Select bowling alleys across Canada and the US offer free bowling for kids during the summer. Register on the website (linked below) to receive coupons for 2 games of bowling every day, all summer long. Read below about where and how to take advantage of the program in Halton and Hamilton.

Kids ages 2 years to 15 years old are invited to register for their free games of bowling. Each alley has different start and end dates, so make note of that.

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How Does “Kids Bowl Free” Work?

Summer Entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank! For over 15 years now, bowling centers around the globe have provided 2 FREE Games of bowling each day to kids during the Spring and Summer. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. So, how do you get in on the bowling fun? Here’s how:

Step 1: Scroll down and find your local bowling centre.

Step 2: Register your kids. Eligible kids will receive 2 free games each day during the dates provided by the bowling alley. Participating bowling centers set their age limits, see the center registration page for more details.

Step 3: Go Bowling All Spring & Summer!

Once you register your kids, you’ll receive coupons every week for free bowling at your chosen bowling centre. You simply show them to the alley when you arrive and kids will enjoy 2 free bowling games that day. Shoe rental is not included, it’s an extra cost.

Read More: Find more FREE things to do with kids here.

What About The Adults? Can They Bowl Free?

Kids Bowl Free loves grown-ups, too! That’s why they created the Family Pass. Family Passes for other family members and adults to bowl are available at an additional cost AFTER you register for Kids Bowl Free. They provide 2 games of bowling daily per person and can only be purchased through the Kids Bowl Free program, not at the bowling alley. You pay just a single payment and you can get 2 Games free all summer long for up to 4 adults during your centres Kids Bowl Free hours. 

Where Do Kids Bowl Free Near Me?

University Lanes Bowling

May 23 to August 25, 2024 | 101 Osler Dr. – Unit 114, Dundas, ON

Jeff’s Bowl-O-Rama in Wellend

Pending for 2024 | 968 Niagara Street North, Welland, ON

Fairview Bowling Lanes

May 20 to August 30, 2024 | 285 Geneva St., St. Catharines, ON

Lucky Stryx

Kids Bowl Free from June 1 to August 31, 2024 | 7 Klauck Street, Fort Erie, ON

Kingpin Cambridge

April 15 to September 1, 2024 | 355 Hespeler Rd. Cambridge, ON

ibowl.ca Family Fun Center

Pending for 2024 | 10 Park Hill Rd. E. Cambridge, ON

Kingpin Bowlounge

June 30 – August 31, 2024 | 425 Bingemans Centre Dr. in Kitchener, ON

Echo Bowl

May 31 – to September 1, 2024 | 760 Colborne Street E., Brantford, ON, N3S 3S1

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.

• 
  Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
• 
  7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting
• 
  The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
• 
  Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

The post Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal appeared first on Active Parents.

An evening at the drive-in is an evening everyone can enjoy. It’s a long-time favourite date night idea no matter your age. Watch a double feature (and occasionally a triple feature) of your favourite classic movies or a hot new release. I love that it’s cozier than a typical theatre and a little more private.

Kids love the drive-in theatre experience because it’s exciting and out of the box. There’s nothing better than watching a movie in your jammies while eating popcorn in the comfort of your vehicle.

Make More Summer Memories With These Ideas

• Jump in the car and explore. Check out some of our fave day trips here!
• Head to one of these most-recommended outdoor water parks.
• Catch Movies Under The Stars in Burlington.

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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.

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  Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
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  7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting
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  The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
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  Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

The post The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara appeared first on Active Parents.

In this list, we are sharing the best Easter egg hunts near Hamilton, Halton and Niagara, including Easter events in Milton and Easter egg hunts in Burlington and Oakville. Each listed Easter egg event and egg hunt includes locations, dates, and details on registering for the big day. Some Easter events near you will need pre-registration and some are drop-in, so make sure you check out that info.

