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7 Drivers Ed Providers to Get Your Teenager Driving
If you have a 16 year old in your home they may be itching to get behind the wheel and driving the family vehicle. Ontario has a 2-step process. After completing the written test, many families turn to approved driving instructors for in class and in car driving lessons, but where to turn?
This is just a short list of program providers, so if you’re looking for even more options, click here for Government of Ontario approved driving schools.
Tips From A Parent When Picking A Driving School
My oldest can now drive, and it’s the best. But it was a bumpy road to get here. Driving school is expensive and time consuming, especially for teens eager to get out on the road.
My first tip is to DO YOUR RESEARCH when it comes to choosing a driving program. Talk to people who have used the service and ask if they remember their instructor’s name. Instructors make all the difference, and a bad one can ruin your time in the car. Yes, they should all be teaching the same skills, but they’re not unfortunately. We had to navigate some murky waters and I had to speak up more than once when we were disappointed in the service we were getting.
Secondly, speak up when something is off. Many centre owners don’t know what happens in class or in the car, and they would (probably) appreciate knowing if an employee is harming their reputation with poor service. Communicate with your kids regarding what to expect from their lessons and what to question. This is a big responsibility!
Driving Schools in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville and Milton
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
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]]>The post STEM Summer Camps in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
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One way to keep the summer slide at bay is to enrol your kids in a summer camp that will challenge them and keep them learning all summer long! STEM camps, sometimes called STEAM camps, are the perfect outlet for kids who love to build, create and experiment.
Summer is also a great opportunity to learn a new language or to brush up on a school subject. If you’re looking for educational or enrichment camps, in the Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville areas this list will be your new best friend.
Included in this list are all STEAM/STEM camps in Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Ancaster and Dundas. Also included are language and learning camps for the Halton and Hamilton regions.
Did You Know? Our list is the best because it’s the biggest! You don’t need to pay to be in our camps guide, either. If you are hosting a summer camp and you are not in our guide, click here to be added.
Thank You To Our Supporters
Thank you to our sponsors whose support allows us to produce free-to-access content like this for families like yours. Learn more about being a partner here.
STEAM and Enrichment Summer Camps For Kids
Summer Camp guides For Every Camper
We have curated the largest list of summer camps in the region because we want to help parents like you find the best camps for their kids. 9 weeks is a lot of time and money to spend, so let’s make sure we do summer right! Here are some of our smaller “bite-size” guides to help you find local summer camps that suit your children’s hobbies and passions.
- Driving Schools to Get Your Teenager Driving
- STEM Summer Camps in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville
- Top Tutors For Kids in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara
- 15 Ways To Earn High School Volunteer Hours
- PA Day Camp Providers in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton
- Winter Break Camps in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville
- After School Programs in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville
- How To Get Scholarships in Canada
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post STEM Summer Camps in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Top Tutors For Kids in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Jump into the community of personalized learning with our article about in-person and online tutoring in Hamilton, Halton, and Niagara. Learn about the different ways students can get help with their schoolwork that fits what they like and how they learn.
Explore diverse options for tutoring in Oakville. Burlington, Hamilton and beyond, both in-person and online. Discover how modern tutors blend traditional and modern methods to enhance learning from elementary to high school. Join us to unlock a comprehensive guide that empowers students for academic success.
Does My Child Need A Tutor?
As a parent, you might wonder, “Does my child need a math tutor? English tutor? Maybe science? ” It’s a valid question that many parents grapple with as they navigate their child’s education journey.
While every child’s learning experience is unique, there are certain indicators that could suggest your child could benefit from a tutor. Falling grades, persistent struggles with homework, or a noticeable lack of enthusiasm for learning are common signs that your child might need extra support that a tutor near you can provide.
Certified teachers and tutors near you can provide individualized attention and tailored instruction that may be missing in a crowded classroom setting. From support with essay writing to STEM problem solving, a tutor can help bridge gaps in understanding, boost confidence, and ignite a renewed passion for learning.
Why Should I Think About Hiring a Private Tutor?
- Personalized attention: Tutors offer one-on-one instruction tailored to your child’s learning style and needs.
- Individualized pace: Academic support can adapt the pace of learning to match your child’s abilities, preventing them from falling behind or feeling overwhelmed.
- Focused learning: Tutoring services can target specific subjects or areas where your child may need extra help or enrichment.
- Confidence boost: A Successful tutoring experience can boost your child’s confidence and motivation in their studies.
- Improved study skills: Tutors can teach effective study techniques and time management skills that benefit your child beyond the tutoring sessions.
- Support for different learning styles: Tutors can adapt their teaching methods to suit how your child learns best, whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
- Exam preparation: Tutors can offer targeted preparation for upcoming tests, exams, and assessments, helping your child perform at their best.
- Motivation and accountability: Tutors can keep your child accountable for their learning, fostering a sense of responsibility and discipline.
Remember that choosing a tutor near you should align with your child’s specific needs and goals.
Are you a tutor? We want to include you in our guide. Please send us your business info here to be included today!
Looking for language and enrichment classes for your child? Click here for our guide to Language and Enrichment Classes.
In-Person and Online tutors: Math, Reading and Writing and More
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]]>The post 15 Ways To Earn High School Volunteer Hours appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Do you have kids looking to complete their high school volunteer hours in 2025? Ontario students are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer work to complete their Ontario secondary school diploma. It may sound daunting to some, but once your student finds a perfect fit, it will be easy to complete 40 hours of community service. Did you know that students can begin volunteering as early as the summer between graduating from grade 8 and beginning grade nine?
