Evergreen Content Archives – Active Parents https://activeparents.ca/category/evergreen-content/ Home of The Best Things to Do with Kids in Halton, Hamilton and Niagara Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:40:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.4 Our 10 Favourite Things to Do with Kids in Niagara Falls, Ontario https://activeparents.ca/things-to-do-with-kids-in-niagara-falls-ontario/ Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:09:57 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=58292 Your summer vacation plans should include a visit to Canada's most popular tourist destination! Niagara Falls, Ontario, is an exciting destination that offers an array of activities for the entire family.

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Your summer vacation plans should include a visit to Canada’s most popular tourist destination! Niagara Falls, Ontario, is an exciting destination that offers an array of activities for the entire family. We recapped our absolute favourite things to do with kids in Niagara Falls to help you plan your visit.

We have visited for the day and for long weekends, so we have the expertise! Many attractions will keep kids entertained and create lasting memories for your family.

Start The Car! Enjoy these day trips and local attractions worth visiting:

A view of Niagara Falls and the Hornblower cruise ship

The 10 Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls…According To Us

Experience the Power of Niagara Falls: No trip to Niagara Falls Canada is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring power of the falls up close. Take a boat tour on the iconic Hornblower Niagara Cruises for an unforgettable adventure to the Horseshoe Falls. The thunderous roar and misty spray you experience from the observation deck will leave you amazed!

Visit Clifton Hill: Clifton Hill is a vibrant and bustling street filled with exciting attractions for kids of all ages. Explore the “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” Museum, play games at the Great Canadian Midway and enjoy thrilling rides at the Niagara SkyWheel. Clifton Hill offers non-stop entertainment and is overflowing with fun things to do in Niagara Falls.

Journey Behind the Falls: For a unique perspective, head to Journey Behind the Falls. This thrilling attraction takes you through tunnels behind the waterfall, providing an incredible view of the cascading water. Guests will be captivated by the power and beauty of Niagara Falls from this unique vantage point.

Butterfly Conservatory: Escape into the tropical paradise of the Butterfly Conservatory, where children can interact with thousands of colourful butterflies. Stroll through lush gardens, learn about different butterfly species, and even witness the magical moment when a butterfly emerges from its cocoon. This enchanting experience is both educational and captivating.

Whiz Around Niagara Speedway Go-Karts: The recent addition to the Falls is an exhilarating thrill ride. It offers high-speed fun on a four-story elevated track, featuring hairpin turns and thrilling twists. The go-karts are equipped with 200cc engines, ensuring a thrilling ride for all ages. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area while racing. It’s a must-visit destination for families, friends, and adrenaline junkies alike.

More Of Our Favourite Falls Adventures

Ride The Niagara SkyWheel: The Niagara SkyWheel, located on Clifton Hill, givers its riders breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding area. Step into one of the climate-controlled gondolas and enjoy a leisurely ride high above the city. Kids will love the panoramic vistas and the chance to see Niagara Falls from a new perspective.

Visit Bird Kingdom: Bird Kingdom is the largest indoor free-flying aviary in the world, featuring over 400 birds from around the world. Kids can explore the lush rainforest setting, watch colourful birds in flight, and even have close encounters with parrots and other friendly feathered friends. Whether you are in Niagara Falls for the day or longer, make sure to stop at Bird Kingdom. In our opinion, it’s one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls.

Ride The Whirlpool Aero Car: Take a thrilling ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car, suspended high above the Niagara River. The cable car offers breathtaking views of the swirling whirlpool and the stunning rapids. This unique attraction is sure to create lasting memories for kids and adults alike.

Play Golf with Dinosaurs: Dinosaur Adventure Golf is a prehistoric mini-golf adventure with life-sized dinosaurs. This is one of our favourite things to do in Niagara Falls Canada, and it is the main reason we visit every year. The course is beautifully themed, with waterfalls, lush landscaping, and challenging holes. It’s a great activity for the whole family to enjoy together.

Ride The Rollercoaster: House of Frankenstein’s rollercoaster sits 4 stories off the ground and is full of thrills and speed! Riders sit in coffins on this monstrously great ride. It’s Canada’s only rooftop coaster!

An aerial view of the Dinosaur Adventure Golf course taken from the Niagara Skywheel Ferris Wheel, two great things to do in niagara falls

More Tips For Visiting Niagara Falls With Kids

Book A Room With A Falls View. Hotels are a little more expensive in the heart of the area, but the views are definitely worth it, especially if this is your first visit. At night, the falls are illuminated and look gorgeous from high up in your hotel room. Every night, from Friday, May 19th until Monday, October 9th fireworks light up the night sky at 10 pm.

Eat Outside The Core. Like all popular tourist destinations, prices can be higher when you eat right in Clifton Hill and Niagara Falls core. We love taking a short drive or walking to eat kist outside the busy area. Our favourite is The Flying Saucer Restaurant because of its kitch-y theme and good old home cooking. I recommend the meatloaf!

Bring Your Own Food. One way we save money is by bringing our own picnic lunches and eating on the lawns of the Niagara Parks. The scenery is lovely and the price is right.

Be Ready To Walk. You can drive, but the congestion at the base of Clifton Hill isn’t worth it if you ask me. Tie up your walking shoes and bring a wagon or stroller for the kids. There is so much to see that you won’t mind walking, but you will tally up a lot of steps!

Parking Tip!

Thanks to my friend Alison, I just found out about the Niagara Parks Parking Pass. It’s $45 and gives 2 vehicles 1 year of parking! You can use it to park at a variety of local attractions, gardens, wineries and more!

Niagara Falls offers a long list of unique attractions and activities that the whole family will love. From the breathtaking power of the falls to interactive museums, thrilling rides, and unique wildlife encounters, there’s something for every child to enjoy. So, plan your family trip to Niagara Falls, and get ready for an adventure-packed experience that your kids will cherish forever.

Find The Best Hotels Near Niagara Falls

Find your next hotel in Niagara Falls by reading reviews here on Trip Advisor and if you’re ready to book, check out Expedia, Trivago or Hotels.com.

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Where To Donate Your Stuff Near Hamilton and Burlington https://activeparents.ca/where-to-donate-your-stuff-near-hamilton-and-burlington/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 21:39:55 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=35079 If you’ve been cleaning and purging your no-longer-loved items, we know exactly where to take your goods to donate them in the Hamilton and Burlington areas. Let’s give those pieces … Read more

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If you’ve been cleaning and purging your no-longer-loved items, we know exactly where to take your goods to donate them in the Hamilton and Burlington areas. Let’s give those pieces a second chance at life!

