Indoor Activities Archives – Active Parents https://activeparents.ca/category/indoor-activities/ Things to Do with Kids in Halton, Hamilton and Niagara Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:08:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://activeparents.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AP-Icon-32x32.png Indoor Activities Archives – Active Parents https://activeparents.ca/category/indoor-activities/ 32 32 Gage Park Greenhouse: Tropical Oasis in The Big City https://activeparents.ca/gage-park-greenhouse/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=46106 The Greenhouse is located inside the grounds of Gage Park and playground and creates a warm, tropical oasis right in the heart of The Steel City. The Gage Park Greenhouse […]

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]]> The Greenhouse is located inside the grounds of Gage Park and playground and creates a warm, tropical oasis right in the heart of The Steel City. The Gage Park Greenhouse is one of our favourite free things to do in Hamilton because the kids and adults alike love visiting.

CLOSURE NOTICE
The Tropical Greenhouse will be closed to the public from March 31 to April 21, 2025.

The greenhouse is 14,000 square feet and is home to subtropical plants, dozens of palms, and unique species like the corpse flower. It is named that because its scent is similar to that of a rotting corpse (no thank you!). You can see photos and videos of the Gage Park corpse flower here.

Beautiful plants and tree at gage park greenhouse

two girls looking for fish and turtles at gage park greenhouse

What You’ll See At The Gage Park Greenhouse

Expect to spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour here, depending on how much your kids like plants! Be sure to direct their attention to the ponds. Why? Because that is where they’ll catch a glimpse of turtles and fish! The turtles are our absolute favourite part of the greenhouse. You can catch them swimming or catching some sun on one of the rocks. The large and small fish love to make their way from one end of the pond to the other. The pond is large and spans almost the entire length of the greenhouse. Keep your ears perked up for the sounds of a waterfall, too!

If you like tropical climates in the city, you’ll also love the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.

Beautiful plants and tree at gage park greenhouse

hamilton greenhouse is home to some turtles

The Hamilton Mum Show is Back This Fall

The Hamilton Mum Show at Gage Park Greenhouse is a dazzling display of nature’s vibrant colours and captivating beauty. Every autumn, the greenhouse transforms into a floral wonderland, showcasing a wide variety of chrysanthemums in all their glory. The Mum Show is attended by visitors of all ages, and they come from outside tot city to immerse themselves in thousands of meticulously arranged blooms.

As you step inside, you are greeted by an explosion of vivid hues and fragrant scents. The designs, ranging from traditional to contemporary, highlight the versatility and artistry of these beloved flowers. Each exhibit tells a unique story, capturing the imagination and inspiring awe.

The Hamilton Greenhouse celebrates the beauty of nature while promoting horticultural excellence and fostering a sense of community. It provides a perfect opportunity to appreciate the wonders of autumn and indulge in the peaceful oasis created by the greenhouse. Visitors can explore the exhibits, learn about different chrysanthemum varieties, and gain inspiration for their own gardens.

The Hamilton Mum Show at Gage Park Greenhouse is a must-see event for nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a delightful escape into a world of floral splendour.

Gage Park Amenities

  • 30 hectare multi-use park
  • rose garden
  • pathways and walkways
  • playground
  • spray pad
  • The Hamilton Children’s Museum (check out more family friendly museums)
  • washroom
  • bandshell

Gage Park Greenhouse Hours and Admission

The Hamilton Greenhouse is located at 1000 Main Street in Hamilton, Ontario. It’s both wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with some seating options throughout. Parking is free and so is admission on non-event days. No pets, please. Avoid disappointment by visiting their website to make sure today isn’t a day they are closed for a private function. hamilton.ca/attractions/culture/gage-park-greenhouse

Hot Off The Presses!

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]]> 40+ Things To Do on a Rainy Day https://activeparents.ca/rainy-day-activities/ https://activeparents.ca/rainy-day-activities/#respond Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000 http://burlingtonparents.com/?p=1156 Rain showers bring spring flowers, right? So, while you're dealing with the damp weather and waiting for spring flowers, choose a rainy day activity (or two) from our list and keep boredom at bay! Plus a list of all the indoor events today and coming up!

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]]> Rainy days don’t have to put a damper on family fun in the Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara regions. Whether you’re seeking indoor adventures or cozy activities, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. From interactive museums and indoor indoor activities to creative workshops and educational exhibits, these regions offer a wealth of options when the weather keeps you indoors. Embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, and bond with your little ones, rain or shine!

indoor activities and things to do on a rainy day in hamilton burlington oakville

 40+ indoor activities For a Rainy Day

Play at an Indoor Playground

Indoor playgrounds are the popular group when it rains (or freezes) out. They offer a plethora of high-energy ways to help kids be active from giant tube slides to ball pits to climbing obstacles. If you’re looking for a great curated list of area indoor play centres and trampoline parks in Halton or indoor play centers and trampoline parks in Hamilton and Niagara, you know we can help!

Read our Feature articles:

Catch a Family Flick

Is there a better rainy day indoor activity than watching movies? I think not. Cineplex SilverCity Theatres have “Stars and Strollers” showtimes weekly. Guests and their kiddos watch a new release film with your little ones. With a little more light, lower sound, and $2 off the regular admission, it’s a great deal! Visit CineStarz on Brant Street or Film.ca in Oakville for second run shows at a deeply discounted price. Don’t worry, the popcorn is just as delicious as the larger theaters! And don’t miss out on Oakville’s Movies for Mommies where the sound is lower, the lights are a little brighter, to make your movie-with-baby date all the more enjoyable.

We’ve collected some of the best family-friendly children’s museums and galleries in our region. Whether you want to know more about life in pioneer and early industrial times, famous sports personalities, appreciate works of art, dabble in hands-on experiments and science, planes, trains, automobiles and even secret passages, these family destinations will help you do just that. 

Read our Feature articles:

Indoor Fun For Sports Fans

Looking for some high-energy competitive fun for the whole family? Maybe something quieter and suited to all ages? We got you! Our curated guides to rainy day activities Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and Oakville will connect you with the best hands-on entertainment around!

Stores Worth Visiting: Toys Stores, Pet Stores and More!

Take a wander through some retailers who cater to kids and families. Shop at a local toy store from our list here.

Toy Stores – Every toy ever made seems to be at the toy store. Enjoy some time in every aisle checking out new toys and games, and adding to your child’s wish list. Just remember, you may not get out without making a purchase.

Pet Stores – Little animal lovers will enjoy walking through the aquarium section to check out the aquatic and bug life, and through the cat adoption centre, too. They may even get to pet or feed an animal friend!

Have a Sweet Treat – Whether you want ice cream, doughnuts or french fries, our lists of the best places to get each will help!

Malls – The stay at home parents’ quintessential rainy day activity, and for a good reason. Temperature controlled, ample coffee shops, and you can always find a sale and a friend to stroll with. Bring some loonies to Burlington Mall and the kids can ride the coin-operated rides. And both Oakville Place and the Milton Mall has been known to host kids events as well.

Visit IKEA – It’s Swedish For Fun!

I cannot tell you how excited my youngest was when she was finally tall enough for the Burlington IKEA’s Smōlland (that’s the name of their supervised kids area). Their kid’s centre is fabulous and free, but so is their kid’ department with all of the toys out on display. A great time to get some gift ideas! Plus, they IKEA has great deals on kids meals, too!

Ontario EarlyON Centres

The Ontario EarlyON Centres (formerly known as Early Years Centres) saved my sanity in those early days/months/years of parenthood. I played with my new baby, met new parents who I still connect with today, and kept going until my kids were in school full time. Whether it’s for a drop in play time or one of their organized pre-registered programs like Mother Goose, we are so fortunate to have the ROCK Ontario Early Years Centres. Click the link to find the centre closest to you.

Get Thrifty

Fancy yourself a DIYer? Love up-cycling? Or maybe you just like checking out trash-turned-treasures? Pop in and see if you can score an original Rubik’s Cube, Malibu Barbie, or some Muppet Show VHS tapes. Plus board games and books are a steal. Visit a local thrift store or charity shop and score a great deal. Your donations and purchases help our community.

Hop A Ride On Public Transit

Hop on the city bus and tour around Burlington, Oakville, Waterdown, or Milton. Transit is fast, reliable, and clean, and makes a great sightseeing bus. Plan your tour through Burlington , Milton, Oakville, or Hamilton. This was always one of our favourite rainy day activities in Burlington!

Stay Home: More Indoor Activities To Pass The Time

Things To Do Indoors
Easy Crafts and Experiments For Kids
20 Things To Do With Toddlers At Home
3 Indoor Treasure Hunts For Every Age

Upcoming Indoor Events From Our Calendar

Beyond these fantastic indoor destinations, there are always exciting events happening throughout Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara that make rainy days even more fun. From hands-on workshops and live performances to seasonal exhibits and special family-friendly activities, there’s something new to discover each week. Check out these upcoming indoor events to keep your little ones entertained while staying warm and dry!

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Event Views Navigation

Today

Event Series Storytime at the AGH

Storytime at the AGH

Art Gallery of Hamilton 123 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Join us for a morning of stories, exploration, and art making. Enjoy an art-themed story read by AGH staff, view our current exhibitions outside of public hours at a relaxed, child […]

Featured Featured

Toddler Days at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Toddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2 – 4 years old. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 […]

$12

Stars and Strollers Burlington

SilverCity Brant Street 1250 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Quiet Hour at Dundas Museum and Archives

Dundas Museum & Archives 139 Park St. West, Dundas, Ontario, Canada

From 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays, the DMA invites autistic and otherwise neurodivergent visitors to visit for our "Quiet Hour", without large groups or classes, offering a more comfortable environment to […]

Stars and Strollers Oakville

Cineplex Cinemas Oakville and VIP 3531 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Storytime at Mastermind Toys

Mastermind Toys Stores , Canada

Join us for Storytime every Thursday at 4pm at your local Mastermind Toys store! No sign up required and please arrive 10 minutes early. Click to Find a Store near […]

Free
Featured Featured

Toddler Days at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Toddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2 – 4 years old. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 […]

$12

Stars and Strollers Burlington

SilverCity Brant Street 1250 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Quiet Hour at Dundas Museum and Archives

Dundas Museum & Archives 139 Park St. West, Dundas, Ontario, Canada

From 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays, the DMA invites autistic and otherwise neurodivergent visitors to visit for our "Quiet Hour", without large groups or classes, offering a more comfortable environment to […]

Stars and Strollers Oakville

Cineplex Cinemas Oakville and VIP 3531 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Storytime at Mastermind Toys

Mastermind Toys Stores , Canada

Join us for Storytime every Thursday at 4pm at your local Mastermind Toys store! No sign up required and please arrive 10 minutes early. Click to Find a Store near […]

Free
Featured Featured

Toddler Days at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Toddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2 – 4 years old. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 […]

$12

Stars and Strollers Burlington

SilverCity Brant Street 1250 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Quiet Hour at Dundas Museum and Archives

Dundas Museum & Archives 139 Park St. West, Dundas, Ontario, Canada

From 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays, the DMA invites autistic and otherwise neurodivergent visitors to visit for our "Quiet Hour", without large groups or classes, offering a more comfortable environment to […]

Stars and Strollers Oakville

Cineplex Cinemas Oakville and VIP 3531 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Storytime at Mastermind Toys

Mastermind Toys Stores , Canada

Join us for Storytime every Thursday at 4pm at your local Mastermind Toys store! No sign up required and please arrive 10 minutes early. Click to Find a Store near […]

Free
Featured Featured

Toddler Days at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Toddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2 – 4 years old. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 […]

$12

Stars and Strollers Burlington

SilverCity Brant Street 1250 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Quiet Hour at Dundas Museum and Archives

Dundas Museum & Archives 139 Park St. West, Dundas, Ontario, Canada

From 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays, the DMA invites autistic and otherwise neurodivergent visitors to visit for our "Quiet Hour", without large groups or classes, offering a more comfortable environment to […]

Stars and Strollers Oakville

Cineplex Cinemas Oakville and VIP 3531 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Storytime at Mastermind Toys

Mastermind Toys Stores , Canada

Join us for Storytime every Thursday at 4pm at your local Mastermind Toys store! No sign up required and please arrive 10 minutes early. Click to Find a Store near […]

Free

Featured Featured

Toddler Days at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Toddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2 – 4 years old. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 […]

$12

Stars and Strollers Burlington

SilverCity Brant Street 1250 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Quiet Hour at Dundas Museum and Archives

Dundas Museum & Archives 139 Park St. West, Dundas, Ontario, Canada

From 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays, the DMA invites autistic and otherwise neurodivergent visitors to visit for our "Quiet Hour", without large groups or classes, offering a more comfortable environment to […]

Stars and Strollers Oakville

Cineplex Cinemas Oakville and VIP 3531 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Storytime at Mastermind Toys

Mastermind Toys Stores , Canada

Join us for Storytime every Thursday at 4pm at your local Mastermind Toys store! No sign up required and please arrive 10 minutes early. Click to Find a Store near […]

Free
Featured Featured

Toddler Days at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Toddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2 – 4 years old. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 […]

$12

Stars and Strollers Burlington

SilverCity Brant Street 1250 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Quiet Hour at Dundas Museum and Archives

Dundas Museum & Archives 139 Park St. West, Dundas, Ontario, Canada

From 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays, the DMA invites autistic and otherwise neurodivergent visitors to visit for our "Quiet Hour", without large groups or classes, offering a more comfortable environment to […]

Stars and Strollers Oakville

Cineplex Cinemas Oakville and VIP 3531 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Storytime at Mastermind Toys

Mastermind Toys Stores , Canada

Join us for Storytime every Thursday at 4pm at your local Mastermind Toys store! No sign up required and please arrive 10 minutes early. Click to Find a Store near […]

Free
Featured Featured

Toddler Days at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Toddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2 – 4 years old. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 […]

$12

Stars and Strollers Burlington

SilverCity Brant Street 1250 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Quiet Hour at Dundas Museum and Archives

Dundas Museum & Archives 139 Park St. West, Dundas, Ontario, Canada

From 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays, the DMA invites autistic and otherwise neurodivergent visitors to visit for our "Quiet Hour", without large groups or classes, offering a more comfortable environment to […]

Stars and Strollers Oakville

Cineplex Cinemas Oakville and VIP 3531 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Escape to watch new releases in a baby-friendly environment with soft lighting, reduced volume and other amenities.  Change tables, bottle warmers and stroller parking available at select locations. New films […]

Storytime at Mastermind Toys

Mastermind Toys Stores , Canada

Join us for Storytime every Thursday at 4pm at your local Mastermind Toys store! No sign up required and please arrive 10 minutes early. Click to Find a Store near […]

Free

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.

