavours are Belmont Cream, Vanilla Bean Sprinkle, Butter Tart and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. What are you waiting for?
Kelly’s is your go-to bakery when you’re looking for 100% plant-based, gluten-free, peanut-free peeps you love. The bakery is a staple for many, including the downtown Burlington community it calls home. Our audience ranked them the best donuts in Burlington for allergy-friendly eaters.
Looking for that classic doughnut and coffee shop? The Donut Stop is it. Located at Parkdale Ave. and Brampton St., this fan fave for best donuts in Hamilton bakes up all of your traditional treats like a Boston Cream and chocolate dip, with a big side of nostalgia! The red vinyl barstools will remind you of your childhood doughnut shop visits, and the coffee is pretty great we’re told!
Sweet Paradise has been baking delicious desserts and savoury treats for over 30 years. This bakery does more than just whip up some of the best doughnuts in Hamilton, it’s a full-service bakery and deli. Our readers suggest adding cannolis to your doughnut order. Because why not!?
211 Locke St. S., Hamilton, ON L8P 4B6
Planted in Hamilton has a vegan, gluten-free and kosher bakery and that bakery makes donuts. Pick from Cake Donuts, Apple Fritters and French Crullers.
1375 King Street East
Hamilton, Ontario L8M1H6
Check Instagram for the current menu of mouthwatering flavors. You’ll find options like Honey Dipper, Matcha, Mango Coconut, Hamilton C.R.E.A.M and apple and rhubarb fritter.
1096 Wilson St., West., Ancaster
A menu of fresh donuts that includes Vanilla Bean Glazed, Pink Sparkle, Blue Unicorn, Oreo, Strawberry Rhubarb, PB & J and Cherry Cheescake. Multiple locations for your snacking pleasure.
589 N Service Rd., Mississauga, ON L5A 1B2
Located in St. Catharines, Beechwood Doughnuts was a top recommendation from those who are willing to drive for their doughnuts.
Honourable mention goes to Bennett’s Apples and Cider, they were a write-in vote for their apple cider doughnuts. A fall favourite, so make sure to visit them in September!
478 Richmond St., London, Ontario, N6A 3E4 (and 2 other locations)
Now that you’ve had the best donuts in Hamilton and Burlington, treat yourself to some more yummy reads!
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]]>The post The Best Toy Stores in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>From classic favorites to innovative gems you can give as great birthday gifts, these stores are the heartbeat of our community, fostering connections and delivering personalized experiences. Join us in supporting these small businesses, adding vibrancy to our neighborhood, and creating lasting childhood memories. Let the adventure begin as you explore the diverse and enchanting world of children’s toy stores right in your own backyard!
Cheryl founded Hobby and Toy in 1985 because she loves the thrill of seeing someone find the perfect product! Hobby and Toy is a treasure trove of models, accessories, and supplies for new and experienced hobbyists but also quality toys that inspire creativity and developing minds.
This is THE place to go for Playmobil and Brio train sets – you won’t find a better selection anywhere! Hobby and Toy has expanded to three stores across SW Ontario, but the nearest is in Mapleview Mall.
Mapleview Mall, 900 Maple Ave, Burlington
https://www.hobbyandtoycentral.com/
Owned and operated by an educator who is passionate about learning at all ages. All of the staff go above and beyond with their service. I go in often looking for new and unique board games, birthday presents, and tools to support my kids learning. They carry the highest quality in educational toys, puzzles, games, resources and books.
1450 Headon Rd, Burlington
https://www.learningtreecanada.com/toys-games/
A toy shop sharing space with a pool supplier seems odd, and you do have to like the smell of chlorine, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you are looking for educational, science and learning toys. The staff have always been friendly and able to offer ideas for gifts, and this is the best selection we’ve found for original science and building kits.
They have a good selection of family games as well, again, some we have not seen anywhere else. As a small store, not everything on the website is in stock locally, but online purchases can be returned to the store, saving you shipping.