Once I had kids, I felt like I was doing one long and continuous Spring Clean. If you’ve got a bag, a box, or a big load of things that need to leave your house but you don’t want to see them end up on the landfill, here are amazing ways to get them out of your house.

donate in burlington and hamilton

Donation Drop Off Locations in Hamilton and Burlington

These are the top spots our parent communities recommend for donating your gently used items. If you know of another great spot that accepts donations, please let us know and we will include them.  Check the websites (linked) to see what their hours and collections are like right now.

Compassion Society of Halton is a top recommendation for where to donate in Burlington. They’re located at 484 Plains Road East in Burlington

The Baby Depot collects, recycles and distributes a year’s worth of gently used baby clothing and essential gear to families in need in the Hamilton area.

Mission Thrift Store has a location in Hamilton, Burlington, Dundas, Mississauga, Guelph, Beamsville, Kitchener and more national locations, too.

Halton Women’s Place has an ongoing list on their website for what NEW items they need to support their clients, and they have clothing donation bins that you can access anytime at 2211 Brant Street in Burlington.

Good Shepherd Shelter and Centre in Hamilton accepts food donations, clothing, and home items. They always have a full list of what they are accepting here on their website.

Helping Hands Street Mission normally accepts donations of all men’s and women’s seasonal clothing items, household linens, new underwear, and personal hygiene items.

re-Source Thrift Store in Hamilton is a volunteer-run thrift store raising money in support of Christian education and various other local causes.

Facebook Local Free/For Sale Groups

These groups are perfect if you want to give something away but don’t want to make a trip to drop it off anywhere. They’re also great when you’ve only got an item or two to get rid of. I’ll link below a couple that I am a part of, but be sure to read the rules and give/take items safely.

FREEreCYCLE Burlington/oakville/hamilton Freecycle group

Burlington Mom 2 Mom & More

Mamas for Mamas-Burlington/Oakville

Hamilton Ontario Marketplace

Hamilton Garage Sales (normally for posting your sales, but right now you can post more)

Mississauga / Oakville Mom’s Dad’s Buy and Sell

Halton Region BUY/SELL/SWAP

Milton Buy & Sell

Plus, your neighbourhood definitely has a dedicated Facebook group and sharing this with your immediate community is an ideal way to meet the neighbours and so easy. Especially right now – they can do a contactless porch pick up on one of their daily walks!

Pick Up Services for Donations in Burlington and Hamilton

Diabetes Clothes Line aka Diabetes Collection operates in most cities in Canada. You can book a pickup on their website (during normal times) and choose your pickup date. Then you leave your marked items on your front stoop and they pick them up. Items are then sold to Value Village and Diabetes Canada is paid based upon the volume of goods delivered.

Kidney Clothes (part of Kidney Foundation) clothing and used item donation pickups are available in certain areas. Or host a clothing drive with your school or community group and raise funds based on your collection.

The Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy has a few neighbourhoods they collect in. You can find their info here.

Read More: Do Some Good This Earth Day

Specialty Donations

Kidney Car – Donate your car to the Kidney Foundation

Stuffies 4 Smiles gives those furry friends a new home. This kid-led business is a registered charity and they have delivered over 600 birthday packs to kids since last March.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts household items and kitchen reconstruction items (countertops, sinks, cupboards, etc.)

If you know of other great ways to donate your things in Burlington and Hamilton please let us know in the comments below.

Read Our Latest Articles

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The Hamilton Aviary Bird Sanctuary https://activeparents.ca/the-hamilton-aviary/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 18:50:52 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=36058 A visit to The Hamilton Aviary is a great way to feel tropical while supporting this wonderful, volunteer-run bird sanctuary in Dundas, Ontario.

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A visit to The Hamilton Aviary is a great way to feel tropical while supporting this wonderful, volunteer-run bird sanctuary in Dundas, Ontario. They provide food, shelter and socialization for birds and have done so since 1927. The birds here are not familiar or common to Ontario – think Mexico, Central America, South America, Australia, etc. There are photos and more details below to help you to plan your trip!

the hamilton aviary
The Hamilton Aviary

Where is the Hamilton aviary?

Add The Hamilton Aviary to your must-visit list. Located in the Westdale neighbourhood of Hamilton, Ontario, the indoor Aviary runs thanks to dedicated volunteers and donations from fellow wildlife lovers. It is a short walk from the RBG Cootes Paradise trails and makes a great addition to your Hamilton day trip

Read More: After you’ve spent some time with your feathered friends, why not check out one of the best playgrounds in Hamilton? Or treat yourselves to a doughnut or two?

a colourful macaw parrot at the bird aviary in Hamilton

The Origin of The Aviary

It all started in 1927 when a posthumous investment from a man named Thomas Gould was invested, as per his wishes “to make the Dundurn Park Zoo more attractive for little children”. The Hamilton Zoological Society thought to turn part of the zoo into an aviary. All was well, until the 1990s.

From the Aviary’s website: “In 1992, the “Friends of the Aviary” took over the daily care and needs of the Flock and the aviary ceased to be a city program. In the summer of 1995, with extensive historical restoration efforts at Dundurn Castle, it became apparent that the birds would not be returning to their home of 70 years. Fortunately, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) site known as the Teaching Gardens was being vacated. Because of the many features suited to the Aviary at this location, the City and the RBG agreed to a multi-year lease and the Aviary was moved July of 1996; indoor enclosures with outdoor flights were built.”

macaws at the hamilton aviary
birds at the hamilton aviary

What kind of birds are at the hamilton aviary?

Expect to see a variety of exotic birds when you visit the aviary in Hamilton. As part of your visit, you will get access to knowledgeable volunteers to help answer your questions and show you all of the features of each tropical bird. They’re passionate and full of facts and fun bits about each bird’s personality.

  • African Grey parrots
  • Citron-crested cockatoos
  • Macaws
  • Cockatiels
  • Rosellas
  • Yellow-crowned amazons, and more! 
friends of the aviary
friends of the aviary

Among the exotic birds and animals you will meet are Goffin Cockatoo, Rose-Ringed Parakeet, Yellow-Headed Amazon, African Grey, Zebra Finch, Citron-Crested Cockatoo, Eclectus, (pink) Galah Cockatoo, Eastern Rosella, Umbrella Cockatoo, Red-Lored Amazon, Blue & Yellow Macaw, Senegal Parrot and Cockatiels.