Whether you are a parent looking for Easter events in Oakville, Milton, Burlington or Hamilton to go to with your kids, or just someone who loves the thrill of the hunt, you won’t want to miss out on these exciting events. So get ready to grab your basket and join us as we explore the wonderful world of local Easter egg hunts!

Read on, and you’ll be delighted to see that there are many free easter events near me this year! The kids can have a blast at an easter egg hunt in Oakville and save you some money, too! Don’t miss this especailly-for-dogs easter event in Hamilton, either.

Read More: Find more hop-tastic Easter ideas here in our list of 18 egg-cellent Easter activities for kids to do at home.

Add Your Egg Hunt or Event To This Guide

Are you hosting an Easter event that is open to the public? We want to know about it! You can add it to this list by submitting it here.

The Best Easter Egg Hunts in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton and All of The Easter Events in Burlington, Hamilton and Beyond

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.

• 
  Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
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  7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting
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  The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
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  Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

The post 2024 Guide To Easter Egg Hunts And Events 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.

• 
  Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
• 
  7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting
• 
  The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
• 
  Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

The post Free Fishing Weekend 2024 in Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.

Explore Nature

• Hike at one of our favourite kid-approved hiking spots. We’ve got stroller-friendly hikes here, so bring the littlest explorers with you.
• Wander near the water. Lake Ontario’s waterfront is easily accessible, smooth-paved in most areas, and always free to explore.
• Keep an eye on the wildlife all winter in Burlington’s Cherry Hill Gate. Bring your binoculars and observe the birds, squirrels and other animals in the waterways.
• Visit Bronte Creek Provincial park and explore the working Victorian-era farmhouse and see some of their farm animals. If the temperatures are mild, they may be out in their pens!
• Take a trip to the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. It’s a tropical oasis that kids will love.
• Triple C Farm is one of our favourite places to visit. Their farm takes in animals in need and is home to goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, pigs and more!
• It’s always a warm, spring day at the Gage Park Greenhouse. Bonus – it’s free to visit all year long!

Soak Up The Christmas Spirit

• Use our Google Map to find streets and neighbourhoods decked out in their Christmas lights and displays.
• Wander through Downtown Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park and see the annual Lakeside Festival of Lights. No cost, and strategically located near some great hot chocolate shops!
• Top Pick: check out our Map of Christmas lights – it includes photos, address, and driving routes.

Add a Memorable Family Experience To Your Calendar

• Hop aboard one of these epic train rides and enjoy the ride, the sights and the experience.
• Save your pennies and skip the major leagues! We absolutely love OHL hockey games. They’re family-friendly and full of action for a fraction of the price of a Leafs game. Check out the home games for the Hamilton Bull Dogs (who have temporarily moved to this arena in Brantford) and the Niagara Ice Dogs here.
• TreeTop Trekking in Hamilton has their Tree Walk Village open over the winter break.
• Families who love a challenge will love the skills needed to beat an Escape Room. We have a ton of them to choose from, and each location has different themes, rooms and skill levels required.

Run, Jump, Climb and Play!

• Play Indoors no matter the weather. Here’s our massive list of indoor things to do nearby.
• You can read our coverage of local play centres here and see which ones are going to be added to your “must-visit list”.
• Tweens and Teens will love climbing at The Hub Climbing in Mississauga.
• Indoor play centres are always an option to escape the winter temperatures while also keeping the kids active and moving. Here are the lists of indoor play centres in Halton and this list is for Hamilton and Niagara.
• My teens love an afternoon at the arcade. And I love when I can beat them at retro video games and air hockey!
• Bowling is one of our favourite things to do with the kids because we never know who will score the lowest haha! But the best part is that you don’t need to win to have a great time.

Easy Outdoor Activities For Winter Fun

• Toboggan the hills, there are 10 city-approved sledding hills in Hamilton and Burlington for you to try.
• Skate at an outdoor skating rink. We know where the best ones are!
• Glide around these cross-country skiing trails in and around Halton and Hamilton.
• One of the most popular outdoor winter activities for families is snow tubing. There are more local tubing hills that you would imagine!

