The post Family Day 2024 – Fun Things To Do With Kids appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>I remember the very first Family Day weekend. I loved having an extra day to spend with my family. You really do appreciate time together once you have kids in your life to spend those days with.
Because we live in the best province in Canada, there is lots of fun to choose from on Family Day. To make it easier to plan something amazing, we pulled all of the events together for you in one easy-to-use list.
Looking for local or driveable family day activities near me? We can help on both accounts! So many great destinations are hosting activities in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara. We are now adding things to do on Family Day in Cambridge, Guelph and Kitchener Waterloo, too.
Event Hosts: Want to see your event listed on our calendar! Click here and we will make it happen!
The Best Things To Do With Kids This Family Day Weekend
That’s Not All!
Don’t feel like you need to attend an official Family Day event, there are lots of other things you can do with your kids to make some memories. Movie theatres will be open and so will the Toronto Zoo. Ice skate on one of these outdoor ice rinks.
Many of these popular attractions are open to welcome families. Enjoy the great outdoors with a kid-approved hike through nature. Maybe some cross-country skiing? Or expend some energy tobogganing at these local hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Family Day?
A: This year we observe Family Day on Monday, February 19, 2024. It is always on the third Monday in February.
Q: Is Family Day a stat holiday?
A: It is one of the 9 public holidays in Ontario, and in the provinces where it’s observed: New Brunswick, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.
Q: What’s open on Family Day in Ontario?
A: Some major attractions (like the Toronto Zoo and Ripley’s Aquarium) and points of interest (like Malls) may be open, while municipal offices, the LCBO, and most grocery stores will be closed. Is Walmart open Family Day? Are grocery stores open on Family Day? One answer – maybe? Each chain functions on its own schedule for this holiday, so today is a day to call before you head anywhere to avoid disappointment.
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari Adventure
- Safari Niagara: Where Wildlife Meets Family Adventure 2024
- Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will Love
- Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm Opens May 31!
The post Family Day 2024 – Fun Things To Do With Kids appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Free Fishing Weekend 2024 in Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Wondering where you can fish near you? We have a roundup of reader-recommended fishing holes, lakes, creeks and more in the Hamilton and Halton area. If you have a fishing spot to recommend, please share it with us.
Read More: Where to fish in Hamilton and Halton
Free Fishing Weekends 2024 – Free Fishing in Ontario
Normally, in Ontario, you need to possess a fishing licence to fish recreationally. However, four times a year the government allows for licence-free fishing, and these weekends make the ideal time to get out in nature and enjoy a day lakeside.
Free Fishing Weekend in Ontario will allow for licence-free fishing for Canadian residents on the following days.
- Family Fishing Weekend in February (February 17-19, 2024)
- Mother’s Day Weekend in May (May 11-12, 2024)
- Father’s Day Weekend in June (June 15-16, 2024)
- Family Fishing Week in July (June 29–July 7, 2024)
If you’re not a regular fisher or a fishing licence holder, make sure you take advantage of these weekends. They are a great and fun way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors!
Read More: More Things To Do on Family Day Weekend
How To Borrow Fishing Equipment
Since 1998, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters has sponsored a program called TackleShare to loan our fishing equipment for free. This program removes the financial barrier that would keep families from enjoying this relaxing sport.
Borrow rods, reels and even tackle is as simple as checking out a book from the library. TackleShare has hundreds of loaner sites in Ontario. They also partner with Ontario Parks to help bring fishing to more families. Just one more way to enjoy a free fishing weekend in Ontario! You can find a list of the loaner site here.
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari Adventure
- Safari Niagara: Where Wildlife Meets Family Adventure 2024
- Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will Love
- Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm Opens May 31!
The post Free Fishing Weekend 2024 in Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 30 Breakfast Recipes: Delicious and Easy Ideas Your Family WIll Love appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>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
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.
- African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari Adventure
- Safari Niagara: Where Wildlife Meets Family Adventure 2024
- Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will Love
- Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm Opens May 31!
The post 30 Breakfast Recipes: Delicious and Easy Ideas Your Family WIll Love appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Where To Play Laser Tag – Hamilton, Halton, Niagara, KW Area appeared first on Active Parents.
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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.
) Battle facility. We aim to provide the ultimate events for any occasion - Birthdays, Team Celebrations, Camps and more!Whether you’re dodging unreliable weather or just want something new to try, here are our latest 8 ideas for indoor things to do with kids. You can find all of our Indoor Activities here.
- Dive Into These 5 Indoor Water parks in Ontario
- Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (Photos + FAQs Answered)
- Art Gallery of Hamilton – How To Visit For Free!
- High-Energy Excitement at Activate Burlington
- Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks: Hamilton and Niagara
- Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks in Burlington Oakville Milton
- 100+ Awesome March Break Activities For 2024
- Natures Superheroes: Brand New Winter Exhibit at RBG
The post Where To Play Laser Tag – Hamilton, Halton, Niagara, KW Area appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post The Best Escape Rooms Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara Area appeared first on Active Parents.
