The post Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will Love appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Read More: Find more farms here
Just a short history of this sweet farm… Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm was created by Harry “Happy” Rolph when he build a bird sanctuary on his property. Happy, along with his wife Jen, built several ponds on the property to help attract more birds, and eventually grew to attract thousands of birds annually to the property. When the couple decided to retire in the 70s, the sanctuary was purchased by the Province, City and Niagara Conservation Authority, and eventually was bought by the City of St. Catharines. To honour his work, the location was renamed Happy Rolph Bird Sanctuary in 1974.
Spend a few hours getting up close with animals. Rolph’s has everything including alpacas, horses, chickens, turkeys, llamas and a big hog. The grounds are well-kept and wheel-friendly. In staying with its bird sanctuary roots, you can visit the large pond that is home to swans, mallards, ducks and geese. You can buy some feed for them at the farm as well.
Read More: Read more of our favourite day trips here
Yes! Happy Rolph’s is a free place to visit! Voluntary donations are accepted. You can bring in your own picnic lunch and snacks, just don’t feed the animals! And if you feel so inclined, you can purchase a bag of duck feed for just $2 and help fill the feathered bellies of the ducks and swans in the pond.
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm is located at 650 Read Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7K6. They are open daily, and free to visit any time. Summer greenspace hours are dusk to dawn, animal area hours are 10 am – 8 pm and washrooms are 7 am – 8 pm. There is free parking available on-site, but it fills up quickly on weekends, so visit through the week if you can. Some visitors report parking on the street, but please watch for local regulations if you do this. Visit their website here. When you plan your visit, expect to spend a few hours here, and then wander down the path to Lake Ontario and enjoy the view.
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 post The Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton Halton and Niagara appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>An evening at the drive-in is an evening everyone can enjoy. It’s a long-time favourite date night idea no matter your age. Watch a double feature (and occasionally a triple feature) of your favourite classic movies or a hot new release. I love that it’s cozier than a typical theatre and a little more private.
Kids love the drive-in theatre experience because it’s exciting and out of the box. There’s nothing better than watching a movie in your jammies while eating popcorn in the comfort of your vehicle.
2332 Ninth Line, Oakville | Website
This 3-screen theatre in Oakville shows some amazing double-feature movie combinations. Pre-buy your tickets to secure your admission. You can also buy tickets at the box office using cash, credit and debit. When the weather is great, expect to see screenings sell out.
The concession stand offers in-car food delivery. Enjoy the typical treats plus burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers and a ton of different combo deals.
Prices: Start at $14 per person, with a car load ringing in at $25.00. Kids under 5 are free.
Address: 59 Green Mountain Rd East, Stoney Creek | Website
With 3 screens, each showing a double feature, the movie selection is sure to please everyone in your group. The concession stand at this Hamilton drive-in movie theatre also sells deep-fried pickles, pretzels and funnel cake! Make the evening easy on yourself and opt for their in-car food delivery option.
Starlight is a popular destination on the weekends. Arrive at least an hour before showtime to get a great spot and get your snacks before the movie starts. You can pre-buy your tickets online or pay cash, debit or credit card at the box office when you arrive.
Prices: Start at $14 per person, with a car load ringing in at $25.00. Kids under 5 are free.
1956 Highway #20 in Fonthill | Website
This theatre reopened under the same ownership as 5-Drive In and the Starlight. That means you can expect the same great service and delicious treats at the concession stand. This location has 4 screens, each showing a double feature every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
Prices: Start at $13 per person, with a car load costing $25.00. Kids under 5 are free.
5012 Jones Baseline, Guelph | Website
Come out and enjoy blockbuster features under the stars every weekend in Guelph. Mustang Theatre has 1 large, outdoor screen that shows 2 movies each night. You can sit outside in the fresh air or in the comfort of your own vehicle.
The box office opens at 7:30 and films are shown Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Concessions are always available and range from movie night staples to cheeseburgers and poutine.
Prices: General Admission is $13.00, Kids 6-12 Years Old are $5.00 each, and 5 years and younger are FREE! Or visit on Carload Sundays and pay $20 for up to 7 people in one vehicle (excluding long weekends).
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 post Dive Into These 5 Indoor Water parks in Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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 $16.50 per person.
Good To Know:
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.
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.
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.
Read Chelsea Hotel reviews on Tripadvisor or book your visit on Expedia, Trivago or Hotels.com.
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.
