Ages - Kids 4-10 Archives – Active Parents

Name: Family Fun Day
Start: 2025-06-15T13:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-06-15T15:00:00-04:00
Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton

Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal

Amber Rohal — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Summer is almost here and we have a great idea for keeping kids moving and having fun! Kids Bowl Free is back for 2025, 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 Niagara Regions, as well as Kitchener Waterloo.

Sadly, there are no alleys in Burlington or Oakville taking part in 2025.

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

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How Does “Kids Bowl Free” Work?

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

What About The Adults? Can They Also 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 bowling free. They provide 2 games of bowling daily per person and can only be purchased through the KBF 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 KBF hours.

Where Do Kids Bowl Free Near Me?

University Lanes Bowling

May 20 to August 22, 2025 | 101 Osler Dr. – Unit 114, Dundas, ON

Echo Bowl

June 1 – to September 1, 2025 | 760 Colborne Street E., Brantford, ON, N3S 3S1

Kingpin Bowlounge

April 15 – September 1, 2025 | 425 Bingemans Centre Dr. in Kitchener, ON

Kingpin Cambridge

April 15 to September 1, 2025 | 355 Hespeler Rd. Cambridge, ON

ibowl.ca Family Fun Center

June 29 – August 31, 2025 | 10 Park Hill Rd. E. Cambridge, ON

University Lanes

May 20 – August 22, 2025 | 101 Osler Dr., Dundas

Lucky Stryx

Kids Bowl Free from May 1 to August 31, 2025 | 7 Klauck Street, Fort Erie, ON

Champs Family Entertainment Centre

July 7 – September 4, 2025 | 300 Bronte St. South in Milton

Fairview Bowling Lanes

May 20 to August 31, 2025 | 285 Geneva St., St. Catharines, ON

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The Wonderlab at Toys R Us Burlington (Closed)

Amber Rohal — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000

We are so sad to be the bearers of bad news but this location has closed permanently as of April 2025.

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.

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

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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Triple C Farm: Get Up Close With Adorable Farm Animals

Amber Rohal — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Triple C Farm is one of our most recommended farms in Hamilton to visit. If you’ve got little kids who love visiting petting zoos, or adults who love a great cause, Triple C Farm is the place to be.

Find more animal adventures…

Welcome to Triple C Farm in Ancaster

I’ve yet to meet a family who hasn’t enjoyed their visit to Triple C Farm. The staff – a family of 5 who run the show – are kind and compassionate. Parents, Trisha and Pascal, along with their three sons purchased the farm in 2013. All three boys are autistic, and the family knew this farm would be a great location for the boys to learn the skills needed to become productive adults.

Triple C Farm is now a fully-functioning animal sanctuary. They also run volunteer programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

Visiting Triple C Farm

Pre-booking your visit online is a requirement for visiting the Ancaster farm, they are not currently taking drop-ins. Visitors’ numbers are kept small to allow for a peaceful visit.

You can pre-book your visit online using the link at the bottom of this article. Your visit will be 1 hour and the cost is $15 to book your spot, plus $5 per person cash when you arrive. All of the money from admission fees goes to supporting the nutritional and medical needs of the rescued animals.

Come dressed to get a little messy – this is a fully-functioning farm after all! Pants may get muddy and footwear will come in contact with everything you’d find in an animal pen. I always wear rubber boots and jeans that I can easily wash. The farm has a wash station and sanitizer to use.

What To See And Do At Triple C Farm in Ancaster

If you’re looking for a great petting zoo near you, you are in luck – sort of. Triple C is more than a petting zoo, they are an animal sanctuary. Almost all of their animals are approachable and friendly, and Tricia or Pascal will let you know who needs their space on the day you visit.

You will have full access to the goat/alpaca/etc. enclosure, plus you can roam the farm and meet a cornucopia of other farm friends like pigs, horses, goats, cows and sheep. Plus, some more unique animals like alpacas, ducks, bunnies and more.

All throughout the year, Triple C Farm welcomes many new furry family members including rabbits, pigs, donkeys, goats and horses! Many of the animals are available for “adoption” meaning you get to be the animal’s owner as they live at the farm. You can visit, feed, and more. Every adoption helps keep the farm animals healthy and fed and helps offset the price of any veterinary care they need.