Take a Road Trip or a Day Trip

• Stratford, Ontario looks like a Hallmark movie set in the winter, and their downtown shopping is quaint. Don’t miss out on their widely-known chocolate shops while you’re there.
• Spend the day or weekend in Guelph because there is so much to do! Here are 10+ things to do in Guelph to get you started.
• Have you read our recap of our trip to London, Ontario? You need to add a visit to your winter season itinerary!
• Staycation-ing is my jam, and we loved our local stay trip in Burlington.
• Have you heard of Leamington? It’s a cute little town that is home to an excellent hotel that is so much fun you won’t need to leave it!

Eat Great Food

• It wouldn’t be winter in Canada without a visit to the maple syrup farms and festivals.
• Our readers told us the very best donuts in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville – go get one today!
• The best french fry joints are open all year long. You told us these were the best spots for fries in town.
• It’s never not a great time for ice cream! And lots of these ice cream shops are open all year.

Free and Cheap Ideas

• Look into Postcrossing. We’ve been talking about it non-stop since we discovered it. You get an address for someone who would love to receive a postcard and send them one. You, in turn, get one sent to you. We’ve sent and received cards from Japan, England, Lithuania and Africa!
• The same goes with Letters From Afar. Kids will love following Isabelle on her world adventures through beautiful letters, maps and stamps. We’ve been subscribers for years and these letters are truly something you can save and read with your grandkids!
• Get science-y with these easy and quick at-home experiments you can do with simple items from your cupboards. Kids will love it and they’ll leave a little something, too!
• Check out the Library. They’ve got books, movies, games, learning kits, audiobooks and even family passes to art galleries, conservation areas and museums!

Read Our Latest Articles

Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.

• 
  Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
• 
  7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting
• 
  The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
• 
  Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

The post 50+ Things To Do This Winter appeared first on Active Parents.

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.

• 
  Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
• 
  7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting
• 
  The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
• 
  Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

The post 10+ Board Game Cafes That Are Too Cool To Pass On appeared first on Active Parents.

There are so many natural playgrounds near Burlington and Hamilton, and visiting one with a picnic in tow makes for an excellent and inexpensive summer day!

Riverside Park

709 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON 

The playground structures are very large and offer lots of space for running and playing. The structures are a mix between natural pieces and modern equipment including a wooden fish and a grasshopper-shaped climber. Read all about our visit here.

Exhibition park

81 London Road West, Guelph, ON

The Park is home to a few different play areas, each one more impressive than the last. There’s a huge section that can best be described as a “spider web of logs”. Immediately their shoes were off and the kids were scaling the logs and making their way from one end to the other. The heights range from about 2 feet at the lowest point to 7 or 8 feet at the highest. 

Jaycee Park

1520 Gulleden Dr., Mississauga ON

Imaginations will run wild when you see the “city skyscrapers” and cargo nets (hello, Spiderman!) There are so many unique ways to climb and slide here. In the picture below, you can see the mini-trampoline – so fun! And take a look at the saucer swing. They are always a huge hit at the playground. See our pictures and read our review here.

chappel east parkette

1837 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton

Big parks are awesome, but there’s a lot to be said about having a whole park to yourself that just lets the imagination run wild! Chappel East Parkette, sometimes referred to as East Chappel Park is smaller, and its natural elements and massive owl structure make it an ideal setting for imagination play. Read our review and see more pictures of Chappel East Parkette here.

William Connell Park

1086 West 5th Street, Hamilton.

When you visit William Connell Park in Hamilton you’ll be treated to a combination of a natural playground, traditional playgrounds, and more sports fields than you could imagine! Read our review and see more photos here.

Perth Park

300 Woodworth Dr, Ancaster, ON

Perth Park is a neighbourhood park, which means parking is a challenge. It’s nestled in a neighbourhood and offers a ton of ways to climb and balance, plus equipment that gives lots of options to use your imagination. Read our review and see more pictures here.