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.
*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.
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 post Our 10 Favourite Things to Do with Kids in Niagara Falls, Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>We have visited for the day and for long weekends, so we have the expertise! Many attractions will keep kids entertained and create lasting memories for your family.
Start The Car! Enjoy these day trips and local attractions worth visiting:
Experience the Power of Niagara Falls: No trip to Niagara Falls Canada is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring power of the falls up close. Take a boat tour on the iconic Hornblower Niagara Cruises for an unforgettable adventure to the Horseshoe Falls. The thunderous roar and misty spray you experience from the observation deck will leave you amazed!
Visit Clifton Hill: Clifton Hill is a vibrant and bustling street filled with exciting attractions for kids of all ages. Explore the “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” Museum, play games at the Great Canadian Midway and enjoy thrilling rides at the Niagara SkyWheel. Clifton Hill offers non-stop entertainment and is overflowing with fun things to do in Niagara Falls.
Journey Behind the Falls: For a unique perspective, head to Journey Behind the Falls. This thrilling attraction takes you through tunnels behind the waterfall, providing an incredible view of the cascading water. Guests will be captivated by the power and beauty of Niagara Falls from this unique vantage point.
Butterfly Conservatory: Escape into the tropical paradise of the Butterfly Conservatory, where children can interact with thousands of colourful butterflies. Stroll through lush gardens, learn about different butterfly species, and even witness the magical moment when a butterfly emerges from its cocoon. This enchanting experience is both educational and captivating.
Whiz Around Niagara Speedway Go-Karts: The recent addition to the Falls is an exhilarating thrill ride. It offers high-speed fun on a four-story elevated track, featuring hairpin turns and thrilling twists. The go-karts are equipped with 200cc engines, ensuring a thrilling ride for all ages. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area while racing. It’s a must-visit destination for families, friends, and adrenaline junkies alike.
Ride The Niagara SkyWheel: The Niagara SkyWheel, located on Clifton Hill, givers its riders breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding area. Step into one of the climate-controlled gondolas and enjoy a leisurely ride high above the city. Kids will love the panoramic vistas and the chance to see Niagara Falls from a new perspective.
Visit Bird Kingdom: Bird Kingdom is the largest indoor free-flying aviary in the world, featuring over 400 birds from around the world. Kids can explore the lush rainforest setting, watch colourful birds in flight, and even have close encounters with parrots and other friendly feathered friends. Whether you are in Niagara Falls for the day or longer, make sure to stop at Bird Kingdom. In our opinion, it’s one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls.
Ride The Whirlpool Aero Car: Take a thrilling ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car, suspended high above the Niagara River. The cable car offers breathtaking views of the swirling whirlpool and the stunning rapids. This unique attraction is sure to create lasting memories for kids and adults alike.
Play Golf with Dinosaurs: Dinosaur Adventure Golf is a prehistoric mini-golf adventure with life-sized dinosaurs. This is one of our favourite things to do in Niagara Falls Canada, and it is the main reason we visit every year. The course is beautifully themed, with waterfalls, lush landscaping, and challenging holes. It’s a great activity for the whole family to enjoy together.
Ride The Rollercoaster: House of Frankenstein’s rollercoaster sits 4 stories off the ground and is full of thrills and speed! Riders sit in coffins on this monstrously great ride. It’s Canada’s only rooftop coaster!
Book A Room With A Falls View. Hotels are a little more expensive in the heart of the area, but the views are definitely worth it, especially if this is your first visit. At night, the falls are illuminated and look gorgeous from high up in your hotel room. Every night, from Friday, May 19th until Monday, October 9th fireworks light up the night sky at 10 pm.
Eat Outside The Core. Like all popular tourist destinations, prices can be higher when you eat right in Clifton Hill and Niagara Falls core. We love taking a short drive or walking to eat kist outside the busy area. Our favourite is The Flying Saucer Restaurant because of its kitch-y theme and good old home cooking. I recommend the meatloaf!
Bring Your Own Food. One way we save money is by bringing our own picnic lunches and eating on the lawns of the Niagara Parks. The scenery is lovely and the price is right.
Be Ready To Walk. You can drive, but the congestion at the base of Clifton Hill isn’t worth it if you ask me. Tie up your walking shoes and bring a wagon or stroller for the kids. There is so much to see that you won’t mind walking, but you will tally up a lot of steps!