The post 40+ Things To Do on a Rainy Day appeared first on Active Parents.

]]> https://activeparents.ca/rainy-day-activities/feed/ 0 5 Must-Dos For Visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum https://activeparents.ca/canadian-warplane-heritage-museum/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=53860 The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the museum is home to a vast collection of aircraft and artifacts that showcase Canada's rich aviation history.

The post 5 Must-Dos For Visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum appeared first on Active Parents.

]]> The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the museum is home to a vast collection of aircraft and artifacts that showcase Canada’s rich aviation history.

Read More:

Find more top-rated children’s museums we recommend a visit to.

Hamilton is home to plenty of great things to do with kids.

Welcome To The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The museum was founded in 1972 by a group of aviation enthusiasts who wanted to preserve Canada’s aviation heritage. Today, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive aviation museums in Canada. This Hamilton museum’s collection includes over 40 aircraft, ranging from vintage biplanes to modern jet fighters.

Bomber crew exhibit at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
I learned so much about these guys all thanks to my amazing tour guide!

What Kind Of Planes Are At The Warplane Heritage Museum?

One of the highlights of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s collection is the Avro Lancaster, a World War II-era heavy bomber that played a crucial role in the war effort. The museum’s Lancaster, known as the “Mynarski Memorial Lancaster” in honour of a Canadian airman who received the Victoria Cross for his actions aboard a Lancaster, is one of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world.

Other notable aircraft in the museum’s collection include the CF-100 Canuck, Canada’s first jet fighter, and the first fighter aircraft to be designed and built in large quantities in Canada. This plane can fly as fast as 550 miles per hour!

Also check out the CF-104 Starfighter, a supersonic jet fighter used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Cold War, and the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, a versatile bush plane that played a key role in Canada’s remote northern regions.

My favourite planes are the Consolidated PBY-5A Canso because of its harrowing story and sentimental touch, and the Avro Lancaster which you’ve possibly seen flying around the skies on occasion. I love the heroic history of the Lancaster. In total 7,377 Lancasters rolled off the production lines in Britain and Canada, during WW II. Today, 17 Lancasters survive around the world, but only two are in flying condition. Aren’t we lucky to have one so close by?

Consolidated PBY-5A Canso at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Consolidated PBY-5A Canso at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

More Things To Check Out at The Warplane Museum in Hamilton

In addition to its impressive collection of aircraft, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum also houses a variety of exhibits and displays that provide insight into Canada’s aviation history. The museum’s displays cover a wide range of topics, from the early days of flight in Canada to the role Canadian aircraft played in the war and modern history.

One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the “RCAF Women’s Division”. This exhibit tells the story of the women who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. The exhibit features uniforms, equipment, and personal stories of the women who served in a variety of roles, including as pilots, navigators, and radio operators.

I spent a long time checking out the Art For Victory exhibit. It highlights the various ways propaganda posters were used to boost recruitment and keep spirits up during the war. I bet you didn’t know that graphic designers and printing companies served such a big role in the war effort.

Visitors to the museum can also take part in a variety of hands-on experiences, such as sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet or trying their hand at flying a simulator.

Overall, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is an excellent destination for anyone interested in aviation or Canadian history. The museum’s impressive collection of aircraft and exhibits, combined with its interactive experiences, make it a must-visit for anyone near the Hamilton area.

Avro Lancaster plant in Hamilton airplane hanger.
Isn’t she a beaut? This is the Avro Lancaster.

5 Must-Dos When You Visit

1. Accept a Tour Guide – Normally I like to do my own thing, but the amount of experience and knowledge Phillip – my tour guide – shared with me was beyond anything I could have imagined. Guides are very willing to tell you all they know and answer your questions. I wandered around with Phillip for 2.5 hours and loved every minute.

2. Look and Listen – Watch the videos and listen to the recordings. You’ll be transported back in time and feel emersed in your experience.

3. Priase The Women of Aviation! Ladies, we did a LOT more than we know, and a lot more than we get credit for. Female pilots flew all over the world and piloted so many massive aircraft. We generally had a smaller frame, which is perfect for piloting those early planes. Thanks, Phillip for letting me know all about women’s role in the war and aviation.

4. Climb Aboard – Many of the aircraft at the Canadian Warplane Museum have open cockpits and visitors are allowed (and encouraged) to sit in them. Make sure you have a staff member with you and listen to a guide as they tell you all about the buttons and dials. Can you tell how much I loved my guided tour?!

5. Visit The Gift Shop – I know that sounds like a commercial, but they have the coolest t-shirts, mugs and posters for aviation fans. Looking for models? Books? Puzzles? You will find some very unique gift items here.

I have over 100 photos from my visit to the Warplane Museum.

One More Tip…

And last but not least, go slow as you tour through the Hamilton Warplane Museum. There is so much to see and learn, don’t rush your way through. And come back often! Especially in spring and summer when you can see the planes take off and land.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – located at the Hamilton International Airport, 9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0.

Visit them online: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Make sure to look for Dusty!

Hot Off The Presses!

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

The post 5 Must-Dos For Visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum appeared first on Active Parents.

]]> High-Energy Excitement at Activate Burlington https://activeparents.ca/activate-burlington/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 20:55:24 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=42989 Activate in Burlington will have the entire family on the edge of their seats with excitement and energy!

The post High-Energy Excitement at Activate Burlington appeared first on Active Parents.

]]> Burlington has a very cool entertainment facility called Activate and we are so excited to tell you about it! It’s a favourite for families who love excitement and high energy fun.

From their website:
“Activate is the world’s first active gaming facility, where you’ll play arcade-style games by actually jumping, climbing, and dodging. You and your group of 3-5 will move freely between eleven interactive rooms, choosing games that challenge your agility, problem-solving, and speed. Dive through lasers. Climb glowing walls. Only the best can conquer them all. Think you have what it takes?”

Read More: Indoor Places To Visit

Visiting Activate in Burlington

Activate Burlington is a large, indoor entertainment facility for players ages 10 and older. The games are challenging and built with adults in mind. We had 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 10 and 12 with us and they tackled the games with gusto. We had a group of four, and Activate recommends 3-5 people per game. 2 can play, but it will be more challenging. Your visit is 75 minutes and you can choose your timeslot through their online booking system. You can have up to 10 in your booking time, but you’ll be split into groups of up to 5 to provide the best playing experience.

The Game Rooms

At Activate, you get access to all 9 rooms of gameplay, and you can play them more than once as long as time permits. I loved that the game rooms included both cooperative and competitive challenges because sometimes it’s fun to kick some butt! The rooms we each very different ad put our skills to the test. My kids loved the “Climb”, the room of light-up rock-climbing grips that change colour from green to red as you scale your way around the room. Stay off the red ones! There is also another level where the grips light up and you need to grab them whack-a-mole style!

“Grid” was a full energy mission to get from side to side without touching the lit tiles on the floor. Needless to say, I was the worst player on our team here, haha! But we laughed so much that I didn’t mind. This room has 3 variations of gameplay you can try. We had so much fun in all of the rooms, but my kids liked “Hoops” – a basketball shooting mission, and “Laser” the most.

“Laser” made you feel like you were creeping through a top-secret vault protected by motion-activated laser beams. It was another laugh-fest that made us sweaty and wide-eyed. This one was hard but so exciting. You can see all of the rooms at Active Burlington here.

Read More: More Things To Do With Your Tweens and Teens

Tips For Your Visit to Activate Burlington

Book your visit online before to make sure you get a spot. Walk-ins are permitted, but you may not get your preferred time. Bring a small group with you, and don’t worry about talent or skill because everyone will have a great time. This was an excellent outing for my tween and teen, and my husband (who likes being home) loved it too.

There are lockers to hold your coats/bags, etc. because you definitely want your hands free and to make movement easy. Short sleeves were good because you want easy access to your Activate wristband because that is what grants you access to the rooms, and tracks your scores. Think of it as a gym class: rubber-soled shoes, long hair tied back.

Outside of each room, and throughout the facility there was hand sanitizer, and we found it to be very clean.

Price: $28 per person, plus taxes. Click here to book online.

Hot Off The Presses!

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

The post High-Energy Excitement at Activate Burlington appeared first on Active Parents.

]]> 100+ Awesome March Break Activities For 2025 https://activeparents.ca/march-break-events/ https://activeparents.ca/march-break-events/#comments Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=29412 March Break is full of things to do in Hamilton, Halton, Niagara and the Waterloo Region. We've loaded our events calendar below and put together a long list of March Break activities and fun things you can do with the kids this week (or anytime)!

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]]> March Break 2025 in Ontario is full of great things to do in Hamilton, Halton, Niagara beyond. Our popular events calendar is full of cool March Break activities and fun things you can do with the kids this week. We’ve also suggested some of our favourite daytrips and local places to take kids to help you have something great to do every single day of the school break.

Read More: Click here to jump to the March Break Events Calendar.

Read More: Looking for March Break Camps? You can find them all here.

Outdoor Activities on March Break

Mountsberg Conservation Area is home to Maple Town once again this year. We love Maple Town because it is a great fresh air experience. You will learn how trees are tapped and how sap is collected then turned into delicious maple syrup. Pre-book your visit online.

Westfield Heritage Village is hosting “Maple Syrup Season” on select days in March. We’ve got two demonstration sites, a Maple Trivia Trail, and take-out pancakes from the St. George Lions Club. Visitors will also be able to buy maple treats from the General Store and Gift Shop. 

Bring back the basics and blow your kids’ minds at the same time when you take them to a different playground every day! We have 40+ playground reviews for Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton right here. And we know the best natural playgrounds, too! Playgrounds are our favourite free March Break activities near me.

Have you tried snow tubing yet? The price isn’t as steep as I thought it would be! It’s a full day of thrills and chills on the hill with the family.

Explore nature with these kid-friendly hiking destinations. They have lots to see and do, and the inclines are too steep for little legs (or old lady knees, like mine!)

Some of our favourite free March Break activities are ice skating and tobogganing. We know the best outdoor rinks and hills around!

Challenge your whole family to a cool ropes course like the one at Treetop Trekking in Hamilton.

One of the destinations I recommend most – and about once a week – is a trip to Triple C Farm. You’ll get up close and personal with a wide variety of farm animals, each rescued and brought back into good health at this lovely farm.

March break Things To Do Indoors

Joseph Brant Museum has new exhibits, perfect for a spectrum of ages, plus a brand new Children’s Gallery. We visited with young kids and grandparents, and everyone had rave reviews.

Find the coolest indoor play centres in Halton and in Hamilton/Niagara here. They will be a popular destination this week, so if you’re looking to make some new friends with kids, you’re in luck!

Royal Botanical Gardens welcomes visitors to “Tumble down the rabbit hole into “Alice in Bloomland,” a wondrous botanical experience at Royal Botanical Gardens where reality bends and blossoms into a world of curiosity for all ages! Inspired by the pages of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this floral showcase weaves together the magic of horticulture, the whimsy of floral design, and the marvel of visual arts to create an enchanting indoor wonderland straight out of a dream.”

Dress in your brightest whites and take the kids for a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf here. Always a great idea if you have tweens and teens looking for March Break things to do.

Wander through the Art Gallery of Hamilton – especially the 2nd floor – and let your kids enjoy a feast for the eyes! A visit to the gallery is a great March Break activity in Hamilton.