No one expects a grade 9 student to know what they want to be when they grow up, so if your high school student hasn’t identified their passion or skill yet, don’t worry. We have outlined great suggestions on how to earn high school volunteer hours in Ontario, specifically Burlington, to possibly unlock a hidden passion or talent!
The City of Burlington has a centralized volunteer program. Visit the website to find opportunities across the city and apply at the shelter, hospital, museum, gallery, program or even golf course you are interested in. For questions about the program, email [email protected].
The Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, and Town of Oakville all offer similar volunteer hours high school programs. There is something for everyone and every interest and some of the same city programs and non-profit organizations are listed below, along with other exciting volunteer opportunities, therefore you should keep reading!
How and Where To Earn ontario high school volunteer hours Near Burlington
Artists and Creatives
The Art Gallery of Burlington and the Oakville Art Gallery both have a variety of ways to get involved. First and most popular is in their art classes and camps. In addition, students are always needed for support at special events held throughout the year.
Share your art skills with kids by teaching kids at a community centre. Christmas crafts, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day – the possibilities are endless! The City hosts Camps during Winter Break, March Break and Summer.
Animal Lovers
There is always high school volunteer opportunities at our local SPCA and Humane Society, but also check out your vet office, too. It’s a great learning opportunity for kids who are looking into veterinary medicine. Plus, who doesn’t love earning high school volunteer hours while also getting snuggles?
Sports Fans
If your high schooler is already involved in sports, why not help younger kids to develop their skills? One of the best places to get volunteer hours is at a Summer Camp in Burlington, Milton or Oakville. If your high schooler has younger siblings, put their weekend away games to good use while you travel for a tournament. They will earn their hours faster than you can count on a scoreboard!
Reading Volunteers
Library volunteers will help with library programming and events and similarly contribute to teen advisory groups. Look for volunteer opportunities at the Burlington Public Library on the BPL and City of Burlington websites. The Milton Public Library has an entire page devoted to teen volunteers. Great news! Students aged 14 and older are encouraged to apply to volunteer at the Oakville Public Library.
Volunteer with Kids
If your high school is near an elementary school, there’s a great chance the two have a volunteer relationship already. Help out at their fundraising events, field trips, in the library and in class. If you are a Science, Math or Languages whiz, tutor someone who could use your help to ace their class. Teachers will be able to help connect you with a student that has a need.
Volunteer At A Festival
Pick a festival in your city, and I guarantee they rely on volunteers to be successful. Burlington events, Oakville events, Waterdown events and more will welcome you with open arms – and an appreciative smile. This is another one of the best places to get volunteer hours.
The Sound of Music Festival has a wide range of volunteer opportunities. With 12 different volunteer teams, your student is bound to find an interesting role. The teams and roles range from eco team to media, accessibility, stage management and more. Students should apply through the volunteer portal or email [email protected] for more information.
Science and Technology
Did you know that the public library offers free programs for seniors to learn more about their technology and devices? You may help set up a new iPad, navigate the murky waters of apps and the cloud, and just be the patient teacher they need to have when they welcome in a new gadget.
The Environment Needs You
Burlington Green is a local organization determined to make Burlington the best it can be. They are on-site at the big local events making sure as much garbage as possible is re-directed from the landfill. They also host Eco-film events and in-school educational programs, and they work to maintain our waterfront habitats.
Does your student enjoy gardening or spending time in nature? Have you considered the Royal Botanical Gardens? There is no experience required and students will learn from other dedicated and experienced staff, students and volunteers. Apply online or email [email protected] to learn more about volunteering to conserve nature.
Calling All Chefs
Many churches in your area host dinner nights for folks who can use a hearty meal and some great conversation. Your teen can set-up, cook, serve and clean up. And don’t forget about being a new ear for some great stories from fabulous people in your community.
Check in at a food drive, a local food pantry, or a food bank. They will find a few hours for you to lend a hand. The Burlington Food Bank has some PD Day and summer volunteer opportunities for high school students.
Food4Kids Halton has several different roles for volunteers aged 16 and older to sort, pack and deliver food within Halton. This organization addresses food insecurity in Halton by delivering food to schools and families throughout the school year and the summer. They also host food drives and other fundraising events.
Food For Life is a food rescue that saves food from grocery stores and puts it into the hands of the community that needs it. They are located throughout Halton and Hamilton.
Volunteering to Help Others
Seniors who have difficulties getting out of the house as often as they’d like would love a visitor and a fresh conversation friend. The same goes for folks in hospitals and nursing homes. Bring some reading material, a deck of cards, or a board game and watch the impact your visit has on their day!
Joseph Brant Hospital has roles for junior volunteers. If your student is interested in working in health care one day, this could be a really good opportunity for them to learn what it’s like and offer help where help is needed.
Volunteer Halton maintains a website of volunteer opportunities and stories. One such opportunity is Connections Among Generations. Student volunteers are invited to write cards, letters or poems or create artwork for seniors living alone in Halton. High school students lift the spirits of seniors, making them feel less alone, and gain volunteer hours for their time.
The school board websites and forms specify what types of activities are eligible and ineligible for volunteer hours. Once your student has completed some volunteer hours they’ll need to document them for the Halton District School Board or the Halton Catholic District School Board.