Thanks to my friend Alison, I just found out about the Niagara Parks Parking Pass. It’s $45 and gives 2 vehicles 1 year of parking! You can use it to park at a variety of local attractions, gardens, wineries and more!
Niagara Falls offers a long list of unique attractions and activities that the whole family will love. From the breathtaking power of the falls to interactive museums, thrilling rides, and unique wildlife encounters, there’s something for every child to enjoy. So, plan your family trip to Niagara Falls, and get ready for an adventure-packed experience that your kids will cherish forever.
Find your next hotel in Niagara Falls by reading reviews here on Trip Advisor and if you’re ready to book, check out Expedia, Trivago or Hotels.com.
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 post Family Vacation: Sherkston Shores Cozy in the Quarry Cottage appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Sherkston Shores by Sun Retreats offers a variety of ways to stay and enjoy a few days or weeks on the grounds. My family was invited to spend a September weekend at Cozy in the Quarry, an AirBnb available for you to book all year long. It was modern and offer us the ideal amount of space. Cozy in the Quarry has 2 bedrooms. The main bedroom has a double bed and ensuite washroom with shower. There was lots of storage in the closet and drawers.
My kids has the second bedroom with bunk beds. The bottom bunk was a double and the top a single, with a very cool staircase to the bunk. The stairs doubled as drawers which the kids loved. The girls has their own washroom as well – another perk! I don’t wan tto share a bathroom with two teenagers!
The cottage living spaces were clean and minimal which made for a lovely calmness while we were there. The house came with lots of board games and TVs in almost every space. My kids were in paradise. The kitchen came with those essentials you always forget, like salt and paper and cooking spray. Again, everything was clean and minimal, so even though we cooked all of our meals there, clean up was so quick and easy. Perfect for a vacation.
My favourite part of the cottage, and where I spent the majority of my time when at home, was the backyard. There is a large covered deck with comfortable patio furniture and an outdoor TV. It also had a cozy hanging chair that my girls claimed as their own. Walking down the steps is the outdoor dining area, a BBQ (that comes with propane!) and a campfire pit. We played some cornhole while were barbequed our meals and soaked up some sun on the grass.
I enjoyed this rental so much, I’ll be checking my calendar for 2024!
Mother Nature gifted us another beautiful late summer weekend so we took in all of the water fun Sherkston Shores offers. We swam in Lake Erie and laughed non stop as the waves tried to take us out. It was a windy day, so normally it’s not rought. The sand was light and warm and the beach was so clean.
After the lake swimming, we dipped into the waterpark – which was amazing! Multiple pools, water slides, wading pools and a massive splash pad. There is a beach bar, lots of loungers and shuffle board to play between swims.
My one regret is that we didn’t make time to swim in the quarry. The 27-acre spring fed Quarry is a popular spots for swimming, water sports, fishing (catch-and-release), and has sandy beaches for a relaxing warm summer day. The quarry is almost 70ft deep in the deepest part (the middle) and offers great snorkeling I’m told. Scuba Divers can explore the remains of a 100-year-old mining operation on the quarry floor. If you have scuba gear make sure to pack it for your visit to Sherkston Shores.
If you want to add more excitement to your water adventures, you can rent these items for an additional cost: (https://www.sherkstonadventuresports.com/ )
Sherkston Shores and Cozy in the Quarry were build for families. Everything from the rentals to the grounds to the amenities have family fun as their goal. I mentioned before that I have multiple friends who have been going for years and who have recommended it every summer.
Kids scooter and bike everywhere when they’re not riding shotgun in golf carts driven by their parents. Didn’t I mention the GOLF CART?! Yes, renting with Cozy in the Quarry includes a golf cart for booting from one attraction to another. This was no doubt my husband’s favourite part.
Lots of kids were playing soccer on their fields, zooming around of wheels and having a great time at the multiple playgrounds dotted through the huge resort.
When you want to take a break from swimming in the lake and the pools, your fun is only beginning! We played many rounds of mini golf in our short stay. We also spent more than a few quarters in the arcade because who can resist an arcade?! It’s like Las Vegas to us. There are also tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts and a ball hockey arena, too. Bring your sports equipment and you will never be bored.
For an additional fee you can also jump into some thrilling activities including:
You can find more info and current pricing details here.
You can make this an official vacation by skipping the kitchen and dining at on-resort restaurants. There are two to choose from, one being a casual family spot and the other is a poolside patio bar that offers small nibbles to enjoy throughout the day.