Wayne Gretzky Park

254 N Park St, Brantford, ON

Located at Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, this is a small but mighty parkette that provides spaces for gathering, sand play, creative play and climbing. 

Central Elementary School in Dundas

73 Melville St, Dundas, ON

The site – home of Central Elementary School in Dundas – features an ancient, 100-year-old, 17,000 lbs, 8’ wide silver maple trunk (donated by the City of Hamilton Forestry), an amphitheatre, a wetland teaching garden and significant succession planting to replace the dying Ash canopy.

Matilda Street Natural Playground

238 King St. West, Dundas, ON

Interesting facts about Matilda Street’s playground: “Prior to being a playground, this parcel was previously a gas station. Due to site contamination and restrictions, 100% of the installation had to go above the existing grade and the natural playground was the clay cap on top of the lot.” What a great way to repurpose an otherwise unusable plot of land!

Paul Coffey Park

3430 Derry Rd E, Mississauga, ON

The fairytale-inspired theme creates a memorable space that is an attraction for community members of all ages across the city. Built into a hillside adjacent to Paul Coffey Arena are three, four and a half metre high towers topped with colourful turrets and flags, which can be easily seen from the street. 

Moffat Creek Public School

710 Myers Rd, Cambridge, ON

The site is nestled in the Grand River watershed, flanked by nature trails, soccer fields and the school building.  Because of its prime location, the playground is frequented not only by students but also by sports teams, summer camps and the neighbouring community. The planning team’s goals for the playground included promoting imaginative play, fostering a sense of adventure, and providing children with the opportunity to test their skills and allow them to make risk-taking decisions in an appropriate play setting.

we share the best local playgrounds when we find them!

• 

  Pier 4 Park in Hamilton Has a Tugboat!

• 

  LaSalle Park in Burlington – You Gotta Go Here

• 

  Norton Park Burlington

• 

  Brant Hills Park Has A New Splash Pad!

• 

  William Connell Park in Hamilton Has TWO Playgrounds

• 

  Shell Park in Oakville – Skate Park, Playground, Gardens and a Big Dog Park

• 

  Central Park in Burlington Has A Super Fun Playground

• 

  13+ Things to Do At Bronte Creek Provincial Park

The post Natural Playgrounds Near Burlington and Hamilton appeared first on Active Parents.

Visit Just For The Parks

Exhibition Park

When we first decided to go to Guelph, we knew we wanted to check out Exhibition Park, the large natural playground. The grassy ground, massive trees and epic wooden climbing structure made it ideal for an afternoon away from home. The logs offer kids the opportunity to test their gumption and balance, and the water pump in the sandbox is such a thrill for those who love messy play.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park in Guelph is a popular destination for families, large and small, to gather in good weather. We saw bridal showers, family BBQs and long-awaited reunions happening in the park. Picnics are encouraged, and kids will love the riverside playground. It’s huge and has touches of natural elements and 2-story climber excitement. The park is home to winding paved trails, mature trees, an antique carousel*, concession stand*, and of course washrooms. You can easily spend a whole day here with zero complaints from the kids. Read our article on Riverside Park here. (*indicates closed due to coronavirus)

Rockwood Conservation Area

Rockwood Conservation is a hidden gem and definitely one of the very best things to do with kids in Guelph. This underestimated conservation area is home to a beautiful beach and trails with cliff views, naturally occurring potholes and caves. You can boat, swim, camp and more. In the winter months, you can snowshoe and ice fish here. No matter the season, a visit to Rockwood is one of the best things to do with kids in Guelph.

open-air attractions in Guelph

Locomotive 6167

Affectionately referred to as “Canada’s most photographed locomotive”, Locomotive 6167 was built in 1940 and originated in Moncton, NB. During WWII, it carried supplies and troops to the eastern ports. Donated by CN to Guelph in 1967, and lovingly restored by volunteers and train enthusiasts in 2014, Locomotive 6167 then became part of the Guelph Museums collection. Located in John Galt Park.