One of the reasons I love Triple C is that visitors don’t feed the animal, so the animals aren’t clamouring to get at you. You’re welcomed into their space and able to walk around and enjoy their company. You can pet them and even hold some of the furry residents. The volunteers there will show you the correct way to hold a baby goat if you visit in the springtime.

Be sure to take some time at the end to feed the chickens and ducks with the farm-provided feed. They are a few of the animals on the farm you can feed, and boy is it fun!

Events and Experiences at Triple C

Add Goat Yoga and Goat Movie Nights to your bucket list because you can do both here at this Hamilton farm. Triple C Farm events and so much fun. Their events calendar is always full of fun ways to be at the farm.

One of the most popular farm offers is the mobile farm experience. Bring gentle petting zoo animals to your school, daycare, home or seniors home and watch faces light up!

Admission to Triple C

Visits are by appointment only – walk-ins will not be accepted. Booking Fee:

To secure your booking, a $15 (taxes included) non-refundable booking fee is required.
Additionally, we ask for a $5 per person contribution to the farm upon arrival. This contribution goes towards feeding the animals, their vet bills, etc. Payment can be made by debit, credit, or cash.

Visit Triple C Farm at 500 Carluke Road West in Ancaster, Ontario. Their website is triplecfarm.ca

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5 Must-Dos For Visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Amber Rohal — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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Children’s Museums and Galleries Families Love

Amber Rohal — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000

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.

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.

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.

Dinosaurs at The ROM

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Art Gallery of Hamilton – How To Visit For Free!

Amber Rohal — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:03:00 +0000

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.

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.

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.

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?)

Tips for Families Visiting the Art Gallery of Hamilton

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

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The Coolest Mini Golf Courses in Niagara

Amber Rohal — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Looking for a fun family outing? Discover the best mini golf courses in the Niagara region! Perfect for families, our guide to mini putt near me will help you find the perfect place for some putt putt action. From challenging courses to creative themes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Grab your putters and get ready for an adventure that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a mini golf pro or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, Niagara’s mini putt courses won’t disappoint.

Dinosaur Adventure Golf

Dinosaur Adventure Golf is located on Clifton Hill. You can’t miss it as you walk around the strip. It is one of Canada’s largest mini golf attractions with two 18-hole courses, “Raptor” and “T-Rex”. With 50 life-size dinosaurs and realistic volcanoes along with digital sounds throughout you will feel like you are mini putting back in time. It’s an outdoor course, so dress for the weather.

Price: Adults (13+): $12.99+tax Child (13>): $6.99+tax

Address: 4952 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4

Dinosaur Adventure Golf is situated in the heart of Clifton Hill.

Wizards Golf

Also perfectly located on Clifton Hill, Wizard’s Golf is an 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini putt will bring you to a magical world of wizardry in medieval times. The course showcases some brightly coloured wizards, trolls, fairies, castles and dragons. This is an indoor course.

Price: Adults (13+): $12.99+tax Child (13>): $6.99+tax Non-Golfer: $3.99+tax

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4

photo c/o Wizards Golf

SkipArrr’s Pirate Putt

Located on Clifton Hill (are you sensing a theme?) SkipArrr’s Pirate Putt in a super fun mini putt that will take you on a Pirate adventure! Enjoy the under water vibe, with some glowing aspects as well are lots of cool photo opportunities.

NOTE: *Currently for a special price, 11 1st floor holes are accessible pending installation of the elevator (updated May 10, 2024)

Price: Adults (16+): $14.99+tax Child (4-15): $11.99+tax Children 3 and under are free.

Address: 4943 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N5

Photo c/o SkipArrr’s Pirate Putt

Brock Mini Golf and Foot Golf

Located at Brock Golf Centre in Fonthill, this 18 hole mini golf course is a ton of outdoor fun for kids and kids at heart. You’ll find challenging greens, beautiful perennial gardens, and even a couple of ponds you might spot some goldfish in! Your mini golf fee is for one round of 18 holes. But you can double up for just $2 if you want to play a second mini golf round, OR a round of footgolf directly after your first round! Soccer ball rentals are $2.50.