Seasonal Highlights:
There’s no doubting that you will get the biggest bang for your vacation buck if you visit Sherston Shores during the hot summer months. We stayed in mid September and still enjoyed everything the resort had to offer, so don’t count out the end of summer weeks.
Tips for Staying at Cozy in the Quarry at Sherkston Shores:
Learn more about Cozy in the Quarry and other properties available at Sherkston Shores to rent.
Guest House Properties in Niagara https://www.guesthouseproperties.com/
Sherkston Shores https://www.sunoutdoors.com/ontario/sun-retreats-sherkston-shores
We love sharing about great destinations to visit with your kids, and weekend getaways are no exception. Read on for some first-hand reviews and write ups of places we’ve visited together.
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]]>The post Ride the Antique Carousel at Lakeside Park appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>It really is a thing of beauty! This carousel was hand-carved between 1898 and 1905 and is the design masterpiece of a man named Charles I.D. Looff. Looff was a master carver who came to America from Germany in 1870. Charles Looff designed and built dozens of carousels and amusement parks in his time, including the famous Santa Monica Pier! The carousel was designed and crafted in Brooklyn, New York then made its way to Scarborough, Ontario before finally setting down permanent roots in St. Catharines in 1921.
Read More: Find more great fun in the Niagara Region right here.
The Lakeside Park Carousel has 68 hand-carved wooden animals, including horses, lions, camels, goats and giraffes. The carousel also has four chariots. The animals on the carousel still have real horsehair tails. Like the day the carousel first opened, rides are still only 5 cents each. All fees are used to keep the carousel in pristine condition.
You can visit the Lakeside Park Carousel from spring to fall.
The Carousel is still 5 cents a ride or admission by donation. You can also purchase a Season Pass for $22.10 including HST. You can purchase the Season Pass from the gift shop during your next visit. It’s also available for photography rentals and sponsorship.
There are lots of things to do with kids in St. Catharines in addition to the Lakeside Park Carousel, so plan to spend the day – or more – here. Your little kids will love seeing the sweet animals and birds at Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm. It’s free to visit, and all donations made go to supporting the health and care of the animals you’ll meet. Watch the massive ships go in and out of the Canal from the Lock 3 Viewing Platform. Enjoy a family-friendly and accessible hike at the Glenridge Quarry and you’ll see children’s science and nature area, a pond boardwalk with a viewing area and the wildflower meadow.
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 post Free Things To Do With Kids This Month appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>As parents, we understand the joy of spending quality time with our little ones without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of fantastic and FREE fun to enjoy with your kids. From outdoor escapades to creative indoor activities, we’ve scoured every corner to compile the ultimate collection of fun-filled experiences.
We think this list of family-friendly events that are free of charge will knock your socks off. We don’t often appreciate how many great activities for kids (and parents!) our area has, but there are lots!
Get ready to create family fun and let your imaginations run wild, all while keeping your wallet happy. So, let’s dive right in and discover free things to do with kids that guarantee family bonding!
We have combed our events calendar to bring you all the best FREE kids’ events near you. Use this calendar to find free things to do today or free things to do this weekend!
If you have children to keep busy, you may wonder, “What free activities are available nearby?” We have the answer! Here is a list of all the free events happening this month.