4265 Fairview St, Unit 2, Burlington
We met some lovely gentlemen down at Spencer Smith last summer who told us about their boats, and helped the kids figure out their remote controls. They were so friendly and recommended Skycraft to us as somewhere to start if we were interested in models and remote control toys. If it floats, drives or flies they have it! There’s always someone knowledgeable there and they love talking to youngsters and sharing their passion.
115 Plains Rd East, Burlington
https://www.skycrafthobbies.com/
Not strictly a toy store but Snugglebugz does carry a range of sustainable, eco-friendly baby toys which encourage babies to play and learn. Made from sustainable sources with non-toxic paints, brands like Hape and Plan Toys are all here under one roof. While we are well out of the baby phase Snugglebugz is one of my favourite children’s stores and I still love looking at the nursery displays and getting nostalgic!
3245 Fairview St, Burlington
If you are looking for something unique for younger children, try KSM toys. Many of their brands are European (all tested and approved for sale in Canada) and we particularly like their range of eco-friendly construction vehicles that use reclaimed wood and less plastic.
100 South Service Rd Unit 37 / 38, Burlington
With its big windows and kid friendly displays, walking into this store makes me immediately feel cozy and at home (but it’s much tidier than my house). The family behind Citizen Kid are proud to carry a number of sustainable, non-toxic brands, so whether you are looking for toys or crafts there’s always something safe to use, as well as beautifully made and long lasting.
230 Locke St South, Hamilton
Started by two sisters in 2010, Liz and Ann work hard to bring the best natural and eco-friendly products to the Oakville area, and the store carries toys, cleaning and beauty products as well.
They thoroughly research not just the product, but the packaging used and the background of the manufacturers to support those that practice fair trade, social responsibility and environmental awareness. The whole store is so calming and inviting it’s an experience just to shop there!
67 Bronte Road Unit 4&5, Oakville
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.
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]]>The post The Best Subscription Boxes in Canada To Give and Receive appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>You can’t beat the feeling of happy mail and a surprise in your mailbox! We know the feeling! Give that feeling to your friends and family with these creative subscription boxes and services that you’re going to love to give and receive. Just in time for the biggest gift-giving season of the year.
‘Artshine in a Box’ is our new visual arts subscription service. Your child will receive an exciting art kit each month that explores a different theme and art medium and includes an online video and printed tutorial. Choose a box specific to your child’s age and ability.
Canada’s coolest kid’s cooking subscription box! Created by kids, for kids. Celebrates Canadian history, customs and cuisine. Supports kid’s personal development and creates family time opportunities.
We’ve fit developmental expertise into a box, so you can fit it into your life! Focusing on skills generally emerging in toddlers and preschoolers, and inspired by the learning needs of children with autism and other developmental delays, Cubby Kits is an enriching experience for any child. Each kit contains an activity guide and theme-based toys that explore at least one area of development – receptive or expressive language skills, fine motor skills, literacy, etc. to help you play smarter!
Great things come in small packages and this is definitely true of stickers – tiny bits of happy that are easy to share! Choose from our Big Kids pack (geared toward adults) or our Little Kids pack (3+) – both are chock full of sticker sheets you won’t find anywhere else! These are great for snail mail, planners, bullet journals, and scrapbooks and make a great mess-free craft for kids (and what parent couldn’t use a little bit of that?). Start sticking, collecting and sharing them today!
Each month, open your mailbox to find a letter addressed to you. Accompanied by vibrant illustrations, field notes, and a map, your monthly letter will whisk you away on a literary adventure to a land far, far away. You’ll learn about different cultures, cuisines, wildlife, landmarks, oddities, heritages, and more! We have been subscribers for years now and love it.
Marmalade Books is a monthly children’s books subscription service. Curated by a children’s books specialist with 25+ years of experience. We choose only the best, recently published books from Canada, Britain and the United States. Located in and shipping from Victoria, British Columbia.
We deliver mysteries for kids through the mail. Over a number of weeks, your child receives letters and objects from the characters in the mystery. Ships from Ontario, and personally recommended by Amber.