Price: $2 for kids 3 and under, Ages 4-17 are $6.75, adults are $8.75 and folks over 60 are $8.25

Address: 2745 Merrittville Hwy, Fonthill, Ontario L0S 1E6

Photo c/o Brock Golf Course

Adventure City

4915 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N5

https://adventurecityniagarafalls.com/

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Free Fishing Weekend 2025 in Ontario

Amber Rohal — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 23:40:00 +0000

In 2025, Ontario has planned four Free Fishing weekends. These are times when you can fish without a licence. They are a great reason to get out with the kids and try your hand at angling.

Wondering where you can fish near you? We have a roundup of reader-recommended fishing holes, lakes, creeks and more in the Hamilton and Halton area. If you have a fishing spot to recommend, please share it with us.

Grab a rod and some worms and enjoy a free fishing weekend!

Free Fishing Weekends 2025 – Free Fishing in Ontario

Normally, in Ontario, you need to possess a fishing licence to fish recreationally. However, four times a year the government allows for licence-free fishing, and these weekends make the ideal time to get out in nature and enjoy a day lakeside.

Free Fishing Weekend in Ontario will allow for licence-free fishing for Canadian residents on the following days:

Family Fishing Weekend in February (February 15-17, 2025)
Mother’s Day Weekend in May (May 10-11, 2025)
Father’s Day Weekend in June (June 14-15, 2025)
Family Fishing Week in July (June 28–July 6, 2025)

If you’re not a regular fisher or a fishing licence holder, make sure you take advantage of these weekends. They are a great and fun way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors!

How To Borrow Fishing Equipment

Since 1998, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters has sponsored a program called TackleShare to loan our fishing equipment for free. This program removes the financial barrier that would keep families from enjoying this relaxing sport.

Borrow rods, reels and even tackle is as simple as checking out a book from the library. TackleShare has hundreds of loaner sites in Ontario. They also partner with Ontario Parks to help bring fishing to more families. Just one more way to enjoy a free fishing weekend in Ontario! You can find a list of the loaner sites here.

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Guelph Civic Museum: Lots of Hands-On Exploring For Children

Amber Rohal — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:00:00 +0000

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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50+ Things To Do This Winter

Amber Rohal — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 17:58:00 +0000

Let’s banish those winter blues! Here are more than 50 things to do in winter in Hamilton and Halton area, including Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Waterdown, Hamilton, Stoney Creek and beyond. We love keeping this list on hand for those days when you need a little extra motivation to head out into the coldworld. This list of winter thing to do should inspire you to revisit a family favourite winter adventure, try something new and have fun!

Explore Nature

Hike at one of our favourite kid-approved hiking spots. We’ve got stroller-friendly hikes here, so bring the littlest explorers with you.
Wander near the water. Lake Ontario’s waterfront is easily accessible, smooth-paved in most areas, and always free to explore.
Keep an eye on the wildlife all winter in Burlington’s Cherry Hill Gate. Bring your binoculars and observe the birds, squirrels and other animals in the waterways. They’re active no matter the time of year!
Visit Bronte Creek Provincial park and explore the working Victorian-era farmhouse and see some of their farm animals. If the temperatures are mild, they may be out in their pens! (spring and summer)
Take a trip to the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. It’s a tropical oasis that kids will love.
Triple C Farm is one of our favourite places to visit – even in the winter! Their farm takes in animals in need and is home to goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, pigs and more!
It’s always a warm, spring day at the Gage Park Greenhouse. Bonus – it’s free to visit all year long!

Gage Park Greenhouse has turtles, fish and birds!

Soak Up The Christmas Spirit

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

Add a Memorable Family Experience To Your Calendar

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

All aboard for a seasonal train ride.

Run, Jump, Climb and Play!

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

Easy Outdoor Activities For Winter Fun

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

Outdoor rinks are ready for you!

Take a Road Trip or a Day Trip

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

Best Western Leamington is so fun you won’t want to leave the hotel!

Eat Great Food

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

Free and Cheap Ideas

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

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Ice Skating Lessons For Kids and Adults

Amber Rohal — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Want to learn to skate? These ice skating lessons near Burlington, Oakville and Milton will have you gliding gracefully before you can tie your skates!

Ice skating in the wintertime is practically a Canadian right of passage, and these learn to skate with these ice skating classes and programs in Burlington, Oakville and Milton will help you master this new skill, no matter your age. They include learn-to-skate programs, adult skating lessons and even figure skating lessons for kids and adults.