Are you interested in finding a fun and challenging sport for your child? Consider RINGETTE! The Ringette Association of Burlington will be holding a FREE Come Try Ringette event at … Read more
Whether you are new to the Hamilton Civic Museums or have been following us for a while, we invite you to explore our heritage sites on Doors Open weekend! Each … Read more
Join us in the youth centre from noon to 4 p.m. for cupcake decorating, candle painting, a scavenger hunt, Mario Kart tournament and Table Tennis tournament! We’re also offering: Youth … Read more
Join us for May the 4th fun! Celebrate the fandom that spans generations + galaxies – visit us in-store for loads of STAR WARS
excitement: events, sale items + more... … Read more
Join us for free bucket drumming workshops every Saturday in May and June at Bronte Park! These drop in workshops are running from 1-3pm - just look for the Bandology … Read more
The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day, and this year it also falls on Star Wars Day. Let’s celebrate all things comic at the library, where every … Read more
Get ready to meet Pampers newest Easy Ups character, Bluey, on Saturday, May 4 by visiting the Real Canadian Superstore in Milton. You can get a $5 off coupon on … Read more
Whether you are new to the Hamilton Civic Museums or have been following us for a while, we invite you to explore our heritage sites on Doors Open weekend! Each … Read more
Join us at Indigo for a storytime reading of How To Catch a Mamasaurus and an activity to personalize a bookplate for any book you choose for Mom! Find your … Read more
The AGB’s free family art studio. All materials provided! More information can be found here Dive deep into the world of art and craft as a family with our Sunday … Read more
The Town of Milton is celebrating Youth Week, from May 1-7, 2024, with activities and events. Free Youth Fun Skate, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Milton Sports Centre (Registration required) … Read more
Come on out for Tunes & Turns, a free youth skate with DJ Ghost playing all your favourites! Ages 11 to 17. More information can be found here
Kids will learn fun ways to create their own emoji. We’ll show them how to draw colourful faces and objects. Then they’ll explore using the Procreate app on iPad with … Read more
Get active and creative this Youth Week and join us for some drop-in sports, a swim and a craft with the Iroquois Ridge Community Centre Older Adults! Ages 11 to … Read more
Do you have a child that’s a fan of Pokemon? Come and join our WEEKLY meetup where the kids show, share & chat everything Pokemon! Trading cards does occur *please … Read more
At Dearcroft Trafalgar Crossing, we are more than just a school—we're a vibrant community where every child is cherished, supported, and celebrated. (ad) With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, we … Read more
Join us for some volleyball, make some friendship bracelets or try a fitness class! Ages 11 to 17. Youth Volleyball, 3 to 5 p.m. Fitness Class, 4 to 5 p.m. … Read more
Get active and creative! Each night will offer a variety of activities, crafts, and sports. Have fun, hang out, listen to music, and make new friends. Register online here to … Read more
Celebrate National Youth Week at Oakville Galleries on Tuesday, May 7, 2024! Drop in for a free art activity from 4 to 7 p.m. at our Gairloch Gallery. Take in … Read more
Get active and creative! Each night will offer a variety of activities, crafts, and sports. Have fun, hang out, listen to music, and make new friends. Register online here to … Read more
Learn the art of cursive writing in this hands-on workshop for kids at Oakville Public Library - Sixteen Mile Branch. Ages 8+ The goal of this session to offer different … Read more
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 … Read more
Meet Dash, our newest robot friend. Dash will help you develop computational thinking skills and learn the basics of command language and block coding. Ages 5-8 This program is unregistered. … Read more
Join us at Oakville Public Library - Iroquois Ridge Branch, as we celebrate the stories and achievements of these diverse and inspirational individuals who each started out as a child … Read more
Get active and creative! Join us for free activities like games, crafts and sports. Have fun, hang out, listen to music, and make new friends. Register online here to secure … Read more
Get active and creative! Each night will offer a variety of activities, crafts, and sports. Have fun, hang out, listen to music, and make new friends. Register online here to … Read more
Come celebrate diversity, inclusion, and self-expression! Join us to create a special ally button, connect with Pflag Halton for local resources and listen to stories and songs in a family-friendly … Read more
The Canada Netherlands Friendship Day will celebrate the 19th anniversary of the City of Burlington’s twinning agreement with the city of Apeldoorn. It will also recognize the 79th anniversary of … Read more
Join Hamilton Public Library and Telling Tales for a drop-in story and activity hour with multi-sensory experiences! Stories and activities will feature Telling Tales Festival presenters and books. Each week a new … Read more
Introducing Kids Club! We will have specific kids oriented projects on select Saturdays each month. Bring your kids to a free craft! Drop in, pre-registration not required. Call your local … Read more
Come see what our 165 scenic acres have to offer this year, and enjoy free admission from 10am - 5pm during opening weekend! There will be wagon rides, a playground … Read more
Each spring, the Sakura Festival celebrates the arrival of the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms. This year, the City is also recognizing the 35-year anniversary of its friendship with our twin … Read more
Come build with us! We supply the LEGO® , you supply the imagination. We can’t wait to see what you create! Ages 4+
Join us for free bucket drumming workshops every Saturday in May and June at Bronte Park! These drop in workshops are running from 1-3pm - just look for the Bandology … Read more
Join us at Indigo for a storytime reading of How To Catch a Mamasaurus and an activity to personalize a bookplate for any book you choose for Mom! Find your … Read more
Create a puppet and learn how to bring them to life. Explore our puppet stage and meet a few of our most loved puppets.