Grab your kiddos and try out some cool board games at a local board game cafe. Or get creative and paint something beautiful at a local paint and pottery studio.

Enjoy the beauty of the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and you’ll be floored to realize it’s like a tropical climate in the middle of the city.

Children’s museums are so much fun to explore and enjoy and they offer hands-on learning and entertainment for kids.

Keep this list of things to do with tweens and teens handy and plan some fun with friends this March Break.

Free March Break Activities

Burlington Public Library has something awesome happening at each of their branches this week. You can find their full calendar of events here. And be sure to stop into the brand new Discovery Space at Central branch – you’re going to LOVE it! The space is drop in, no booking needed and filled with the coolest toys, arts and crafts and gadgets your kids will adore.

Hamilton Public Library branches have a full week of amazing – and free – activities for kids. Take in a story time, play games, nd join in activities including STEM and creative workshops. Find their events calendar here.

Geocaching is a great way to spend time outdoors with your kids. It brings together walking in the fresh air, investigative skills and a scavenger hunt! 

Our events calendar is home to free and paid events happening this week.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is March Break in 2025?

Ontario public and catholic schools are closed from March 10 thru 14 inclusively. Private school board closures may differ.

Should I pre-book our activities?

March Break is very busy at family-friendly destinations. If you can, prebook your visit to avoid disappointment.

March Break Activities and Events

In addition to the great suggestions above, there are a ton of cool events happening over March Break, too! You can find them all listed below.

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]]> https://activeparents.ca/march-break-events/feed/ 2 Children’s Museums and Galleries Families Love https://activeparents.ca/kid-friendly-museums-and-galleries/ https://activeparents.ca/kid-friendly-museums-and-galleries/#comments Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=41941 Discover top family-friendly museums in our area. Explore pioneer life, famous sports figures, art, science experiments, and hidden passages. Perfect for hands-on learning and fun!

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]]> We’ve collected some of the best family-friendly children’s museums and galleries in our region. Whether you want to know more about life in pioneer and early industrial times, famous sports personalities, appreciate works of art, dabble in hands-on experiments and science, planes, trains, automobiles and even secret passages, these family destinations will help you do just that. 

Some of these destinations are seasonal and we’ve noted that in their write ups below.

Children’s Museums and Galleries in Oakville

Oakville Museum The historic buildings of Erchless Estate were once home to Oakville’s founding family, The Chisholms, but are now the setting for Oakville’s community museum. Guided tours are available of the building and grounds and the museum is home to ever-changing exhibits. Admission is by donation. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 

Oakville Galleries – Housed in two spaces in downtown Oakville there are travelling exhibitions as well as a permanent collection.

Milton Family-Friendly Museums and Galleries

Halton County Radial Railway – See the collection of historic streetcars, trains, and buses, then experience life on the rails on the 2km full-sized electrical railway. Look out for their very popular Halloween and Christmas events to start back up! Admission is $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, $18 for ages 10-17, $12 for 4-9 and kids under 4 are free. The museum is opening for the season is in May. You can read all about our visit to the HCRR here.

image courtesy of HCRY.org

Burlington Children’s Museums and Art Galleries

Ireland house was occupied by the Ireland family between 1835 and 1985 and shows what life was like in the 1850s, 1890s, and 1920s. Home of the traditional Victorian Christmas event, there are often special days or programs to look out for.

Art Gallery of Burlington is located in the downtown neighbourhood. It is free to visit any of the exhibits and galleries, but donations are greatly appreciated. The exhibits rotate throughout the year, so visiting is always a great idea. Their Family Studio is home to free art classes throughout the year as well.

Joseph Brant Museum has a permanent collection showing the history of the region with lots of local photographs and items. See the changes through the time of places you see every day! There’s also a travelling exhibition space that changes a few times a year. Keep an eye on their website to see what’s new and happening.

During its renovation, Joseph Brant Museum was outfitted with a permanent kid-friendly section called the Children’s Gallery. This gallery is where kids get hands-on with a variety of ways to learn about Burlington. Activities encourage kids to use STEAM techniques to play and learn simultaneously. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, Children 3-12 are $6 and under 2 are free.

Giant Lite-Brite is just one of the interactive exhibits in the Children’s Gallery at Jo Brant Museum

Hamilton Area Museums Families Love

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology – Explore the early industrial revolution in this 150-year-old waterworks with two 70-ton steam engines. The museum has a variety of permanent and changing exhibits.

Battlefield House – Experience this 19th-century homestead, home to the Gage family and the site of the 1813 Battle of Stoney Creek. Look for the re-enactment of the Battle in early June.

Dundurn Castle – Lots to explore at this site: Dundurn Castle, built in the 1830s, the Hamilton Military Museum, and the coach house.

Dundurn Castle in Hamilton

Whitehern Historic House and Gardens – See artefacts from many different time periods in this house that was inhabited by three generations of the McQuesten family.

Art Gallery of Hamilton – Home of one of our favourite installations, the Bruegel-Bosch bus. See how many strange things you can spot! Read about our visits here. There are free days and discounts often, and the entire 2nd floor is great for families to visit.

The Breugel-Bosch Bus at the art gallery of hamilton active parents
Art Gallery of Hamilton

More Hamilton Museums and Points of Interest Kids Will Enjoy

Worker’s Art and Heritage Centre – A community museum celebrating the history of workers and labour, as well as social justice issues.

HMCS Haida (June-Sept) Climb aboard the Tribal class destroyer and imagine being a crew member on “Canada’s most fightingest ship”.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – Get an up-close look at many of the aircraft flown by Canadians and the Canadian military from the beginning of WWII to the present. Visit in April thru the warm weather to watch planes take off and land.

Westfield Heritage Village: Over 35 historical buildings are set in a large conservation area. Step back in time with the help of costumed interpreters, and then hike the surrounding woodlands and meadowlands. Known for Maple Syrup, Ice Cream and Christmas events there’s always a good time to visit!

CFL Hall of Fame houses over 30,000 items, including trophies, helmets, and playing equipment. Not to mention game and record balls, jerseys, sweaters, banners, photographs, films and videos. A must-see for any football fan! 

At the time of publication, the Hamilton Children’s Museum remains closed due to capital project work. We can’t wait to see what the future brings for one of our favourite children’s museums!

Family-Friendly Museums and Galleries in Niagara

Laura Secord Homestead: This small house in the small village of Queenston was the home of and starting point of Laura Secord’s 32km journey to warn the British of the attack planned by the Americans during the war of 1812. 

Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo Children’s Museums

Guelph Children’s Museum: With special hands-on interactive kid-friendly galleries you can explore the history of Guelph and with temporary, changing exhibits, there’s always something new to see.

THEMUSEUM: Five floors of fun! THEMUSEUM has permanent and temporary exhibitions, events, and programs for all ages. Walking pianos, a bed of nails, and waterflow table are all big hits here! This is one of the best family-friendly children’s museums I’ve been to!

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village: Discover the history of the Waterloo region from indigenous peoples to community settlement in the 1800s, to the industrial revolution and manufacturing boom. Outside, wander the 60-acre Doon Heritage Village where interpreters in period dress and the Building Stories app will help you learn more about the buildings and way of life from the early 1900s. 

THEMUSEUM children's museum kitchener
Making stop-motion animation at THEMUSEUM

Museums and More That Are Worth The Drive to Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Explore natural history from dinosaurs to the bat cave, as well as history from around the world. With special hands-on interactive galleries, the artefacts really come alive! 

Hockey Hall of Fame: Home of the original Stanley Cup as well as artefacts, memorabilia and hands-on galleries. Permanent exhibits show Ethnicity in Hockey, Women in Hockey, and Disabled Hockey. 

Casa Loma: Sir Henry Pellatt built Casa Loma – then the biggest private residence in Canada – full of extravagant fixtures and fittings. An extremely popular film location you can see some recreations from some of the more famous movies and television shows filmed there. With a secret passage out to the carriage house, there is a lot to explore.

Black Creek Pioneer Village: Visit small-town Ontario from the 1860s made up of 40 heritage buildings, most donated and relocated to Black Creek (sometimes brick by brick!), 70 heritage animals and gardens of plants and flowers grown from heritage seeds. Costumed educators show visitors the trades and crafts of the time using some of the 50,000 artefacts on-site to bring the time to life.

McMichael Art Gallery: Focussed exclusively on indigenous and Canadian art, this beautiful gallery is home to over 6,500 artworks by the Group of Seven, First Nations, Metis, Inuit and contemporary artists. With permanent and temporary exhibitions there’s always something new.

family-friendly museum royal ontario museum
Dinosaurs at The ROM

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]]> https://activeparents.ca/kid-friendly-museums-and-galleries/feed/ 1 Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (Photos + FAQs Answered) https://activeparents.ca/cambridge-butterfly-conservatory/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=35900 Experience a tropical oasis right in the city when you visit the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at the beauty and learn why your family will thank you for taking them.

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]]> Are you looking for things to do in Cambridge this weekend? Experience a tropical oasis right in the city when you visit the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at the beauty and learn why your family will thank you for taking them. 

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

What is The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory?

A must-see attraction in the Waterloo Region, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory has been open to the public since 2002. It’s 25,000 square feet of year-round indoor tropical paradise and home to thousands of butterflies, birds, fish, amphibians and insects. The Conservatory is privately owned, with a small team of amazing staff who are eager to share their knowledge with guests.

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Will my kids have fun at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory?

The Butterfly Conservatory is ideal for all ages. Not only is it one of the largest greenhouses in Canada, but it’s also home to thousands of free-flying butterflies.  Butterflies are friendly and will land on or near you! Your visit will give your kids the chance to see butterflies and insects up close, learn what butterflies eat, and even watch them in their cocoons.

Tip: Did you know that every 2 weeks or so another 1000 or more chrysalis are brought to the Butterfly Conservatory and hung up in the windows so visitors like us can watch them hatch and take their first flights. This was the highlight of our visit!

Be sure to visit the 2 museum-like galleries to get an up-close look at a variety of insects and learn about their environment and conservation. Victoria, our photographer, took her 2-year-old daughter to visit the butterfly conservatory and highly recommends it for toddlers!

little girl exploring the Cambridge butterfly conservatory

Cambridge butterfly conservatory walkway

How long does it take to go through the butterfly conservatory?

Expect more than butterflies at the butterfly conservatory! The conservatory is home to a variety of insects and moths, too.

Look deep in the habitats and you’ll catch a glimpse of both brightly coloured and camouflaging frogs. Turn your eyes a little lower and you’ll find fish and turtles! And all around you in the conservatory are free-flying birds.

Plan for a few loops of the greenhouse because you definitely won’t see everything in your first go around. Victoria and her little girl did about 4 loops and walked slowly. They spent about 90 minutes in total, but you should plan for a little more if you’re kids want to take a detailed look at the galleries.  This is such a fun things to do in Cambridge!

How much is the butterfly conservatory?

The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m. 6 days a week (closed Mondays). Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory tickets for our 2-hour time frame must be purchased in advance online. This is one of the top rated things to do in Cambridge, Ontario so it can be busy on holiday and PA Days.

General Admission (13-64)$20.00
Seniors (65+)$15.00
Children (3-12)$10.00
Children (2 & under)FREE!
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Things to know about the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

  • Timed-entry tickets for your 2-hour visit can be bought in advance online
  • On-site parking is free
  • Yes, the butterfly conservatory in Cambridge is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly
  • Speak to the staff! They’re very friendly and knowledgable
  • The conservatory is very warm and very humid. Dress in layers and expect 25-degree temperatures
  • Washrooms on-site and accessible
  • The gift shop is open

 Address: the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory Cambridge Ontario is located at 2500 Kossuth Road.

Photographer Bio: Victoria is a talented photographer specializing in capturing all types of families made with love, their furbabies and branding for small businesses and Mompreneurs. Follow her adventures in toddler motherhood, photography and exploring here.

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]]> Dive Into These 5 Indoor Water parks in Ontario https://activeparents.ca/dive-into-these-5-indoor-waterparks-in-ontario/ https://activeparents.ca/dive-into-these-5-indoor-waterparks-in-ontario/#comments Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=46600 Escape the winter blahs when you visit one of the best indoor waterparks in Ontario! We have several to choose from, so our guide will help you compare features and amenities, plus prices.

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]]> Escape the winter blahs when you visit one of the best indoor waterparks in Ontario! We have several to choose from, so our guide will help you compare features and amenities, plus prices. You’ll find details on Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Wave Indoor Waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge, Plunge! Aquatic Centre and Adventure Bay in Windsor.

Tip! We also recommended these hotels that have great water slides and/or pools for when you want a smaller-scale wet and wild adventure.

Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Indoor Water parks in Ontario

Waves Indoor Water park

Waves Indoor Water Park is located inside the Americana Hotel. It has affordable waterpark day passes that include a full day of fun with water slides, a pool, a water play centre, a toddler splash area and more! We love the beach entry (gradual entry) for little kids and grandparents. Private cabanas are available to rent.