Aberfoyle Antique Market

If you like oddities, antiques and nostalgia, then Aberfoyle Antique Market is the perfect place to stroll and shop. They’re home to over 100 vendors who carry everything from new and retro kids’ toys, home goods, beautiful art pieces made by on-site artists and life-size wooden jaguars. Kids will love that there is so much to see. Parents will say “Oh, man, remember these?” over a dozen times. And everyone will love a fresh-made pretzel! The Market is open Sundays from 8 am to 4 pm and adults are $5 to get in, and kids under 12 are free.

The Arboretum at The University of Guelph

Established in 1970, and spreading over 400 acres, the Arboretum was a pleasant surprise that over-delivered. Though it’s massive in size, it was also quaint and whimsical somehow. Almost every tree is tagged with species and info, and the grounds are sectioned into tree groupings such as native Ontario, Italian, English and Japanese Gardens. There is a unique playground for kids and a park bench every 25 feet.

Lots of free parking, and free access, and the Arboretum is bike, dog, and stroller-friendly.

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

Since the 90s, the Donkey Sanctuary has been providing care and treatment for donkeys, mules and hinnies who are unwanted, neglected or abused, or whose owners can no longer care for them. You can book a private 90-minute tour for your group here.

Family Museums in Guelph

Guelph Civic Museum

I highly recommend you visit the Guelph Civic Museum‘s Families Gallery with kids of all ages. When we visited, their kid-friendly exhibits taught my kids about dinosaurs, water usage, Indigenous history, and more with a ton of opportunities for hands-on education. One of the best rainy day things to do with kids in Guelph. Located at 52 Norfolk St.

MacRae House Museum

MacRae House is the birthplace of John MacRae, who was a doctor, a soldier, and the author of “In Flanders Fields”.  You can book a your 1-hour visit MacRae House is hosting Tea for Two and some other events right now. Located at 108 Water St.

Other Great Guelph Attractions

Rockmosa Skate Park

Kids love a new skate park and Rockmosa is sure to please your little thrashers. Bring bikes, skateboards and scooters and roll the day away. Located at Rockmosa Community Centre at 78 Christie St.

The Covered Bridge

There is just something so beautiful about a covered bridge. They’re a reminder of old times, and give off a romantic vibe. A great location to snap some pictures of the family. Located at 114 Gordon St.

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.

• 
  Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
• 
  7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting
• 
  The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
• 
  Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

The post 10 Things To Do With Kids in Guelph appeared first on Active Parents.

Pretty colours and sweet scents await you at these Ontario pick-your-own flower farms.  Gather your family together and head out to a local farm this spring.  Take photos of your kids as you pick your own tulips or other beautiful flowers. Spend quality time together and return home with a lovely arrangement to add extra cheer to your home.

A farm visit, whether it be a pick your own flower farm or a pick-your-own fruits and veggies farm, is a delight for the whole family. You can’t beat the scents and fresh air, and kids are always surprised to know where their produce comes from. It also makes for an easygoing date night.

JP Niagara Tulip Experience Pick Your Own Tulip Farm

Surround yourself with a million flowers at this popular pick your own tulip farm in Niagara. It is so popular you need to book your visit or risk not being allowed in due to capacity. The JP fields are made up of 85 varieties of tulips to choose from. Each admission ticket includes 10 tulips, additional tulips are $1 per tulip, paid on-site with checkout. Admission range from $12-18 per person.

Open daily from late April to late May, as weather and crops allow.

1934 Centre Street, North Pelham | website and booking

Fresh Market Farms in Hamilton

Bring beauty and sustainability to your life thanks to this family-owned cut flower farm that offers U Pick flowers options as well. One of the largest self-serve cut flower farms in the Toronto and Niagara area, you can find their cut flowers at Burlington Centre, too. Looking for a unique party idea? Make private reservations for your group and enjoy the whole field to yourselves. Plus, you’ll receive tips from the florist and arrange your own floral bouquets for $100 per person.