Many adults are learning to skate because they didn’t learn when they were kids. Don’t be shy, you will not be the only grown-up on the ice for the first time.

Do you teach ice skating lessons for kids or adults? Add your program to the list right here.

Related: Once you’ve mastered your lessons, you can find an outdoor ice skating rink here.

Related: Spend more snowy days on these top-rated city-approved toboggan hills

The Can-Skate Program

Most clubs offer skating lessons based on Can-Skate’s program. CanSkate offers the best curriculum in Canada. Our flagship learn-to-skate program has taught millions of Canadians to reach their recreational and competitive goals on the ice. The CanSkate program is geared to beginners of all ages…children, adults, newcomers to Canada and athletes with a disability (AWAD). Whether you are looking to improve basic skating skills for figure skating, hockey, ringette or speed skating, or wish to skate for recreation, fitness or fun, CanSkate will get you there. Click here to find a skating centre that offers the Can-Skate program.

Ice Skating Lessons in Burlington

Burlington Skating Club

1201 Appleby Line Burlington, Ontario L7L 5H9

Burlington Skating Centre is proud to offer Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program that is designed for beginners of all ages. With a focus on fun, participation and basic skill development. CanSkate is taught in group lesson format by Skate Canada professional coaches assisted by trained program assistants. The delivery focuses on continuous movement and uses station rotation and circuits to teach Agility, Balance, and Control. Skaters achieving their Stage 5 badge have the skills necessary to begin figure skating, speed skating, and/or hockey.

Wave Hockey

1179 Northside Rd, Burlington, ON L7M 1H5

Wave Hockey offers learn to skate programs for skates 3-8 years old, and learn to play hockey for kids starting at 5 years old. Adults and older kid programs are available too! Sessions run all year round with weekend and weekday options available.

Sports Concept Recreational

Lessons held at various Burlington arenas

Learn the skills for becoming a recreational hockey player or figure skater, development of forwards, backwards, stopping, turns, edges, crosscuts and jumping. Sports Concept Recreational classes ratio less than 1:8. Progress through 6 levels. Must be 5 years of age and can stand independently on the ice. Offering children’s skating, family lessons and adult learn-to-skate programs in Burlington

Power Play Hockey

3285 Mainway Drive Unit #3, Burlington, Ontario

Power Play Hockey offers a learn-to-skate program and a learn-to-play hockey program as well as private lessons.

Skating Lessons in Oakville

Skate Oakville

Lessons held at various Oakville arenas

Skate Oakville offers learn-to-skate lessons delivered using the nation’s premiere program, CanSkate. This best-in-class program has been recently updated by Skate Canada and all of the learn-to-skate coaches at the club are certified to deliver it using the latest techniques and tools.

Cutting Edge Hockey Development Centre

1130 Speers Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 2X4,

Led by CanSkate certified Head Instructor, Thalia Stybak, Cutting Edge Hockey Development Centre. Learn to Skate programs have been tailored to meet the needs of children at all skill levels. Choose the class best suited to your child’s skills or age group. A CSA-approved helmet with a full cage is required to participate in these programs. Classes are 30 minutes in duration.

Learn-To-Skate Programs in Milton

Milton Skating Club

Location: Milton Skating Club, 605 Santa Maria Blvd, Unit #2 / Rink A, Milton, ON

The Milton Skating Club offers skating lessons for kids of all ages, special needs skaters, adults and more. Small groups and no experience required.

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We Rock The Spectrum Indoor Playcentre Oakville

Amber Rohal — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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!

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!

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”!”

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.

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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Hanes Corn Maze is Canada’s Largest Corn Maze!

Amber Rohal — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000

It’s not Fall without a visit to Hanes Corn Maze. Never been? Here’s the scoop on what makes it an ideal destination for a day out with the family.

Looking For Winter Fun? We Got You!

Visit Canada’s Largest Corn Maze!

Hanes Corn Maze is the largest corn maze in Canada with over 20 acres of cornfields shaped yearly into a new, challenging maze. Make your way through the maze and collect clues at various checkpoints to solve the puzzle. Your kids will love following the map and decoding the clues at the end to win a prize. The corn maze takes 1-2 hours to complete, and it’s great fun for everyone. We had a kiddo with extra energy, and she loved running through the maze and down all of the dead ends for us. I also brought my puzzle-genius husband so we did the maze in just over an hour. And we are going to go back again!