There is also an arcade, a surf shop, an outdoor playground, and places to play. Day passes are $39.95 per person for a full day or save 50% on weeknights. Details here.

Good To Know:

  • No outside food or beverage permitted
  • On-site restaurant & snack bar
  • Life jackets are available for free usage (first come, first served)
  • Towels provided onsite

Waves Indoor Waterpark is located at 8444 Lundys Lane, Niagara Falls. Check our Waves reviews on Tripadvisor or book your visit on Expedia, Trivago or Hotels.com.

Waves Indoor Waterpark

Fallsview Indoor Water park

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is 125,000 square feet of action-packed water fun. It has a massive play area, a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, 6-storey high waterslides, a full-sized wave pool, year-round outdoor activity pool and sundeck, plunge bowl, two oversized adult-only Jacuzzis and a children’s play area.

Drier options for play include the jungle beach playhouse. Day admission prices start at $32.99 per person entry. There is also a $35 parking fee.

Good To Know:

  • No outside food or beverages are permitted
  • There are on-site restaurants and a snack bar
  • Life jackets are available for free (first come, first served)
  • Towels are not available on-site, so bring some from home.

Fallsview Waterpark is located at 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Read Fallsview Waterpark reviews on Tripadvisor or book your visit on Expedia, Trivago or Hotels.ca.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

Great Wolf Lodge Resort

Great Wolf Lodge is one of the biggest indoor waterparks in Canada. Families come from all around the province to stay and play here. You must be an overnight hotel guest to use the waterpark, they don’t offer day passes.

Their waterpark features a 4-story interactive fort treehouse complete with slides and toys for all ages. Little kids will love all of the waterslides in various sizes. If you’re looking for high-speed thrills, check out wolf tail which is a thrilling waterslide the teens will love. Don’t miss the frog pond with its obstacles and tube slides for water lovers of every age.

Need to get some R&R? Just grab a tube and float your cares away on the lazy river. Warm up in the whirlpool hot spas – they have one indoor and one outdoor!

Good To Know:

  • 7 onsite restaurants and snack areas to keep you nourished
  • Pool towels available onsite
  • Life jackets are available for free (first come, first served)

Great Wolf Lodge Niagara is located at 3950 Victoria Ave, in Niagara Falls

Read Great Wolf Lodge Niagara reviews on Tripadvisor or book your visit on Expedia, Trivago or Hotels.ca.

Great Wolf Lodge

Plunge! Indoor Aquatic Centre at Blue Mountain

I was late to the party when it comes to knowing Blue Mountain had an indoor water feature. While not technically big enough to be an indoor waterpark, it is still a fun place to visit if you’re in the Blue Mountain area. Slip slide down the water slide and enjoy their indoor and outdoor pools. Your family will love the rope swing, dumping bucket and basketball nets, too.

Visit Plunge all year for water park fun. Starting at $16 for a day pass, per person.

Good To Know:

  • No outside food or beverages are permitted
  • No towels are available, so bring some from home.

Plunge is located at 220 Gord Canning Drive, in the Blue Mountains.

Read Plunge! reviews on Tripadvisor or book your visit on Expedia, Trivago or Hotels.ca.

Plunge! Indoor Aquatic Centre at Blue Mountain

Adventure Bay Windsor Indoor Waterpark

Perfect for a weekend getaway to beat the blahs in winter. Adventure Bay Family Water Park features over 35,000 square feet of wild water adventures for guests of all ages. Attractions include 5 waterslides, “FlowRider”, a surf simulator, a wave pool and an activity pool, a lazy river, tot kids zone, and Splash Zone with slides and giant water tipping bucket. Interactive water play features include bubbling jets and geysers, aqua-cannons, tipping cones, and mini bungee swings!

Day passes start at $17.00 per person.

Good To Know:

  • Outside food & drink permitted in specific dining areas
  • No towels onsite
  • Life Jackets are available for free (first come, first served)

Adventure Bay is located at 401 Pitt Street West in Windsor.

Read Adventure Bay reviews on Tripadvisor or book your visit on their website here.

Adventure Bay Windsor Indoor Waterpark

Hotels With Awesome Indoor Pools and Waterslides (Almost As Good As An Indoor Waterpark)

You don’t have to go to a full-fledged waterpark to find wet and wild fun! We love these hotels with great waterslides and added family-favourite features.

Chelsea Hotel in Toronto

This hotel is beautiful and family-friendly. Their heated pool is perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy. Plus, their Corkscrew Waterslide loops outside the hotel! You have to be a guest at the hotel to swim. Pool and waterslide hours are limited right now, so check their website for open dates and times.

The hotel also has a teen lounge with old-school arcade games, flat-screen televisions, a foosball table and a pool table. Adults are invited to enjoy it too! Also check out the Kids Centre, complete with dress-up, educational and artistic activities to keep kids having fun.

Chelsea Hotel Family Fun Zone

Read Chelsea Hotel reviews on Tripadvisor or book your visit on Expedia, Trivago or Hotels.com.

Mississauga Meadowvale Hilton

We have stayed here with kids and without and it is an ideal hotel for anyone. Our last visit was a quick Family Day staycation and the kids still laugh about how fast their mom zoomed down this curly water slide. The pool’s open hours have been carrying recently so be sure to check it will be open when you plan to stay.

Read our review here.

London’s Lamplighter Inn

Look at this indoor lighthouse! The Maplighter Inn is a very popular getaway for families and an equally-popular hotel for travelling sports teams. A visit is high on our must-do list. Read our review here.

Best Western Leamington

*Please contact the hotel before you book. Their pool has been under renovation in 2023.

In addition to the mini indoor waterpark and long water slides, this hotel offers an indoor climbing structure, basketball court, badminton, ping pong and more! You can read our review here.

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]]> https://activeparents.ca/dive-into-these-5-indoor-waterparks-in-ontario/feed/ 1 Feel Like A GIANT At Little Canada https://activeparents.ca/little-canada/ Sat, 25 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=53372 When you're looking for things to do in Toronto, Make sure to consider a visit to Little Canada. They have put together some miniature displays of some of Canada's most popular locations. The detail and the size will blow your mind!

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]]> When you’re looking for things to do in Toronto, plan a visit to Little Canada. They have put together some miniature displays of some of Canada’s most popular locations. The detail and the size will blow your mind!

Visiting Little Canada

We love a weekend in Toronto; this time we went to Little Canada. A visit had been on my to-do list for a few months and believe me when I tell you the in-person experience is so much better than anything you could have imagined.

You can book your visit and buy your tickets online or at the ticket booth. Little Canada is centrally located at Young Dundas Square, right in the middle of all the excitement of Toronto.

When you enter one of the staff members will give you a map and a scavenger hunt for your kids. They have a little Canadian moose hidden in every display that the kids will love finding. It also helps to hold their attention and keep them engaged.

Read More: Find our favourite day trip ideas here or spend the night at one of these family-friendly staycation destinations.

Be a GIANT tourist in Little Niagara Falls

The first room you walk into is Niagara Falls and it did not disappoint! If you’ve been following us for a while, you know how much I love doing all the touristy stops in the falls. This extremely detailed display was a walk down memory lane!

You’ll see the Falls and the huge tour boats that get you close to the rapids. The hydropower station and the gardens, too. Is it getting dark in here? Yes, it is! The lighting takes you from daytime to nighttime so you can watch the Niagara Falls light up. Keep following the falls around and around and you’ll come to the most exciting street in Ontario – Clifton Hill! How many of those Niagara tourist destinations (link) have you visited with your kids? The Vegas-like rights look great when the lights dim, too!

little canada niagara falls clifton hill
The Clifton Hill display at Little Canada.

Toronto – A Little BIG City

The next room you visit is home to a large (yet little!) display of the most popular locations in Toronto. You’ll love the nostalgia and the memories that come flooding back every time you notice a familiar spot. Chinatown, the Rogers Center, the distillery district and of course Toronto’s busy highways!

Make sure to watch as the Rogers Center roof opens and closes.

Fun Fact: One of the miniature model makers told us that the Rogers Center model was so big that it wouldn’t fit through the doors. They had to cut a hole in the roof and lower it down from above!

The Rogers Centre and CN Tower at the Little Canada exhibit in Toronto

Travel To More Little Canada Destinations

Little Canada has displays for smaller Ontario towns too – like Burlington and Hamilton! Both are part of the Little Golden Horseshoe exhibit. My kids loved this one because so many places were familiar and places they’d been before. Stelco, Around The Bay and a very famous hot dog stand, will catch your eye.

Ottawa was another familiar family favourite to re-explore at Little Canada. If you’ve never been, this is the perfect chance to see it from a bird’s eye view and plan your next getaway! The Parliament Buildings are so regal and patriotic. Make sure to watch for the sun to “go down” so you can watch the Canada Day fireworks! They really have thought of everything – even Beavertails!

Bonjour Petit Quebec! You won’t need to parlez Français to enjoy this exhibit! Petit Quebec is home to the Chateau Frontenac, one of Canada’s most beautiful hotels as well as its famous cobblestone roads. Look for iconic winter ice sculptures, sugar bushes, and more.

Hamilton Harbour at the Little Canada exhibit in Toronto
“Little” home away from home!

Coming Soon To Little Canada

Little Canada is always growing! 2024-2025 has plans to see Little Rockies and Prairies, Little West Coast, East Coast, Little North and Petit Montreal. We can’t wait to visit again.

Little Quebec at the Little Canada exhibit in Toronto
Bonjour Petit Quebec

Frequently Asked Questions About Little Canada

Where is Little Canada?

It is located at Yonge-Dundas Square, 10 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON, M5B 2G9. Right across from the Eaton Centre.

Is there parking?

You can find Gree P parking under the Eaton Centre, but I would suggest taking the GO Train in to make it easier on parents and more fun for kids!

Is Little Canada accessible?

Yes! Every level of Little Canada can be accessed by elevator, and staff are always on hand to help when needed.

Can you buy food or bring food?

No outside food or drinks are allowed, but, the Little Bites café is located adjacent to the Little Things gift shop when you get peckish.

How long should I expect to be there?

About 90 minutes is what you should budget to see everything.

I want to thank the team at Little Canada for inviting us to explore your current exhibit. You can see more photos and book your visit at Little-Canada.ca.

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]]> Guelph Civic Museum: Lots of Hands-On Exploring For Children https://activeparents.ca/guelph-civic-museum/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=51885 You know how much we love a children's museum, and the Guelph Civic Museum has a wing dedicated to hands-on fun for kids that we know you'll love.

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]]> You know how much we love a children’s museum, and the Guelph Civic Museum has a wing dedicated to hands-on fun for kids that we know you’ll love.

Where is the Guelph Civic Museum?

You already know the city it’s located in, but there’s more. The Civic Museum is located quite centrally in the city, and has lots to see within walking distance. Once you’ve explored the many floors of the Civic Museum, we suggest checking out the beautiful architecture of its next-door neighbour the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate because it’s beautiful. In the warm months, you can also shop at the Guelph Farmer’s Market for snacks and fresh lunch ideas.

Is The Guelph Museum Good For Kids?

In a word, yes! Our favourite part of the museum, and where we spent all of our time, was the Children’s Gallery. The children’s gallery has multiple sections that cover a variety of topics from dinosaurs to the future of the environment.

Listen and learn about Ontario’s Indigenous peoples and how they have always taken care of the planet and all of its creatures.

Learn about Ontario’s early settlers and how their daily lives differed much – but not too much – from the daily lives we live today.

Dinosaurs in Guelph? Absolutely! Your kids will love discovering that mammoths and mastadons once roamed the very streets they are walking today!

Become an eco-warrior when you learn about nature preservation, the watershed and water consumption.

Kids won’t realize how much they are learning through the hands-on immersive activities offered in the children’s gallery at Guelph Civic Museums, but parents will notice when their dinner conversations are enlightened! I love asking kids open ended questions to watch their brains light up with thoughts.

Take a 3D tour of the family gallery here.

What Else Is There To Do At The Guelph Civic Museum?

The Civic Museum in Guelph has a number of galleries, each home to permanent collections or new exhibits. Learn about the history of the area and where Guelph sees itself in the future.

How Much Is Admission To the Museum?

The Families Gallery is open for drop-in visits from 11:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Pre-booking is not required during these hours.

With a Families Gallery reservation, you will be able to explore the rest of the Civic Museum during your visit. You will also receive a voucher for a future visit to McCrae House.

Admission is $18 for 2 adults and up to 4 children.

Guelph Civic Museums is located at 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON N1H 4H8

(519) 836-1221

guelphmuseums.ca

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]]> 10+ Board Game Cafes That Are Too Cool To Pass On https://activeparents.ca/board-game-cafes/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=47798 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.

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]]> 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 indoor 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

elizabeth playing at mancala monk board game cafe in Hamilton ontario
Our visit to Mancala Monk had us playing Wheel of Fortune and more.