To sum up, students and parents should remember one thing: Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to the Halton community!
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post 15 Ways To Earn High School Volunteer Hours appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post PA Day Camp Providers in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>It’s almost time for another PA Day or PD Day in Hamilton and Halton area schools. Active Parents makes choosing a PD Day Camp for your kids easier! Our guide will help you find a new and unique PD Day Camp in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville and Milton because we bring together 30+ camps for you to choose from.
Our School Break Guides are the best because they’re the biggest. We open our guides to every camp. We also comb the web and social media for all of the camps we can find – so you don’t have to! Saving you time is what we’re here for!
Looking for the Halton and Hamilton School Board Calendars for 2024-2025? We’ve linked them here for your reference:
PA Day Camp Providers
More School-Related Articles for Parents
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]]>The post Winter Break Camps in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Winter camps during school breaks offer children a fantastic opportunity to stay active, engaged, and socialize in a supervised and enriching environment. These camps provide a break from routine, encouraging kids to explore new activities, make friends, and learn valuable skills in a fun setting. They offer a variety of specialized programs that cater to different interests, ensuring a well-rounded experience that fosters personal growth, resilience, and memorable experiences in a safe and structured setting.
Camps offer an array of engaging activities for kids during their time off school. These camps provide a mix of indoor and outdoor adventures, catering to various interests. From sports-focused programs emphasizing hockey or skiing to creative arts camps nurturing painting, crafts, and drama, there’s something for every child. Science and technology camps often feature robotics, coding, and experiments, fostering innovation. Nature-themed camps explore wildlife, winter hikes, and survival skills. With a focus on fun, learning, and social interaction, these camps ensure a memorable break, promoting teamwork, creativity, and personal development in Ontario’s picturesque winter wonderland.
This list includes programs for kids as young as 4 years old, up to teenagers. Your teens might also find the winter break an ideal time to clock some volunteer hours for high school. If you’ll be home while school is out and you need things to do on your free days, check out our events calendar. It’s home to hundreds of activities to keep you entertained.
If you host a Winter Break Camp, please click here to have your camp added. We have free and paid opportunities to spread the word about your programs for kids.
When Is Winter Break?
- Halton DSB – last day before winter break is Friday, December 22. You return to class Monday, January 8, 2024
- Halton Catholic DSB – last day before break is Thursday, December 21 and the Friday is a PA Day for you. You return on Monday, January 8, 2024
- HWDSB – last day before the break is Friday, December 22 and you go back Monday, January 8, 2024
- HW Catholic DSB your last day before winter break is Friday, December 22 and you go back Monday, January 8, 2024
Please note: some schools let out early on the day before the break, check with your school to be sure.
School Year Calendars For All Boards
Looking for the Halton and Hamilton School Board Calendars for 2023-2024? We’ve linked them here for your reference:
- Halton District School Board
- Halton Catholic District School Board
- Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
- Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
Plan Ahead For 2024 PA Days
Looking to get a jump on those PA Days in the new year? You can find Day Camps here.
Winter Camps in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post Winter Break Camps in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post After School Programs in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Before and after school care is essential for many families like ours. School day hours don’t match most standard work hours. We want to assist you in finding an after-school program for your kids that they’ll enjoy and that benefits them.
Are you a parent looking for the perfect after-school care program near you for your child? In this list, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of after-school care options right in your community. Whether you need a safe and nurturing environment for your little one or an enriching program to keep your older child engaged, we’ve got you covered.
Join us as we explore before and after-school care programs available, making it easier for you to make an informed choice for your child’s well-being and growth. If you offer a before and/or after school program in Hamilton, Burlington or Oakville, click here to add it to this guide. Listing your businesses is always free.
How To Choose An After School Program
Is this your first time choosing an after school program near me? We asked some parents (the real experts) for their tips and suggestions on finding high-quality care for their school-age kids during the school year. We hope these ideas will make choosing the right program easier. Here are some tips for finding an after-school program:
1. Determine your needs: Before you start looking for a child care program, determine what your child’s needs are. Think about what your child enjoys doing, what subjects they may need help in, and what their schedule looks like.
2. Visit: Visit the programs you are considering to get a sense of what they offer. Observe the staff, the operators, the facilities, and the activities.
3. Ask questions: Ask questions about the program’s philosophy, curriculum, and policies. Inquire about the qualifications of the staff, their training, and their experience.
4. Consider the cost: Consider the cost of the program, including any fees or expenses. Some programs may offer a child care fee subsidy or scholarships, so be sure to ask about those.
5. Check for safety: Make sure the program has safety measures in place, such as background checks for staff and procedures for emergencies.
6. Read reviews: Check online reviews or talk to other parents who have used the program to get an idea of what to expect.
7. Finally, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably best to keep looking until you find the right program for your child.
Burlington Before and After School Programs
Hamilton Before and After School Care programs
before and after-school care programs in Oakville
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post After School Programs in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post How To Get Scholarships in Canada appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Scholarships: we think of them as all-or-nothing. Either you’re the star quarterback going to Penn State on a football scholarship, or you’re a top-of-the-class brainiac on a full ride to Harvard. The reality is more mundane, especially when we think about scholarships in Canada. First, let’s define some terms:
Scholarship: a generic catch-all standing in for “money for education.” More specifically, scholarships are awarded based on grades and other achievements.