Farmland and Mini Corn Maze

You can spend a full day at the farm with the kids when you visit Hanes Corn Maze in Hamilton. Little ones will love the “farmland” play area. Enormous tractor tires to climb on, swings and slides, and a sandbox full of tractors and diggers were the big draws for my kids. Don’t miss shooting free throws at the back of the hay trailer – lots of fun! The farmland play area is large and spaced safely, so kids can do lots without worry. Bring your lunches and snacks and sit at one of the many picnic tables chatting while the kids conquer the mini corn maze. It’s a one-way bendy loop through 10-foot-tall cornstalks. Keep your eyes peeled for the gigantic sunflowers – they’re gorgeous.

Visit the Farm Animals

My girls and I are suckers for any animal, so we spent a lot of time googling the goofy goats, the brand new chicks, ducklings, piglets, and of course the furry cows (not their technical name). You can purchase feed from the dispenser, and you can use the little soup ladle to feed the goats if little fingers get nervous. Farmer Seamus told us it was a great summer for new babies at Hanes Corn Maze, and we couldn’t agree more! Watch for the sweetest little grey kitten you have ever seen. She loves to be pet.

Did I Mention the Blasters!?

Possibly the most unique part of Hanes Corn Maze was the blasters! Oh yes, you read that correctly. There are air-powered blasters that shoot mini pumpkins or ears of corn across the field. Believe me when I tell you they shoot far! Very outside-the-box and a definite must-do when you visit.

The Tiny Bakery

Before you leave Hanes Corn Maze for the day, you absolutely must pick up something delicious from The Tiny Bakery. We bought a mini pumpkin pie, butter tarts, and a sampler pack of their best bars. Let me tell you – they did not last long! Homemade fresh every day, nothing beats it. On a weekend, the bakers can bake and sell 500 or more pies!

Tips for Visiting Hanes Corn Maze

Pre-book your visit online here
Wear “farm footwear” – the ground could be wet or dusty, so leave the fancy footwear at home
Dress for the weather – we went on a sunny and breezy day, but once inside the maze it got warm without the breeze
The farm is stroller-friendly but the maze isn’t

Hanes Corn Maze is located at 1001 Highway #5 West in Dundas Ontario

Admission Prices For Hanes Corn Maze and Farmland

Purchase admission to the Farmland and Corn or Sunflower Maze separately to build your ideal day at the farm. Kids under 3 are free to enjoy the farmland, and everyone over 3 years old is $10 each. Looking to do the Maze? Admission to the farm is included in Maze pricing and ranges from $14 to $21 for visitors over 3 years old. Click here to pre-book your time – it’s recommended.

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Horseback Riding Near Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, Niagara

Amber Rohal — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:18:00 +0000

Our readers often ask “Where can I go horseback riding near me?” so we knew this curated list would help a few families out.

If you have a child who is ready to progress from pony rides to horseback riding, you’ll want to check out our list of local stables. Many of the centers offer summer and March Break camps. Let your child experience riding in a camp setting and maybe they’ll want to continue with riding lessons. Horseback riding is a great way to spend time in nature exploring the trails and is perfect for most skill levels.

Horseback Riding: Hamilton

Daisy Meadows Equestrian

Address: 6095 Dickenson Rd, Hannon, ON, L0R1P0

Website: https://daisymeadowsequestrian.com/

In addition to training, Daisy Meadows Equestrian offers horseback riding lessons and summer camps for riders of all abilities aged 5-15 years and hosts riding birthday parties. Pony-themed birthday parties for up to 6 guests cost $350 + HST. Bring your own food and decorations, use the air-conditioned camp room, learn to groom a horse or pony, and ride a pony.

Foxcroft Equestrian

Address: Foxcroft Equestrian, 76 Concession 7 East, Millgrove, ON L8B 1T3

Website: http://www.foxcroftequestrian.com/

Foxcroft has 35 acres near to Waterdown, ON. They’ve been in business since 1990 and run a riding school and summer camps. Dates and registration information is available on their Facebook page and under the events tab on the website.