Owlkids is dedicated to encouraging a life-long love of reading. We publish a family of magazines — Chirp (ages 3 to 6), chickaDEE Magazine (ages 6 to 9), and OWL (ages 9 to 13) — as well as books for kids of all ages. Owlkids’ magazines offer quality, engaging, timely, and FUN content. They are bursting with activities, animal facts, jokes, comics, feature stories, puzzles, and more…and personally recommended by Amber.
Raven Reads is a Canadian seasonal subscription service that features quality, award-winning Indigenous content and products curated from Indigenous authors and entrepreneurs across North America. Both Kids and Adults boxes available.
Ruby Crate is the Canadian subscription box for tween and teen girls. It is filled with gems – treasures of beauty, style and self-expression that can be enjoyed each season. With many subscription boxes marketed towards women, none tailor specifically to tween and teen girls. Ruby Crate was born to cater to the younger generation’s needs and wants – providing an excellent opportunity to create a new box with fun treasures for our girls that are theirs, and theirs alone.
Sticker Party is a monthly sticker subscription for kids! It comes with a retro-style sticker book and each monthly set of stickers includes 5 sticker sheets, 3 die-cut stickers, 1 sticker activity, 6 off-the-roll stickers and 1 scratch-n-sniff sticker sheet. That’s hundreds of stickers! All for $49 CAD!
https://worldinabox.ca/World in a Box is a Canadian subscription box for kids. Your little one discovers a country’s geography, wildlife, traditions and more. Hands-on activities, games, STEAM projects and crafts ignite your kid’s natural creativity. Have fun and learn about the world! Discount code: activeparents20. This coupon can be applied at the checkout and will give 20% off any first subscription, gift or one-time kit. It can not be used together with other coupons/promotions. Shop World in a Box here.
Get your family off of technology and outdoors and moving with games, toys, gear and equipment for curious minds from Wild Life Outdoor Adventure. There is a variety of single purchase themed boxes to choose from as well as 3 and 6 kit purchasing options. Each curated box is full of outdoor gear and ready for adventure.
It’s time to start mailing your loved one’s cards, monthly! Monthly box will include high quality cards from a variety of occasions. They will be reflective of the month you receive them (E.g. Christmas card in December box etc). Boxes will always include new releases and exclusive card designs you won’t see anywhere else! Order one box or subscribe monthly. Ships from Ontario, and personally recommended by Amber.
“Each season, we collaborate with small town makers across Canada to curate our Acre75 Gathered boxes —proudly promoting their locally-made goods and putting their little towns on the map.” Subscribe and receive 4 boxes or purchase a pre-purchase a single holiday box. You’ll receive local handmade products by artists from small towns (of fewer than 30,000 people) across Canada. It’s been described as “a small town road trip in a box.”
Community Haul is a monthly subscription box designed to celebrate local businesses and help reboot the local economy. By helping you discover your local alternatives every month we hope that you will continue to shop and support locals through all aspects of your life. Each month, subscribers receive 4-6 products from different Southern Ontario small businesses. We have 2 subscription options available – The Long Haul and No Strings Attached.
A hip and helpful subscription and gift box service arriving quarterly, for new moms and their sweet peas ages 0- 36 months. Our items are carefully chosen for their quality and uniqueness, which are made & designed by local Canadian vendors, small shops and artisans, giving our boxes a nice mix of “tried & true” staple items and “hip & hot” baby gear. All this makes us the Ultimate Baby Box!
Meet Katie – a mom, outdoor adventurer, and foodie who loves to be surrounded by my family, friends, and community – the perfect fit for a popcorn-preneur! Having worked in restaurants from the age of 16, as well as catering businesses, and camp kitchens, it seemed like a natural move to create a business that was all about bringing people together with fresh and delicious, ready-to-eat popcorn.
Every 90 days you will receive our carefully considered selection of the finest products that we actively sought out for you—saving you time and money without conceding quality. Because everyone deserves home, healthy and beauty products. Ships from B.C.
Seasonal subscription boxes are sent 4 times a year and contain sustainably sourced, ethically made, eco-friendly products. You can feel good knowing you are supporting “small businesses that are making a difference.” The Good Lane is based out of Cochrane, Alberta.
Click here to submit your Subscription Service to our guide
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.