Planning your visit to the aviary

Sunday Open Houses are free for children, but adults are asked to make a pay-what-you-can donation. There are about 40 birds in the aviary, which resembles a small greenhouse, and all of the birds are in cages. Tours offer the chance to interact with a bird or two outside of their cages depending on the bird’s mood that day.

When Victoria and her daughter visited, they met Stephanie, an aviary volunteer. Stephanie was incredibly friendly and very, very knowledgeable about all the birds, their care, and fun facts. The tour was very educational. Your kids will leave a lot! 2-year-old Leora enjoyed seeing all the birds. Some of the birds can talk back with human words to you!

Note for your visit: The rooms full of birds can be loud when they’re excited and squawking. Some visitors may find it overly loud, so be prepared to skip that section or bring ear protection.

What’s nearby the friends of the aviary?

After you’ve spent some time with your feathered friends, why not check out one of the best playgrounds in Hamilton? Or treat yourselves to a donut or two? When the weather is warm, you’re going to love these splash pads – so many to choose from! The bird sanctuary is near the RBG Cootes Paradise trails and would make a great addition to your day trip

Tour the aviary, meet the birds and the staff. You’ll learn about these brightly coloured birds from around the world. If you want to be even more connected to the Aviary, there are volunteer opportunities to feed the birds, care for the plants, provide tours and more.

Hamilton Aviary is located at 85 Oak Knoll Dr, in Hamilton. The Aviary is open Sundays from 1 pm – 4 pm.

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The Best Toy Stores in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville https://activeparents.ca/the-best-toy-stores-in-hamilton-burlington-and-oakville/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:37:49 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=66258 Welcome to Toy Haven! Our directory is your passport to a world of play, showcasing the charm and uniqueness of local independent toy stores near you. Immerse yourself in a curated collection of toys that go beyond the ordinary, handpicked for their quality, creativity, and educational value.

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Welcome to Toy Haven! Our directory is your passport to a world of play, showcasing the charm and uniqueness of local independent toy stores near you. Immerse yourself in a curated collection of toys that go beyond the ordinary, handpicked for their quality, creativity, and educational value.

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!

The Best Toy Stores in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville

Little boy in a red shirt looking at toys at a toy store

Hobby and Toy Central

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/

Learning Tree Educational Store

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/

Jr Toy

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

https://www.jrtoycanada.ca/

Skycraft Hobbies

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/

Snugglebugz

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

https://snugglebugz.ca

KSM Toys

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

https://shop.ksmtoys.com/

Citizen Kid

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

https://citizenkid.ca/

Simply Green Baby

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

https://simplygreenbaby.com/

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Where Do Kids Eat Free in Burlington, Oakville and Milton? https://activeparents.ca/where-do-kids-eat-free-in-burlington/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:08:53 +0000 http://burlingtonparents.com/?p=139 “Where do kids eat free?” is one of the most frequently asked here at Active Parents, so we keep our list of places where kids can eat free updated! Turns … Read more

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“Where do kids eat free?” is one of the most frequently asked here at Active Parents, so we keep our list of places where kids can eat free updated! Turns out there are quite a few restaurants in the area that cater to the kiddies while taking it easy on the parent’s pocketbook.

This list is up to date as of January 2024, but as always, you might want to call the restaurant to confirm that they’re still offering a Kids Deal on your preferred night. And if you know of any restaurants that offer free kids meals (or kids specials) please let us know!

Also, check out our Kids Eat Free Guide for Hamilton and our Kids Eat Free Guide for Niagara Region.

Mondays

The Firehall in Oakville gives up to 2 little chiefs a free kids meal when an adult entree is purchased after 4 pm.

Tuesdays Kids Eat Free

Visit Denny’s on Tuesdays after 4 pm and kids dine free when you eat in and a regular-priced adult entree is purchased.

Dine in at Burlington’s Skyway Diner and kids eat in free with an adult entree purchase.

At East Side Marios, kids 10 and under eat for $2* every Tuesday. To qualify, you need to purchase any adult entrée for $15.99 or more. You can also sign up for their Mini Marios club and get 5 free kids meals.

Wednesdays

Boston Pizza Burlington South at 3120 South Service Road has Kids Eat Free every Wednesday in March and April.

At some Swiss Chalet locations kids eat free on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

Saturdays

There are fewer promotions happening on Saturdays. Please let us know if you discover any and we’ll be sure to post it here.

Sunday Deals

Burlington’s Squire’s Pub has kids dine free on Sundays when an adult entree is purchased.

Burlington’s Slye Fox has kids under 10 eating a kids’ meal for free when their adult purchases an entree.

Burlington’s QB’s offers half-price kid’s meals on Sundays from 5 p.m. until closing and each child receives a free $10 game card. 

Symposium Cafe has a Sunday kids eat free meal for children 12 and under from 2pm to close with the purchase of $15.99 or more.

STACK BBQ in Oakville treats kids to a free Short STACK meal with the purchase of an adult entree and beverage.

Every Day Deals

East Side Mario’s has a kids club called Mini Marios where, when you sign up online, kids will receive 5 free kids meals and 5 “chillers” (which are slushy drinks).

Montana’s now offers a Kids Club promotion where kids can sign up and get a free kid’s meal on their birthday. Click here for the details.

Goodfellas Pizzaria invites kids to a free kids dinner offer and beverage every day with a minimum table purchase of $80. Locations in Milton and Oakville.

Did We Miss a Kids Eat Free Deal?

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!

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30 Easy Acts of Kindness for Kids https://activeparents.ca/30-easy-acts-of-kindness-for-kids/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:15:12 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=36319 Kids are born loving and kind, and parents like us need to help them nurture and grow their compassion. That sounds like a big job but it’s actually super simple! … Read more

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Kids are born loving and kind, and parents like us need to help them nurture and grow their compassion. That sounds like a big job but it’s actually super simple! An act of kindness elicits gratitude—and gratitude is good for you. According to all sorts of social science research, gratitude is associated with increased happiness, well-being, better relationships and even improved health.

“We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa

The Science of Kindness reports that when you perform an act of kindness, you trigger a release of oxytocin, the love hormone, which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our heart health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful in times like these.

That’s not all random acts of kindness do for you! They can increase our energy and improve mood, by stimulating the production of serotonin, the same way a medical antidepressant can. When you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centres light up with what is called a “helper’s high”.

Give your children these beautiful feelings by spreading some smiles and joy through easy random acts of kindness like these ones.

You can see more of our printables here.