Bursary: like a scholarship, but offered on the basis of financial need.
Award: another generic term. Specifically, a one-time payment for an accomplishment, like being this year’s top student in the Philosophy department.
“Renewable” scholarships: awards that continue to offer funding year-in, year-out, so long as you continue to qualify.
“Automatic consideration”: an award that doesn’t require a direct application. You’ll be considered for the scholarship when you apply to the school that offers it.
“Entrance” scholarship: an award for new students, typically straight out of high school. Usually based on grades, and may be renewable.
What do I need to know about scholarship programs in Canada?
Canada has relatively few “full-ride” or “fully-funded” scholarships, and even fewer athletic scholarships. Sports scholarships are far more common in the USA. Large scholarships do exist — see, for example, the Loran Scholars or the Schulich Leaders — but most programs will be in the $2,000-$5,000 range. This means students should apply to multiple scholarships throughout the year, in an effort to gather as many smaller awards as possible.
There’s no real scholarship “season” either. We see spikes in deadlines around October and April, but deadlines happen year-round. More and more, we’re seeing programs move into the summer months, to give students more opportunity to apply when not focused on school. So, you’ve got to be vigilant throughout the year in order to catch the interesting scholarships.
How do I find scholarships in Canada?
Here are a few sources to try. It never hurts to check back in once in a while to see what might be new.
- The school(s) that interest you: colleges and universities are some of the best scholarship sources. Be aware that you must be a student enrolled at or attending the institution to qualify for an award.
- Scholarship websites: some websites gather scholarships from all over and make them easier to find. Check out the links below and explore what they have to offer:
- ScholarshipsCanada.com
- StudentAwards.com
- ScholarTree.ca
- Fastweb.com (for studies in the United States)
- Google: yes, search engines can help a lot! See below for some advice on keywords to consider when looking for scholarships in Canada so you don’t get overwhelmed.
What should I consider when I’m searching for scholarships in Canada?
Here’s an inexhaustive list of factors to consider when you’re searching. It can be good practice to adjust these different factors slightly as you explore. For example, if you’re interested in biology, be sure to look for “STEM” scholarships as well.
- Field of study: the program you’re taking is a big factor. Of late, we’re seeing more and more STEM-focused awards — so chem might be a better choice than contemporary poetry.
- Activities: extra-curriculars, sports, arts, etc. The big three are: volunteering, leadership, and community involvement. Taking part in school clubs, tutoring others, friendly visits at the retirement home: all great stuff.
- Heritage: lots of awards are aimed at folks from specific demographic groups. Awards for Indigenous students are most common in Canada, but there are scholarships for Black students, Muslim students, Chinese students, etc.
- Affiliation: companies, religious organizations, non-profits, or unions, that your child, or you as a parent, belong to. The larger the organization, the more likely they’ll offer scholarships.
- Personal circumstances: foster children, single parents, members of the LGBTQ+ community, etc. Anything indelible about who you are could lead to a scholarship.
Basically, do a self-inventory to identify unique facets about you and your personal story, then look to see what might fit!
Can students apply for scholarships if they’re also taking student loans?
Yes! Student loan applications will look at the financial picture of your family, and ask about your estimated level of scholarship funding as part of that picture. Still, you’ll be able (even encouraged) to apply for scholarships alongside provincial/federal student loans. Receiving a large scholarship may impact your loan amount, but at least you won’t have to pay that money back!
Bear in mind, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will have an easier time finding awards in Canada than those from abroad. Conversely, Canadians studying at a school overseas will face more challenges finding funding. Scholarships for international students do exist, but they’re rarer and more competitive than their domestic counterparts.
Got questions about scholarships in Canada? Check out ScholarshipsCanada or drop us a line directly at [email protected].
Thanks for reading, and happy hunting!
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post How To Get Scholarships in Canada appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post PA Day Activities: 50+ Things To Do When School Is Out appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>There is another day off school coming up and if you need a cheat sheet for PA Day activities, you have come to the right place. We’ve put together a couple of dozen ideas for indoor activities, free things to do and outdoor PD Day activities that will keep your kids busy.
Indoor PA Day Activities
Score huge parent points when you take the kids to an indoor water park for the day. This list of local spots will help you pick the best one.
Check out a Burlington indoor play centre, or trampoline park or better yet, visit one that’s further afield in Hamilton and Niagara and your kids will think you’ve discovered a fantastic new land!
There are indoor sports for every skill level – bowling, batting cages, laser tag, and rock climbing to name a few! We have a huge list of facilities in the area, whatever your athlete wants to try!
Turn the tables on the weather this PD Day, and let the kids decide if they want to go for a swim or an indoor skate. Find the times here for Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and Milton.
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? The warm temperatures, fluttering butterflies, and even a waterfall at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory will make you think you’ve taken a trip to a sunny destination!
Get creative at one of the area’s studios – whether pottery painting, making things with clay or both!
Indoor PA Day Activities For The Big Kids
Work your skills at freeing yourselves from an Escape Room. We’ve got the lowdown on locations in Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph with kid-friendly storylines, too!
Golf isn’t just for the good weather when you head to Putting Edge in Oakville. The glow-in-the-dark surroundings are fun for all ages.
Thinking of going to the movies? Check out Cinestarz and Film.ca for more budget-friendly outings – the bonus is there’s more money for popcorn!!