Vector Equestrian

Address: 995 Concession # 8, Hamilton, Ontario, N0B 2J0

Website: https://www.vectorequestrian.com/

Vector Equestrian in Hamilton has riding lessons and summer camps plus boarding and onsite shows. Check out their website and call or email for more information or to register.

Triple C Farm

Address: 500 Carluke Road West, Ancaster, Ontario, L9G 3L1

Website: https://www.triplecfarm.ca/

Triple C Farm is a local livestock sanctuary and petting farm with goats, pigs and alpacas that offers horseback rides, birthday parties and camps among other fun experiences (ask me about goat yoga!). It’s best to reserve ahead online before visiting this small farm. You can purchase tickets for events under the Events tab of the website. They also share photos and information on their Facebook page.

Horseback Riding: Milton

Claddah Stables

Address: 4393 Tremaine Road, Milton ON

Website: https://www.claddaghstables.com/

Claddah Stables has several horseback riding lessons near me for kids, from PA Day Camps (for $85 for 9 am – 4 pm programming and care and later pick up available for an extra charge) to Riding Lessons, Riding Camp and Saddle Club. Riding lessons are available for all levels and as a group ($38 + tax per hour), semi-private ($45 + tax for 45 min.) and private ($60 + tax for 30 min.).

Riding Camps are offered in the summer and for March Break for ages 6 and up. Friday evenings from 6 pm – 8:30 pm is Saddle Club. For $45 per session, kids learn about the responsibilities of caring for ponies and horses and have a riding lesson.

Vernadee Stables

Address: 7051 McNiven Rd, Milton, ON L0P 1B0

Website: http://www.vernadee.com/

Stress-free riding lessons and riding camp in a quiet 18-stall barn in Milton. Day camp is all about caring for and riding horses complete with mounted games on Fridays. Camp is 9 am – 4 pm and costs a reasonable $325 + HST. Riding lessons cost less with your own horse or, $210 for ½ hour private, $315 for 1 hour private, $180 for 1 hour group or $235 for 1 hour semi-private.

Horseback Riding: Oakville

The Ranch

Address: 2401 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Oakville, Ontario L7M 0P1

Website: https://ridetheranch.com/

The Ranch offers trail riding, lessons and camps. A 1 hour guided horseback trail ride is $80 per person, with a photo included. Ages 10 and up and to a maximum of 250 pounds.

Horseback Riding: Burlington

Bayview Equestrian Centre

Address: 3180 Cedar Springs Road, Burlington, Ontario L7R 3X4

Website: https://www.bayviewequestriancentre.com/

Bayview Equestrian has riding lessons, summer camp and March Break camp. Lessons are offered indoors in the arena and outdoors in the sand ring.

Horseback Riding: Niagara

Niagara Riding Stables

Address: 471 Warner Road RR4, Niagara On The Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

niagarariding.com

Niagara Riding Stables offers trail rides along the Niagara Escarpment for couples and for small intimate groups of no more than four to six riders. Costs are $75.00 per person (taxes extra). They are open all season, no experience necessary, and they have a variety of horses so you will be matched with one that matches your skill level. The trail takes 45-50 minutes with a two-person minimum. The minimum age is 10 years and the maximum weight restriction is 240 pounds.

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Andrews Scenic Acres Farm Market

Amber Rohal — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 20:01:27 +0000

From spring through autumn, Andrews Farm Market – also known as Andrews Scenic Acres – is an ideal outdoor place to go with kids. This Milton farm offers a variety of activities and seasonal events that families will love. Read on for what to expect when you visit.

Andrew’s Scenic Acres (Also known as Andrew’s Farm Market and Winery)

Spend a fun day at the farm when you visit Andrew’s Scenic Acres in Milton. Kids will love the playground, the farm animals and fresh air. Parents will love the marketplace and fresh produce to take home.

Pick Your Own and Fresh-Picked Produce at Andrews

This Milton farm is home to about 19 different crops that are ready for harvest from early spring through late fall. Of those, half are available as pick-your-own varieties. Picking your own fruit and veggies is an amazing activities to do with kids because they get first hand knowledge about where their food comes from.

Andrews Farm offers these options for pick your own: rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries, currants, raspberries, blueberries, wild flowers and pumpkins.

Any time you visit, take home some freshly picked produce, some wine made from fruit grown on the farm and of course baked goods!