30 Easy acts of kindness for kids PRINTABLES

30 days of kindness list of random acts of kindness for kids
30 days of kindness black and white printable

Amber’s tips for raising kind kids

I am no parenting expert, but I try to work daily on making sure my kids are compassionate and kind. It’s not easy to foster in the times of TikTok, iPads and virtual school, but I try. Here are a few ways I encourage my kids to grow up kinder.

Donate – when we donate to the food bank, I get the kids to shop our cupboards for what we can part with. I also get them to read the list of what is needed, and we add that to our grocery order. They need to see that lunch snacks and baby food are a luxury to some. When we make a financial donation, we ask the kids to help us choose where the money should go.

Volunteer – my almost 13-year-old and I deliver food weekly to folks who need it. We do it so she knows what giving her time and kindness can do for others. We also love any opportunity to clean up a green space or connect with seniors in our community. The appreciation that organizers show to volunteers is unmatched and encourages more volunteering.

Encourage Empathy – I have strong views on certain topics, but instead of pushing those views on my kids, I ask them open-ended questions to spark deeper thinking. “I wonder why the food bank needs formula?” Then I show them the price of formula and diapers and we do a quick calculation to see how long someone would have to work to afford those two items. They realize that not everyone can afford what they have, and they not only learn to relate to others but to appreciate their blessings.

Use This List – These ideas for acts of kindness for kids were brainstormed by our whole family! It was a great learning exercise to see if we can still perform acts of kindness during a pandemic and lockdown. Guess what? We can! And we need kindness now more than ever.

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30 Breakfast Recipes: Delicious and Easy Ideas Your Family WIll Love https://activeparents.ca/30-christmas-breakfast-recipes/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:52:13 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=63808 There's one thing you won't want to do without on Christmas morning: breakfast! Whether it's a big breakfast or a quick bite to fuel you up for the festivities ahead, these Christmas breakfast ideas are perfect for whatever your holiday has in store.

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There’s one thing you won’t want to do without on Christmas morning: breakfast! Whether it’s a big breakfast or a quick bite to fuel you up for the festivities ahead, these Christmas breakfast ideas are perfect for whatever your holiday has in store.

Kick-start your festive celebrations with a special Christmas casserole for breakfast. We’ve compiled a list of 30 Christmas breakfast recipes that are sure to impress your family and guests. Start your morning off with a stack of fluffy pancakes or waffles topped with cranberry sauce or maple syrup. Or, if you prefer something savoury, try out some of the casserole recipes in this list.

Some of the recipes are quick and easy, while others require a bit more time and effort. But all of them are sure to impress your family and guests.

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST CASSEROLE (OVERNIGHT RECIPE)

Photo: thissillygirlskitchen

A hearty dish filled with savoury sausage, crispy bacon, colourful bell peppers, and pockets of creamy cheese. This casserole is not only the perfect breakfast dish for Christmas day, but it’s also the ideal treat to enjoy with the whole family any day of the year. Mother’s Day maybe?

Get the full recipe from This Silly Girl’s Kitchen

GRINCH PANCAKES (FROM SCRATCH!)

Photo: lynnswayoflife

A super easy breakfast, these Grinch pancakes are so fun to make during the holiday season! With just a hint of vanilla, the kids will love opening presents and enjoying these pancakes with maple syrup on Christmas morning!

Get the full recipe from Lynn’s Way Of Life

SLOW COOKER OVERNIGHT BREAKFAST CASSEROLE 

Photo: xoxobella

This easy holiday breakfast or brunch recipe would be perfect for your upcoming holiday menu. It’s a leftover ham and egg bake with vegetables, cheese, hash browns, and more. You can either prepare the slow cooker overnight breakfast casserole the night before or early on Christmas morning—a warming dish with plenty of amazing flavours. 

Get the full recipe from Xoxo Bella

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Photo: plattertalk

Christmas breakfast is not usually the first thing on everyone’s mind when the holiday rolls around. That all changes very quickly on Christmas morning when this overnight easy breakfast casserole is about to come out of the oven.

Get the full recipe from Platter Talk

GRINCH BREAKFAST CASSEROLE RECIPE

Photo: 3boysandadog

This Grinch Breakfast Casserole Recipe is perfect for Christmas morning! Grab the easy ingredients and make this hearty dish. The perfect way to kick off the holiday festivities!If you love making casserole dishes, you can’t go wrong with this one. The fun colours remind me of the Grinch, and the flavour makes it one of my favourites.

Get the full recipe from 3 Boys And A Dog 

EGGNOG CINNAMON ROLLS

Photo: corriecooks 

Christmas mornings have a unique charm, with families gathered, presents exchanged, and the unmistakable scent of festive treats wafting through the air. What better way to amplify this cozy feeling than with a plateful of warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls?

Get the full recipe from Corrie Cooks

EASY GINGERBREAD PANCAKES: CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST 

Photo: savvymamalifestyle.

Wake up to a festive Christmas breakfast with this delicious Gingerbread Pancakes recipe. They’re homemade and simple to put together. You’ll taste all of the wonderful flavours of traditional gingerbread: ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. 

Get the full recipe from Savvy Mama Lifestyle

KETO GINGERBREAD PANCAKES 

Photo: ketofocus

A delicious keto breakfast for Christmas morning or just when you have a hankering for gingerbread but don’t want to have a cookie first thing in the morning. Consider making these pancakes on Christmas morning. They are full of yummy gingerbread flavour and are especially good when topped with fresh whipped cream.

Get the full recipe from Keto Focus

FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE 

Photo: saltysidedish

Elevate your mornings with the undeniable charm of our French Toast Casserole. One of the biggest appeals of this dish is its straightforwardness. Prepare it the night before, and on a busy morning all you need to do is bake!

Get the full recipe from Salty Side Dish

CINNAMON ROLL FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE 

Photo: dinneratthezoo

This cinnamon roll french toast casserole is always the star of the show. This easy Christmas breakfast casserole is super easy to make and can even be assembled the night before. This recipe is canned cinnamon rolls coated in milk and eggs, baked to golden brown, and topped with icing. It’s also the perfect choice for Christmas morning breakfast.

Get the full recipe from Dinner At The Zoo

SPINACH & FETA EGGS IN A NEST RECIPE 

Photo: weekdaypescatarian

This sophisticated take on the classic eggs in a nest is a delightful way to serve a delicious breakfast or brunch this weekend. It’s still a quick and easy breakfast, but special enough for Christmas mornings or Mother’s Day Brunch.