There are tons of museums and galleries in our area that are not only educational but have lots of creative ways to get involved and have fun. One of our favourites is to visit the Bruegel-Bosch bus at the Art Gallery of Hamilton or go back in time for a historical visit to Dundurn Castle.
We’ve got 5 great tips for visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – and bonus it’s next to the airport, so you can spend some time watching the planes!
Bored of the same old games? Try new ones at Board Game Cafes in Hamilton like Never Board Games or Mancala Monk.
Outdoor PD Day Activities
A visit with animals is always a top-notch PA Day activity. We are so lucky to have so many places to see zoo animals, farm animals, and wild animals close by. You check them out at Brantford Zoo, Triple C Farm, and Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Feel like making a full day out of it? Check out our reviews of more farms, parks, and sanctuaries in the area.
Have you explored all of the Royal Botanic Gardens properties? The Rock Garden is amazing at tulip time, or take a hike at Cherry Hill.
Hike the Hide and Seek trail at Crawford Lake – the giant wooden sculptures are fun to find while you learn more about species at risk. Mountsberg Conservation Area is one of our favourites – with birds of prey, farm animals, trails, and a lake there are tons to do whatever the weather.
Make a splash by taking your kids to one of the local outdoor waterparks. The perfect answer when you need an exhilarating PD Day activity.
Ski hills can get crowded so maybe try tubing or cross-country skiing!
Free Things to Do on A PA Day
If waterparks are a bit too much for your littles, check out our splash pad guides to Burlington, Hamilton, and Oakville. Discover pirates, crowns, elephants and more! We love free things to do on a PA Day!
Dress for the weather and play at a new (to you) park. We love this one in Burlington, and this one is just a short drive away. Check out our searchable parks directory – plug in the features that are important to you and find your new favourite playground.
Walk your neighbourhood and find a Little Free Library. Their take-a-book leave-a-book philosophy makes finding a new read for kids or adults easy-peasy! We love educational PA Day activities.
Go on a real-life treasure hunt by geocaching! Using the free app and GPS tracking you can find hidden containers in lots of public spaces. Some caches are tiny, some are big enough to leave small treasures in – whatever you do, don’t forget a pencil – you’ll want to sign the log and let other people know you were there!
Ignore the world and stay home for the PA Day. Fresh baked cookies, snuggles, and a movie sounds delightful, doesn’t it?
Want a wheelie good time? Check out our guide to the best skateboard and scooter parks in Burlington, Hamilton, and Oakville
Visit the library. It’s way more than just book-borrowing. Movies, video games, activity kits, plus a ton of other activities are all waiting for you!
If sledding is more your speed find the City approved hills in Burlington and Hamilton here.
Download our Winter Bingo, Scavenger Hunt, or Indoor Scavenger Hunt cards and see how many activities you can do – maybe the winner can choose a treat from our ‘Shop Local’ list!
Shop Local
Eat out at one of the restaurants that offer a Kids Eat Free option throughout the week.
Do-nut forget a sweet treat! We asked and you voted for the best doughnut shops in the area. Why not plan a doughnut crawl and tasting session?
Embrace the great weather and support one of the local ice cream shops on our list of Hot Spots for Cool Treats. What a delicious PA Day activity!
Have you eaten the best fries in town yet? We took a very scientific poll and here are the results. You’re welcome.
There you have it! We’ve provided some inspiration for great things to do on a PA Day, but if you have other plans share them with us! Whatever you do, enjoy the day with the family.
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post PA Day Activities: 50+ Things To Do When School Is Out appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Volunteer Opportunities In Hamilton For High School Students appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Do you have a student at home looking for volunteer opportunities in Hamilton? Ontario high school students need 40 hours of community volunteer service to graduate with their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Recognizing that it can take some thought, time, and effort to find suitable roles for your teens, Active Parents has some ideas to get you started.
Volunteering in high school can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It not only provides an opportunity to give back to the community but also helps students develop important skills and qualities such as leadership, communication, empathy, and responsibility.
We also have a great list of Halton volunteer opportunities.
Earning High School Volunteer Hours
Parents, you can learn more about the program online. You can also check out eligible and ineligible volunteer activities because not everything qualifies. Download your volunteer hours record sheets on the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Community Involvement Hours page and on the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Christian Service Program page.
Now, for the fun part, finding the organizations that are looking for volunteers… And, keep in mind that teens may volunteer with multiple places to make up the 40 hours. This will give them exposure to different types of experiences and introduce them to even more people, expanding their network.
The HWDSB lists known opportunities on the Kambeo website.
Other portals and Resources
These sites list volunteer opportunities in Hamilton for teens who want to work with youth, seniors, churches, animals, events and more.
Volunteer Hamilton has a wealth of information on their website whether your student is interested in sports, arts, religion, health, the environment or in other areas.
Dundas Community Services has a volunteer portal. There are opportunities to give back alongside your children, sign ups for teens, seniors, and persons with disabilities, too.
Flamborough Connects lists a variety of opportunities, including some for students, in Waterdown, Carlisle, Freelton, Millborough, Millgrove, Rockton etc.
The Youth Portal has volunteer positions and lists volunteer opportunities from other places like the Village Theatre Waterdown, Good Shepherd, Animal Adoptions, and Eagles Nest.