Come see what our 165 scenic acres have to offer this year, and enjoy free admission from 10am - 5pm during opening weekend! There will be wagon rides, a playground … Read more
Join us at your local Mastermind Toys store for a 30-minute science session on the 2nd Sunday of each month ! Sign up required. Limited spots available. Please contact your … Read more
The AGB’s free family art studio. All materials provided! More information can be found here Dive deep into the world of art and craft as a family with our Sunday … Read more
Join Hamilton Public Library and Telling Tales for a drop-in story and activity hour with multi-sensory experiences! Stories and activities will feature Telling Tales Festival presenters and books. Each week a new … Read more
Do you have a child that’s a fan of Pokemon? Come and join our WEEKLY meetup where the kids show, share & chat everything Pokemon! Trading cards does occur *please … Read more
Get active and creative! Each night will offer a variety of activities, crafts, and sports. Have fun, hang out, listen to music, and make new friends. Register online here to … Read more
Get active and creative! Each night will offer a variety of activities, crafts, and sports. Have fun, hang out, listen to music, and make new friends. Register online here to … Read more
Meet Dash, our newest robot friend. Dash will help you develop computational thinking skills and learn the basics of command language and block coding. Ages 5-8 This program is unregistered. … Read more
Compete against your friends and other teens in this social gaming drop-in. Ages 13-17 Drop-in and compete against your friends and other teens in this social gaming drop-in. If board … Read more
Bring the family to the ballpark this weekend and catch a Cardinals game! Kids can run the bases, meet the players and mascots and take home prizes! Kids 10 & … Read more
Join us on May 16th from 1PM - 6PM in our South Parking Lot of the Pen Centre, near Boston Pizza for an exciting afternoon learning about how the NRPS … Read more
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 … Read more
Learn the art of cursive writing in this hands-on workshop for kids. Ages 8-12 The goal of this session to offer different activities aimed at introducing cursive writing and improving … Read more
Bring the family to the ballpark this weekend and catch a Cardinals game! Kids can run the bases, meet the players and mascots and take home prizes! Kids 10 & … Read more
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 Free Things To Do With Kids This Month appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 2024 Guide To Easter Egg Hunts And Events appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>In this list, we are sharing the best Easter egg hunts near Hamilton, Halton and Niagara, including Easter events in Milton and Easter egg hunts in Burlington and Oakville. Each listed Easter egg event and egg hunt includes locations, dates, and details on registering for the big day. Some Easter events near you will need pre-registration and some are drop-in, so make sure you check out that info.
Whether you are a parent looking for Easter events in Oakville, Milton, Burlington or Hamilton to go to with your kids, or just someone who loves the thrill of the hunt, you won’t want to miss out on these exciting events. So get ready to grab your basket and join us as we explore the wonderful world of local Easter egg hunts!
Read on, and you’ll be delighted to see that there are many free easter events near me this year! The kids can have a blast at an easter egg hunt in Oakville and save you some money, too! Don’t miss this especailly-for-dogs easter event in Hamilton, either.
Read More: Find more hop-tastic Easter ideas here in our list of 18 egg-cellent Easter activities for kids to do at home.
Are you hosting an Easter event that is open to the public? We want to know about it! You can add it to this list by submitting it here.
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 2024 Guide To Easter Egg Hunts And Events appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Free Fishing Weekend 2024 in Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Wondering where you can fish near you? We have a roundup of reader-recommended fishing holes, lakes, creeks and more in the Hamilton and Halton area. If you have a fishing spot to recommend, please share it with us.
Read More: Where to fish in Hamilton and Halton
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.
If you’re not a regular fisher or a fishing licence holder, make sure you take advantage of these weekends. They are a great and fun way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors!
Read More: More Things To Do on Family Day Weekend
Since 1998, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters has sponsored a program called TackleShare to loan our fishing equipment for free. This program removes the financial barrier that would keep families from enjoying this relaxing sport.
Borrow rods, reels and even tackle is as simple as checking out a book from the library. TackleShare has hundreds of loaner sites in Ontario. They also partner with Ontario Parks to help bring fishing to more families. Just one more way to enjoy a free fishing weekend in Ontario! You can find a list of the loaner site here.
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 post Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks: Hamilton and Niagara appeared first on Active Parents.
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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.
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.
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!
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!
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 Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks: Hamilton and Niagara appeared first on Active Parents.
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