Get the full recipe from Weekday Pescatarian

HAM EGG AND CHEESE CASSEROLE 

Photo: belleofthekitchen

Ham Egg and Cheese Casserole is easy to make and perfect for a weekend or holiday breakfast. It’s truly perfect for Christmas breakfast, Easter brunch, or anything in between! You can make and serve it right away, or prep and refrigerate overnight.

Get the full recipe from Belle Of The Kitchen

BROWN BUTTER CINNAMON ROLLS 

Photo: beginwithbalance

These brown butter cinnamon rolls are a bite of heaven. You’ll brown butter and add it to both the filling and the frosting, taking the brown butter flavour to the next level. They’re great for a special occasion like Christmas morning or to have for a special breakfast or dessert.

Get the full recipe from Begin With Balance

FLUFFY EGGNOG PANCAKES (SO EASY!) 

Photo: lynnswayoflife

These fluffy Eggnog pancakes are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and made with ingredients you probably already have at home! These eggnog pancakes are perfect to eat throughout the holiday season or make fresh on Christmas morning!

Get the full recipe from Lynn’s Way Of Life

EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST

Photo: iheartnaptime

This easy eggnog french toast is the perfect recipe for your Christmas morning or holiday brunch! It’s golden, rich, and full of delicious eggnog flavour. It’s fun to enjoy other variations…especially during the holidays! This french toast using eggnog is always on rotation during the Christmas season,

Get the full recipe from I Heart Naptime

EGGNOG STICKY BUNS 

Photo: celebrationgeneration

If you’re looking to use up some eggnog, these eggnog sticky buns are a great way to do so! Full of flavour… and calories.  SO MANY CALORIES. The perfect Christmas morning brunch offering! Starting with my base dough, we designed it from there.

Get the full recipe from Celebration Generation

OVERNIGHT EGGNOG WAFFLE CASSEROLE 

Photo: findingzest

On Christmas morning do you enjoy spending a lot of time in the kitchen or with your family in front of the tree? This casserole definitely firms up the longer it sits. There was no liquid whatsoever in the bottom of the dish and yet it is still very moist.

Get the full recipe from Finding Zest

EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST 

                              Photo: lovefromtheoven

Eggnog French Toast is the holiday breakfast you don’t want to skip out on! Just imagine the best French toast you’ve ever had, except the milk is replaced with eggnog. If you’re stumped on what to make Christmas morning, this Egg Nog French Toast is a perfect fit. Ready in under 30 minutes, simple to make, festive, and of course delicious!

Get the full recipe from Love From The Oven

EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST WITH CRANBERRY SYRUP 

Photo: artfrommytable

Eggnog French Toast ~enjoy the warm flavours of eggnog in the form of delicious French toast, topped with cranberry syrup. This would be a perfect Christmas morning breakfast. Let me introduce you to Eggnog French Toast with Cranberry Syrup!

Get the full recipe from Art From My Table

THE BEST EGGNOG PANCAKES 

Photo: yuminthekitchen

These homemade eggnog pancakes are made with all the basic pancake ingredients plus some eggnog and a few festive spices.  They are perfect for Christmas breakfast or any other time during the holiday season. It makes for a wonderful Christmas breakfast.

Get the full recipe from Yum In The Kitchen

EGGNOG PANCAKES 

Photo: acedarspoon

During the holiday season start your day off with these Eggnog Pancakes. You will love these warm, spiced pancakes on Christmas morning or even for a festive brunch. Top with a cinnamon whipped cream and warm maple syrup. These pancakes have a subtle flavour of eggnog and warm nutmeg.

Get the full recipe from A Cedar Spoon

CHRISTMAS MORNING CASSEROLE (WIFE SAVER)

                                                    Photo: foodmeanderings

This Wife Saver recipe is a savoury overnight breakfast casserole with layers of bread, ham, cheese, eggs, and cornflakes. It’s easy to throw together Christmas Eve and pop in the oven the next day for a delicious Christmas morning breakfast, brunch, or any holiday morning! 

Get the full recipe from Food Meanderings

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST CASSEROLE 

Photo: lovinglivinglancaster

Christmas morning is almost here! With this festive morning happening soon, you need to have something amazing on hand. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is everything a family could ask for in the morning. This recipe calls for 6-7 ingredients, which means the recipe itself will be simple!

Get the full recipe from Loving Living Lancaster

EASY & DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS AIR FRYER DONUTS WITH BISCUITS 

                          Photo: twokidsandacoupon

Did you know that you can make delicious air fryer donuts with biscuits for Christmas or anytime? Do you have a favourite breakfast that you make for Christmas morning? To make these donuts, you’ll need a can of biscuits, butter-flavoured cooking spray, frosting, and sprinkles.

Get the full recipe from Two Kids And A Coupon

CHRISTMAS MORNING SCONES (VANILLA BEAN, NUTMEG, AND ROSEMARY-SCENTED SCONES)

Photo: anediblemosaic

This easy-to-make Christmas Morning Scones recipe (aka Vanilla Bean, Nutmeg, and Rosemary-Scented Scones) captures the flavour and aroma of Christmas morning! They have a unique, festive flavour, are easy to make, and will become your family’s new favourite holiday morning tradition.

Get the full recipe from An Edible Mosaic

VEGAN BREAKFAST CASSEROLE 

                            Photo: veggiessavetheday

This comforting family favourite is easy to make in under an hour. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, and make-ahead meals. You can make it in advance for grab-and-go breakfasts. And it’s the perfect dish to serve Christmas morning. 

Get the full recipe from Veggies Save The Day

CHRISTMAS MORNING BAKED EGGS IN RAMEKINS 

Photo: seasonedkitchen

Christmas Morning Eggs are quick and easy to prepare – and oh, so scrumptious! I can’t recall a Christmas morning without them. Christmas Morning Eggs are super easy to prepare, and can even be put together the night before. Simply spread shredded Cheddar cheese in individual ramekins.

Get the full recipe from Seasoned Kitchen

CHRISTMAS CROISSANT BREAKFAST CASSEROLE 

Photo: ericasrecipes

Christmas Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a vegetarian breakfast casserole assembled in advance so all you have to do is bake in the morning. With mushrooms, red bell pepper, poblano pepper, and three kinds of cheese, this decadent croissant egg bake will become a family favourite Christmas breakfast casserole for all.

Get the full recipe from Ericas Recipes

EASY QUICHE FLORENTINE 

Photo: thedizzycook

This easy quiche Florentine is the easiest spinach and goat cheese quiche you’ll ever make because you don’t even have to make a crust! Minimal ingredients, quick prep, and awesome flavours make this a great breakfast. Not only is it simple for a beginner cook, but this quiche Florentine recipe is perfect for meal prep for brunch, Christmas, or Easter. 