More Opportunities In Hamilton For High School Students
City of Hamilton opportunities
Is your teen interested in working with seniors or in healthcare or sports? If so, you might want to check out some of the opportunities, like the ones at Macassa and Wentworth Long Term Care Lodges, listed on the City of Hamilton Volunteer Opportunities page. The City’s Recreation programs also accepts students aged 13 and up for help with swimming and dryland programs and camps. They have lots of volunteer opportunities in Hamilton.
Help Kids in Your Community
Teens may apply to give their time with Routes Youth Center helping with fundraising and community outreach events in Dundas, ON. Email: [email protected].
Community events
High school students may give their time to help at Waterdown’s Oh Canada Ribfest. This is a fun way to earn some of your 40 hours. High school students often help with set up, take down, beverage sales and other general duties.
Volunteer Opportunities With Hamilton Libraries & galleries
For teens interested in libraries and museums, the Hamilton Public Library offers volunteer opportunities for high school students. The HPL accepts youth volunteers aged 14 and older. There are different positions and they have a Volunteer Coordinator (who you may email at: [email protected]) and an online application form.
The Art Gallery of Hamilton has a volunteer program too. Check their website to read about the different positions and to see if they are accepting students when your teen is looking. You may also email them at: [email protected].
Art classes
Contact Dundas Valley School of the Arts to learn more about volunteer positions for teens. Students can sign up and earn volunteer hours by helping out at the school and with programs and special events.
Science & nature
Calling all environmentalists! Here is a great way to earn high school volunteer hours. Green Venture has volunteering positions for gardening, the seed library, social media, programming and special events. This is an opportunity to learn about nature and be a steward of the land in the Greater Hamilton Area.
And, last but not least, don’t forget about the Royal Botanical Gardens if your teen is concerned with protecting the natural environment.
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post Volunteer Opportunities In Hamilton For High School Students appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Find a Babysitter in Your Area (8 Effective Tips) appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>It’s the top question on every Facebook parent group: “Can anyone recommend a babysitter?” How can we have so many local kids of babysitting age, and yet no one seems to have a sitter? Before you get discouraged, make sure you’ve exhausted all avenues when trying to find a babysitter, and don’t forget these… they’re tried and tested!
Ask Your Big Kids
I know, I know, too easy. But not everyone knows that kids age 10 and over can stay home alone, and depending on their individual maturity, kids 11+ could even be potential babysitters. Halton Region has some great info on preparing your kids for being home alone, and on local babysitting courses for tweens and teens, as does the Canadian Red Cross. When my oldest was 11 we started going on walks around the block during the daytime to give her a little taste of the responsibility.
Your Friend’s Children
I often use my friend’s kids for babysitting. This was the easiest way to find a babysitter. Our first sitter was 12, and that was perfect for when I need to be somewhere during the day on a weekend or PA Day, or if Mr Active Parents and I want to go on a day date. Plus, they’re young enough that they still like playing silly games with my kids.
Ask The Older Siblings of Your Kids’ Friends
My 7-year-old has a couple of pals who have older siblings. This is a reliable way to find a good babysitter because you already know a little about their family, and they’ve probably already been fairly acquainted, so no first meeting nervousness. In addition, they may already have experience babysitting their younger siblings.
Hey, Neighbour!
I love the demographics of my ‘hood. Especially the plethora of teenagers who live on my street. Get outside and meet your neighbours and their teenagers, too. We have used a couple of the local girls as sitters, and my kids love it. Plus, the drive home is amazing! And ask teenage boys as well! My youngest loved Pokemon, video games and basketball and we found a sporty teen who could keep up with her and tire her out!
Ask Your Kid’s Teachers
No, don’t ask them to babysit. They don’t need to see your children any more than they already do. Ask them for recommendations on older kids they’ve taught. Who’s responsible? Who’s into art like your son is? Who can listen to detailed discussions on every Minecraft level your daughter has created? Maybe they have older children or nieces and nephews who are local and eager to babysit. Teachers are a great resource. This is my favourite way to find a babysitter.
Your Local Highschool Is Full of Babysitters
Are you still wondering how to find a babysitter? Many high schools will let you post a flyer if you’re looking for a babysitter. They usually have a spot for info like this, and as long as it’s approved by the administrators, you should be fine. This is a great avenue if you don’t pick up your kids directly after school, and don’t get a chance to see the big kids milling about.
Catch a Sitter In Their Habitat
The next time you’re at the library or community centre, and you see a group of teens ask if any of them babysit. I know it seems intrusive, but it’s not. And it works better with your kids in tow. Teens are likely too shy to ask or offer. We randomly met a couple of amazing high school students at a Tim Horton’s after school one day. They initiated games with my youngest while I had a coffee with another mom, perfect babysitter material! I offered them my phone number and told them to check with their parents if they were interested in babysitting.
Facebook and Nextdoor Apps Can Be Helpful
If you’re new to the area and wondering how to find a babysitter, you can post your needs and collect comments and recommendations. it’s a great way to find a couple of sitters to have on standby in case one is not available when you need them.
Ask an Adult – It Takes a Village!
If you’ve tried all of these, and still had no luck, I’m a big fan of asking other parents. Swap childcare with other parents. You take their child for an afternoon or evening, in exchange for them doing the same with your child. The price can’t be beaten – free! Plus, it’s a win-win for the kids as it’s TWO playdates. Isn’t this exactly what “it takes a village” means?