The post The Best Subscription Boxes in Canada To Give and Receive appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 65+ Kids Birthday Party Places Near Hamilton and Halton appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Our list includes outdoor and indoor birthday party venues for toddlers, big kids and teens. Whether you want to bowl and eat pizza, or your tweens want a laser tag tournament – we know where to go. Indoor play centres and pottery painting are perfect for all ages, as is a movie or renting the local swimming pool! Does your toddler want a character at their party?
Invite someone extra cool to your party. Use our guide to find the best local entertainers, too!
Our guide is the BIGGEST guide because we include every single party place that we know about. If you own a business that supports kids’ birthday parties and events, you can list your business here. We list everyone because we want you to be discovered by parents who want to plan the best party ever!
If we missed one of your favourite places where you’ve hosted a birthday party, please tell us! They will appreciate it and so will parents like you.
With no other resource like it in our area, we are confident that Active Parents is the first place parents check when they are looking for events and resources in Halton, Hamilton and Niagara. Don’t you want to be sure your business or organization is featured in the very spot where parents are searching for information? Of course, you do! Join this guide and learn how Active Parents can help boost your business here.
No matter what you need help with, we can cross some to-do’s off your party planning list.
The post 65+ Kids Birthday Party Places Near Hamilton and Halton appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday (in Canada!) appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Your birthday is a great reason to celebrate, so let’s get you some free birthday stuff, Canada! We know the best Canadian retailers who offer you free stuff on your birthday! Scroll through and find out who gives you free stuff on your birthday!
Many of these free birthday gifts and offers come via signing up for a newsletter or downloading an app. Those emails and confirmations can take a few days to process, so we suggest joining a few days before your birthday to make sure you can treat yourself ON your birthday.
Do you know of another spot that offers you deals and freebies just for having a birthday? Tell us about it!
And make sure to keep this list of kids eat free locations so you can treat them on their birthday.
Register for Arby’s Insider for email updates and get one free roast beef when you order a medium-sized soft drink. If you provide your date of birth, Arby’s will also give you a special birthday treat.
Baskin-Robbins will treat you to one free ice cream scoop at Baskin-Robbins on your birthday when you join their Club 31.
Boston Pizza rewards you a few times – including on your birthday – when you join their MyBP loyalty program.
COBS Bread has a sweet treat for you on your birthday – an insider tells me it’s a cinnamon bun!
Dairy Queen treats you to a yummy frozen treat on your birthday when you join the Blizzard fan club.
David’s Tea will bump up your rewards by 5 points on your birthday so you’re that much closer to that free tea!
Denny’s fills you up with a Grand Slam breakfast on your birthday. Everyone loves a free meal on their birthday!
Join Edible Rewards and enjoy a free box of chocolate-dipped fruits for every 3rd purchase at Edible Arrangements. You will also receive a gift on your birthday in addition to members-only perks.
Get on Jack Astor’s mailing list and you’ll also get a treat on your birthday.
Mandarin Buffet picks up the tab on your buffet dinner just for joining their mailing list.
Marble Slab Creamery has a cool way to celebrate your birthday, plus coupons and more.
Join their My Smileage Club and Menchie’s will make your birthday yummier!
Montana’s Cookhouse gives you a free birthday dessert and 10% off orders over $30 so going out to celebrate your birthday is a little easier!
Nothing Bundt Cakes wants to treat you to a free birthday bundtlet when you sign up for their eClub.
Become a member of MyPanera Rewards to receive exclusive rewards for each purchase, including a birthday gift.
Red Lobster has a delish surprise birthday offer for you – just for being born!
Sign up for the South St. Burger Birthday Club and you and a friend can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free deal on your special day.
Register your Starbucks Card and you’ll get a free fancy beverage or food item on your birthday.
Canada’s favourite coffee shop will give their Tim Horton’s rewards members a surprise on their birthday
Swiss Chalet gives adults a free appetizer on their birthday with the purchase of an entree, and kids get a free kid’s meal on theirs at participating locations.
The Keg treats you to a slice of Billy Miner’s pie to reward you for being born.