Get the full recipe from The Dizzy Cook

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE 

Photo: afullliving

Indulge in this scrumptious Easy Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe, perfect for those who crave instant gratification! This easy French toast bake is the best way to make good use of stale bread. Perfect for a holiday morning, like Christmas morning breakfast. 

Get the full recipe from A Full Living

Are You Hungry Yet?

You now have 30 delicious Christmas breakfast recipes to choose from for your holiday morning meal. From sweet to savoury, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re in the mood for classic pancakes or want to try something new like eggnog French toast, these recipes will make your Christmas morning extra special.

Read Our Latest Articles

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Where To Play Laser Tag – Hamilton, Halton, Niagara, KW Area https://activeparents.ca/laser-tag-hamilton-halton-niagara/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 18:23:33 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=64103 Looking for laser tag? Our round up will highlight all of the local places to challenge your friends and people you've never met before. Here is where you can find the best laser tag near you.

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Looking for laser tag? Our round up will highlight all of the local places to challenge your friends and people you’ve never met before. Whether you’re planning for a laser tag birthday party or are looking for some drop-in high-energy action, here is where you can find the best laser tag near you.

a family playing laser tag

What Laser Tag Exactly?

Laser tag is a high energy indoor game that combines strategy, teamwork, and adrenaline-pumping action. Players gear up with vests and handheld laser devices, both provided by the location you visit. Players then make their way into a dimly lit, maze-like arena looking for the opposing team members.

The primary goal? Tag opponents with laser beams while dodging incoming fire to rack up points and claim victory. It’s a thrilling experience that is fit for various ages, making it a popular choice for birthday parties or just a fun indoor activity.

Read More: Do you love the challenge these destinations offer? You may also love spending the afternoon at one of these escape rooms.

Looking For Laser Quest?

Laser Quest was a very popular destination for anyone interested in playing some laser tag in Mississauga/Oakville. Sadly, with the varying restrictions and closures, Laser Quest closed all of their facilities in September 2020.

Read More: keep the excitment going when you go head to head at one of these cool video game arcades.

How Old Must Players Be?

Participation isn’t restricted by age. Your kids and adult will enjoy themselves in the excitement of laser tag. One things to keep in mind is that the laser blasters and vests can be heavy for younger kids. My girls were small, and the Planet Laser tag equipment was a little on the heavy side for them at 8 years old. I always suggest parents visit a laser tag centre before you commit to an event so you can test out the weight of the equipment.

Whether you’re a group of friends, a family looking for an awesome outing, or someone planning a fun team-building activity, lasertag offers an experience everyone can enjoy. Players strategize, communicate, and make their way through the maze-like battlegrounds, relying on teamwork and quick decision-making.

Each of these laser tag arenas make great destinations for a family outing or a birthday party or give a gift card for the ultimate experience gift.

Laser Tag Birthday Party For kids?

Birthday parties these arenas are a hit for numerous reasons. They offer a super cool game play setting where your birthday kid and their friends can enjoy friendly competition. The immersive nature of the game ensures everyone gets involved, creating lasting memories.

Tag venues often provide party packages, including private gaming sessions, reserved party areas for cake and celebrations, and sometimes even additional perks like arcade games or special effects lighting. I’ve held my kids parties at Planet Laser in Oakville and Splitsville laser tag in Burlington and recommend them both. We had a great time and so did our guests.

Indoor laser tag centers provide a controlled environment for gameplay, which makes them very popular locations to host birthday parties in the winter and rainy spring months. We’ve been to arenas that have cool themes and obstacles to use to your advantage, adding an extra layer of thrill to the gaming experience. The dimly lit settings with glow in the dark black lights and maze-like layout create an immersive and exciting feel for players.

Ultimate Laser Tag in Oakville, Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and Laser tag in Kitchener Waterloo Region

In this list, you’ll find a round up of all the local options, each offering its own distinct challenges and themes. Whether you’re a newbie seeking an first-time visit to laser tag in Niagara Falls or a seasoned enthusiast looking for a new place to challenge you, these spots promise an exciting time.

Activate Indoor Gaming Experience
High-energy, massive indoor gaming experience. Read about our visit here.
Burlington
Cameron Speedway and Amusements
A public mile-long go-kart track with two overpasses and underpasses, five paintball fields, a four-sided rock wall, laser tag arena and target range.
Hamilton
Epicplayzone
Milton’s largest active play zone for kids and adults alike. Great for the whole family. Epic Play Zone offers Laser Tag, Indoor Playground, Arcade, Birthday Parties.
Milton
Family Fun Centre Laser Tag
Featuring a multi-level, state of the art laser tag arena, and the latest selection of arcade and redemption games
Hamilton
GYGO - Get Your Game On
A 26,000-square foot active play experience with a wide range of indoor and outdoor games and activations, like NERF Challenge, mini golf, laser tag, go-karts and more.
Mississauga
Kingpin Cambridge
Bowing, laser tag, an arcade, and a giant, multi-level play structure means kids of all ages can be entertained at Kingpin! Ask about their birthday party packages!
Cambridge Centre Mall 355 Hespeler Road, Cambridge, N1R 6B3
Kingpin Cambridge Laser Tag
Experience a laser tag like no other! Choose from a variety of missions and player modes to suit your skill levels. You’ll even know if your team is currently winning as the entire arena will don your teams colour in full LED illumination!
Cambridge Centre Mall 355 Hespeler Road, Cambridge, N1R 6B3
Parkway Social
Parkway Social has been an icon of St Catharines since 1958 as an entertainment destination that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a quirky date night idea or to get competitive with friends or colleagues, our venue is the perfect location. 
St. Catharines
Planet Laser
Planet Laser is Oakville’s ultimate spot for family fun and entertainment, featuring a unique multi-level laser tag arena and competitive play map. Planet Laser is “THE PLACE” to engage interactively with your friends and family. The fun doesn’t end with just Laser Tag…enjoy other activities too, including arcade games & much more! There is no need to make a reservation to just drop in and have some fun.
Oakville
Zorbit Sports
Burlington’s only purpose-built indoor Zorb Battle, Archery Battle and Nerf(™) Battle facility. We aim to provide the ultimate events for any occasion - Birthdays, Team Celebrations, Camps and more!
Burlington

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The Best Escape Rooms Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara Area https://activeparents.ca/escape-rooms/ Sat, 16 Dec 2023 03:09:19 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=63873 Explore the immersive escape rooms across Hamilton, Burlington, and the Niagara. These interactive adventures create lasting memories and provide a shared experience that encourages communication and cooperation.