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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.
Whether you’re dodging unreliable weather or just want something new to try, here are our latest 8 ideas for indoor things to do with kids. You can find all of our Indoor Activities here.
- Dive Into These 5 Indoor Water parks in Ontario
- Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (Photos + FAQs Answered)
- Art Gallery of Hamilton – How To Visit For Free!
- High-Energy Excitement at Activate Burlington
- Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks: Hamilton and Niagara
- Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks in Burlington Oakville Milton
- 100+ Awesome March Break Activities For 2024
- Natures Superheroes: Brand New Winter Exhibit at RBG
The post The Best Escape Rooms Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara Area appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 18 Awesome Arcades Near You in Hamilton and Halton appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>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.
Arcades in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton
Whether you’re dodging unreliable weather or just want something new to try, here are our latest 8 ideas for indoor things to do with kids. You can find all of our Indoor Activities here.
- Dive Into These 5 Indoor Water parks in Ontario
- Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (Photos + FAQs Answered)
- Art Gallery of Hamilton – How To Visit For Free!
- High-Energy Excitement at Activate Burlington
- Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks: Hamilton and Niagara
- Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks in Burlington Oakville Milton
- 100+ Awesome March Break Activities For 2024
- Natures Superheroes: Brand New Winter Exhibit at RBG
The post 18 Awesome Arcades Near You in Hamilton and Halton appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 10+ Board Game Cafes That Are Too Cool To Pass On appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Welcome to our list of local board game cafes in Burlington,Hamilton, Niagara and beyond! Board game cafes have been popping up all over the world, and in your city, and it’s easy to see why. They offer a unique and fun experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.
In this blog, we’ll explore what board game cafes are, why they’re becoming so popular, and what you can expect when you visit one. We’ll also give you some insider knowledge on the cafes we’ve been to and share some of our favourite board games to play while you’re there. So sit back, relax, and grab the dice, because it’s your turn!
If you’ve ever caught yourself asking “Is there a board game cafe near me?” then keep this list handy for some serious fun in the near future.
What is a Board Game Cafe?
A board game café is a spot much like. coffee shop or dessert bar where you can play board and card games. Most cafes also served food and drinks. Visitors generally pay a fee (per person or per table) and have access to a huge assortment of board games. The staff are super fans and often recommend games and help you with gameplay and instructions. Many board game cafés also sell the games.
Why are Board Game Cafes So Popular?
Playing board games have always been something fun to do with family and friends, but it can get pricey if you want to play a new game every few weeks. That’s where game cafes shine. For a small fee, you have access to a library of games, all to play and put back if they don’t tickle your fancy. For just a couple of dollars per person, you can try all of the popular and pricey games to make sure you love them. What a fun way to eliminate buyer’s remorse!
Well-stocked locations, like Ludology Boardgame Cafe in St. Catharines is only $5 to stay and play for a few hours, making it very popular.
Read More: Our favourite board games for the whole family
Game Cafes We’ve Been To
In our travels, we have visited 2 board game cafes in Hamilton and 1 in Toronto. We love this low-key rainy-day idea that doesn’t cost much. You can get an entire afternoon of fun for your whole family, with drinks and snacks, for less than $50.
Never Board Games Lounge in Hamilton was out most recent visit to a cafe. With over 900 games to choose from, we tried so many and founds some new faves that we added to our Christmas list. Food drinks and alcohol are available on site. You can also play game in their 2 themed private rooms to really get that immersive feeling.
Mancala Monk board game cafe in Hamilton, was the first one we ever visited. My kids were 8 and 10 and had a ton of board game options. I loved that they could cruise the wall of games and choose any box they wanted to try. Their short attention spans meant we played half of each game we choose, but with over 1400 games to choose from, we were never board.
Next Up – the new board game cafe in Burlington “Nostalgia Game Cafe”
Read More: 47+ Date Night Ideas To Put On Your Calendar
Board Game Cafes Worth Visiting
Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari Adventure
- Safari Niagara: Where Wildlife Meets Family Adventure 2024
- Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will Love
- Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm Opens May 31!
The post 10+ Board Game Cafes That Are Too Cool To Pass On appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 40+ Indoor and Outdoor Things To Do This Family Day appeared first on Active Parents.
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LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS
Find something safe and organized to do this Family Day
Museums of Burlington has a Sound, Just Sound exhibit for your family to enjoy. Is sound perception or science? Learn all about sound and silence at this exhibit on Nov. 14, 2023 to March 30, 2024.