I happen to LOVE Harvey’s fries so when I discovered they would send me a birthday reward it was a no-brainer to sign up!
Montana’s will give you free chips and salsa all year round and a sweet treat on your birthday as well as a $10 coupon just for signing up to their newsletter!
Download Quizno’s app to earn rewards throughout the year. Then enjoy a buy one get one free regular sub on your birthday.
Mr Sub will give you a free small sub any time in your birthday month! As part of the rewards program you’ll get a free drink and chips for signing up, and every 10th sub is free.
Free spinach dip for signing up and a free dessert on your birthday? Kelsey’s has you covered!
Cora’s rewards program has you collect points for each $ spent – and you get 3x the points on your birthday!
Free birthday fries? It’s true – when you download the New York Fries app and preload some $ a salty snack is yours on your birthday.
Join the Burgers with Benefits club at the Works. You’ll get access to exclusive contests and giveaways, free food, a birthday reward and some secret stuff too!
Build-A-Bear – when you sign up for a Bonus Club membership and Register your children’s birth dates in your account they can receive a free gift on their birthday.
The Body Shop’s Love Your Body program gets you sneak peeks at new products. It also scores you invites to exclusive parties and other rewards – including one to indulge in on your birthday.
Mastermind Toys gives your kiddos a free birthday surprise during their birthday month, plus various offers and perks all year!
Sephora celebrates your beauty with a free product on your birthday!
The more you shop as a loyalty club member at London Drugs, the more they can personalize your offers – including a birthday reward.
Old Navy has some super-cute stuff and you can score more with the loyalty program, including a birthday gift! While you’re there, join up for rewards on their sister store the Gap, too for more birthday fun!
Save even more at Value Village – as a loyalty member you can enjoy 20% off a single purchase up to $50 for your birthday.
American Eagle offers rewards for every $ spent, invites loyalty club members to exclusive events AND gives them a birthday reward!
Join Club La Senza for 10% off every purchase, free shipping on orders over $40 and a birthday gift!
Pennington’s Style Insiders earn rewards, get exclusive offers all year, as well as that birthday gift valid throughout your birthday month.
Ricki’s is also ready to reward you for your birthday as a loyalty club member!
I don’t know about you but I always need shoes, so 20% off at Shoe Company for my birthday is a great idea – and being a member of the loyalty program brings perks all year round.
Make your birthday stripey – sign up for their newsletters and enjoy an in-store birthday gift from the Bay
Become an Ardene VIP and get deals and discounts just for being born!
Baskin Robbins lets you sign up for a BOGO birthday deal.
Woohoo! That is a lot of free swag for your special day. Do you know of another spot that treats you to something special on your birthday? Tell us about it! And if today is your birthday – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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.
The post Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday (in Canada!) appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post The Best Loot Bag Ideas That Kids and Parents Love appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Loot bag ideas were a hot topic on our Facebook page recently! With the help of creative parents, we’ve put together a list of great loot bags that parents will be happy to see their kiddo bring home, and kids will love to receive. We pulled together their best unique loot bag ideas to help you cross this task off your next party planner to-do list.
More Party Planning Essentials:
One unanimous thought on loot bags was that they are nice to have but not a necessity. Another theme in the discussion was that you didn’t need to spend much to make an impact with your goodie bags. Kids are kids, and they are impressed with chocolate, candy and a little dollar store toy, so don’t break the bank.
If you’re having a great themed party, hand out the loot as your guests arrive. Here are a few themes that work for this:
One of the best ways to cross 2 items off your to-do list is to MAKE the loot bag during the party. Here are a few ideas to do just that:
Everyone loves a take-home dessert or treat to remind them of the awesome party they just had, and our parent community had some great ideas to match almost any theme
I will never think of a gift card as anything but excellent. They’re easy to find and can be purchased in your preferred denomination. Plus, I love saving up our gift cards and using them for special treat days or outings to the mall. Kids will love that freedom of buying something special just for themselves. Parents in our group recommend giving gift cards to popular spots like Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, Tim Hortons/Starbucks, a movie theatre, or a local bookstore. If you have a great independent candy or toy store, a gift card to them is one of the best loot bag ideas we heard.