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

Dicey Business
We are a cozy board game café with over 400 board games to play while enjoying a good selection of food and drinks. Our Dicey Community loves Board Games, Trading Card Games, Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, Art Nights, and anything else nerdy you can think of
Leisure Cafe
A board game cafe with a comfortable retro feel designed as a community gathering place.
Ludology Board Game Cafe
Play one of your Favorites, or play something New. Our staff will help you get gaming! Enjoy our fantastic selection of Food and Drink, while you game or dine! $5 per person, 2-5 hour time limit may apply. 
LVLUP Board Game Store and Cafe
Lots of community gaming events and themed nights for fans of D&D, MTG and more!
Mancala Monk Board Game Cafe
Nostalgia Games Cafe
Burlington's board game cafe. Just opened in November 2023 and offering hot and cold drinks and light snacks. 
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. 
The Adventurers Guild
It's $7 per adventurer for a full day's access to the library! And The Adventurers Guild stocks precisely one metric fun-load of games. That translates to the best and first collection in K-dub and the Region - 1500+ games, including board games, retro video games, and role-playing games.
The Bard and Bear Board Game Cafe
The Round Table - Guelph
Board games, axe throwing, archery, escape rooms and more!
The Round Table - Kitchener
Board games, special events, trivia nights and more.

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]]> We Rock The Spectrum Indoor Playcentre Oakville https://activeparents.ca/we-rock-the-spectrum-indoor-gym-for-all-kids/ Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=38160 We Rock The Spectrum in Oakville is a kids gym where everyone is welcome, regardless of their abilities and needs. From toddlers thru teen years, everyone loves playing at this unique kid’s gym.

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We Rock The Spectrum in Oakville is a kids gym where everyone is welcome, regardless of their abilities and needs. From toddlers thru teen years, everyone loves playing at this unique kid’s gym.

WRTS in Oakville is one of our favourite indoor places to play. This indoor gym has a variety of ways to play with its unique design. The equipment at this play centre can be changed around in just minutes. It’s never the same twice! My daughter loved this rainbow saucer-type swing so much we got one of the backyard. Family fun at its finest!

We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym in Oakville photos of equipment

WRTS swing

play equipment you won’t find at any other Indoor play centre

I think the best part of visiting is seeing the unique ways they play with the equipment. The yoga balls, the zip line and crash pad, and the one-of-a-kind swings, all lead kids of all ages into playing in new ways. Everything at this indoor play centre in oakville is open-ended and can be used in various ways. Imaginations are used like never before!

We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym in Oakville photos of equipment

From The Owner

From, the owner: “After discovering We Rock the Spectrum in America, we knew how much our community needed it, and that we just had to bring this amazing gym to Canada. We Rock the Spectrum is more than just a gym – it’s a safe space for kids of ALL abilities to play and grow, where they can be themselves, feel embraced, understood, and feel that they belong! WRTS is a place where families will create memories that will last a lifetime! We are the place where you never have to say “I’m sorry”!”

We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym in Oakville photos of equipment

In addition to active play options, WRTS Oakville also has a calming room. With its dim lighting, calming music and an under-the-sea feel, this is the perfect escape when you need some quiet time away from the play area or are feeling overstimulated. Read a book in one of the cozy corners or watch the gentle flow of the lava lamp-type decor. Get creative at the blackboard by drawing a masterpiece or playing one of the many board games or puzzles at the table. There are many unique ways to play at this indoor playground in Oakville.

We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym in Oakville photos of equipment

birthday parties and open play programs

They are the home of amazing private birthday parties in their party room and the gym offers open play times for everyone in the community. They offer programs that help kids on the spectrum connect with their peers, learn social-emotional skills, and explore music. Acting as a respite care service, parents with kids on the spectrum and with diverse needs can drop their kids off for supervised programs.

Address: We Rock The Spectrum is located at 245 Weycroft Road, Unit #3 in Oakville. You can visit their website here.

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]]> The Children’s Art Factory – Where Kids Get Messy and Creative https://activeparents.ca/the-childrens-art-factory/ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 17:18:43 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=71959 Messy play is great for kids because it allows them to create and explore without worrying about the clean up - that's their grown up's job, right?! Just wait! The Children's Art Factory in Guelph provides the play and cleans up the mess! Come along as learn about why this makes a great stop on your family adventures.

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Messy play is great for kids because it allows them to create and explore without worrying about the clean up – that’s their grown up’s job, right?! Just wait! The Children’s Art Factory in Guelph provides the play and cleans up the mess! Come along as learn about why this makes a great stop on your family adventures.

painting station at The Children's Art Factory

Plan a Visit to The Children’s Art Factory in Guelph

Kids will love a visit to The Children’s Art Factory because everything is designed with their entertainment in mind! Make you way through the stations and rooms and enjoy hands-on fun and messy play.

If you have an artist, expect to spend lots of time at the painting walls. Dress for mess because once their imaginations get going, there’s not stopping true creativity! Paint on the clear windows and squeegee it off for a fresh slate.

Throw yourselves into the action with dress up and role playing toys. Everyone can transform into someone new with costumes and accessories.

Children's Art Factory paint wall

Who Should Visit?

Kids of all ages will enjoy The Children’s Art Factory because it’s a fabulous destination for kids who are creative and imaginative. This is a must-see place for children. As long as they can walk around on their own, they’ll be entertained the whole time they visit.

It’s also a great spot to go with grandparents because the make-beleieve play is open ended, but also doesn’t require adult supervision. You can sit and watch your kiddos and grandkids explore and grow.

In addition, everything your kids create they can take home! Lots of art for everyone.

You have to have socks to enter (even adults) please don’t wear your nicest clothing as you will leave with glue, tape, paint and sand all over you if you’re anything like my kids.  

Parking: there are four dedicated sports at the side of the building for guests that are clearly marked with lots of additional parking on the street out front. 

The washrooms are spacious and very clean.  There are two single bathrooms (one with a change room), both had accident clothing on the back of the door incase your child had an accident that you were welcome to which I thought was such a great idea. 

The Children's Art Factory treehouse station

Tips For Your Visit To The Children’s Art Factory in Guelph

Wear socks! Adults too. Grip socks are recommended. Grip socks are available for purchase at the front desk if you forget yours

No strollers/wagons allowed to save space. There is an outdoor space allocated for parking them, and CAF has locks you can borrow.

There is a common area where you can leave your stuff, but no lockers, so don’t bring valuables.

Stop by the giftshop and bring home some creative kits to have a rainy day backup plan.

Some sections close up 30 minutes before end end of the play session.

mail and letter writing station at The Children's Art Factory

Address, Pricing and More

Every visitor is $15 (parents, too!). Infants under 1 year are free with a paying sibling. Drop-ins are on a walk-in basis, in other words no pre-booking.

Choose your play time, morning session or afternoon session. Summer hours are Monday – Sunday 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm.

Children’s Art Factory is wheelchair accessible. Call beforehand and they’ll direct you to the side entrance.

The Children’s Art Factory in Guelph is located at 37 Yarmouth St.

More Indoor Destinations We Love

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.

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]]> Visit The NEW Wonderlab at Toys R Us Burlington https://activeparents.ca/wonderlab-at-toys-r-us-burlington/ Mon, 27 May 2024 14:05:04 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=69595 The Toys R Us Burlington location has had a serious glow up and families are going to love visiting even more now! Come along as we take you on a tour of the brand new FREE Wonderlab!

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The Toys R Us Burlington location has had a serious glow up and families are going to love visiting even more now! Come along as we take you on a tour of the brand new FREE Wonderlab!

Read More: Find even more free things to do with kids in Burlington here.

Welcome To The Wonderlab!

If you had visited Toys R Us in Burlington in the past couple of years you will have seen their creative section, called Wonderlab. Families with young kids could take part in a variety of creative activities from painting to paper crafts and even sensory play with a cool sand table.

In April 2024, after some top-secret renovations took place, Wonderlab by Toys R Us reopened bigger and better than ever! In additional to the cool creative aspects we told you about above, kids are now invited to explore an awesome, FREE indoor active-play structure that’s sure to add some high-energy fun to your next visit.

As you can see, the new indoor play structure is huge and just begging to be climbed on.

Read More: Find FREE events happening this month.

new indoor climber at wonderlab toys r us

Wonderlab Has Creative Fun, Too!

In addition to this high-energy play space, Wonderlab is still home to the creative, hands-on activities you may have already enjoyed recently. Come ready to get a little messy (think sparkles, paint, glue) and take part in these stations:

  • Paint Wall

  • LEGO® Table

  • Easels

  • Craft Tables

  • Chalkboard

  • Sand Table

creative play section at wonderlab toys r us

Notes For Visiting Wonderlab

  • Come prepared to get messy!

  • Kids’ use of materials is at the discretion of the supervising adult.

  • Strollers must be checked outside Wonderlab.

  • Everyone deserves kindness + respect.

  • Everyone shares the space + tidies up their station.

  • Food + drink are not permitted; however, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

Read More: Check out these awesome local toys stores when you need to purchase a cool gift for one of your favourite little people.

Where Is The Toys R Us Wonderlab?

Currently, Wonderlab is only at Toys R Us Burlington, located at 3051 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON L7M 0V7.

Read Our Latest Articles

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]]> Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal https://activeparents.ca/kids-bowl-free/ Mon, 06 May 2024 15:04:19 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=56751 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 on for where and how to take advantage of the program in Halton and Hamilton.

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Summer is almost here and we have a great idea for keeping kids moving and having fun! Kids Bowl Free is back for 2024, and we know the lanes who want to see YOU.

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.

Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Kids bowl free ontario - 4 children holding bowling balls in the bowling alley in Ontario

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

Hot Off The Presses!

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]]> Art Gallery of Hamilton – How To Visit For Free! https://activeparents.ca/art-gallery-of-hamilton/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 21:03:34 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=39216 The Art Gallery of Hamilton is one of the city's best places to visit for families. And we have the scoop on how you can visit for free! Read on to find out.

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The Art Gallery of Hamilton – or AGH for short – is one of the city’s best places to visit for families. Yes, kids will enjoy the art gallery, you have my word on it! Plus, we have the scoop on how you can enjoy free admission! Read on to find out.

Read More: Looking for more kid-friendly museums and galleries, be sure to read this article.

The Art Gallery of Hamilton – Fun For Kids

The Art Gallery of Hamilton is 75,000 square feet and home to over 10,000 pieces in its collection. It’s way bigger than I imagined. Some pieces come and stay for a short period. These are called exhibitions. But many of the works call the art gallery home permanently and are referred to as collections. The second floor is home to a mixture of exhibitions and collections.

On our most recent visit, at the end of September, we spent the afternoon wandering the outdoor gallery grounds and checking out all of the works in the garden. Then we made our way inside to see our favourite gallery, Level 2. Here’s a scoop on what we saw.

Read More: Find more things to do in Hamilton right here.

Addison loved every single exhibit on Level 2!

The first collection we saw when we got off the elevator was titled Tom Thompson: The Art of Authentication. After checking out those works, we walked into the Level 2 Gallery and saw the temporary residency installation from Sylvia Nickerson. My layman’s description is “posed human figures made out of shredded, colourful paper”. It was so eye-catching and great to be able to look at it up close. There were large pieces right on the open floor that you could walk around and really observe. I just wanted to reach out and touch them (but don’t do that!).

My 11-year-old really liked the comic book-esque works and spent a lot of time checking them out in detail. Kids notice such unusual things! Some pieces included packing bits, tin foil, plastic and other repurposed items. They were busy and eye-catching and gave us so many things to point out. If I had a nickel for every time I said “Look at that!” I’d be rich.

Girl at the AGH at the art gallery of hamilton active parents
The AGH has a ton of kid-friendly exhibits.

We Came To See The Bus

Our main reason for visiting was to see something I’ve wanted to see for so long. The Bruegel-Bosch Bus by Kim Adams. It definitely didn’t disappoint! In fact, I’ve got plans to take the rest of the family back to check it out. The bus is a permanent installation at the AGH, so don’t worry that you might miss it. It’s a wild creation that connects an awesome Volks Wagon Bus and thousands of toys and action figures. It’s truly like nothing you’ve ever seen before. I cannot recommend a visit to see it enough.

When we visited, the roof had a small leak that was being repaired, so we couldn’t walk all around the Bus but normally you can see it from every angle. We recommend spending lots of time looking at every nook and cranny.

The Breugel-Bosch Bus at the art gallery of hamilton active parents

AGH active parents
Can you see the skeletons, Austin powers figurines, train tracks, hockey players…and more?!

After we spent so long in that section, we wandered the rest of the second floor. They had a section filled with massive works by Indigenous artists and (again) we fell in love. Make sure to check it out when you visit the AGH. The colours are stunning.

Young girl looking at Indigenous art at the art gallery of hamilton
My little masterpiece and her favourite work of art

Walk a little more and you’ll find more rooms with even more cool things to see. This miniature city scene had the tiniest details and was another of my daughter’s favourites. This room was filled with contemporary art, which was an excellent and engaging introduction for my 11-year-old. There were great discussions about the art itself, how it was made and why the artist and the design (why that colour? texture?)

art gallery of hamilton AGH miniature display

The Art Gallery of Hamilton shares these tips for families when they visit:

  • The AGH is baby-friendly. Bring your stroller or front baby carrier. They have elevators.