Hours: Fresh Market Farms will open in the spring. Monday to Thursday by appointment only.
Open to public Friday 10 am – 4 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

521 Concession Road 6 East, Hamilton, ON L0R 1V0, Wyatt Road Entrance | website

TASC Tulip Farm – Pick Your Own Tulips

Now open for 2023! Tasc Tulip Farm opened in 2021 and has been bringing us millions of tulips since. This past fall, they worked hard and planted 2 million tulip bulbs at their Fenwick farm and they are waiting to be picked. Enjoy 15 acres and 108 varieties of pick-your-own tulips. Prebook your visit online and choose 10 tulips for $10 or 20 for $20.

Photographers, you can book a shoot here, too!

1415 Balfour St. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 | website

Windecker Woods Cut Your Own Flower Farm

The Windecker Woods Farm is open 7 days a week from dawn until dusk. Find the ‘Flower Pavilion’ and start from there. This farm offers a completely ‘Self Serve’ u pick flowers experience, so no need to find someone to get you started. They offer clippers and a basket to hold the flowers you’ve picked. They grow different blooms every month from peonies to zinnias to dahlias. COme I the fall for more fall blooms.

You can pay what you think is fair for the bouquet you’ve put together. They accept cash at the drop box or by sending an e-transfer.

215 Windecker Rd, Cayuga, Ontario | website

Lochland Botanicals Pick Your Own Flower Farm

“Children and adults alike find wonder in wandering our tranquil space” and we couldn’t agree more! Lochland Botanicals is famous for its enormous fields of u pick flowers and herbs. Cut your own fresh herbs and flowers with over 40,000 plants to choose from. Take your bouquet home in a mason jar. With 150+ plant varieties, 20+ pollinators, 4 fields and 3 secret villages to explore you may join a workshop, take a tour, enjoy a picnic, build a bouquet, or book a photo session with a local photographer. 

Hours: July to Sept. Friday to Monday 11 AM – 5 PM

2468 25 Side Road Milton, Ontario L0P 1B0 | website

Andrews Scenic Acres

Andrews Scenic Acres Pick Your Own Farm is 165 acres of beautiful escarpment countryside. ​Enjoy walking trails, wagon rides, a playground for kids, an animal corral, the straw mountain climb and a corn maze. Plus, lots of great photo opportunities year-round. Their famous Dahlia & Sunflower fields bloom in August & September.

Note: 50% off seasons pass sales on Mother’s Day weekend only.

Hours: Open daily May 13 – October 29

9365 10 Side Road, Milton, ON L9T 2X9 | website

Where will we find you this weekend? Maybe at a local pick your own tulips farm or at a u pick flowers stop with the kids? Enjoy the fresh air and hospitality of these local farms, and more all summer long.

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The post Pick Your Own Flower Farms appeared first on Active Parents.

Discover the best date night ideas in southern Ontario. Our curated list of day dates, free dates, outdoor dates and more grows all the time to provide couples with more inspiration to spend one-on-one time together.

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Discover the best date night ideas for couples in Halton, Hamilton, Niagara and Waterloo

Parents need a break from family life to recharge and rekindle.  It’s so important to take time away and rediscover who you are when you’re not changing diapers or driving to practice. We are sharing some fun date night ideas that are even closer to home.  Whether you are looking for quiet or exciting, we’ve got you covered.

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Music and Movies | Food & Wine | Spas | Live Theatre | Take a Class | Play Games | Be A Tourist | Enjoy Nature | Be Active | Watch Live Sports

Summer Outdoor Movie Nights

Grab a lawn chair or a soft blanket and watch a movie under the stars. Movie schedules are announced in early June, so keep your eyes on our calendar and details.