The post The Best Escape Rooms Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara Area appeared first on Active Parents.

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Explore the immersive escape rooms across Hamilton, Burlington, and the Niagara. Whether it’s a family outing, a team-building exercise for colleagues, or a fun hangout with friends, these interactive adventures create lasting memories and provide a shared experience that encourages communication and cooperation.

What is an Escape Room?

Escape rooms are challenges where players solve puzzles and riddles to make their way through a themed plot and try to ‘escape’ within a set time limit. These games have themes that cater to every interest, offering cool challenges perfect for friends, families, or coworkers looking for great entertainment.

Players being their adventure locked in a room together. The rooms are often themed around mysteries, historical events, or science fiction settings. What is the objective? To solve the clues, decipher the codes, and piece together the puzzles cleverly hidden throughout the room.

With a time limit adding suspense, teamwork and quick thinking become essential to successfully completing the mission.

How Many People Do You Need?

The number of players you will need will vary based on the room you choose to complete, but these locations below offer games set up for 2 to 12 people. Normally 4 to 6 players is the magic number which allows for lots of brain power, without too many cooks in the kitchen.

What makes escape rooms such a fantastic activity is their ability to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills in an enjoyable setting. Participants must communicate effectively, pooling their diverse strengths and perspectives to conquer challenges. These rooms require critical thinking, encouraging players to approach problems creatively and work under pressure.

Moreover, escape rooms serve as an excellent group activity.

Read More: Do you love the challenge these destinations offer? You may also love spending the afternoon at one of these board game cafes.

How Old Must Players Be?

Rooms are challenging and mainly created for teens and adults. KW Escape Rooms in Kitchener suggests their rooms are for 12 years and older, which in the summertime they offer outdoor escape rooms that start at 8 years old. Alcatraz Escape Room in Hamilton offer party packages recommended for kids 10 and up.

Confundrum Escape Rooms in Burlington has 8 missions to choose from and offers family-friendly options that are great for kids who are around 10 and older. We know a few families who think this is one of the better escape rooms for kids to do. Adventure Rooms in Kitchener suggests kids 8 -10 years old play with their adults to help.

Both Fazed Escape Rooms and Ruze Escape Rooms near me offer family-friendly options as well. Lots of details on their websites, linked for you below.

Each of these venues make great destinations for a team outing or a birthday party or give a gift card for the ultimate experience gift.

Escape Rooms Downtown, Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and Waterloo Region

In this list, you’ll find a round up of all the local options, each offering its own distinct challenges and themes. Whether you’re a newbie seeking an first-time visit to escape rooms in Niagara Falls or a seasoned enthusiast looking for a new Hamilton escape room, these spots promise an exciting time.

AdventureRooms
We recommend that children are 8 years of age or older to play without adults in the escape room, however younger children may play with their families. Party room is available - bring your own food and drink (excluding alcohol).
283 Duke St. W, Kitchener
Alcatraz Escape Rooms
Alcatraz has 6 rooms to chhose from ranging in difficulty and recommended group size. Recommended ages 10+
Hamilton
BreakOut Escapes
The Cambridge location offers 6 games, and rooms change seasonally. They also had a room for kids 14 and under. 
114 Main Street, Cambridge
BreakOut Escapes Cambridge (Preston)
Located at Lumberjacks Axe Throwing with two escape offerings!
1453 King St E, Cambridge
BreakOut Escapes Niagara Falls
Offering 7 rooms to play, with seasonal favourite-themes. They also have a kid-friendly room for 14 and under. 
Niagara Region
Complex Rooms
Looking for an at-home alternative to escape rooms? Complex offers both virtual and 'take-out' games - real boxes with props and puzzles, delivered to your location so you can host your own 'room'! 
Waterloo
Confundrum Escape Rooms
Confundrum has 6 rooms to choose from and offers in person and virtual escape room games. They also offer packages so you can bundle rooms together and enjoy more for less money! Their rooms range in skill level and suggested age from 10 years old to 18+ depending on the theme. 
Burlington
Crimson Codes Escape Rooms
4 rooms to choose from. 
1119 Fennell Ave East, Hamilton
Ctl V
Looking for a new kind of escape room? Try Virtual Reality! Ctl V offers single and multi-plyer VR games, and now escape rooms too!
212 Victoria Rd South, Unit #(Unit A?), Guelph
Ctl V Waterloo
Looking for a new kind of escape room? Try Virtual Reality! Ctl V offers single and multi-plyer VR games, and now escape rooms too!
170 Columbia Street West, Unit #5, Waterloo
EscapeworX - Bingeman's
Players need to work as a team, communicating and making fast decisions to complete the enigmatic mysteries of the room. This makes EscapeworX a perfect team-building exercise, whether it's a bunch of friends, family, or a corporate group. With an on-site party room or nearby Boston pizza it's a great place for parties.
425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, N2B 3X7
Exitus Escape Rooms
You can come to our facility or do an escape room in the comfort of your own home with our virtual offerings! Party room available.
340 Woodlawn Rd. W., Guelph, N1H 3N4
Fantescapes Escape Rooms
Three magical rooms to choose from - all rooms require at least one person 16+ to be present. 
121 Wyndham St. N., Guelph
Fazed Escape Rooms
Fazed has 2 escape rooms to choose from and both are family friendly. 
Burlington
KeyMasters Escape Rooms
Key Masters has 4 rooms to choose from. Games are recommended for players that are 10 or older. Players that are under 16 must have a parent or guardian present to sign a waiver.
305 Grays Road, Hamilton
KW Escape Room
With several different experiences, and a free party room KW Escape Rooms is the perfect place for a family outing or a larger get-together!
505 Conestogo Road Unit 12, Waterloo, N2L 4C9
Mission Impossible Escape Rooms
The ONLY Escape Room in the WORLD where you can Choose Your Difficulty Level for any room: Kidz, Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced. All rooms are private for the comfort of you and your group. Our Milton Location is also host to 4 Party Rooms, a Full Restaurant & Bar and a Billiards Lounge. Located inside Champs Family Entertainment Centre. 
300 Bronte St S., Milton
Next Level Escape Rooms
Choose from four different rooms, and bring 2-10 players to join you, depending on which room you choose. 
1039 Upper James Street, Hamilton
Ruze Escape Rooms
We guarantee your experience to be challenging, fun, and one-of-a-kind. Take on the opportunity to  be the hero to your own adventure! 3 different rooms to challenge you. 
534 Brant Street, Burlington
The Round Table - Guelph
Board games, axe throwing, archery, escape rooms and more!
Guelph

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18 Awesome Arcades Near You in Hamilton and Halton https://activeparents.ca/arcades/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:26:04 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=63855 Arcades are exciting places where kids can immerse themselves in a world of fun and games. These spots are filled with rows of colourful machines that light up and buzz with excitement.