You can even buy a gift card from the birthday party venue that is hosting your party to give kids a future visit.
One theme agreed on by all of our readers and followers is this: loot bags are optional. Not necessary at all, and definitely not expected to be expensive or over the top. In fact, our parents mentioned many times how their kids don’t notice when there isn’t a loot bag to take home. So do what YOU feel works for you.
The post The Best Loot Bag Ideas That Kids and Parents Love appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>So many of us are moving towards giving gifts that offer the receiver 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 and families.
What are some of the best gifts you’ve received? I know my favourites are experiences, both big and small. Replicate that joy this year by giving an experience gift instead of another toy or sweater. Parents will appreciate having something to look forward to after the hustle and bustle of the season have winded down. And kids will be so excited to try something new or have one of their favourite activities cities all lined up and paid for!
Science backs up the fact that we should be giving experiences instead of things. The memories of a great outing or activity last much longer than the average physical object. In addition to that, the emotion tied to the experience is worth more than the price tag in every case. So without further ado, here are some of our recommendations for experience gifts for families that we’ve loved that encourage fun, adventure and a little bit of travel, too!
TIP: Keep reading till the end for great ways to wrap up experience gifts so the recipient gets the thrill of unwrapping a present, too!
Some of the prices on major league tickets are out of this world, but we have just as much fun at lower division games – and we have extra money for hotdogs and popcorn! Try some of these options when you’re looking to buy experience gifts for families with sports fans.
Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey is still one of our favourite family memories. Their games are fun and exciting and very family-friendly. They offer themed days with giveaways and activities during breaks in the gameplay and before. We highly suggest the Teddy Bear Toss Game where the ENTIRE crowd pitches teddy bears onto the ice to be donated to a very worthy cause.
Hamilton Cardinals Baseball games are great for your ball fans and it gives you something to look forward to when the season opens in the spring. We can’t wait to go to our first Cardinals game!
Toronto Marlies Hockey is a very close option when you can’t get Maple Leafs tickets. Or check out the Toronto Rock Lacrosse – it’s high energy and comes highly rated by families we know! Their season runs December thru April, and they play in Hamilton, so it’s a perfect winter attraction. And not to be forgotten, Toronto FC is top-notch soccer close by. Their games are family-friendly (I’m told) and in an open-air stadium from April through November.
You’ll never catch me bungee jumping, but these adventurous family-friendly day trips were amazing and I definitely recommend them. If your family loves being outdoors and enjoys trying something new, give these experience gifts for families a try.
Rafting on the Grand River was one of the best things we’ve done as a family. We included friends, too and it’s so easy, fun and affordable. Create your own gift certificate for one of these adventures and pen it onto your calendar.
Chicopee Tube Park and Zipline course was a summer adventure you just have to try. In the winter, opt for snow tubing, and in the summer you must try ziplining. Priced right and so easy for all ages.
Everyone in the family can do an aerial ropes course! I’m so unathletic and even I did it! It’s a day of fresh air, adventure and using muscles you didn’t know you had! We did Boler Mountain in London, Ontario and have plans to go back because it was such a great time.
When you buy an annual membership to a conservation area, you get 4 seasons of fun- including hiking, sledging, and swimming! Plus, access to special events, and you’ll always have a destination for some fresh air fun all year long. We have purchased memberships to both Hamilton and Halton Conservation Area passes because they offer so much for us to do all year long.
Royal Botanical Gardens memberships give you access to a year’s worth of their unique indoor and outdoor events and exhibits. In addition, you can hike their trails for free, and enjoy free parking and free access to their natural playground.
A treat for both the adults and the kids is a weekend (or weekday) getaway. We’ve had some great Ontario staycations that we recommend. Whether it’s the novelty of a hotel room and hotel pool or a full-on adventure in nature, we love these easy ideas for families.
Glamping in Algonquin Park is the only way to camp for me! We even got caught in spring rain and stayed dry and warm the entire time. A day pass to Algonquin Park is included in your stay.