Food and Wine

Date Night Ideas For Foodies

Tourism Burlington runs Taste of Burlington, a Prix-Fixe Program 2 times a year, in the winter and again in the fall.  It’s the perfect occasion to have a lunch date or dinner date at a restaurant you haven’t been to before.  Prix-Fixe meals include a starter, entrée and dessert.  Lunch prices range from $15-$45 per person depending on the restaurant, and dinner from $40-$79 per person.  Participating restaurants include casual to fine dining with menus that feature burgers, pizza or burritos to pasta, steak, and salads.  Take the opportunity to have a date night at a participating Taste of Burlington restaurant of your choice.

Taste of Oakville also runs each winter.  Taste of Oakville has Prix-Fixe lunch and dinner menus at 30+ restaurants, and some with live music.  Even after Taste of Oakville has ended it’s still a great idea to check out their list of participating restaurants for date night ideas.

Go very casual and snare an order of the best french fries in town, according to the locals.

Date Night Ideas For the Wine and Beer Fans

If you are looking for a date night that includes a drive in the countryside, head towards wine country and treat yourself to a glass of home-grown wine from Niagara Wineries. Here are some top recommendations from our wine-loving crowd.  

The Edison Room at the Block Co. serves up gourmet charcuterie, wine and local craft beer.  Reserve a table with your someone special to hear Juno award-winning musicians play on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm.

Redstone Winery and Restaurant, in addition to delicious food and wine, also hosts outdoor concerts in the warm weather

13th Street Winery has fire pits, a sculpture garden, an art gallery and a bakery onsite.  They also have the best butter tarts – you’re welcome.

Newark Brewery has a great selection of food and Canaian-made beers with a European flair. Visit any day, or make a special trip for one of their trivia nights.

Collective Arts Brewery and Beergarden is open daily and is also pet paws-itive so feel free to bring your little furry friend on your date. Very photo-worthy.

Waterloo Brewing and Taphouse is calling you if you love good food and great beer. Waterloo Brewing is Ontario’s first and largest craft brewer.

Spa Dates

Book a couples massage at a spa and relax and unwind together. Go for the day or stay over. We have the scoop on the best day spas near us.

Live Theatre

There’s always a full calendar of events at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Village Theatre Waterdown, and the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.  Take your date for comedy, dance, music, theatre and more. Support up-and-coming actors and actresses by taking your date to a Theatre Sheridan performance.  These performances are outstanding, super convenient and good value for money with tickets starting at just $20, and $15 for students and seniors.

Burlington Performing Arts Centre – 440 Locust Street, Burlington

Theatre Sheridan – 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville

Oakville Center for the Performing Arts – 130 Navy Street, Oakville

Theatre Ancaster – 357 Wilson St E, Ancaster

Village Theatre Waterdown – 317 Dundas Street East, Waterdown

Theatre Aquarius – 190 King William St, Hamilton

First Ontario Performing Arts Centre – 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

Shaw Festival Theatre – 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hamilton Family Theatre – 46 Grand Ave S, Cambridge, ON

Get Hands-On With a Class

Cooking Classes For Adults

As an alternative to eating out, register for a cooking class, prepare something delicious and enjoy your meals together.  Learn a new recipe to entertain and feed your friends.  Longo’s offers adult cooking classes for $50 per person. 

Pottery Throwing Classes

For those more into fine arts than culinary arts, try a wheel workshop at Crackpot Studio in Oakville.  Also in Oakville, Pottery N Paint Café offers pottery and painting workshops for couples, groups and individuals.  The Pottery Wheel Try Me session is perfect for first-timers.  Creative Insight Pottery & More in Waterdown offers Saturday Nights Pottery and Wine and Saturday Adult Paint and Sip Nights events regularly. 

Enjoy a Sweet Retreat

Who can resist quality chocolate?  Book a chocolate-tasting tour at Chocolate Tales in Hamilton.  Their pair their house-made chocolate with beer, wine, and more! You can even learn to make truffles and macarons!

Date Night Ideas For Couples Who Like To Play Games

Board Game Cafes are the perfect first date or casual date for anyone who loves having fun while being slightly competitive. Hundreds, even thousands of board games await your visit. Many are licenced to serve alcohol and food and they are just begging to be visited. With a small per-person playing fee ($5-10) this is an inexpensive way to spend an evening out. Check out 10+ area board game cafes here.