My last tidbit is a reminder to never underestimate how rejuvenating an hour or two to yourself can be. Don’t wait for a fancy dinner or special occasion. Visit a bookstore, or a coffee shop, or just sit in another room while your kid(s) plays with a new babysitter, and future lifelong friend. You won’t regret it. And you’ve earned it!
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post Find a Babysitter in Your Area (8 Effective Tips) appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 100 Things For 100th Day at School appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Many schools celebrate “100th Day” and a big part of celebrating the 100th day of school is trading and counting your “100 things”. If your kids want to bring in “100 things”, we’ve got the biggest list with 50 of the best ideas!
Spark awesome conversations with our Would You Rather and This or That questions for families
Find all of our school-related info here
100 Things for 100th Day at School
Get your kids involved in the collecting, choosing and sorting of items for the 100th day of school. The more they are involved, the more excited they’ll be! And don’t forget, you don’t have to bring in 100 of just one item, let your kids mix and match and bring in an assortment of 100 items to trade and share with their classmates. Side note, can you believe it’s been 100 days of school already?
Beads (and leave them at school for crafts)
Beer caps
Bobby pins
Bouncy balls
Buttons
Candy pieces
Cheerios
Cotton balls are easy to carry
Crayons
Dried beans
Envelopes are inexpensive and kids love them
Erasers
Facial tissues
Feathers
Friendship pins
Googly eyes are a top vote from my kids
Hangers
Index cards
Keys
Lego pieces
Marbles
Milk tags – stay saving them now LOL!
Nails/screws, but be safe!
Odd socks
Paperclips
Pencils
Pennies if you can still find them
Pipe cleaners
Playing cards from all of those incomplete decks
Pom Poms
Popsicle sticks
Popcorn kernels
Post-it notes
Puzzle pieces for that puzzle missing a piece already
Qtips
Rubber bands
Sequins
Small pasta noodle
Stickers
Straws – paper if possible!
Temporary tattoos
Trading Cards
Twist ties
Valentines
Washers
Wet naps – these will be a hot commodity!
Wine corks
Wooden blocks
Wooden skewers
Ziplock bags so each kiddo has a carrying case for their loot
Whew! How about that list?! Thanks to our readers who helped us come up with these ideas. You can add to our list with a comment and tell us what your kids are taking “100” of for the 100th day of school! And be sure to check out this Pinterest board with crafty ways to celebrate 100 days of school.
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post 100 Things For 100th Day at School appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post 20+ Secretly Educational Things To Do With Kids appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Are you looking for educational things to do with your kids? Whether it’s a homeschool day, a PD Day or a school break, these ideas will entertain your crew while also teaching them a little something. We won’t tell them if you won’t!
Let Nature Be The Professor
Get outside! Mother Nature provides a ton of educational things to do with kids, therefore, make sure to use her for all she has to offer! Here are some of our favourite spots to stroller walk and hike with kids.
Visit one of these 40+ playgrounds we love because playing most certainly counts as physical education!
educational things to do With Kids At Home
Everywhere you look there are educational things to do at home!
Take a page from our friend Sara, and try these 5 easy experiments you can make with ingredients from your kitchen
Bake or cook with your kids. As adults, we do it without thinking twice, but cooking and baking involve reading, measuring, mixing and more! Include the kids in the process, and after that, you all will love the end result!
Teach them a life skill. I’m shocked at the things I’ve never taught my kids how to do just because it’s easier and faster if I do it. Get them involved in laundry, dusting, taking care of the family pets and meal planning. Likewise, older kids can even learn how to budget so they don’t overspend at the grocery or dollar store.
Read to them or with them. We all know the stats, so adding in a little reading is certainly a good idea.
Use up those activity books. I have lots of those word searches, crosswords, dot-to-dot and puzzle books with one or two pages completed. I’m breaking them out, leaving them in their direct line of sight and encouraging puzzle mania!
Get artistic! Whether you’re a Pinterest parent who wants to create an art assignment, or you pull out the craft supplies and let them create thill their heart’s content, making things with your hands and mind is good for the soul. During their creativity phase, maybe you can get some work done!
Explore These Destinations
Take a day trip, or spend a few hours exploring someplace new. We recommend a stop-in at these locations that offer educational things to do because they’re kid-friendly and you’ll learn lots while you’re there:
- Bronte Creek Provincial Park
- Joseph Brant Museum
- Ireland House Museum
- Art Gallery of Hamilton
- Art Gallery of Burlington
Read about the best local kid-friendly museums and galleries here. We’ve got the details, all you need to do is choose which ones to visit!
My favourite free place to take kids of any age is the public library. Just by being under their roof, I’m inspired! That’s why it’s one of the easiest educational things to do with kids. Libraries offer books (of course!) but did you know they also have these items available to check out:
- Movies
- Video games
- Activity kits
- Magazines
Educational Things To Do Online: Websites We Love
Screen time isn’t the enemy! And like this report shows, even video game playing has benefits (this says so). Here are some of our favourites, and we’d love to know yours!
GeoGuesser (website) is a new fave that we play together. You are shown a Google map, and asked to guess where you are! Sometimes you get a monument, sometimes you need to know what capital you’re in! No matter what version you choose, it’s always a good time. Kids 10+.
PBS Kids is an all-time classic. You can watch your fave characters, and play games and everything has a learning element to it so it’s 100% guilt-free for this mama! Perfect for kids ages 3-10 years old.