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Arcades are exciting places where kids can immerse themselves in a world of fun and games. These spots are filled with rows of colourful machines that light up and buzz with excitement. Think of an arcade as a playground for video games!

But what exactly is an arcade? Well, it’s a place packed with various types of games that range from classic pinball machines to the latest cutting-edge video game consoles. Picture yourself surrounded by a variety of games that challenge your skills, test your reflexes, and most importantly, provide heaps of entertainment.

Arcades make a great destination for a team outing or a birthday party. Venues often offer great food and drink options, and cater to large groups regularly.

Playing video games can be a great way for kids to have fun, develop hand-eye coordination, and even learn problem-solving skills. Moderation is key, though! Just like enjoying a tasty treat, playing video games in moderation can be a good thing. It’s important to balance gaming with other activities, like outdoor play, reading, or spending time with friends and family.

Now, let’s explore some fantastic kid-friendly arcades and gaming spots where young gamers can unleash their skills and have a blast! These places are carefully designed with kids in mind, offering a safe and enjoyable environment to play games. From classic arcades with retro games to modern gaming centers equipped with the latest technology, these spots cater to a wide range of interests and ages.

Whether it’s competing in virtual races, embarking on epic adventures, or simply enjoying classic arcade games, these kid-friendly spots ensure a world of excitement and entertainment. Get ready to press start and dive into a world of gaming fun at these amazing arcades and gaming venues specially crafted for young gamers and fun loving parents!

What To Expect At The Arcade

  • Every arcade in Ontario is completely unique. They will each have a different quantity and line up of games to choose from. If you;re looking for a specific game, call ahead and see if they have that one.
  • Some arcades still run on quarters (sorry, no more penny arcades!) and some run with credit card-like payments where you load an amount of money on the card and use the card to pay for game play. Video games are often priced as “credits”, so it takes 2 credits to play a game, etc.
  • Time of day will generally determine how busy the arcade will be. Kids should be ready to wait in line to play the newest and most popular games.

teenage boy playing a driving video game at the arcade

Arcades in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton

Activate Indoor Gaming Experience
High-energy, massive indoor gaming experience. Read about our visit here.
Burlington
AMF Frederick Lanes
Bowling, birthday parties - for both kids and teens, billiards, arcade, and food - there's something here for everyone.
385 Frederick Street Kitchener, Kitchener, N2H 2P2
Burlington Bowl
Burlington Bowl features 48 lanes, a full-service licensed restaurant, a fully stocked pro shop and a games area featuring a pool table, air hockey and more. It offers cosmic glow-in-the-dark bowling, special-effect lighting and the latest music. Kids have a blast with bumper rails, ball ramps and super lightweight balls.
Burlington
Champs Family Entertainment Centre
Large complex offering bowling, billiards & a gaming area, plus a sports bar with creative pub grub. At Champs we have incorporated a one of a kind Main Events gaming area equipped with all of the latest new gaming attractions to some of the favourite old classics.
Milton
Dave and Busters
Bring your friends and enjoy local and weekly specials. A fun experience for any occasion. Eat, drink, play and watch sports - all under one roof.
Oakville
Epicplayzone
Milton’s largest active play zone for kids and adults alike. Great for the whole family. Epic Play Zone offers Laser Tag, Indoor Playground, Arcade, Birthday Parties.
Milton
Family Fun Centre Laser Tag
Featuring a multi-level, state of the art laser tag arena, and the latest selection of arcade and redemption games
Hamilton
Funvilla Guelph
Featuring a Trampoline Park, Ninja zone, soft play area and arcade - plenty to choose from for a rainy afternoon or a party!
Guelph
Funvilla Kitchener-Waterloo
Featuring a Trampoline Park, Wall Climbing, Ninja zone, soft play area and arcade - plenty to choose from for a rainy afternoon or a party!
335 Gage Ave, Kitchener, N2M 5E1
GameTime Social Restaurant and Arcade
We're Burlington's home to endless fun and entertainment for people of all ages! Power up your wristband and let the fun begin.
Burlington
GYGO - Get Your Game On
A 26,000-square foot active play experience with a wide range of indoor and outdoor games and activations, like NERF Challenge, mini golf, laser tag, go-karts and more.
Mississauga
iBowl Family Fun Centre
5 and 10 pin bowling available, with specials for families, lunch, and even a 'triple play - one game of 5 pin bowling, one game of 10 pin bowling, and a round of the on-site mini golf!' Contact them for birthday party info too.
10 Park Hill Road East, Cambridge, N1R 1P2
Kingpin Bowling
With 28 state of the art 10 pin lanes including a separate section for private parties, Kingpin Bowlounge is the biggest bowling venue in the Waterloo Region.
425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, N2B 3X7
Kingpin Cambridge
Bowing, laser tag, an arcade, and a giant, multi-level play structure means kids of all ages can be entertained at Kingpin! Ask about their birthday party packages!
Cambridge Centre Mall 355 Hespeler Road, Cambridge, N1R 6B3
Parkway Social
Parkway Social has been an icon of St Catharines since 1958 as an entertainment destination that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a quirky date night idea or to get competitive with friends or colleagues, our venue is the perfect location. 
St. Catharines
Splitsville Bowling and Arcade - Hamilton
34 lanes, Glow in the Dark Bowling, Angry Birds bowling, interactive screens/games on lanes, state-of-the-art arcade, and a large redemption prize store.
Hamilton
Splitsville Bowling, Laser Tag and Arcade - Burlington
24 lanes, luxury VIP lanes, Glow in the Dark Bowling, 2-level laser tag arena, state-of-the-art arcade, large redemption prize store.
Burlington
Waterdown Lanes
We offer 12 lanes of 5-pin bowling, as well as regular special events and parties, complete with glow-in-the-dark bowling! Looking for a fun way to keep active? We also have bowling leagues for all ages and skill levels.
Waterdown
Woodlawn Bowl
Woodlawn Bowl has 8 lanes of 5 pin and 24 lanes of 10 pin with many different types of Interactions whether it’s Bowling or playing in the Arcade Room, to business meetings, and birthday parties. 
253 Woodlawn Rd W, Guelph, N1H 8J1

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