Be a tourist

Consider a day date to see some local attractions.  Chances are if you grew up in the same city you’re living in now, you’ve never done all of the local attractions.

Stay in Halton and Hamilton and visit a local art gallery or museum, the Joseph Brant Museum or the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.  You can even make memories by booking a flight aboard one of their vintage aircraft! 

Make your way to Niagara and take in the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake complete with wineries, cute food emporiums and beautiful scenery.

For more small-town charm, be sure to visit St. Catharines and hop a ride on their Antique Carousel in the park.

You can squeeze a ton of fun into a single day in Stratford, Ontario.

More tourist destinations we enjoy:

Little Canada is a miniature collection of Canadian landmarks, located in Toronto’s bustling Younge Dundas Square and easily accessible by GO Train.

Bird Kingdom is home to exotic birds, both large and small, as well as a menagerie of other animals.

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a tropical getaway and will have you feeling like you’re in an enchanted forest.

Date Nights For Nature Lovers

Take your special someone to wander the trails and smell the roses at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Their events calendar is always full, and the Rock Garden is a peaceful and romantic destination.

The University of Guelph Arboretum is home to thousands of native trees, plants and blooms. The packed gravel pathways are bike-friendly and perfect for strolling along.

Choose a low-impact trail to explore if the weather is cooperating. Our list includes paved and packed pathways that are perfect if you don’t want to break a sweat.

If you can get away overnight, we highly suggest you treat yourselves to a Glamping Getaway at Four Corners Algonquin. We did and it was one of our fave weekends to date. So simple and peaceful and luxurious!

Keep it casual and pick up some fresh ingredients from the farmer’s market and make a fab dinner at home.

Just as summer is winding down, we are treated to fields upon fields of blooming sunflowers. Snap a photo or two and even pick your own at certain fields.

Active Date Night Ideas

If sitting and sharing a quiet meal is not your preference, consider a more active outdoor date. We know some great low-impact places to hike so you can chat and wander without getting out of breath.

Mini golf is a staple date night idea because it’s casual enough to be fun and silly, but you can turn up the competition a little too. Play outdoors in the good weather or all year long at this indoor glow-in-the-dark course in Oakville.

Teach one of your favourite pastimes to your partner when you take them like hiking, fishing, footgolf, or an indoor bowling date. 

Need a great idea for a winter day date? Hit the hills for some exhilarating snow tubing. We know the best local hills, and some even let you go tandem. Very romantic. How about an evening on the ice? These local outdoor ice skating rinks are perfect for just that.

Prove your trust(and trustworthiness) when you belay for each other at The Hub indoor climbing centre in Mississauga. You can’t miss the massive dragon!

Catch A Local Game Live

Where To Watch Local Sports

Our four seasons mean we have 365 days of sporting events to look forward to. Get your tickets and your popcorn, and cheer on these home town teams.

The Intercounty Baseball League has teams across the region. Baseball season opens in May and runs through the end of August. The league is made up of 9 teams from southern Ontario, with special mention to the Hamilton Cardinals, Kitchener Panthers, Guelph Royals, and Brantford Red Sox.

The Niagara River Lions are our local Canadian Elite Basketball League Team and let me tell you the games and talent are next level! The CEBL consists of 10 teams across Canada.

You can never go wrong when you catch a Hamilton Ticats football game at Tim Horton’s Field (aka Ivor Wynn Stadium iykyk).

And who would we be without a plethora of hockey games to choose from? Hamilton Bulldogs, Niagara IceDogs, Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers all play close by, and go head-to-head in Ontario Hockey League (OHL) on-ice action.

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.

• 
  Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
• 
  7 Niagara Farmer’s Markets Worth Visiting
• 
  The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
• 
  Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

The post 50+ Fun Date Night Ideas You Need To Put On Your Calendar appeared first on Active Parents.