  • Breastfeed in their many seating areas, or for more privacy try their Playroom space

  • Washrooms have change tables

  • Keep your visit short if you need to, match your child’s pace and come back multiple times

  • Ask kids lots of questions to focus their investigation, and encourage them to share their ideas. Let your child lead to ensure you see things that interest and engage them. Play games like “I Spy” or “Tell Me What Happens Next.”

Visiting the AGH – For Free!

The very best part of our visit to Gallery Level 2 and the Jean and Ross Fischer Gallery is that they are always FREE ADMISSION courtesy of RBC Incite Foundation for the Arts and Orlick Industries. And admission to the AGH in its entirety is free on Thursdays right now.

Address: Art Gallery of Hamilton – 123 King Street West in Hamilton. You can visit the AGH website here.

Upcoming Events at The AGH

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West
Hamilton, Ontario L8P4S8
Canada
(905) 527-6610
http://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com
View More

Hot Off The Presses!

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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]]> Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks: Hamilton and Niagara https://activeparents.ca/indoor-play-centres-and-trampoline-parks-in-hamilton-niagara/ https://activeparents.ca/indoor-play-centres-and-trampoline-parks-in-hamilton-niagara/#comments Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:56:59 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=50861 Kids indoor playgrounds near Hamilton and Niagara are magnets for children! I know mine love them. They offer a new and exciting destination full of high-energy activities for kids of […]

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Kids indoor playgrounds near Hamilton and Niagara are magnets for children! I know mine love them. They offer a new and exciting destination full of high-energy activities for kids of all ages. Whether you’re taking just your kids, or meeting some friends for a few hours of fun, both parents and children will have a great time.

Playtown in St. Catharines is lots of make-believe fun for little kids!

Bring The Playground Indoors!

Most indoor playgrounds have slides, climbing and play structures, pretend play, and sometimes a separate toddler play area.

Parents appreciate indoor playgrounds for their safety-tested toys and adult-supervised environments, granting them peace of mind as their children engage in active play. These kids indoor playgrounds allow parents to unwind or attend to tasks while their little ones burn off some energy during drop in play time.

Read More: We have lots of ideas for indoor things to do that go beyond indoor play centres which we highly recommend for families.

The AC Family Room in Waterdown.

What to Expect At An Indoor Playground

When visiting a children’s indoor playground or trampoline park, expect a vibrant atmosphere buzzing with laughter and excitement. These lively spaces are filled with colorful play equipment, from slides and ball pits to trampolines and obstacle courses. Kids can have fun, play, and make friends in a safe place with supervision.

Parents can expect a hassle-free experience, with amenities like seating areas, Wi-Fi, and snack bars available. Safety measures such as staff supervision, cleanliness, and equipment maintenance ensure peace of mind for parents.

You can expect a larger crowd at your favourite indoor play centre when the weather is wet or on PA Days and March Break.

Read More: Got Toddlers? They’ll love this list of toddler-friendly play centres.

Planning A Party?

I personally loved the birthday parties we hosted at indoor playgrounds because they were so simple. With just one call almost all of the work was done for me. Play places and trampoline parks almost always offer party packages that include a private birthday party room, set up, to food to clean up, and the entertainment play space is built in! It’s really so easy, and all built into one price.

Plus, parents appreciate anything that wears their kiddo out, right?! I know I did!

Read More: We have many ideas for birthday party places here. The options are so fun and unique!

Indoor Playgrounds In Hamilton and Niagara

Do you have an indoor play place you’d like added to our list? You can submit it through this form, it’s quick and easy, and a basic listing is complimentary!

Aerosports Trampoline Park St. Catharines
Discover excitement at Aero Sports Parks in St. Catharines! Dive into an unparalleled adventure at our state-of-the-art facility, offering a wide array of thrilling activities
Bronto's Adventure Playland
Niagara's largest interactive indoor/outdoor attraction featuring our Ballocity Play Zone! Take aim with Ballocity Ball Blasters, make your way through the Twist N' Tangles, Bumper Blasts, Log Rollers and Cargo Net Climbs. We haven't forgotten the little ones. They'll love our VeggieTales(R) Toddler Play Area. It's family fun for all ages!
Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Playland
Flying Squirrel
Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park
Funzilla
FUNZILLA provides a fantastic way to give your children physical activity and best of all, it's "Exercise in Disguise" as the kids are just having great fun...Running, Climbing, Crawling and Sliding... Play is what kids do best! Our facility is clean, safe, bright, comfortable and most of all fun! Our playground structure is designed so parents can play with their kids or sit down with a cup of coffee/tea. Parents will be able to safely watch their children from almost every point.
Imaginasium
Imaginasium is a place where your child's imagination can run wild! With safety as the first priority; our clean, safe and comfortable facility offers a variety of playrooms with a focus on pretend play. Our Birthday Parties & Events are all private exclusive facility rentals. Daily drop-in play is available however reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment. Play is what kids do best and the best way they develop.  

Hot Off The Presses!

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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]]> https://activeparents.ca/indoor-play-centres-and-trampoline-parks-in-hamilton-niagara/feed/ 2 Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks in Burlington Oakville Milton https://activeparents.ca/indoor-play-centres-and-trampoline-parks-in-halton/ https://activeparents.ca/indoor-play-centres-and-trampoline-parks-in-halton/#comments Wed, 07 Feb 2024 19:54:57 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=47801 Indoor play centres and trampoline parks are excellent destinations no matter the weather or season! When you want something high-energy and full of excitement, an indoor play place serves your needs.

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Indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks are excellent destinations no matter the weather or season! When you want something high-energy and full of excitement, an indoor play centre near serves your needs. I love taking my kids to an indoor playground when the weather isn’t cooperating. There’s something to do with kids of all ages.

Indoor playgrounds offer a haven of adventure for children and can be a relief for parents who have kids with energy to burn. These drop in play spaces have colourful slides, ball pits, and climbing structures to help kids move and explore. They provide a weather-proof environment for active play regardless of weather, fostering social interactions and physical development. Kids relish the freedom to explore, conquer obstacles, and make new friends, enhancing their motor skills and confidence.

One way to make sure the fun isn’t overwhelming is to find a location like We Rock The Spectrum in Oakville. They have a quiet spaces in case having the playground indoors gets to be a little too much for guests.

Indoor playgrounds give parents a chance to take a break while their kids play safely. It’s a good time to catch up on work or just relax.Plus, many offer free wifi and even a hot coffee, which makes a visit all the more enticing!

Read More: We visited Lil Monkeys Indoor Playground Inc. Read all about it. And if you’re up for a drive, this indoor playground in London has a trampoline park and ninja course!

Read More: If you’ve got toddlers, they’ll love this list of toddler-friendly play centres. If you have kids under 7 (or so), they’ll love this FREE little indoor playground in Burlington at one of the community centres.

Kids Indoor Playgrounds Near Me Make Great Party Venues

These spots offer a variety of play structures including climbing walls, arcade games and super fast slides. One reason indoor playgrounds make excellent venues for birthday parties is because they offer all-inclusive party packages. Your entertainment, food, set up and clean up can be all taken care of with a single phone call.

You will also find great choices for birthday party places right here. The options are fun and unique and deserve a look as well. Think outside the box!

aero sports trampoline park in Oakville
Jumping away at Aero Sports Trampoline Park

Indoor Playgrounds: Oakville, Burlington and Milton

This list is our complete list of children’s indoor playgrounds in Milton, Burlington and Oakville. Find our article on Indoor Playgrounds in Hamilton here.

Activate Indoor Gaming Experience
High-energy, massive indoor gaming experience. Read about our visit here.
Aladdin's Adventures Indoor Playground - Mississauga
Aladdin's Adventures Indoor Playground Burlington
Amazing Adventures - Mississauga Northwest
Amazing Adventures Playland® is an indoor adventure playland filled with soft play structures, foam ball and cannon arenas, toddler play areas and thrilling arcade games! The playland facilities have been designed to captivate children’s imaginations and to create memorable experiences.
Balls of Fun
Climber's Rock
Easy-Peasy Indoor Playground
Eazy-Peazy offers a safe, clean, and exciting environment for children to play in. We also feature a play structure for children over the age of 4, a smaller play area for toddlers under the age of 4 and a soft play area for infants. Play structures are equipped with soft indoor playground equipment, extensive padding and no sharp edges.
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.
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.
Jumbaloo Indoor Playground
Here at Jumbaloo, we offer a kid's indoor play area for children from toddlers to the age of 12 with exercise, entertainment, and lots of fun. We are conveniently located at 401 and Winston Churchill with easy access from all directions, also from the 407.
Lil' Monkeys Indoor Playground
3 and a half storey play structure, toddler area, Bungee trampolines, the largest toddler section around, gyrosphere, vortex and Virtual Reality.
Play Project Parkour
Open gym program is a supervised non-instructional drop-in program.  Participants are encouraged to train on our parkour equipment and use the spring floor to work on their acrobatic skills.
Skedaddle Kids Indoor Playground
Over 4000 square feet of FUN! 2-level play structure with slides & climbers, single-level play structure & ball pit for younger kids, 2 oversized party rooms, separate snack area (with FREE WiFi), hot & cold beverages, healthy snacks and treats, peanut and nut-aware facility. 
We Rock The Spectrum Oakville
As the only kids' gym that offers an inclusive philosophy, we have found all children can benefit from our uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. However, in our experience, all children are able to benefit greatly from this equipment and by allowing children of all ability levels to play together they are able to learn a great deal from each other and become the best motivation for success in every level.  Read about our visit here  
Zorbit Sports
At Zorbit Sports our goal is to get kids moving again and we believe we have novel ways of encouraging them to do so. We provide a safe, unique and friendly place for your kids to play and learn the important aspect of interaction with others. 

Add Your Trampoline Park or Indoor Play Centre

If you know of an indoor playground or trampoline park we missed, please use this form to give us the details and we will be more than happy to include it. Basic listings are free because we know how great a service our guide are to the parents in our community. Click here for the submission form.

Hot Off The Presses!

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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]]> https://activeparents.ca/indoor-play-centres-and-trampoline-parks-in-halton/feed/ 2 Natures Superheroes: Brand New Winter Exhibit at RBG https://activeparents.ca/visit-royal-botanical-gardens/ https://activeparents.ca/visit-royal-botanical-gardens/#comments Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:36:42 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=38956 Royal Botanical Gardens is back with another amazing, interactive exhibit for the winter and spring. If you have school age kids or lifelong learners, this is a great way to spend a few hours together.

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Royal Botanical Gardens is back with another amazing, interactive exhibit for the winter and spring. If you have school age kids or lifelong learners, this is a great way to spend a few hours together.

Meet Nature’s Superheroes

Life is full of surprising wonders. Over billions of years, living things have evolved from simple cells into a stunning variety of life forms—full of different colours, textures, behaviours, special parts, and cool skills. Some animals and plants are familiar, but others are so amazing that they make us think in new ways!

Even though some plants and animals might seem really special, their unique features often help them with basic things like reproduction, breathing, and basic movements. They also find smart ways to sense the world, eat, and stay safe. The living things you’ll learn about at this exhibit have creative solutions to these simple, everyday challenges.

You’ll learn about popular animals like penguins and porcupines, and you can see cool characters like the axolotl and turtles.

Special Features

In additional to this extraordinary and immersive display, your tickets also include shows and animal encounters!

Weekday Schedule:

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discovery Station

  • 10:30 a.m. Turtle Talk

  • 2:00 p.m. Animal Encounters

Weekend* Schedule

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discovery Station

  • 10:30 a.m. Puppet Show

  • 11:30 a.m. Animal Encounters

  • 12:30 p.m. Discovery Show

  • 1:30 p.m. Animal Encounters

  • 2:30 p.m. Discovery Show

  • 3:30 p.m. Animal Encounters

  • 4:30 p.m. Storytime

*Also runs holidays and March Break. An additional Animal Encounter show runs at 9:30 a.m. on dates the exhibit opens at 9 a.m.

Your Questions Answered!

What ages will enjoy this show?

The RBG says elementary school-age kids are who this exhibit is geared towards. I saw kids as young as 3 having a great time, and I as an adult loved it on my own. Lots of grandparents were there with their grandkids, too. If you like animals and nature, this is a great exhibit to check out.

What “live” animals will we see?

There are a variety of aquariums with live sea creatures in them. At the shows, listed above, you can see a few more animals up close.

2023 Royal Botanical Gardens Tickets

This is a time-ticketed exhibition and pre-registration is required. Tickets will only be available at the door when capacity allows. The winter exhibit is included in your RBG Membership, but registration still required.