Nat Geo Kids is another essential to add to your browser bar. In addition to their website offering free access to everything nature and education, kids will learn about environmental awareness and activism. Kids from kindergarten up will have fun with this one.
Freckle is where you want to go to do some legit learning. Language and Math skills will definitely be improved here, and it’s come recommended by an educator friend who loves it for grades K through 12!
Educational Things To Do Online: Apps We Love
Short and Curly (podcast) asks some great questions that the whole family can engage in discussing. Examples of recent episodes are “Should we ban homework?” and “Is it okay to read someone else’s diary?” Kids of all ages can listen, enjoy and engage.
Little Stories For Tiny People (podcast) is storytime done for you! Kids will enjoy the stories, and adults will enjoy the break from reading aloud. Kindergarten – grade 1
Wow in the World (podcast) is one of our all-time faves for school-age kids. Mindy and Guy are a great combo who hold kids’ attention with humour and silliness. The team teaches educated kids while leading them through a story or report. Elementary school-age kids will love this one.
More Ideas For Fun And Adventure
Great conversation starters for families
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post 20+ Secretly Educational Things To Do With Kids appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post These Are The Gifts Teachers Really Want appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>There are so many ways to thank your child’s teacher for a great school year, but to make sure we were ranking high on our gift giving, we consulted some of our favourite local teachers to get the goods on the gifts they’ve appreciated the most.
Support your teacher’s passion with a charitable donation
Teachers are among the more selfless folks out there, so it’s no wonder that charitable donations ranked high on their gift list. Local charities like Halton Food for Thought, Canadian Tire JumpStart, The Burlington Humane Society, and Food 4 Kids are big favourites of the teachers we spoke to, but a donation to any charity that helps kids be the best they can be is sure to be a winner. These locations all accept online donations, and a handmade card to your teacher telling them about your donation in their name is a lovely idea.
Are They A New Parent / Spouse?
If your teacher is getting married or having a baby in the near future, definitely take that into account. Search their registry if they have one, or pick up a little something meaningful. Maybe a onesie that relates to the subject they teach, or a duplicate of your own child’s favourite baby toy for their new baby to enjoy. How about a set of luggage tags for the engaged couple? One year, Burlington teacher Amy Spiers‘ class all went in together to buy her the luggage set from her wedding registry, and 10 years later she’s still using them, and thinking of the now-university-aged kids every time she does!
Less “Stuff”, Please and thank you
While every teacher agreed that any token of your appreciation is appreciated and unexpected, we suggest try not to add to their “things that need to be dusted” list. Unless your teacher has just moved out on their own, they probably have enough coffee cups and bubble bath, and unless you know them very well, things with scents are a tricky purchase.
Heather Smith, an educational assistant with the HDSB, loves that one of her parents takes the time to bake homemade treats for her twice a year. Consumables like gift cards are always welcome. Darcie Boutilier, a Kindergarten teacher, loves receiving gift cards for Indigo, Tim Horton’s and Starbucks. And Deb Duncan, a Milton high school teacher, loves that her students take their own money and purchase her Tim Horton’s or LCBO gift cards. It’s a big gesture, that doesn’t cost much.
“When in doubt, gift cards are the safest bet.”
gifts for teachers can help them Get a Jump on Next Year
Teachers spend a lot of their own money on classroom supplies, so help them get one step ahead of next year’s classroom with a gift card to Indigo or Dollarama. When you think of how many $20 shopping trips a teacher makes a year, a gift card could really help take the sting out of the pocketbook.
Or, for something more tangible, I’m sure you’ve noticed the option to “buy a classroom book” on the back of the Scholastic book order form. Classroom libraries always need a few new books each year, so help your child’s teacher get a jump on their next classroom with a few new level-appropriate books. Or purchase a series of books on a topic they’ve discussed that year: space, structures, diversity, historic persons, or living things perhaps?
Tug at Those Heartstrings
One of the most memorable gifts Holly B., an HDSB Kindergarten teacher received had each student completed a page for a class book, listing their favourite memory from the year. A parent organized and put it together, and it’s a definite keeper!
The Winner for best teacher gift Is…
And the ONE gift that EVERY teacher remarked as being their absolute favourite is… A handwritten note from home. Whether it’s from a parent or child, just hearing the positive feedback on your year in class is what keeps teachers going. They become second families to our kids and hearing about how they have impacted your child is definitely a gift they cherish for years.
“…a card with a handwritten and heartfelt note from the student and/or the parents is also one of the best gifts you can get as a teacher. I have many of those that I have saved over the years and look back on them and read them again from time to time. They are very meaningful to me.”
Paul Brandreth, Grade 5 Teacher, Halton District School Board.
And as always, no teacher ever expects a gift, but we know so many people like to thank them at the end of the year, and we wanted to help you do that. Three cheers for teachers!
Hot Off The Presses!
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
- Things To Do This Weekend With Kids: May 9-11, 2025
- Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
- Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Here’s How To Score This Deal
- 50+ Experience Gifts for Kids and Families
The post These Are The Gifts Teachers Really Want appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>The post Things To Do on a PD Day – Winter Edition appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>A day home with the kids is an opportunity to do something great together…but what?! We have some fun ideas for things to do on a PA Day!
Things To Do on a PD Day – Winter EditionRead More »
The post Things To Do on a PD Day – Winter Edition appeared first on Active Parents.
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