Snowshoe at Halton Conservation Areas and make some serious winter memories with your kids. Crawford Lake offers snowshoe rentals if you don’t have access to a set. You can choose to from trails at Crawford Lake, Mountsberg and Hilton Falls. Enjoy the firepit at Hilton Falls, pack some hot chocolate and truly appreciate Mother Nature’s winter for all the beauty it has to share. Our fans on Facebook and Instagram have been raving about their snowshoeing experiences. Book your spot here.
INDOOR Things to do on Family Day
We’ve got some great ideas for indoor (climate-controlled) activities for families. They are perfect for spending a day with the ones you love the most.
Build a puzzle. Just don’t tell the kids how awesome puzzles are for learning.
Introduce the kids to one of your favourite movies from your childhood. The Parent Trap? Mrs Doubtfire? Back to the Future?
Make some ready-to-go craft kits.
Make this super easy recipe for play dough.
Terra Greenhouses has some products for little gardeners and builders. Choose a birdhouse, a succulent planter, or a terrarium.
Facetime everyone you haven’t seen in a while. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all their friends.
Set up a salon and offer manis, pedis, face shaves with real shaving cream, and fancy hair-dos to your little customers. If you’re brave enough, you could even be the customer!
Build a fort. Or up your fort game like these folks did. #2 is a personal fave.
Celebrate Family by hosting a virtual family game night. They’re so simple even the grandparents can do it!
Whoop your kid’s butts at Wii Sports – or any other video game you’re good at!
Make a home movie – act out a scene from your favourite TV show or movie, write and record your play, or sing a song for the camera!
Let the kids make the adults’ breakfast/lunch/dinner. And don’t forget to smile while eating it!
Teach the kids to cook and bake/ We love starting with eggs, cookies, and muffins. Have you ever made energy balls? You should!
Write to seniors living in retirement residences. They miss visitors and love getting mail and art from kids.
Bake and decorate a cake – just because you’re the best parent ever. Get some inspiration here.
One of my personal favourite things to do in winter is stay in your pyjamas all day long. Because you can.
Have an indoor picnic. Put a plastic or washable tablecloth down so it’s worry-free.
Make a marble or pom pom tunnel – so fun and so easy!
Roll out some upside-down wrapping paper and paint or draw on a larger scale! Let kids get wild with their creativity.
Have some fun with science and make a marshmallow catapult. I’m serious, it looks awesome.
Use up some of the thousands of Perler beads your kid has. These ideas will have you covered for gifts all year!
I’m not a fan of spiders, but I LOVE this sticky spiderweb. And it’s an active, mess-free activity for indoors.
There’s no school today, so throwing paper aeroplanes is permitted! Check out this easy to make a hanging target!
Our favourite indoor winter activities are playing a new game together. Find our favourite board games listed here.
Send a postcard to someone you know, or someone you don’t by signing up for our favourite postcard mailing service.
Did someone say backward day? Wear your clothes backwards, call each other by your middle name, walk backwards, eat breakfast for dinner, and most importantly – eat dessert first!
Get a jump on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts with these adorable DIY mugs.
Are your grandparents in your bubble? Have a sleepover at their house! This one is a winner for everyone.
Outdoor Things to do on Family Day
We all need some fresh air and movement daily, and these are excellent suggestions on what to do once you get all bundled up.
Make some Snow Ice-Cream! It’s so easy and actually tastes good!
Visit a park! They’re not just for summer, right? It’s so fun to see what some snow does to change the way kids play at the playground.
Find a local skating rink and lace-up. One of the best (and timeless) winter activities around. (Rotary Pond even rents skates now!)
We’ve got 24 more fun ideas on our Winter Bingo card and you could win a gift card just for having some fun!
Grab your toboggans, your friends, and your neighbours, and go tobogganing. Bonus points if you bring a thermos of hot chocolate!
Have you tried snowshoeing yet? Conservation Halton rents snowshoes and has 3 snowshoe trails at Crawford Lake. And, if you have your own snow shoes you can take them to explore 5 additional trails at Mountsberg and Hilton Falls.
Chase waterfalls with these recommendations for kid-friendly falls in Hamilton to visit.
Find a Little Free Library near you and drop off some books you’re done reading. You may even find a new book for yourself!
Take a hike! Nature doesn’t close up shop just because it’s chilly. Halton and Hamilton are rich with beautiful locales to walk and hike, and there are lots of free spots to visit too!
Did you know that a spray bottle + water + food colouring means you can paint the snow like a rainbow? It’s literally hours of fun for kids! Take it to the park and decorate the hills.
Take a walk through Bronte Creek and enjoy their playgrounds, their hiking paths, and of course the Gnome Trail.
Go with what you know and add in another neighbourhood walk – but this time with scavenger hunts for big and little kids
You need nourishment, right? I always suggest hitting up one of our favourite donut shops for absolutely any reason.
The post 40+ Indoor and Outdoor Things To Do This Family Day appeared first on Active Parents.
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