Admission Type Ticket Price
Adult $19.50
Senior 65+ years of age $16.50
Student (valid student card from a post-secondary institution is required) $16.50
Child ages 3-12 $11.50
Child 0-2 Free
RBG Members Free
+ TAXES AND SERVICE FEES

While You’re At The Royal Botanical Gardens

A Must See In Any Weather – the Natural Playground

One of the top reasons families love going to the Royal Botanical Gardens in the nice weather is their great natural playground. Access is included in your admission and kids will love channelling the Swiss Family Robinson as they explore.

Visit The Indoor Gardens

While you’re at Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, you can also go and check out the Mediterranean Garden and the Cactus Garden. Two beautiful spots filled with various domestic and exotic plants, cactuses, succulents, and fruit trees. My favourite or the lemon trees! Also, check out the water features and the fish pond. So tranquil! Royal Botanical Gardens is a perfect mini escape from the winter cold.

Upcoming Events at Royal Botanical Gardens

Hot Off The Presses!

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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]]> https://activeparents.ca/visit-royal-botanical-gardens/feed/ 3 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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. 
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.
Splitsville Bowling, Laser Tag and Arcade - Burlington
Strike it up on 24 lanes of 10-pin bowling at Splitsville Burlington! With our state-of-the-art scoring system and interactive game options, glow-in-the-dark bowling, and VIP lanes, you can take your bowling experience to the next level.  Ready for even more excitement? Our Burlington location features an arcade and Burlington’s only laser tag arena. Plus, enjoy food and drinks at our full-service lounge or order right at the lanes.
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!

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.

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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.

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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).
Alcatraz Escape Rooms
Alcatraz has 6 rooms to chhose from ranging in difficulty and recommended group size. Recommended ages 10+
BreakOut Escapes
The Cambridge location offers 6 games, and rooms change seasonally. They also had a room for kids 14 and under. 
BreakOut Escapes Cambridge (Preston)
Located at Lumberjacks Axe Throwing with two escape offerings!
BreakOut Escapes Niagara Falls
Offering 7 rooms to play, with seasonal favourite-themes. They also have a kid-friendly room for 14 and under. 
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'! 
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. 
Crimson Codes Escape Rooms
4 rooms to choose from. 
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!
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!
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.
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.
Fantescapes Escape Rooms
Three magical rooms to choose from - all rooms require at least one person 16+ to be present. 
Fazed Escape Rooms
Fazed has 2 escape rooms to choose from and both are family friendly. 
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.
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!
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. 
Next Level Escape Rooms
Choose from four different rooms, and bring 2-10 players to join you, depending on which room you choose. 
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. 
The Crux Escape Rooms
The Round Table - Guelph
Board games, axe throwing, archery, escape rooms 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.

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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.
AMF Frederick Lanes
Bowling, birthday parties - for both kids and teens, billiards, arcade, and food - there's something here for everyone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Funvilla Guelph
Featuring a Trampoline Park, Ninja zone, soft play area and arcade - plenty to choose from for a rainy afternoon or a party!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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. 
Splitsville Bowling and Arcade - Hamilton
If bowling and arcade games are your vibe, you've come to the right place! Our Hamilton location offers 34 lanes of 10-pin bowling with glow-in-the-dark bowling and interactive bowling games on our state-of-the-art scoring system. Have even more fun in the large arcade room and play for the chance to win some amazing prizes. Plus, refresh with delicious food and drinks at the lanes or in our second floor lounge overlooking all the action! There’s FUN for everyone at Splitsville Hamilton!
Splitsville Bowling, Laser Tag and Arcade - Burlington
Strike it up on 24 lanes of 10-pin bowling at Splitsville Burlington! With our state-of-the-art scoring system and interactive game options, glow-in-the-dark bowling, and VIP lanes, you can take your bowling experience to the next level.  Ready for even more excitement? Our Burlington location features an arcade and Burlington’s only laser tag arena. Plus, enjoy food and drinks at our full-service lounge or order right at the lanes.
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.
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. 

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.

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]]> 13+ Bowling Alleys Near Me: Hamilton, Halton and More https://activeparents.ca/bowling-alleys/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 17:14:24 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=43150 Bowling with the whole family is one of our favourite things to do. Don't worry, you don't have to be skilled in the sport to have a great time, have lots of laughs and maybe score a turkey!

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Bowling, an ageless activity blending sport and leisure, stands as a staple of fun across generations. every city is home to a bowling alley near you, filled with the sounds of pins clasttering and balls

We love 10 pin bowling because it’s not a sport you have to be good at to enjoy. When the girls were younger, we did a lot of 5 pin bowling with bumpers and loved every minute of it. Most alleys offer bumpers to block the “gutters” and they have ramps to help assist getting the heavy 10-pin balls down the alley.

Read More: Looking for arcades? You can find local arcades and video games right here.

Bowling is a sport that brings people of different ages and skills together. It’s not just about rolling a ball, but also about creating connections and having friendly competition. No matter the weather, bowling is a great way to escape the heat, the cold and it’s good for a rainy day too.

This article will help you find bowling places near you. This list includes local bowling alleys that have been in business for decades and more modern bowling centres like Splitsville Bowling, you’re sure to find a great spot to take the whole family soon.

Bowling is a fun indoor activity for all ages.Kids love bowling, while older people enjoy the competition and the opportunity to connect with loved ones. Don’t forget your grandparents, they’ve been bowling longer than you’ve been alive and just may show you a trick or two.

Tips For Bowling

  • Dress comfortably, bowling takes full body movements and you don’t want to feel constrained while you beat your friends.

  • Find the right weight ball to use. Many times, your lane will come stocked with some colour bowling balls, but that doesn’t mean you can’t scour the entertainment centre looking for one that fits just right.

  • Wear socks, but don’t worry about your shoes. The bowling alley will rent you a pair of specialized shoes that won’t scuff the lane’s slick finish.

  • Ten pin bowling is the kind you play with the larger bowling ball, and 5 pin bowling uses smaller balls that you can easily grip with one hand. Both games are a ton of fun, so choose your preference.

  • All of these locations offer kids bowling near Hamilton, Burlington and beyond. Young kids can join the fun using bumpers and ramps to help them score points.

Bowling ball and pins on a bowling alley

Bowling Centres Near Me in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton

AMF Frederick Lanes
Bowling, birthday parties - for both kids and teens, billiards, arcade, and food - there's something here for everyone.
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.
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.
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.
Hopedale Bowl
We offer Bumpers for Young Children, Coaching Tips, as well as the Children’s Learn to Bowl Program and League Bowling for all ages – Novice or Pro.
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.
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.
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!
Mountain Lanes Bowling
16 Lanes of Five Pin Bowling, Glow In The Dark lanes, Licensed under the L.L.B.O., Computerized Scoring, Snack Bar.
Splitsville Bowling and Arcade - Hamilton
If bowling and arcade games are your vibe, you've come to the right place! Our Hamilton location offers 34 lanes of 10-pin bowling with glow-in-the-dark bowling and interactive bowling games on our state-of-the-art scoring system. Have even more fun in the large arcade room and play for the chance to win some amazing prizes. Plus, refresh with delicious food and drinks at the lanes or in our second floor lounge overlooking all the action! There’s FUN for everyone at Splitsville Hamilton!
Splitsville Bowling, Laser Tag and Arcade - Burlington
Strike it up on 24 lanes of 10-pin bowling at Splitsville Burlington! With our state-of-the-art scoring system and interactive game options, glow-in-the-dark bowling, and VIP lanes, you can take your bowling experience to the next level.  Ready for even more excitement? Our Burlington location features an arcade and Burlington’s only laser tag arena. Plus, enjoy food and drinks at our full-service lounge or order right at the lanes.
Towne Bowl
Towne Bowl offers everything you need in a bowling centre. Conveniently located in downtown Kitchener, we offer 24 fully automatic 5-pin bowling lanes, Cosmic and Bingo bowling, as well as Bumper bowling. 
Victoria Bowling Co
20 lanes of 5 pin bowling with glow bowling and lasers! Birthday party packages for kids age 12 and under for every budget.
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.
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. 

More Indoor Fun Families Love

Whether you’re dodging unreliable weather or just want something new to try, are our latest 8 ideas for indoor things to do with kids. You can find all of our Indoor Activities here.

The post 13+ Bowling Alleys Near Me: Hamilton, Halton and More appeared first on Active Parents.

]]> Paint Your Own Pottery Studios and Art Studios https://activeparents.ca/paint-your-own-pottery-studios-and-art-studios/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:17:48 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=63814 Indoor play centres and trampoline parks are excellent destinations no matter the weather or season! When you want something high-energy and full of excitement, an indoor play place serves your needs.

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Welcome to the world of art in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, and Milton! Let’s explore various paint-your-own pottery studios and art places in these lively communities.

Paint-your-own pottery is a hands-on experience where you pick ceramics to paint as you like. These studios have many ceramics, like mugs or figurines, where you can show your style using colors and designs.

Art is not just making things; it’s calming, sparks creativity, and helps you feel focused. No matter if you’re new to it, looking for an indoor family activity, or an artist seeking ideas, these studios welcome everyone, no matter the age or skill level.

Are you looking for Art Camps for your kids while they’re on a school break? We have a list of the best camps for kids near you.

Or maybe you kids love art so much they want you to enroll them in art classes on a regular basis. We can help there, too. We know the best classes in Halton, Hamilton and Niagara.

Tips For Pottery Painting at a Creative Art Studio

  • Dress for the mess. The art studios near me will have this top tip on their website. They want you to feel comfy while creating, and want you to wear clothing that can get messy, or even stained, depending on what medium you’re working with.

  • Creative is great for a group or for a solo visit. Pottery painting near me is a great group activity. It can be for a special occasion, or a much needed afternoon/evening out together. But, as much fun as it is in a group, a visit to the art studio is just as much fun when you’re alone. It’s full of sights and inspiration and a great spot to meet people.

  • Watch for special events and unique classes. You can drop in to a pottery studio near you anytime, but around special occasions like Mother’s and Father’s Day, Halloween and Christmas art studio often hold special events for creating unique projects and gift items.

  • Give the gift of creativity. Everyone loves an experience gift, and a gift card to an afternoon of pottery painting is a perfect gift to give.

two girls painting pottery mugs in a pottery studio

Promote Your Pottery and Art Studio

Do you own or manage an art studio or pottery painting spot? We want to add it to our list! Please use this form to give us the details and we will be more than happy to include you. There is no cost to be added because we know how great a service our guide are to the parents in our community. But, we also have some excellent ways to promote your business to a very targeted, very engaged audience of local parents and caregivers. Click here for the submission form.

Art Studios and Paint Your Own Pottery Near Me

Clay & Canvas
Clay & Canvas is your vibrant hub for creativity and artistic expression! We offer an array of engaging experiences, including birthday parties, classes, day camps, and workshops tailored for artists of all ages. Whether you're a budding artist or an experienced creator, our expert instructors are here to guide you through a variety of mediums, from ceramics and painting to mixed media projects. At Clay & Canvas, we believe in the power of creativity to inspire and connect people. Our birthday parties are uniquely designed to make your special day unforgettable, filled with laughter, fun, and, of course, plenty of art! Our classes cater to all skill levels, encouraging participants to explore their individual styles and unleash their imaginations. Our day camps provide a nurturing environment for young artists to develop their skills while making new friends and discovering the joy of creation. Meanwhile, our workshops delve deeper into specific techniques and materi […]
+ CREATE
+ CREATE: Knowledge through creative studio practice—now with mixed media and clay classes. Celebrate symbiosis in unique studios guiding discovery and self-productivity.
Art & You
Our aim is to continue to encourage all people to explore the wonderment of the Arts through creative engagement that helps to explore identity, build confidence, and make sense of the existence we all find ourselves a part of.
Artventures
Crackpot Studio
Crack Pot’s bright, spacious studio offers drop-in ceramic painting. No experience or appointment is necessary! Come design and paint at your leisure in a friendly and inviting studio.
Creative Insight Art Studio
Crock A Doodle St. Catharines
Our studio welcomes people of every age and ability, all day long. We also offer kids' birthday parties, ladies' nights, team building and corporate events. Reservations are recommended, but drop-ins are always welcome! 
Crock-a-Doodle Pottery Painting Studio
Enjoy the fun of pottery painting in our bright and cheerful studio. Our studio welcomes people of every age and ability, all day long. We also offer birthday parties, ladies' nights, team building and corporate events.
LVW Creative Barracks
Creative Barracks is an art studio and party service provider that brings the fun to you! Whether you want an in-home art party to paint/sculpt, face painting or balloons!
Oakville Art Studio
Oakville Art Society is hosting a Student Show and Sale of adult and children’s artwork on March 25 & 26, 2:00-4:00pm at 560 Bronte Road, Oakville. Free entry and art demos.
Play With Clay
Play with Clay is an interactive drop-in pottery studio where guests of all ages can indulge in pottery painting, clay hand-building & wheel throwing.
Pottery N Paint Cafe
Create lasting memories while you Paint Pottery, Canvas or Play with Clay! Join us for birthday parties, drop-in pottery painting, special events and camps.