Enjoy a small-town hotel that was built to entertain oodles of kids at one time! An indoor climber, ping pong, basketball, volleyball and badminton are all waiting for you. And I haven’t even gotten to the pool yet!
Check out this big city that offers adventure, culture and outdoor excitement.
Stay close to home and ride a big blue waterslide. This hotel in Mississauga is a beauty and that waterslide gave us hours of fun and laughs.
Gifting admission tickets and gift cards to awesome places will thrill your kids on Christmas or their birthdays. The bonus is you always know exactly what you can do when the kids are climbing the walls! Here are some of our favourite places to play, if you’re looking for inspiration. These are some of our favourite experience gifts for kids.
Adventurous kiddos will love the zipline and ever-changing swings at We Rock The Spectrum in Oakville.
Buy a pass to an indoor playground like Burlington’s Lil Monkeys. Parents will love the chill-out atmosphere (couches and free wifi!) and kids will love the 3 story tall climbers, arcade, slides and more.
Rock Climbing at The Hub in Mississauga has turned out to be our family’s favourite thing to do right now! It’s a workout, but something everyone can do and enjoy.
Mini Golf – Adventure Village or Putting Edge Glow-in-the-Dark mini-golf are both super fun courses.
Have you been to Activate in Burlington yet? Your kids will be stoked to get a couple of admissions to this epic indoor laser play place. And adults love it too, therefore it’s an ideal experience gift for families.
Movie Passes are always a hit. Plus, supporting a local movie theatre is good karma and leaves you more money for popcorn without sacrificing on watching a new release!
My kids love laser tag. You can gather a group of friends up or go head to head with your sibling, but you’re such to come out happy and exhausted.
One great way to extend Christmas presents and have a plan for the winter break from school is to gift a visit to local attractions. Here are some of the popular experience gifts for kids.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton is a family favourite. Little ones will be wowed by the massive planes indoors and adults will love the historical and learning experience.
Museums of Burlington hosts dozens of family-friendly events throughout the year and offers 2 great museums to tour, each with fresh exhibits.
Royal Ontario Museum is a quintessential must-visit for everyone, and you’ll probably need to go a few times to see it all.
Ontario Science Centre is packed with so much educational fun that kids won’t even realize how much learning they’re absorbing.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is pretty great to check out, and this is coming from a non-hockey fan!
We cannot wait to get back to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. Kids (and parents) will love tickets to visit this massive indoor aquarium in Toronto.
One of our favourite experience gifts for kids was a night at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Toronto. Our group had 5 year-olds and retirees and everyone loved the action! They really put on a memorable show.
Burlington Performing Arts Centre has family performances all through December to kick off the holiday season, and a full calendar for 2023!
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts – has family performances in December and is welcoming Splash and Boots in 2022!
Give a pottery lesson where kids can paint ready-made creations (look at Pottery N Paint Cafe and Play With Clay) or try throwing clay on the spinning pottery wheel at Creative Insight Pottery Studio in Waterdown. And if you’re a cool aunt or uncle or a grandparent who wants to spend more one-on-one time with your favourite people, you can both take part together!
There’s nothing quite as rewarding as learning a new skill, sport or activity to really stick with you for a lifetime. Learn a second language, how to code or ice skate – no matter what you choose to give, you’ll definitely love watching the progression from newbie to pro! We’ve got a huge list of classes and lessons for kids right here. Ask the kids what they want to learn, and their replies become experience gifts for kids!
These are my favourite gifts to give my daughters. It ensures we have a plan for spending some quality time together, one on one. Here are some of the best ones from years past:
The power of a gift card is like a winning lottery ticket in the hands of a kid. They can buy anything! Although this is not an experience perse, it does give them a shot at independence that is priceless.
Asking for experience gifts for families and kids isn’t always easy. It’s a fairly new concept for many, so you may see some raised eyebrows when you say “Please don’t buy Addison a toy this year”. One tip I have is to either mention it gently a few times or at least offer to shop along with the gift-giver to help them choose a gift. I’ve already had the opportunity this year to gently guide a generous grandma into spending her hard-earned money on something more meaningful, and it’s making me even more excited for Christmas morning!