What Kids Love About Andrews Scenic Acres

In addition to the fresh air and room to run around, there is a lot for kids to do at Andrews Farm in Milton.

Large sandbox – bring them some toys to use in the sand. There were a few, but they were popular.
Animals to feed – goats, alpacas, pigs, ducks, chickens.
Playground equipment – it’s a fun combination of a natural and traditional playground with some classics, like a tire swing.
Large hay bale towers to climb
Tractor rides
Food on-site – canned/bottled drinks for sale, popcorn, cotton candy, fruit popsicles, lollipops, decorated cookies, baked goods, candy, chips, etc.
Picnic areas all through the grounds

Tips For Parents

One main washroom with baby station near the main entrance, plus port-a-potties are available around the grounds.

Andrews Farm Market is stroller and wagon-friendly and lots of parents brig their to make the walks quicker and easier.

If you have sand box fans, bring them some toys to use in the sand.

Want to feed the animals? Bring coins for the feed dispenser. And hand sanitizer for afterwards.

The farm is ideal for kids 10 and under. Toddlers will love free roaming.

More Info

Andrews Farm Market is located at 9365 10 Side Road, in Milton, Ontario

They are open 10 am – 5 pm weekdays and 10 am – 6 pm on weekends & holidays. Last admission is 1 hour before closing for the farm and PYO fields.

In person admission prices: Kids 0-5 are free, ages 6-64 are $16.50 and seniors over 65+ are $12. Seniors FREE on Mondays (Excluding Holidays)

Buy Online & Save! In person admission prices: Ages 6-64 are $15, seniors 65+ are $10.

More Animal Adventures

Whether it’s farm life, a zoo or a local sanctuary, we know some great places to learn more and get up close and personal with animals.

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The Children’s Art Factory – Where Kids Get Messy and Creative

Amber Rohal — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 17:18:43 +0000

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The post The Children’s Art Factory – Where Kids Get Messy and Creative appeared first on Active Parents.

Hamilton Farm Crawl

Amber Rohal — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 21:10:47 +0000

What is Farm Crawl Hamilton, you ask? Farm Crawl provides public access to farms across Hamilton to learn about agriculture, see operations and have a “genuine” farm experience. It happens 3 times a year, so get your tickets today!

Photo courtesy of https://depositphotos.com/

When is the event?

Farm Crawl dates are June 22, July 27, and Sept. 14, 2024. Participating farms will be open from 10 am – 4 pm for visitors with tickets. You may visit multiple farms on the day(s) of the event.

Where are the farms?

There are 10 farms participating in June Farm Crawl 2024. The farms on the June schedule are:

Angora Springs
Hearts Content
Jerry’s Berries & Lotsa Hostas
Manorun Farm
Liberty Way Farm
Simpler Thyme
West Avenue Cider
Rock Maple Lodge
Summit Station Dairy
Between the Vines

Read more about each farm here. By visiting all of the different farms you’ll see animals, plants, flowers, herbs, maple syrup and more.

How much does it cost?

Ticket fees go towards marketing, advertising and running the event. Purchase tickets online in advance or on the day of the event. Tickets cost $35 for a family. Individual tickets are $17.50 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children. You can also get a season pass for $50. Be prepared to show your tickets upon entering each of the farms.

Is there anything else I should know?

Farm Crawl runs rain or shine. Please leave your pets at home. There is no shuttle bus between the farms, and you should budget 10-30 minutes drive time between farms.

Spend the day outdoors learning from local farmers about where our food comes from and return home with healthy and organic ingredients for a yummy meal to feed to your family!

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Hamilton Farm Crawl appeared first on Active Parents.

Where To See Trains: 8 Places in Halton, Hamilton & Beyond

Amber Rohal — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:04:50 +0000

Wondering where to see trains nearby? If you’re a train enthusiast or simply love the charm of locomotives, you’re in luck! There are several fantastic places near you where you can witness the beauty of trains up close. Here’s a list of must-visit locations.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (seasonal)

Various locations (visited 168 communities in 2022) across Canada and the USA

The CP Holiday Train started in 1999, travelling across Canada and the USA in November and December, making stops, hosting concerts, and collecting money and food for people in need. The website has a train tracker once the Holiday Train has started. Watch for local stops in November and December. While the Holiday Train does not offer rides, it does deliver holiday cheer! Enjoy the free concerts and be sure to bring donations for the food bank.