Hot Off The Presses!

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

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]]> The Best Family Board Games For Every Age – Updated for 2023 https://activeparents.ca/our-favourite-family-board-games/ https://activeparents.ca/our-favourite-family-board-games/#respond Sun, 26 Nov 2023 22:21:08 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=30087 Board games are a great way to make some serious memories with your family, and a staple at our house. Here are our favourite family board games.

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I am a huge fan of family board games, and during the next few weeks I know we are going to be playing a lot of them! If you’re looking for great games to add to your library, please let me share some of my most favourites.

Board Games For Kids of All Ages

Candyland is a childhood classic game for a reason. It’s fun and colourful and the game board is covered in candy! Kids don’t need to be able to ready to read or count to play, so this is perfect for your younger kids. We still own it because everyone can play when little friends come to visit.

Suspend is new to us and we already love it. You need to balance wire rods on a perch without them falling over. No reading is needed, just a steady hand. Lots of fun for young kids.

Connect 4 Shots is a cross between the original Connect 4 and basketball! We bought it for my youngest because she is high energy and loves basketball. It’s a great game to play head-to-head but she also plays on her own to test her shooting skills.

Peaceable Kingdom makes a ton of cooperative board games, where players work together on a common goal. We loved Gnomes At Night and The Sneaky, Snacky  Squirrel Game.

Boggle and Boggle Jr. are great ways to sneak in some literacy learning. You mission is to make words from the lettered dice. The longer the words, the more points it’s worth. This is a fun introductory to spelling and can continue offering a challenge as your kids grow.

Left Center Right (AKA PassPlay) is the one game we always pack! It’s a high-stakes game of dice, where you pass tokens, poker-like chips or anything according to the directions on the dice. You don’t want to be the one who runs out! Party trick: swap out the chips for small candy!

Blokus is a strategy game that will remind you of head-to-head Tetris. It’s all about spacial awareness and squeezing your pieces onto the game board as efficiently as possible. No reading or math required, so our little friends have enjoyed it too. It’s a top-rated family board game for a reason!

Sushi Go! was bought just because of the cool name but it is another one of our must-bring games when we travel. You can have up to 5 players and each game runs about 15 minutes. You mission is to build a high-value hand full of sushi, based on what others are discarding and keeping.

Again, we purchased Exploding Kittens because it looked and sounded hilarious. It is! Kids love the silliness of the cards and I love the excitement of every explosion! There are a few varieties of this game out there as well.

Don’t forget to check out dozens of other ways to stay entertained while at home. We are sharing our top ideas for indoor things to do, or write to an international pen pals, and be sure to read the list of easy at-home science experiments.

Family Board Games Everyone Will Love (Kids Ages 8+)

My favourite family board game is Qwirkle because anyone can play. You don’t need to be able to read, count past 6 or get deep into strategy if you don’t want to. The premise is connecting shapres and colours, and you can choose to keep score or just play for fun, which we did when we had a 6 year old at the table. The more you play, the more strategic it can become, so there is definitely room to grow with this game.

Flash was a Christmas gift for the family one year and it’s so much fun. It’s a dice game that that is very much like speed Yahtzee! Lots of laughs every time we play, and it travels perfectly so it comes on many a vacation and camping trip with us. Plus, a round can be finished in about 15 minutes which is a selling feature for many.

Ticket to Ride took us a while to buy because it’s a little pricey, but it’s truly one of those “forever games” that you will play for years and years. Its a boardgame my husband likes, and he doesn’t like many, so that’s a definite endorsement. Plus, they have a UK version, a kids version, and other novelty varieties to fit your taste.

Mexican Train Dominoes is new to us this year and we love it. I cannot get enough. I love a game that is part strategy, part competition and moves at a fast pace. Mexican Train does all of that and it’s another top-rated party game by the adults I know because you can play with up to 8 people so that’s a big bonus for big families.

One game that is in my cart is Herd Mentality. It’s a game that challenges how well you know your family and friends. Try to figure out everyone else’s answer to the questions. If your answer is in the majority you win cows. Mooo!

Best Board Games for Adults and Teens

Codenames is one of our favorite board games. It comes in a few varieties (standard version, Harry Potter, Disney for Kids) and it’s a great way to test your secret language skills!

Pandemic is an awesome game, and it’s cooperative, so everyone works together to save the world. The skill level and excitement are increased, and tweens and teens will love a family game night once again.

Apples To Apples is always a great way to cook up some hilarity, and to watch my kids faces at some of the cards! I thought this one was a kid’s game, but some of the cards are a little risqué so read them before you start to make sure it matches your audience.

You can’t be Uno, and while it’s not technically a family board game, it’s a classic card game for a reason. Or teach the teens to play Cribbage or Euchre. Not learning these essential university games has always haunted me!

Try Before You Buy

If you are unsure about the investment for some of these pricier board games, I suggest trying them out first at a Board Game Cafe. We have all of the area cafes, their pricing, and some good-to-know details in one spot to make your planning easier.

Hot Off The Presses!

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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]]> https://activeparents.ca/our-favourite-family-board-games/feed/ 0 Easy Crafts and Experiments For Kids https://activeparents.ca/easy-crafts-and-experiments-for-kids/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:54:47 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=43145 These simple activities can be done with things you (probably) already have around the house. The hands-on fun double as educational, but don’t tell the kids! Let’s go!

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PA Day, weekend or a rainy day – no matter the reason, we have 5 easy experiments and messy crafts you can do with your kids! These simple activities can be done with things you (probably) already have around the house. The hands-on fun double as educational, but don’t tell the kids! Let’s go!

Slime Volcano

This is such a great experiment because it combines two of my favourite experiments, slime and volcanos,  into one awesome one.

Ingredients

  1. Baking Soda

  2. Vinegar

  3. Water

  4. Glue

  5. Food Color

  6. Contact Solution (re-nu brand works best)

  7. 2 containers for the mixtures and 1 large  container to hold the eruption.

How to do it!

  1. Make the slime base by combing ¼ cup white glue,  2 tbs baking soda, food color and 2 tbs water. Mix together

  2. In another container make the activator using ½ cup vinegar, 2 tbs contact solution and food color.

  3. Put the base mixture (in its container) inside the large container.

  4. Slowly add the activator and stir to start the eruption.

  5. Once the eruption is done stir the mixture for a minute to make sure it is fully combined

  6. Remove your slime and enjoy!

Check out the video to see the Slime Volcano come to life!

Candy Rainbow

This experiment is so easy and fun and there are so many different ways to do it! It’s also a great way to use some candy you’ve had around the house for a while!

Ingredients

  1. Candy with a colorful shell (Skittles or M&Ms work best)

  2. Warm Water

  3. A small plate with a bit of a rim

How to do it!

  1. Make a circle around the edge of your plate using your candy. You can do the colors in whatever order you like but the more variety the better the looks.

  2. Pour the warm water over the candy and wait for a moment.

  3. Watch your rainbow appear!

Check out the video to see the rainbow in action!

Shaving Cream Art

This is a great activity that will give your child some really cool art and a fun sensory experience! There is no wrong way to make shaving cream art which is what makes it so great.

Materials

  1. Shaving Cream

  2. Paint

  3. Finger painting Paper

  4. A deep rectangular container

  5. A stick/chopstick/knife/closed marker, something to make your pattern

How to do it!

  1. Start by filling your container with  shaving cream

  2. Add blobs of paint around the shaving cream

  3. Use your stick to create a design

  4. Place your finger painting paper on top and press

  5. Remove it and either scrape of the shaving cream or let it dry with the shaving cream still on

  6. Keep repeating until you aren’t getting a great design anymore

  7. Play with the shaving cream!

Check out the video for all the instructions!

Dry Erase Race

This is such a fun game that you can play again and again, you can even get creative with what you are racing!

Materials

  1. A deep glass container (like a baking dish)

  2. At least 2 DRY ERASE markers of different colors

  3. A piece of white paper or paper towel

  4. Something to use as a finish line.

  5. A container with water.

  6. Straws

Instructions

  1. Put your glass container on top of the paper towel and finish line.

  2. Draw a different colored circle for everyone racer using the dry erase markers. 

  3. Slowly add enough water to loosen the dots so they are free floating and there is a small amount of water in the container

  4. Use the straws to blow your dots towards the finish line, first to the end wins!

  5. Empty the water, dry out the container and start again!

Check out how to play here!

Super Simple Paint Rainbow

If you have paint and a large piece of paper give this simple rainbow trick a try!

Materials

  1. A large piece of paper (finger painting paper works create)

  2. Four + colors of paint

  3. A used paper towel roll

How to do it!

  1. Put 4 blobs of paint in a row on the left side of the paper.

  2. Place the paper towel roll in the middle of the paper with one side sitting in the paint

  3. Press firmly into the paint to make sure you get it on the roll.

  4. Hold the paper towel roll by the end that is in the centre of the paper

  5. Use your other hand to slowly spin the paper towel roll creating a rainbow.

  6. Have fun painting and decorating around your rainbow!

Check out the video to see how it works!

I hope you have a great March Break and enjoy some of these easy and fun activities with your kids! 

You can find Sara sharing more easy crafts and activities on Instagram.

More Fun For Your Family

Looking for more ways to have a great day at home? Click here for our ideas!

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]]> Aerosports Trampoline Park and Ninja Zone https://activeparents.ca/aerosports-trampoline-park/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:44:23 +0000 https://activeparents.ca/?p=43323 Read about this top-rated destination for kids who love to move, jump and climb!

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Aerosports Trampoline Park is a huge trampoline park on the Mississauga-Oakville border and a top-rated destination for kids who love to move, jump and climb! I took my girls and they had a blast. Here’s what they loved about it.

Aerosports Trampoline Park Oakville’s main attraction is its 30,000-square-foot trampoline park. They have more than 20 individual trampolines that kids bounce from one to one on, plus a long trampoline run that is the perfect place to practice flips and somersaults just like an Olympian. My kids love the trampoline basketball because, for the first time, they could (almost) dunk!

Aerosport Trampoline Park in Oakville

Big Fun For Kids of All Sizes

As soon as you enter the main play space, you will see this massive slide. It’s impossible to miss! I saw kids of all ages sliding down and squealing with excitement. One slide is a straight descent and the other has a fun bump in the middle of your ride.

Beside the slide is a small climber which takes you to the top of the slides. In this same section is an arcade and a snack bar (both are an extra cost).

Rock Climbing Wall at Aerosports Trampoline Park

Across from the super slides pictured above, you’ll find the rock climbing wall and the foam pit. The rock wall is split into two distinct sections. One section w reaches a height of about 5-6 feet and another one that is much higher at approximately 15 feet tall. The taller wall has a soft, deep landing pad as its base so climbers can drop in safely when they’ve reached their maximum elevation.

Don’t Skip The Ninja Zone!

When we booked jump passes for Aerosports Oakville, we didn’t know it had a ninja warrior-style area. My kids didn’t know there was one so when they saw it, they were all over it! The ninja zone is pretty challenging and a ton of fun. Kids will push themselves to the limit to make their way through!

The equipment is unique and versatile – kids can use it in so many different ways. My girls quickly learned about muscles they didn’t know they had.

This section is separate from the trampolines and proved to be a great escape from the busyness of the trampolines. The ninja zone is included in your admission fee.

Aerosports Trampoline Park Pricing

The online booking process was quick and easy and filling out the waiver before we visited made checking in simple. You can also walk in. If you’ve been and have Aerosports socks, bring them with you, otherwise, they are available for purchase. Special socks are required.

1 Hour 2 Hours
Ages 5+ $20.99 $30.99
Ages 2-4+ $17.99 $27.99
Under 2 $3.00 $6.00
Prices are updated at the time of publication and are plus HST. Subject to change.

Other Features of Aerosports Trampoline Park

  • Lockers available to rent

  • Snack bar and refreshments available to purchase

  • No outside food or drinks allowed

  • Lots of seating for spectators

Tips for Your Visit To Aerosports Trampoline Park in Oakville

Leave your other trampoline socks at home. Every brand of trampoline park wants you to use their socks while in their facility. If you don’t have Aerosports socks, you can buy them at the counter.

Dress in light clothing because you will get hot. My especially active kids wore shorts even though it was a cold fall day so they wouldn’t sweat more than necessary.

Bring water bottles to rehydrate. There are a couple of tables in the front section, away from the trampolines, where you can sit and maybe have a small snack. Aerosports also has a snack counter in case you forget refreshments at home.

Parents, you can jump, too! Or you can bring a book and catch up on your reading like I did.

The trampoline park can get busy, which can be overwhelming for littler jumpers. Try to “secure” your little ones a trampoline of their own so they don’t get double-bounced and get hurt. Or, if it gets too busy, check out the slides and ninja equipment until it quiet down.

Aerosports Trampoline Park Oakville-Mississauga is located at 2679 Bristol Circle, Unit 2&3 in Oakville, ON L6H 6Z8. Visit their website here.

Hot Off The Presses!

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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