One way this works for our grandparents is that we suggest a gift card, and once we make that purchase, we snap a photo and send a card or text message. This lets the Grandmas know their gift was received, used and very much appreciated.
Don’t let this part stress you, because that’s not the point of gift giving. If you have folks in your circle who love giving a physical gift no matter how many times you try to steer them in another direction, just go with it. Help gift-givers pick out something you know your kids will use and love for years to come.
If you’re like me, you love wrapping up a beautiful package to give to someone. But how do you wrap an experience gift? I’ve got some ideas on just how to do that, so prepare to be inspired!
Wrapping Sports Tickets – I love including a team cap, t-shirt or jersey that the receiver can wear to the game to really be part of the action.
Travel and Staycation Gifts – Choose a small overnight bag or a new piece of luggage to “wrap” the present in. This bag is adorable and under $10. Or include a tourism brochure for the city you are visiting. Many of the tourism boards offer these for free!
Outdoor Adventures – new sunglasses, a reusable water bottle or an inexpensive backpack for the adventure. We love these $6 backpacks for just this purpose.
Gift Certificates For Indoor Play – Trampoline parks require special socks when you visit, so include those. Other play places have stuffed mascots or branded merch you can buy at the front.
Giving Gift Cards – many malls and big stores have impressive envelopes to carry your gift card, but also think of a travel mug, partner it with a gift bag, or in a reusable box/jar.
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.
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]]>The post Where Kids Eat Free: Kitchener, Cambridge Waterloo, Guelph appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Stop paying full price for those little people you take out to dinner! This is a list of the restaurants where kids eat free in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph.
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If you want to know where kids eat free today in KWCG, we got you! You can even find some eateries that offer daily or weekly kids eat free in this region.
Angels Diner in Cambridge offers one child per adult can eat free from our kids eat free menu (Monday to Thursday).
Gators Tail in Cambridge has free kids’ meals on Mondays.
Crowsfoot Smokehaus, in Conestoga, has free kids’ meals on Mondays.
Angels Diner in Cambridge offers one child per adult can eat free from our kids eat free menu (Monday to Thursday).
At East Side Marios, kids 10 and under eat for $2* every Tuesday. To qualify, you must purchase any adult entrée for $15.99 or more. You can also sign up for their Mini Marios club for 5 free kid’s meals.
Visit Denny’s in Guelph on Tuesdays after 4 pm and kids dine free when you eat in and a regular-priced adult entree is purchased.
Jacks Family Restaurant, Kitchener invites kids to eat free after 4 pm on Tuesdays. One free kid’s meal per adult entree of $13.49 or more. *Not on holidays *Eat-in Only
McCabe’s Bar & Grill in Kitchener has Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Mandarin Kitchener – Kids 4 and under eat free from the buffet, and kids 5-12 years old are half-price for the buffet.
If you know of a deal not on our list OR visit a restaurant and find out our information is no longer accurate, please contact us. Your feedback helps us keep our list up to date!
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.
The post Where Kids Eat Free: Kitchener, Cambridge Waterloo, Guelph appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Kid’s Birthday Party Entertainers appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Are you planning a birthday for your child and looking for birthday party entertainers to keep young guests delighted? Look no further! In this post, we’ve compiled a list of fun and engaging party entertainers that are perfect for kids’ birthday parties. From classic party games to unique and exciting activities, there’s something for every age group and interest.
Magicians and clowns bring laughs and excitement to any get-together. Or hire a balloon twister or face painter to entertain the kids with their talents. Sleepover tents, backyard movie nights, and so many more ideas are all included in this guide to help you throw the best birthday ever! We have exactly who you’re looking for, from artists to virtual performers, you’re going to find someone great to entertain the kids at your next birthday or event.
Keep reading…
Say goodbye to boring parties and hello to a day filled with laughter and memories that your child and their friends will cherish for years to come. Let’s get started!
Kids Birthday Party Entertainers! Get on this list today. Click here to get started.
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.
The post Kid’s Birthday Party Entertainers appeared first on Active Parents.
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