Freeman Station Rail Museum

1285 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7S 1Y3 | website

(Currently closed) Wondering where to see trains in Burlington? The Station was built in 1906 by the Grand Trunk Railway and moved to its current location and restored by the Friends of Freeman Station volunteers. It is open for public events, class visits and private rentals. Visit the Station to learn about Burlington rail and telecommunications history. There’s a lovingly restored 1913 Canadian Pacific Boxcar and a 1929 Canadian National Caboose onsite. When you’re there be sure to check out the model electric train diorama. Accessible parking and washrooms.

Freeman Station in Burlington

Halton County Radical Railway

13629 Guelph Line, Milton, ON

Halton County Radical Railway (HCRR) has historical trains, streetcars and railway objects. There’s 2 km of track and operating streetcars. Take a ride and get off for an ice cream. The HCRR is owned and operated by the Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association. It is open weekends in June and Thurs to Mon in July and August from 10 am – 5 pm. Streetcars operate from 11 am – 4:30 pm. Pay per entry or purchase a family pass for 2 adults and 2 children for $70 for one time or $125 for unlimited visits. If you have a young train enthusiast in the family or you are looking for a unique birthday party idea, the Halton County Radical Railway does birthday parties.

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology

900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 7N2 | website

Known as the Steam Museum, the Museum offers Train Days by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers in the summer and into the fall. Train Days is a free event included with Museum entry that is by donation held on select days each summer. Ride on a miniature steam train for free around the grounds. Kids are gonna love it. Check the Active Parents calendar for upcoming Train Days events.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E3 | website

At Dundas Valley Conservation Area, visitors can discover a unique attraction—a decommissioned train. This vintage train car, nestled amidst the natural beauty, serves as a fascinating reminder of the area’s history. It offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to explore its interiors and imagine the journeys it once embarked upon. The train car as well as a replica of a Victorian train station stands as a captivating feature, blending heritage with nature in this picturesque conservation area.

Visit this retired train car at Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Port Stanley Terminal Rail

Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge Street, Port Stanley, Ontario, N5L 1C5 | website

Welcome to Post Stanley, home to a tourist railway that’s been operating for 40 years. There’s a 1-hour train ride and a 6-hour train ride departing from the Port Stanley Terminal. The 1-hour Scenic Train Ride is a deal at $15 for adults and $9 for children aged 2 – 14 years. Free for infants 1 and under. Train rides are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm in May and June. Young kids will also enjoy the special event trains: Easter Bunny Trains, Teddy Bear Trains, Moms Day and Dads Day, Extended Parkside Trip, Music on the Rails. Murder Mystery, Pumpkin Patch and Santa Trains. The gift shop has train-themed merchandise, Melissa & Doug, Thomas the Tank Engine and other children’s books and toys. Train tickets may be purchased online or in the gift shop.

Waterloo Central Railway

50 Isabella Street, St. Jacobs, ON, N0B 2N0 | website

The Heritage Hopper is a fun family afternoon train excursion with hop-on and hop-off stops along the way from Waterloo to St. Jacobs. It makes stops at Northfield, Farmer’s Market and finally St. Jacobs. Ride on a restored steam train and shop for fresh local produce. There’s separate pricing for first class, coach, child, adult and senior. A family pass for 4 costs $74.99. Watch for themed trains for the holidays, specifically at Easter and Christmas.

Visit Westfield Heritage Village

Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, Ontario L0R 1X0 | website

A trip to Westfield Heritage Village is a trip back in time and there’s the historic Jerseyville station and Locomotive 103 steam train to explore. The locomotive was built in 1910 by Montreal Locomotive Works. It’s been fully restored, is the largest artifact in the Village, and is used in programming, photo shoots and movies. Parking at the Conservation Area is $11 per car and admission is $5 per person aged 6 years and up.

This beauty is located at Westfield Heritage Village

Local GO Train and Via Rail Stations

You don’t have to travel far to find a go train station or a via rail station in our region. The stations are busy and exciting, no matter the time of day. You can watch from afar or get an up-close look from the platform. Trains go whizzing by all day and passengers love to exchange waves.

Upcoming Events Train Fans Might Like

List
Month

May 2025

May 14 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm