Things To Do in the Winter Archives – Active Parents

Triple C Farm: Get Up Close With Adorable Farm Animals

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

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

Find more animal adventures…

Welcome to Triple C Farm in Ancaster

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

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

Visiting Triple C Farm

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

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

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

What To See And Do At Triple C Farm in Ancaster

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

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

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

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

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

Events and Experiences at Triple C

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

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

Admission to Triple C

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

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

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

Hot Off The Presses!

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

The post Triple C Farm: Get Up Close With Adorable Farm Animals appeared first on Active Parents.

5 Must-Dos For Visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

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

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

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

Welcome To The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

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

I learned so much about these guys all thanks to my amazing tour guide!

What Kind Of Planes Are At The Warplane Heritage Museum?

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

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

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

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

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

More Things To Check Out at The Warplane Museum in Hamilton

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

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

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

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

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

Isn’t she a beaut? This is the Avro Lancaster.

5 Must-Dos When You Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

One More Tip…

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

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

Visit them online: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Make sure to look for Dusty!

Hot Off The Presses!

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

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (Photos + FAQs Answered)

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

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

What is The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory?

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

Will my kids have fun at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much is the butterfly conservatory?

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

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

Things to know about the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

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

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

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

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (Photos + FAQs Answered) appeared first on Active Parents.

Dive Into These 5 Indoor Water parks in Ontario

Amber Rohal — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

Indoor Water parks in Ontario

Waves Indoor Water park

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

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

Good To Know:

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

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

Fallsview Indoor Water park

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

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

Good To Know:

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

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

Great Wolf Lodge Resort

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

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

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

Good To Know:

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

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

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

Plunge! Indoor Aquatic Centre at Blue Mountain

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

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

Good To Know:

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

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

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

Adventure Bay Windsor Indoor Waterpark

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

Day passes start at $17.00 per person.

Good To Know:

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

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

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

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

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

Chelsea Hotel in Toronto

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

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

Chelsea Hotel Family Fun Zone

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

Mississauga Meadowvale Hilton

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

Read our review here.

London’s Lamplighter Inn

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

Best Western Leamington

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

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

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Dive Into These 5 Indoor Water parks in Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.

Free Fishing Weekend 2025 in Ontario

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

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

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

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

Free Fishing Weekends 2025 – Free Fishing in Ontario

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

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

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

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

How To Borrow Fishing Equipment

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

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

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Free Fishing Weekend 2025 in Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.

Maple Syrup Festivals 2025: Hamilton, Halton, Niagara and More

Amber Rohal — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:54:47 +0000

Is there anything more Canadian than visiting a Maple Syrup festival and eating freshly-poured-on-snow maple syrup candy? We don’t think so, either! That’s why Active Parents has rounded up these local Maple Syrup festivals nearby that you should definitely visit. Bon appetite!

Westfield Heritage Village – 2025 Maple Season

What is there to do? During Maple Season, two demonstration sites will be open, including the modern sugar shack. Westfield will also have their maple syrup panels on display, a Maple Trivia Trail to follow, and the St. George Lions will be out to sell pancakes in the Ironwood Hall (TBC for 2025). Visitors will be able to buy maple treats from the General Store and Gift Shop.

A selection of historical buildings will also be open, and volunteer historical interpreters will be providing a variety of demonstrations during your 2-hour visit. Remember to dress for the weather so you can stay warm as you explore the village. Westfield Heritage Village is offering their maple syrup program on the following dates:

Sundays, February 23, March 2, 9, 16 and 23.
March Break days: Wednesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 13.

Visitors will also be able to buy maple treats from the General Store and Gift Shop. Due to the popularity of events at Westfield Heritage Village, visitors must reserve a time slot for their visit. Reservations, which include parking, are in 2-hour time slots on the Maple Syrup special program days. No walk-ins during Maple Season.

Pricing / Admission:

HCA Members – This event is free for HCA Membership Pass holders, but they will be required to pay a $10.00 reservation fee.
Non-HCA Members – Reservation Fee: $10.00, plus Vehicle Fee: $11.00, plus Per Person Fee: $5.00 per person. Ages 5 and under are free.

Visit the Hamilton Conservation Authority website

Read More: Wondering what’s on this weekend? Wonder no more.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park – 2025 Details

Bronte Creek’s Maple Syrup festival specializes in the history of maple syrup presented on a heritage farm from 1900. Their maple syrup farm includes a pancake house, fresh maple candy, fresh maple taffy, guided tours of Maple Lane, gift shoppe, wagon rides, farm animals, historical tours, family activities and more. Open every weekend in March, and daily during March Break. This is one of the more popular maple syrup festivals nearby.

Admission / Pricing:

The festival is included in the daily vehicle access fee:

Daily vehicle permit $18.00
Senior permit $14.50
Disable persons permit $9.00 with proof of Ontario Disability permit)
Bur permit $62.50

In addition to your park permit, Bronte Creek also recommends you budget about $40 for maple festival popular purchases like the candy shanty, gift shop and maple taffy station. The pancake meals vary in price (see below) Meals include pancakes, sausage or bacon, a drink and of course 100% pure maple syrup! No group rates for meals.

$6.00 small meal
$12.00 medium meal
$40.00 family platter

Address: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville, Ontario.

VIsit Bronte Creek’s website

Read More: 13 reasons why you should visit Bronte Creek – even when it’s *not* maple syrup season.

Maple town at Mountsberg Conservation Area 2025

It’s the sweetest time of year at Conservation Halton! The Mountsberg Maple Syrup festival is a popular one! Their sugarbush has been producing maple magic for more than 150 years and educating the public for over 40 years. The park will tap about 300 sugar maples this spring and the crystal-clear sap will be magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. Purchase a delicious pancake meal, maple-themed sweets & treats!

A visit to Maple Town offers you an exploration of the various demonstrations around the sugar bush – and of course pancakes! Plus, you can add a Wagon Ride (additional fee, first come first serve) through the sugarbush for a truly unforgettable experience or Talons and Tailfeathers for a closer encounter with the Mountsberg Raptors.

Dates and Times For Maple Town

March 1, 2025 – April 6, 2025 – Weekends, Holidays & March Break
9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Admission – Non-Members

Adult: $12.25 +HST
Senior: $10.00 +HST
Child (5-14): $9.00 +HST
Child 4 & under: FREE

Admission Members

Adult: $5.00 +HST
Senior: $4.00 +HST
Child (5-14): $3.00 +HST
Child 4 & under: FREE

Maple Town is one of the more popular maple syrup festivals nearby so don’t wait to book. Click here to book your Maple Town visit.

Crawford Lake Sweet Water 2025

Crawford Lake Conservation Area presents Sweet Water Season, a celebration of the Indigenous heritage of maple sugaring. Your visit focuses on the Indigenous heritage of maple sugaring through a series of exhibits throughout the Longhouse Village. Visitors can take a step back in time to the 15th-century site when maple sugaring was the first harvest of the year.

Sweetwater demonstrations run throughout the day, Guests are encouraged to gather by the fire and learn all about the history of maple sugar making. There will also be guided maple syrup tasting flights offered where you can try different grades of maple syrup, similar to a wine tasting.

Dates and Times

March 1, 2025 – April 6, 2025 – Weekends, Holidays & March Break
9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Included in your Sweetwater Season Experience:

Longhouse Village Exploration
First Harvest: Celebrating Sweet Water Exhibit
Maple Syrup Tastings
Maple Taffy on Snow
Sweet Water Demonstrations

Admission Fees

Adult: $10.50 +HST
Senior: $8.75 +HST
Child (5-14): $7.25 +HST
Child 4 & under: FREE

Book your Sweet Water experience here.

Maple Syrup in the park at Terra Cotta Conservation Area – 2025 Info Coming Soon

Come out and explore Terra Cotta Conservation Area this spring at our maple syrup event. Tap into the sweet taste of spring and enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup, taste maple taffy and take home maple sweets and treats, available for purchase from our Park Store! Tour maple syrup demonstrations, take a walk through Tales on the Trail, learn from Indigenous partners and more. Click here for a full line up of Maple activities planned for 2025.

Admission:

Save $3 off your tickets today! Early bird ticket pricing on until February 28th, or until tickets sell out. Buy your tickets here.

Adult (ages 15 to 64): $13
Youth (ages 6 to 14): $7.50
Child (ages 0 to 5): Free
Seniors (ages 65 years and over): $10.50
Credit Valley Parks Passholders: Free

Maple Weekend with Sweet Ontario

The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association will be hosting the Annual Maple Weekend April 5-6, 2025. Participants in Maple Weekend can be found across the province in a number of maple syrup farms and producing areas. Depending on how far you’d like to travel for your syrup fix, you could find yourself at an event in St. Catharines, Halton, Niagara, or head north to Simcoe.

Burlington Lion’s Club Maple Syrup Sale

Prefer to stay warm and cozy, but refuse to give up on that delicious maple goodness? The Burlington Lion’s Club has been selling Quebec Maple Syrup as a fundraising project since 2003. The money they raise from this event is returned back to the Burlington Community. Sweet just got sweeter! Click here for more info.

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Maple Syrup Festivals 2025: Hamilton, Halton, Niagara and More appeared first on Active Parents.

Valentine’s Day Events Near You 2025

Amber Rohal — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:26:39 +0000

Spread the love with your little ones at one of these Valentine’s Day events. February 14th reminds us to slow down and love the ones near and far, and these events will let you celebrate with some togetherness and quality time.

Are you sending in Valentine’s for your child’s class? We have a great list of non-candy options that are fun, unique and most importantly – easy! Check out our list of non-food Valentine’s Day ideas here.

“Are there any Valentine’s Day events near me?” This was a question we received in our DMs on February 1st. As shown below, I was thrilled to answer YES to this message!

If you’re looking for a day filled with hearts and pink and red, undoubtedly, these Valentine’s Day events fit the bill. Thank you to these businesses for adding warmth and love to our February. This list includes Valentine’s Day events in Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville. And activities in Milton, Guelph and Kitchener, are here, too! There’s lots of love on the calendar this year, therefore we know you’ll easily find something great to do. Afterwards, maybe some heart-shaped pancakes for dinner?

Share your Valentine’s Day with us on Facebook and Instagram – we love seeing the love!

Valentine’s Day Themed Events Near You

There were no results found.

There were no results found.

List
Month

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Valentine’s Day Events Near You 2025 appeared first on Active Parents.

50+ Things To Do This Winter

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

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

Explore Nature

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

Gage Park Greenhouse has turtles, fish and birds!

Soak Up The Christmas Spirit

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

Add a Memorable Family Experience To Your Calendar

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

All aboard for a seasonal train ride.

Run, Jump, Climb and Play!

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

Easy Outdoor Activities For Winter Fun

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

Outdoor rinks are ready for you!

Take a Road Trip or a Day Trip

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

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

Eat Great Food

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

Free and Cheap Ideas

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

Read Our Latest Articles

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

Experience the Magic of the Botanical Train Display at Royal Botanical Gardens

Amber Rohal — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:19:19 +0000

Looking for a delightful winter outing that the whole family will love? The Botanical Train Display at Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is a must-see seasonal attraction that combines the charm of model trains with breathtaking natural artistry. Here’s why the RBG Christmas Train deserves a spot on your family’s holiday itinerary.

Discover the Wonders of the Botanical Train Display

This enchanting RBG train exhibit features “G scale” model trains chugging through whimsical, miniature landscapes inspired by Canadian landmarks. What makes it truly special is that these iconic structures are crafted entirely from plant materials! Surrounding the display are over 2,500 lush plants, creating a festive, immersive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

The exhibit, sometime called the RBG Christmas Train, also celebrates Canada’s railroad history, showcasing steam engines of the late 1800s, sleek streamliners of the 1930s, and powerful modern locomotives. It’s a blend of nostalgia and wonder that will captivate both train enthusiasts and nature lovers alike

Plan Your Visit

Dates: Open now through January 7, 2025 (closed December 25, 26, and January 1).
Location: Rock Garden at RBG, 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, Ontario.
Hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Ticket Information

General admission tickets include access to the display:

Adults: $19.50
Children (3-12): $11.50
Infants (0-2): Free
If you’re a frequent visitor, consider an annual family membership for $130, which offers unlimited access and discounts on special events.

Make the Most of Your Trip

Arrive Early: Mornings or early afternoons are less busy, making it easier to explore with little ones.
Pair Your Visit: Don’t miss RBG’s Christmas Lights show, Winter Wonders, a dazzling light installation in Hendrie Park, running in the evenings. It’s a magical way to extend your family outing.
Pack for the Weather: While much of the train display is indoors, the gardens themselves offer plenty of scenic outdoor areas to explore.

Why Families Love The RBG Botanical Train

The Botanical Train Display is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s a chance to connect with nature and Canadian history in a uniquely creative way. Kids are mesmerized by the trains, while adults can marvel at the artistry and engineering behind the exhibit.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Burlington for the holidays, this is one experience you won’t want to miss. For tickets and more details, visit Royal Botanical Gardens.

Read Our Latest Articles

The post Experience the Magic of the Botanical Train Display at Royal Botanical Gardens appeared first on Active Parents.

Walk Through and Drive Through Christmas Lights Displays

Amber Rohal — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Enjoy the season by going to drive-thru Christmas light festivals and walking through light displays. We recommend a visit to the spectacular light show in Niagara Falls or taking in a local lakeside stroll at Burlington’s Festival of Lights. No matter which of these Christmas light experiences you choose, you will agree that Ontario is all glowing with magic during the Holiday season.

Find the Best Decorated Christmas Houses here. We included a map and photos to help you find the best ones to visit tonight! Back for 2024 – Driving Routes!

Did we miss a light show that everyone should know about? Send us a message and tell us about it.

Christmas Lights in Burlington and Oakville

Winter Wonders At Royal Botanical Gardens

Walk-thru light festival in Burlington

This outdoor experience guides visitors through Hendrie Park decked out with festive Christmas lights, light and sound installations, and displays that celebrate the magic of the winter season. Stroll through the garden to the rhythm of festive music while indulging in the warm tastes and fragrances of the holiday season. After your walk, head indoors to the Botanical Train display.

Pricing: Kids under 2 are free, kids 3-12 years old are $16 and adults are $20. Discounts for RBG members.

Dates: Thursday to Sunday, December 5, 2024 to January 5, 2025 but not December 24, December 25, December 26, December 31, January 1. Ticketed entry times.

Tickets required; get yours today at Winter Wonders – Royal Botanical Gardens

Festival of Lights At Spencer Smith Park

2024 marks the 29th year for the Festival of Lights! Every year thousands of local residents and visitors from across the region, and beyond, wander through the park with family and friends to view the themed displays. Tens of thousands more take in the attraction while driving along Lakeshore Road at the City’s waterfront throughout the holiday season. It’s one of our favourites, and we have more details and tips for seeing the lights at their best here.

Holiday Lights by the Lake at Coronation Park

Drive thru light show and walk through lights in Oakville, Ontario

Starting on December 1, Coronation Park will be transformed into a spectacular light experience with the Holiday Lights by the Lake light display. The lights will be on display throughout the winter season through to February.

Now in its fourth year, this family friendly event will feature even more lights and attractions. With more than 90 trees decked in 130,000 lights, paths illuminated by 100 light displays and 13 spotlight and laser displays, the park will be transformed into an unmissable winter destination!

This event and drive through light display is free.

Coronation Park address: 1426 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville

Niagara Falls Winter Festival Of Lights

Drive thru light show and walk through lights in Niagara Falls Nov 16, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025

The most enchanting of Niagara Falls attractions, the annual Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival. Experience the spectacular displays with millions of lights and larger than life displays across the tourism districts.

40 nights of FREE indoor family entertainment at multiple host venues every weekend and nightly throughout the December holiday period
Special illumination of the Falls every night
Niagara Falls Hot Chocolate Trail

Winter Wonderland of Lights in Oakville

Walk through lights throughout downtown Oakville

Take in the wonder of the season at our Winter Wonderland of Lights. Displays throughout Downtown from Towne Square to Centennial Square (Navy/Lakeshore).

Safari Lights at Safari Niagara

Drive through light show in Niagara

Make this holiday season a special one by driving through our dazzling holiday lights drive-thru adventure! There is snow-much to see! Immersive light tunnels, luminous motion lights, whimsical animal light displays you won’t see anywhere else! This awe-inspiring 3 km drive will immerse you in luminous colour changing motion lights and winding light tunnels, complete with your favourite holiday scenes and displays.

2024 Pricing: Tickets range from $24.95 – $29.95 per car, with weekends being more expensive. Early bird pricing in effect until November 20.

Dates and times: Open from November 21st through December 30th. Time slots are from 5:30 till 7:30 pm nightly.

Visit Safari Niagara’s Website to purchase tickets.

Drive Thru and Walk Thru Christmas Lights in Kitchener and Cambridge

Gift of Lights at Bingemans

Drive through light display in Kitchener

Experience the magic and wonder of the Region’s most spectacular and dazzling light displays this holiday season. Bask in the beauty and wonderment of Gift of Lights; a drive through experience, featuring a breathtaking 40 foot twinkly LED tree, over 300 animated and static light displays and light tunnels.

Dates and Times: November 22nd thru January 4th, time slots vary depending on the day of the week you want to visit.

Visit Gift of Light, Bingemans for more information and to purchase tickets.

Wonders of Winter

Walk through light festival in Waterloo Park

Wander through Waterloo Park and enjoy over 100 colourful displays with over 100,000 lights.

Dates and Times: November 30th thru January 4th from 5:00-10:30pm each night

Winter Ice And Lights

Walk-thru light festival in Cambridge

Take a walk through the beautiful light displays and enjoy the self-guided experience with friends, family or on your own time! Installations are bright and lit every night between 5 to 11 pm. Some installations can be viewed by driving past, while others are best enjoyed by being on foot and walking up to them.

Nov 15, 2024 January 1, 2025

Find additional info for the Kick-Off event on their website here.

Have a Holly, Jolly Time With These Helpful Articles

Enjoy some of our most recent articles on all things Christmas. Or click here to see everything Winter-related.

The post Walk Through and Drive Through Christmas Lights Displays appeared first on Active Parents.

8 of The Best Snow Tubing Hills in Ontario

Amber Rohal — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:43:30 +0000

We have some fabulous locations for snow tubing in Ontario thanks to our cold winters. It’s definitely one of the positives of living in the snow belt. Lots of people ask themselves “Is there snow tubing near me?” because many of us forget that ski hills, zipline hills and the like convert easily into snow tubing hills. A perfect example of this is Chicopee snow tubing; in the summer they run an awesome zipline and in the winter a thrilling snow tube hill.

More Winter Fun

Have you tried these cross-country skiing trails?

Grab a sled and toboggan these hills with the family.

Ice skate at one of these 23+ outdoor ice rinks nearby.

Snow tubing Hills Near You

Chicopee Tube Park

Address: 1600 River Road East, Kitchener, Ontario, N2A 4K8 | website

You saw us zipline at Chicopee this summer, and now that the snow is here, it’s time for Chicopee snow tubing in Kitchener! This hill is one of the most popular in the area, and it’s just a short drive away. Booking your visit in advance is a good idea as very limited amounts of walk-up passes will be available. Bookings are in 90-minute time slots. Kids must be at least 4 years old and 42 inches tall to tube. Kids under 12 must wear a helmet and you can bring your own or rent one at Chicopee.

photo c/o Chicopee Tube Park – Chicopee snow tubing

Mount Chinguacousy

Address: 9050 Bramalea Rd, Brampton, ON L6S 6G7 | website

Looking for snow tubing near Mississauga? Our readers recommend Mount Chinguacousy. This hill is very popular for snow tubing in Brampton. Purchase your tickets at the hill in packs of 6, 12 and 18 runs. There is a minimum height requirement of 42″ and a maximum weight of 250 lbs for the snow tube hill. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own helmets to use for tubing. Rentals are not available. Folks looking for snow tubing in Mississauga will love the short trek to Brampton.

Photo c/o City of Brampton

Snow Valley Tubing in Barrie

Address: 2632 Vespra Valley Rd, Minesing, ON L0L 1Y3 | website

Barrie (Minesing) is 90 minutes from Burlington, so definitely a day trip option for families looking for winter adventure. Barrie snow tubing, skiing and skating are very popular with families and for locals. Snow Valley tubing boasts 3 lifts and 14 chutes over 10 storeys high, so book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment. Start planning your snow tubing in Barrie visit by pre-purchasing your tickets online here. Tickets must be purchased online, there are no walk-up tickets available. Folks looking for snow tubing in Toronto tend to flock to this location.

Photo c/o Snow Valley – family snow tubing at snow valley in Barrie, Ontario.

Boler Mountain

Address: 689 Griffith Street, London, Ontario | website

We loved the spring and summer action at Boler Mountain, and winter is going to be just as exciting! Boler Mountain Tube Park boasts 3 tube runs that are 10 stories high, where you can reach speeds of 70 km/hr! Some of our readers recommended this as the best snow tubing in Ontario.

Must be a minimum of 42 inches in height to ride
Helmets are mandatory and are provided
Tickets are valid for 2 hours
Tickets must start on the 1/2 hour
The number of tickets per heat is limited and some heats will sell out. The number of slides in 2 hours will vary from 4 to 8 depending on how busy it is.

photo c/o Boler Mountain

Lakeridge Snow Tubing and Ski Resort

Address: 790 Chalk Lake Rd, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1R4 | website

Make the 120 minutes drive to Uxbridge and you will enjoy 2 hours of snow tubing. All tubers need to measure at least 42″ tall. Tickets must be pre-booked before your arrival using a credit card, then you pick up and pay for your tickets upon arrival.

Photo c/o Lakeridge Ski Resort

Horseshoe Valley Snow Tubing

Address: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 4Y8 | website

Ontario’s Longest Snow Tubing Hill! Get your heart pumping with the all-thrill, no-skill fun of snow tubing. Fly down the hill and then let the magic carpet whisk you back up to the top! Don’t miss this must-do winter activity.

Height Requirements: 42″ (3 ft 5 in)
No age requirement as long as the height requirement is met
All riders will ride down the hill in their own tube
Proper winter footwear required
Helmets are recommended, but not mandatory

Photo c/o Horseshoe Valley

Blue Mountain Snow tubing

Address: 150 Jozo Weider Blvd, Unit AW1, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0P7 | website

Snow tubing provides guests with a genuine downhill experience without the speed and equipment associated with skiing and snowboarding. Tubing offers old-fashioned winter fun for the entire family and gives all participants a gentle introduction to the Blue Mountain slopes. Some of our readers recommended this as the best snow tubing in Ontario.

All tubers must ride alone, including Tykes (age 4 and under)
Purchase a Play All Day pass for tubing and other winter attractions.

Photo c/o Blue Mountain

Glen Eden Snow Tubing

Hoping for snow tubing at Glen Eden? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s been gone for a few years now with no sign of returning. If you’re looking for snow tubing in Hamilton and the area, your closet is Chicopee.

Hot Off The Presses!

The post 8 of The Best Snow Tubing Hills in Ontario appeared first on Active Parents.

10+ Board Game Cafes That Are Too Cool To Pass On

Amber Rohal — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to our list of local board game cafes in Burlington, Hamilton, Niagara and beyond! Board game cafes have been popping up all over the world, and in your city, and it’s easy to see why. They offer a unique and fun indoor experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.

In this blog, we’ll explore what board game cafes are, why they’re becoming so popular, and what you can expect when you visit one. We’ll also give you some insider knowledge on the cafes we’ve been to and share some of our favourite board games to play while you’re there. So sit back, relax, and grab the dice, because it’s your turn!

If you’ve ever caught yourself asking “Is there a board game cafe near me?” then keep this list handy for some serious fun in the near future.

What is a Board Game Cafe?

A board game café is a spot much like. coffee shop or dessert bar where you can play board and card games. Most cafes also served food and drinks. Visitors generally pay a fee (per person or per table) and have access to a huge assortment of board games. The staff are super fans and often recommend games and help you with gameplay and instructions. Many board game cafés also sell the games.

Why are Board Game Cafes So Popular?

Playing board games have always been something fun to do with family and friends, but it can get pricey if you want to play a new game every few weeks. That’s where game cafes shine. For a small fee, you have access to a library of games, all to play and put back if they don’t tickle your fancy. For just a couple of dollars per person, you can try all of the popular and pricey games to make sure you love them. What a fun way to eliminate buyer’s remorse!

Well-stocked locations, like Ludology Boardgame Cafe in St. Catharines is only $5 to stay and play for a few hours, making it very popular.

Our visit to Mancala Monk had us playing Wheel of Fortune and more.

Game Cafes We’ve Been To

In our travels, we have visited 2 board game cafes in Hamilton and 1 in Toronto. We love this low-key rainy-day idea that doesn’t cost much. You can get an entire afternoon of fun for your whole family, with drinks and snacks, for less than $50.

Never Board Games Lounge in Hamilton was out most recent visit to a cafe. With over 900 games to choose from, we tried so many and founds some new faves that we added to our Christmas list. Food drinks and alcohol are available on site. You can also play game in their 2 themed private rooms to really get that immersive feeling.

Mancala Monk board game cafe in Hamilton, was the first one we ever visited. My kids were 8 and 10 and had a ton of board game options. I loved that they could cruise the wall of games and choose any box they wanted to try. Their short attention spans meant we played half of each game we choose, but with over 1400 games to choose from, we were never board.

Next Up – the new board game cafe in Burlington “Nostalgia Game Cafe”

Board Game Cafes Worth Visiting

Dicey Business

We are a cozy board game café with over 400 board games to play while enjoying a good selection of food and drinks. Our Dicey Community loves Board Games, Trading Card Games, Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, Art Nights, and anything else nerdy you can think of

Leisure Cafe

A board game cafe with a comfortable retro feel designed as a community gathering place.

Ludology Board Game Cafe

Play one of your Favorites, or play something New. Our staff will help you get gaming! Enjoy our fantastic selection of Food and Drink, while you game or dine! $5 per person, 2-5 hour time limit may apply.

LVLUP Board Game Store and Cafe

Lots of community gaming events and themed nights for fans of D&D, MTG and more!

Mancala Monk Board Game Cafe

Nostalgia Games Cafe

Burlington's board game cafe. Just opened in November 2023 and offering hot and cold drinks and light snacks.

Parkway Social

Parkway Social has been an icon of St Catharines since 1958 as an entertainment destination that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a quirky date night idea or to get competitive with friends or colleagues, our venue is the perfect location.

The Adventurers Guild

It's $7 per adventurer for a full day's access to the library! And The Adventurers Guild stocks precisely one metric fun-load of games. That translates to the best and first collection in K-dub and the Region - 1500+ games, including board games, retro video games, and role-playing games.

The Bard and Bear Board Game Cafe

The Round Table - Guelph

Board games, axe throwing, archery, escape rooms and more!

The Round Table - Kitchener

Board games, special events, trivia nights and more.

Hot Off The Presses!

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

Horseback Riding Near Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, Niagara

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

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

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

Horseback Riding: Hamilton

Daisy Meadows Equestrian

Address: 6095 Dickenson Rd, Hannon, ON, L0R1P0

Website: https://daisymeadowsequestrian.com/

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

Foxcroft Equestrian

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

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

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

Vector Equestrian

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

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

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

Triple C Farm

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

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

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

Horseback Riding: Milton

Claddah Stables

Address: 4393 Tremaine Road, Milton ON

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

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

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

Vernadee Stables

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

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

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

Horseback Riding: Oakville

The Ranch

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

Website: https://ridetheranch.com/

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

Horseback Riding: Burlington

Bayview Equestrian Centre

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

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

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

Horseback Riding: Niagara

Niagara Riding Stables

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

niagarariding.com

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

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Horseback Riding Near Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, Niagara appeared first on Active Parents.

Disc Golf Courses Near You

Amber Rohal — Fri, 03 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Get outside and get active with friends while playing at one of these area disc golf courses.

What Is Disc Golf?

Disc golf is a sport that involves throwing a flying disc or Frisbee into a basket or target, similar to traditional golf where players hit a ball into a hole. The objective is to complete a course with the fewest number of throws possible. The course is typically laid out over a large outdoor area, often in a park or wooded area, and can consist of 9 or 18 holes, each with a designated starting point and target.

Players must navigate various obstacles, such as trees or other natural terrain, in order to successfully complete each hole. Disc golf is a popular recreational activity and there are many courses near us. It’s family-friendly, gets you in the fresh air and makes for a great date night idea.

Disc Golf Courses Near You

No matter where you live, the chances are good that you have a course near you. Several of the courses below are open year-round and free to use. Occasionally you need to pay for admission to the Provincial Park or Conservation Area.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Address: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville, Ontario, L6M 4J7

Entry to Bronte Creek Provincial Park is required, by way of a day pass, season’s pass or annual pass. A daily vehicle permit is $18. The 18-hole course is located beside Parking Lot F. Rental equipment is not provided. The Friends of the Park website lists club and league playing times.

Sherwood Community Center

Address: 6355 Main St W, Milton, ON L9T 2Y1, Canada

There’s plenty of parking at the Sherwood Community Center in Milton. Amenities include an arena, pool, cricket park and disc golf course. The disc golf course is in the park behind the Community Center. The course was built in 2020 and is suitable for beginners and for practice.

Christie Lake Conservation Area

Address: 1000 Highway 5 West, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E2

Entry to Christie Lake Conservation Area, without an HCA pass, is $16 per vehicle and driver. Passengers 5 and over are an additional $5 each. It is $5 to walk or bike into the park. Christie Lake has an 18-hole championship disc golf that is open year- round. Download a scorecard and fact sheet provided on the website.

Buncrana

Address: Buncrana Golf Course, 1079 Hwy 8, Dundas, ON L9H 5E1

Buncrana has it all, disc golf, footgolf and golf. Fees are $10 for adults and $5 for juniors (under 12). Children under 6 play for free. A day pass is $20. Want your own discs? They also sell disc starter packs of 3 discs for $32.

King’s Forest Golf Course (*seasonal)

Address: 100 Greenhill Ave, Hamilton, ON L8K 6M4

King’s Forest is an 18-hole Championship Golf Course with a seasonal disc golf course. Disc golf fees are $6 +HST for 18 holes and $10 + HST for a full day. A fall/winter season membership is $100 + HST. Equipment lending and sales are available onsite. The course will re-open in November 2023.

Firemen’s Park Disc Golf Course

Address: 2275 Dorchester Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S4

The Niagara Falls Disc Golf Club, Ontario Disc Sports Association, City of Niagara Falls and the Stamford Centre Volunteer Firefighter’s Association opened an 18-hole course in the lower level of Firemen’s Park. This is a mixed-use, free-to-use park with parking. There are no restrooms or drinking water available.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Center

Address: 14 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake

NOTL opened its first course in 2022. The 9-hole course weaves through the trees outside of the NOTL Community Center. It is free to use, and discs are available to borrow or buy at the Community Center. Course hours are 7 am-10 pm. Washrooms and a first-aid kit are available in the Community Center.

Columbia Lake University of Waterloo Disc Golf Course

Address: the University of Waterloo Environmental Reserve, parking across the street at 275 Frank Tompa Dr., Waterloo, ON

Columbia Lake is a small 9-hole University of Waterloo course. Limited access is available to non-University of Waterloo students who purchase a Day Pass for $2.65 or a Season Pass for $50. Limited parking spots are available. The course is not maintained in the winter months.

Soper Park

Address: 120 Shade St., Cambridge

Soper Park in Cambridge is home to a 9-hole course. The park hours are 7 am-11 pm. It is a mixed-use park and washrooms are available.

Learn More About Disc Golf

Learn more about the game by reading up on it. The Professional Disc Golf Association has A Complete Beginner’s Guide. Many public libraries lend sports equipment, including for disc golf – check out our Beyond Books: Public Library posts. The Burlington Public Library, for example, lends Backyard Disc Golf Sets through its lending library.

Once you get a feel for it, if you like disc golf, you might even decide to join a Disc Golf Club. You’ll find more courses and disc golf course reviews on UDisc – it’s also an app for disc golfers.

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Disc Golf Courses Near You appeared first on Active Parents.

LaSalle Park in Burlington – You Gotta Go Here

Amber Rohal — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:31:49 +0000

LaSalle Park in Burlington’s west end is one of our favourite parks to visit. It’s got an upgraded playground that kids love, vast amounts of green space and of course, easy access to the marina and waterfront. Come with us as we take a tour.

One of burlington’s best playgrounds

We asked local parents where their kids loved to play and lots of you answered LaSalle Park in Burlington. We agree! It’s one of the best parks in Burlington. It really does have it all, and can boast that it has something for everyone to enjoy while visiting.

The playground was recently updated and the bright colours and ample climbing opportunities make it a big attraction for the kids. The design resembles a colourful treehouse with its hollow log climbing pieces and its balance logs.

LaSalle Park also has swings and slides, monkey bars and climbers. But many kids would say the coolest part of the playground is the purple kid-powered merry-go-round.

LaSalle park forest, Marina and lakefront boardwalk

Be sure to take time to wander over to the LaSalle Marina. It’s lovely anytime of year, but particularly beautiful in the spring and summer when sailboats are out and birds are a-plenty. Expect to see ducks, geese, seagulls, and the famous Trumpeter Swans. Look for chipmunks and small birds who will eat out of your hand or from the adorable birdhouses that line the boardwalk.

The boardwalk at LaSalle Park in Burlington is accessible from both the east and west sides of the park space, and is stroller-friendly. The waterfront is large-grain sand (is that a thing?) but be warned that the geese and swans can be territorial, especially during mating and nesting season. Bring your camera because the Trumpeter Swans are beautiful.

The woods that divide the playground from the waterfront are an exciting place to escape to nature locally. In seconds you’re deep in the forest with massive trees, logs to climb on and stumps to investigate. The paths are smooth thanks to lots of walkers, and the trails are even stroller-friendly.

lasalle park amenities

So much to offer! We barely scratched the surface, but here is everything you can expect to see, play and experience on your next visit to LaSalle Park in Burlington.

Playground with swings, slides, merry-go-round, glider, climbers, monkey bars and more.

Bocce ball court, baseball diamond and large fields for ball play and kite flying.

Wooded area, with lots of shade.

Mature trees, dozens of picnic tables and ample parking.

Washrooms and a water fountain (closed due to COVID)

Wading pool (paid) during the summer months.

Tobogganing hill during the winter.

find more parks in the area here

We can help you find more outdoor fun here, or check our Calendar and see what’s happening right now! If you’re in a playground mood, we’ve got tons of recommendations for them below!

The post LaSalle Park in Burlington – You Gotta Go Here appeared first on Active Parents.

15 Local Toboggan Hills: Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville

Amber Rohal — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:00:44 +0000

Fresh snow is on the ground and I bet you’re asking yourself “Are there any tobogganing hills near me?”. There definitely are! This list will be very handy this winter anytime you are looking for a place to toboggan Burlington Hamilton.

Tobogganing is one of the easiest and cheapest winter activities to keep kids entertained on a snowy day. Grab a sled and your snow pants and use our list to find a tobogganing hill in Hamilton and Burlington to visit. We like to choose a new hill each time so we can compare and see which is the best!

These 11 toboggan hills are the city-approved sledding hills in Burlington and Hamilton because the city inspected these locations and determined them to be safest for sledding. Always watch the hills and make sure they’re clear to sled on.

Tobogganing is a Canadian winter pastime that almost makes our frigid winters bearable. While it may look like any hill will work, choose a tobogganing hill that is city-approved as you know it’s a safer alternative to other hills. Get bundled up, and bring your helmets, because you can never be too safe. Here are the designated hills to toboggan near Burlington and Hamilton.

Central Park is one of the tobogganing hills in Burlington

City-Approved Toboggan Hills in Burlington

LaSalle Park, at the east of the parking lot. There are 2 tobogganing hills at LaSalle. We like the wide and shorter one as the walk up is easier and the width means less trees to have to maneuver between.

Tyandaga Golf Course, at hole No. 4, on the west slope

Central Park, the hill northwest of Community Garden. This is a popular spot for us. I like that there is a long flat runoff at the bottom of the hill, with no obstructions. Lots of parking as well.

Brant Hills Park and Community Centre, southwest of the tennis courts.

Nelson Park, east side of the park, north of Centennial Bike Path

Lowville Park, the hill on the southwest end of the park. This hill is very tall and very fast. My young teens went and enjoyed it, but I would be extra cautious with younger ones on the hill.

Related: Make time to ice skate this winter. We know the best outdoor ice rinks for families to enjoy.

City-Approved Hills For Tobogganing in Hamilton

Garth and Stone Church Reservoir – 1515 Garth Street, Hamilton – Hill details: Northeast corner, Southern side (East of the parking lot)

King’s Forest Golf Course – 100 Greenhill Avenue, Hamilton – Hill details: Hole #9 – in front of the 9th green

Waterdown Memorial Park – 200 Hamilton Street, Waterdown – Hill details: Northeast corner, West of baseball diamond #3. This i s a popular sledding spot for all ages. Bring your ice skates and enjoy the skating rink loop, too.

Chedoke Golf Course Martin Course – 563 Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton – Hill details: Martin Course, Hole #10- Tee

Dundas Driving Park – 71 Cross Street, Dundas – Hill details: Between the former Parkside Public School and the Dundas Driving Park. Another popular hill for families to enjoy.

Popular Toboggan Hills in Oakville

The Town of Oakville website didn’t have info on toboggan hills, so it better to assume these locations are city-maintained. I’ve never been to any of these hills, so if you see something unsafe, I would love to know about it. And if you have a location to add/remove, give me a shout anytime. Safety first, always!

Bronte Creek Provincial Park – 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville – Day admission required, but worth it because there is a ton to do (plus washrooms!)

Old Abbey Lane Park – 1110 Old Abbey Lane, Oakville – Details: there are 3 hills beside Abbey Lane Public School

Oxford Avenue & Upper Middle Road – Southeast corner of the intersection – this is a smaller hill that is great for little ones.

Appleby College – 540 Lakeshore Road West – apparently, kids have been sledding here for many years, have you been?

toboggan safely

Here are a few tips to play safely while tobogganing in Burlington and Hamilton.

Toboggan during daylight hours, not when it is dark.

Toboggan when the hill is snow-covered, not when it is icy or bare.

Check the hill and make sure it is free of obstacles and toboggan in the designated area.

Wear a helmet designed for winter sports.

Use a toboggan that is in good shape and has brakes and steering.

Avoid wearing scarves or any clothing that could get caught in a toboggan and cause injury.

Always sit down and face-forward on a toboggan.

Do not build jumps or other obstacles on the toboggan hill.

Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for others coming down the hill.

If you fall off of your toboggan, move out of the way to avoid being hit.

Reminder, visiting these sledding hills near me is an activity that you do at your own risk. The city, nor Active Parents, is not responsible for any personal injury or damage to your personal items.

Hot Off The Presses!

The post 15 Local Toboggan Hills: Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.

23+ Outdoor Skating Rinks in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton

Amber Rohal — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 03:42:09 +0000

“Hey, Active Parents! Is there outdoor ice skating near me?” Yep! Outdoor ice skating rinks are a great place to take your kids in the winter. Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Hamilton each are home to multiple ice skating rinks, open all winter. We are home to ice skating loops, frozen ponds, and refrigerated ice pads.

Each rink offers something different, and if you try a few out, you’re sure to find your family’s favourite. In this list, we share all of the public skating rinks and their addresses. We also share info on booking your skate time (if required) and share some photos of rinks we have been to.

You’ve found skating rinks near you. Looking for more winter fun? We suggest this list of winter things to do.

The rink at Spencer Smith Park requires pre-booking your visit online and you can click here to make that booking. However, the rest of the outdoor ice skating rinks in Hamilton, Burlington Oakville and Milton don’t need much pre-planning at all, and they are free to use!

Jump to your city’s skating rinks by clicking the city name here: Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, Milton

Outdoor Ice Skating rinks in Burlington

Ice skating in Burlington at Rotary Centennial Pond will be open for skating this winter, with no reservations needed. This is one of the nicest ice rinks near me, and I love skating under the lights.

Residents can book a spot 25 hours in advance by clicking here. Out-of-town friends can book 2 hours before the time they want if spaces are available. Reservations are for 1-hour timeslots. Skates are available for free rental, too! Outdoor ice skating in Burlington at Rotary Pond is free.

Rotary Centennial Pond at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington offers skate rentals for free

Burlington’s neighbourhood ice rinks

Neighbourhood residents create their own ice rinks as part of a program partnership with the city. These rinks are free unsupervised, and completely created and maintained by the residents. Find all of the rinks here.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Hamilton

Winter is here and drop-in outdoor ice skating rinks in Hamilton are back. Staff are on-site at City-operated outdoor rinks to maintain the ice and monitor COVID-19 safety measures. Outdoor ice rinks are weather dependent, during extended periods of above 0-degree temperatures, ice conditions may require closure. Closure notifications will be posted both online and at the park.

Outdoor public ice skating in Hamilton is offered at the following 4 locations:

Bernie Morelli – Serafini Family Outdoor Ice Rink

Dundas Driving Park

Waterdown Memorial Park

Freelton Community Park

The ice at Valens Lake Conservation Area is frozen and ready for ice skating. Admission is $15.50 for 1 person and each additional passenger is $5. In addition to a great ice skating experience, you can purchase firewood and enjoy a campfire in one of the fire pits. Bring your marshmallows and hot cocoa!

Princess Point also provides access to a designated skating area across Cootes Paradise. The ice thickness is measured each Friday before the end of the day and updated at the on-site signage. Parking for this rink is $10 and is located at 335 Longwood Road. This outdoor rinks near me is a top recommended option from our community of parents.

Waterdown Memorial Park is home to an awesome skating loop.

Community-Maintained Hamilton Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

Thanks to some awesome Hamilton residents you can access a number of free, community-maintained skating rinks, too! These rinks are often less busy, therefore perfect for first-timers and newbies. These skating rinks are operated by neighbourhood volunteers (weather permitting), so here is where you can find them. (source)

Outdoor Skating rinks In Oakville

Try one of these outdoor skating rinks in Oakville! The rink at Trafalgar Park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, weather permitting, from mid-December to March. Follow the Town of Oakville on their social pages for rink updates and closures.

Bloomfield Park – 2531 Westoak Trails Boulevard

Clearview Park – 1260 Sir David Drive

Coronation Park – 1426 Lakeshore Road West

George Savage Park – 3200 George Savage Avenue

Glenashton Park – 1051 Glenashton Drive

Kinoak Arena lot – 363 Warminster Drive

Langtry Park – 2186 Brays Lane (closed currently Jan 2024)

Millbank Park – 166 Glenashton Drive

Nautical Park – 355 Nautical Boulevard

Old Abbey Lane Park – 1110 Old Abbey Lane

Sixteen Hollow Park – 2140 Westoak Trails Boulevard

Sixteen Mile Sports Complex – 3070 Neyagawa Boulevard

Trafalgar Park – 133 Rebecca Street – outdoor refrigerated rink

Wallace Park – 245 Reynolds Street

William Rose Park – 455 Wheat Boom Drive

Windrush Park – 1225 Windrush Drive

Admission is free and first come, first served as space allows.

Capacity limits apply and are subject to change.

You can rent helmets and skates from the community centre.

Cancellations are posted on-site. Please contact the facility directly for the most up-to-date information.

Ice skating rinks in Milton

Milton has two outdoor rinks maintained by the Town, located at Rotary Park (100 Garden Lane) and Campbellville Old Baseball Diamond (105 Campbell Ave. E.). The rinks are not supervised by Town staff. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please follow the rules.

The rink is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, when conditions are safe

After sunset, you must push the ‘on’ button to activate the lights

Rink users must physically distance themselves and follow all public health guidelines

You must wear skates on the ice, no shoes or boots are allowed

No hockey nets, sticks, pucks or balls

Help us maintain the rink by placing garbage in containers provided

No pets, food or drink on the surface

Where to Get Your ice and hockey Skates Sharpened in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville

Make sure your skate blades are sharp before you hit your local outdoor skating rink! Take them to one of these locations to get them sharpened.

SportChek in Burlington Centre – contact them directly for availability.

Fast & Sharp – Mobile Skate Sharpening Service in Burlington. $10 for hockey and goalie skates, and right now they aren’t accepting figure skates for sharpening. Drop off and pick up currently.

Gillian’s Skate Ship in Burlington – $7 to sharpen skates, contactless pickup and drop off available.

Tydan Blades in Dundas – $10 to sharpen, contact for info.

Centre Ice Training Academy in Burlington

Al’s Source for Sports in Burlington

Hot Off The Presses!

The post 23+ Outdoor Skating Rinks in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton appeared first on Active Parents.

Cross-Country Skiing Near Hamilton and Burlington

Amber Rohal — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 03:31:58 +0000

Cross-Country skiing in the Halton and Hamilton areas is a great way to get outside and be active, all while maintaining a safe physical distance. Here’s where you can cross-country ski near you.

Fresh air and physical activity are essential now and always and if you’re looking for a great workout. Whether you’re a newbie or an expert cross-country skier, this sport is an ideal winter activity for you. It’s a great cardio workout and anyone of any age can do it with kids some skis, boots and poles.

Find More Winter Ideas Here

Cross-Country Skiing in Milton

Crawford Lake Conservation Area offers 3 cross-country ski trails on escarpment trails through woods and fields. It is also the site of a rare meromictic lake and a reconstructed Iroquoian village. No ski rentals. The prime skiing season is from January to March. Admission required.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area has 3 trails with a total of 15 km for skiing. The trails take you through escarpment woods and beaver meadows. No ski rentals are available. Admission required.

Cross-Country Skiing in Hamilton

“While Hamilton Conservation Authority does not groom or maintain trails specific to cross-country skiing, it doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of great places to go! The trails on the south side of Christie Lake can be challenging in some areas but also very fun. Use the Round the Lake Trail and you’ll get to ski across the dam. The Reforestation and G. Donald Trails in the Dundas Valley will be of particular interest to those looking for more challenging hills. Users are reminded to stay on the trail.” Admission required.

Cross-Country Skiing in Burlington

Tyandaga Golf Course in Burlington is open for cross-country skiing. There is no fee to use the grounds.

Mountsberg Conservation Area has 2 ski trails that run along the shoreline, through woods and sugarbush. They take you along the Wildlife Walkway with bison, elk, and birds of prey enclosures. No ski rentals are available. Admission required.

Did You Know…

You can borrow snow equipment and winter play gear from Oakville Public Library and Burlington Parks and Rec. It’s true!

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Cross-Country Skiing Near Hamilton and Burlington appeared first on Active Parents.

Things To Do On New Year’s Day

Amber Rohal — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 22:16:37 +0000

Happy New Year! If you are looking for things to do on New Years Day with kids, sit back and let us help you out! Active Parents has put together a list of great options because not everything is closed!

Seasonal (and Free) Fun

Go sledding! Enjoy one of the top approved 11 toboganning hills in Burlington and Hamilton and hit the hills!

Ice Skate with the kids on one of these 23+ outdoor ice skating rinks.

Stroll the Burlington Waterfront Festival of Lights and sip a delicious hot chocolate.

Outdoor Things To Do

Snow tubing is an awesome way to ring in the new year on an exciting level!

Keep the holiday season alive with a drive through or walk through lights show. We have them all listed for you in one list to make choosing much easier.

Bronte Creek invites everyone to kick of their 2024 on a fresh note with their annual #FirstDayHike . They have a workshop planned, happening twice during the day that will lead you into a slower exploration of the park and nature overall. Or, just arrive on your own time and you can enjoy these 13 things we love about Bronte Creek.

Visit one of the many conservation areas in Halton and Hamilton – and beyond! We are so lucky to live in the greenbelt and have access to such beautiful, natural spaces in our backyard.

Cross-country skiing is such a peaceful way to spend the first day of the year. These locations offer ideal terrain for this iconic winter activity.

Indoor Things To Do

Just say “nope!” to cold and go to the movies! Oakville’s Film.ca movie theatre is open January 1st. Downtown B urlington’s Cinestarz theatre is also open and so is Landmark Cinemas at Jackson Square in Hamilton. Cineplex theatres are all open too – do they ever close?!

Strikes, gutter balls and turkeys will be had on January 1 at the bowling alley! Here is a list of bowling alleys near you to check out.

No matter what you decide to do, if you’re heading out, please call ahead to make sure your destination is open. We source info form websites, social media and Google, but we wouls also hate to see you disappointed.

Hot Off The Presses!

The post Things To Do On New Year’s Day appeared first on Active Parents.

The Best Hiking Trails Near Hamilton and Halton For Families

Amber Rohal — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:52:57 +0000

I love how a few hours in the fresh air wears children out. These Halton and Hamilton hiking trails are the perfect inexpensive way to spend a morning. Soak up some vitamin D and enjoy the calmness that nature brings. Any excuse to get outdoors is a great excuse! Our family has always loved exploring hiking trails and these are our top recommendations for families.

The Best Hamilton Hiking Trails For Families

Eramosa Karst

Upper Mt Albion Rd, Stoney Creek | website | $10 per vehicle to park.

Part of the Hamilton Conservation group of areas, Eramosa Karst is one of the best hiking trails near me. I had never heard of it before, and attendance never seems to max out. Once I saw pictures of it I knew I had to plan a visit.

A “karst” is a landscape formed by dissolving rocks like limestone, creating things like sinkholes, caves, and underground rivers.

In addition to the karsts, the walking trails are ideal for any age and are stroller-friendly. There is a HUGE old tree that has split in three and provides great climbing. Be sure to take a few minutes to check out the natural spring and the views from the bench.

Eramosa Karst is our favourite walk because kids really move their bodies here!

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

650 Governors Road, Dundas | website | $10 per vehicle

Hamilton is home to some of the best hiking trails in Ontario. This trail is a favourite for our family because there is so much to see along the way. The trees offer a ton of shade. I’m certain the temperatures were at least 5 degrees cooler in their shady canopy.

The trail is smooth ground for the most part, and I saw some families easily pushing their strollers. Along the main loop, you’ll come across the replica of a Victorian railway station that serves as the area’s Trail Centre. It’s also home to washrooms.

Adjacent to it is a piece of the old Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway track, with a 1929 executive coach car and a 1931 baggage car. Both were donated by the Canadian Pacific Railway. We love catching equestrians riding horseback through the woods. If you have a dog, they are welcome as long as they stay on a leash.

Streams caught our attention as we made our way to the Hermitage Ruins. The magnificent stone mansion was built in 1855 by George Gordon Browne Leith, an immigrant from Scotland. The bricks used in its building originated from the Dundas Valley clay; limestone was quarried at the Credit River valley.

The Hermitage burned down in 1934. After that, Leith’s daughter built a much smaller house among the ruins and lived there until her death in 1942. The ruins have been reinforced using wooden braces to prevent further wear. Hopefully, they will be intact for years to come.

Trains are just one of the many sights to see while exploring Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Chedoke Radial Trail

120 Beddoe Dr, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Z4 | website | free admission, pay to park

Chedoke Radial Trail was another new trail for us. The trail itself is smooth ground and stroller-friendly. We went at about 11:00 am and the trail was a mix of shade and sun.

The enormous rock wall is awe-inspiring when you think of its size. The incline is roughly 200 meters and the views at the top are beautiful. There are those famous stairs, but zero chance I’m walking up 240+ steps if I don’t have to!

There were a few waterfalls that have a current/flow that fluctuates based on the current rain conditions. One waterfall, when rushing after a rainfall, pours down onto the 403!

Kids will enjoy climbing and balancing. Families of all ages were also enjoying the walk. We parked at the Chedoke Golf Course on a Sunday. The lot was busy with other families and golfers. I am pleased to report that their washrooms were open.

Chedoke offers lots of time for climbing and exploring under the canopy

The Best Halton Hiking Trails For Families

Hilton Falls Conservation Area

4985 Campbellville Rd, Burlington | website | $10 for adults, $7 for kids, $6 for seniors, kids under 5 free.

This Halton Conservation Area hiking trail is another hidden gem that was new to us. It’s a little more out of the city centre, so I expected it to be a bit less crowded, and it was.

Hilton Falls is a great spot for hiking with kids. The terrain is rocky and rooty which makes it challenging for them. Ideal for balancing and working those large muscles! Parents were manoeuvring their strollers, but some parts were a little challenging. If you have a dog, they are welcome as long as they stay on a leash.

The waterfalls and ruins are picture-worthy and the rock formations are impressive. Gather at the fire pit by the waterfall with your hotdogs or marshmallows to cook over the fire! Ideally, visit in the fall so you can see a rushing waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for bugs, frogs, snakes and small fish.

Feeling adventurous? You can mountain bike the trails in the nice weather, or cross-country ski in the winter. I really do love these all-season Conservation Halton hiking trails in Ontario.

Hilton Falls is a great hike with multiple trails, a waterfall, ruins and even a campfire in the winter

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville | website | $21 per vehicle

We love the various hiking trails near me at Bronte Creek. Trails start at the parking lot and, ranging in length from 1 km to almost 3 km, wind along the top of Bronte Creek (always be careful when hiking and biking!) to cover all of the grounds. Bronte has a great leash-free section of the park as well.

Stroll through the forest and along a stream, where, in fall, you can fish for trout and salmon, among other fish. Remind kids to look for frogs, small snakes and bugs and also the Bronte Creek cows are always grazing in the fields.

Follow the signs for the Gnome Trail and wander down a shaded path to the cutest community of painted gnome homes you ever did see. Bring a frisbee and play some disc golf. With a wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail, this is truly a family-friendly destination sure to please everyone.

Bronte Creek is home to multiple trails like this one.

Crawford Lake, Halton Conservation

3115 Conservation Road, Milton | website | $10 for adults, $7 for kids, $6 for seniors, kids under 5 free.

Crawford Lake is one of the most popular Conservation Halton hiking trails and for good reason! It is as full of great history as it is full of hiking trails. No matter what season you visit, you’re sure to love your experience.

Visit the reconstructed 15th-century Iroquoian village. The excavation between 1973 and 1987 uncovered 11 longhouses on the site and over 10 000 artifacts from the day-to-day lives of the Iroquoian people who once lived in the village. Three longhouses have been rebuilt to match archaeological findings.

Explore the village and learn about what daily life was like over 600 years ago through hands-on programs including simulated digs and fire-starting demonstrations. The Deer Clan Longhouse features exhibits that explore Indigenous art and culture.

After you’ve visited the Longhouse Village, walk the trail around Crawford Lake’s unique meromictic lake. With the boardwalk wrapping around the lake, Crawford Lake offers 5 great hikes for any season, ranging in length from 2 km to over 7 km. The boardwalk is stroller-friendly.

Learn about species at risk as you follow along with the Hide and Seek Trail and view the enormous wooden carvings. The Hide and Seek Trail is located along the blue Crawford Lake Trail as you head toward the lake.

The “Hide and Seek” trail at Crawford Lake is home to lots of hand-carved wooden sculptures like this one.

Cherry Hill Gate, Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Rd W, Burlington | website | free admission, paid parking lot.

When I think of hiking trails near me, Cherry Hill Gate is what comes to mind immediately. It’s on the border-ish of Burlington and Hamilton and owned by Royal Botanical Gardens. The trail is relatively smooth and stroller-friendly. The entrance takes you down a steep-ish hill, so if it’s wet out, be warned that it could be slippery.

Once you’ve made it down, keep your eyes peeled for the huge upturned tree stump and a ton of chipmunks. As you walk the trail, be on the lookout for beavers, swans, turtles, snakes, spiders, and a variety of birds.

Much of the trail is a wooden boardwalk so very walkable. Shade is scarce along the boardwalk so go in the mornings or evenings to beat the heat. For years this was our favourite location for hiking with kids in Hamilton and Halton. It’s easy terrain and lots for them to see and do.

Cherry Hill Gate is a favourite spot for young families

Cootes Paradise Trails at RBG

You can access a variety of trails around the Cootes Paradise Marsh, and each has something fabulous to offer. We love the area near the Hamilton Aviary (Caleb’s Walk, Ravine Road Trail with its packed gravel trail. Download the Cootes Paradise trail map here and you can expand your walk as long as you’d like! Paid parking is available at various spots around Cootes Paradise.

Joe Sam’s Park

752 Centre Rd, Hamilton | free

One winter day we visited Joe Sam’s Park in Waterdown and we were impressed! We initially went for the excellent walking paths that take you through forests, over marshes and beside wetlands. The path was smooth and very stroller-friendly. The trail was wide, and ideal for wagons, smaller bikes and toddler exploring.

I cannot recommend this winter outing enough, especially to parents of young kids who need fresh air. There is also a playground right at the parking lot to entertain you before and/or after your walk. The loop is a nice size, it took us about 1.5 hours to complete, with lots of stopping for photos and exploring.

Tips for Successful Hiking with Kids

Bring water. I know it should be a given, but we have been known to forget, too!

Bring snacks, too. No one wants to get hangry.

If you’re going during spring and summer, bring bug repellent and sunscreen.

Make sure everyone has comfy shoes. Flip-flops need not apply.

If you want a little one to wander free, choose a location that isn’t a popular mountain biking location.

Choose a less popular spot and discover a hidden gem.

These are my favourite Halton and Hamilton hiking trails near me. I hope you visit one soon with your family. If you have a suggestion for more hiking trails, please tell me! We love sharing new Hamilton hiking trails and Halton hiking trails with our readers.

Hot Off The Presses!

The post The Best Hiking Trails Near Hamilton and Halton For Families appeared first on Active Parents.

Joseph Brant Museum

Amber Rohal — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Joseph Brant Museum underwent a massive transformation and renovation which was completed in 2019 and you are going to love its bright, spacious look. With multiple galleries and a rooftop garden, there’s something for everyone so make sure to bring the whole family. It’s perfect for little kids and we even had Grandma with us!

Tip For Your Visit! When you arrive at Joseph Brant Museum, ask for the children’s scavenger hunt. The questions are just challenging enough and kids can even earn a prize when they turn in the completed scavenger hunt at the end of their visit. You can find more children’s museums and galleries here.

The Burlington Gallery – The History and Origin Story of Burlington, Ontario

The Burlington Gallery talks all about Burlington’s history and we honestly learned so many cool things about Burlington and its origins. The exhibits are fantastic and let you get right up close to the historic artefacts.

In The Burlington Gallery kids and grownups will learn all about the history of popular and significant Burlington landmarks. You will witness old toys and board games that our grandparents may have played with. We spent lots of time in this room and we learned a ton. My mother-in-law moved here when she was young, and knows many of the features that are no longer where they once stood.

Teachers and homeschooling families: This would be an excellent place for a field trip!

The Burlington Gallery is home to artefacts from Burlington’s inception and youth.

Enjoy A Stay at The Brant Inn

The second large room, called The Costume Gallery, was dedicated to The Brant Inn. Have you heard of it? I had heard a little bit about it, but it was a great exhibit to have Grandma at because she was familiar with so much of the history and the famous visitors it’s been host to in its time. She told the girls about the clothing, the music and the jewellery. It’s always great to foster that connection between Grandparents and grandkids.

Did you know Burlington played host to such famous names in music? I didn’t!

Essential Stop: The Children’s Gallery at Joseph Brant Museum

This section focuses on S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) and delivers it in a way kids will love and learn from. Each exhibit in the Children’s Gallery encourages kids to put their brains to use to solve problems and accomplish tasks. Your kids will love it here. My 11-year-old didn’t want to leave! And neither did my husband LOL.

Ride the pedal-powered bikes to see how far you can make it around Burlington. Use the massive light-up pegboard to create a picture. Everything your kids do will be hands-on and there are lots of options for open-ended exploration. Parents have the pleasure of sitting back and watching children learn through play.

As we mentioned above, Joseph Brant Museum underwent a phenomenal renovation that has created a beautiful destination for learning and exploring in Burlington. Even the gift shop is gorgeous!

Use the tubes and bridges to get the ball from point A to point B

Who can resist a massive, light-up peg board?

Temporary Exhibit: Sound, Just Sound!

“Do you hear them? At this moment, there are several sounds in your ears. Some are very soft, others are louder. Sounds can be pleasant, sometimes aggressive, and everything in between. Is it perception or science? Does silence really exist? How does sound travel? What frequencies can the human ear perceive? Can you see sound? Learn the answers to these questions and more when you explore sounds in the special exhibition: Sound, Just Sound, at Joseph Brant Museum.”

Sound, Just Sound! is on display until March 30, 2024.

photo c/o Joseph Brant Museum

The upcoming exhibit is Worlds of the Night from the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science April 6 – August 24, 2024.

Before You Leave…

One of my new favourite places to buy unique presents for friends and family (and a few for myself!) is the gift shop at the Museum. Their products are quality and curated with a keen eye for in-demand items for kids and adults. I love their mugs and keychains, and their wooden children’s toys are great for gifting to toddlers. You can shop their gift shop online here.

admission to joseph brant museum

Admission to Joseph Brant Museum includes access to all of the permanent galleries, any special exhibits, the Children’s Gallery plus a visit to the rooftop garden. The lake views and seating are a peaceful stop in warmer temperatures, and in December you can see the Festival if Lights at Spencer Smith Park. Pre-book your tickets here, or drop in anytime.

Adults – $10

Seniors – $8 (Note that Senior admission is only $4 until March 30, thank you to Hearing Well Matters!)

Children 3-12 years old – $6

Children under 2 – Free

Family admission: $30

Family Memberships – $60 for 2 adults and 4 children (this is a great deal!)

Regular Hours

Tues – Fri 10 am – 4 pm

Closed Mon & Sun

More Great Things To Do Locally

The post Joseph Brant Museum appeared first on Active Parents.

40+ Indoor and Outdoor Things To Do This Family Day

Amber Rohal — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 08:11:23 +0000

Here are 40+ things to do on Family Day just for you! Everything from indoor, outdoor and virtual – we’ve got all the bases covered!

LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS

Find something safe and organized to do this Family Day

Museums of Burlington has a Sound, Just Sound exhibit for your family to enjoy. Is sound perception or science? Learn all about sound and silence at this exhibit on Nov. 14, 2023 to March 30, 2024.

Snowshoe at Halton Conservation Areas and make some serious winter memories with your kids. Crawford Lake offers snowshoe rentals if you don’t have access to a set. You can choose to from trails at Crawford Lake, Mountsberg and Hilton Falls. Enjoy the firepit at Hilton Falls, pack some hot chocolate and truly appreciate Mother Nature’s winter for all the beauty it has to share. Our fans on Facebook and Instagram have been raving about their snowshoeing experiences. Book your spot here.

INDOOR Things to do on Family Day

We’ve got some great ideas for indoor (climate-controlled) activities for families. They are perfect for spending a day with the ones you love the most.

Build a puzzle. Just don’t tell the kids how awesome puzzles are for learning.

Introduce the kids to one of your favourite movies from your childhood. The Parent Trap? Mrs Doubtfire? Back to the Future?

Make some ready-to-go craft kits.

Make this super easy recipe for play dough.

Terra Greenhouses has some products for little gardeners and builders. Choose a birdhouse, a succulent planter, or a terrarium.

Facetime everyone you haven’t seen in a while. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all their friends.

Set up a salon and offer manis, pedis, face shaves with real shaving cream, and fancy hair-dos to your little customers. If you’re brave enough, you could even be the customer!

Build a fort. Or up your fort game like these folks did. #2 is a personal fave.

Celebrate Family by hosting a virtual family game night. They’re so simple even the grandparents can do it!

Whoop your kid’s butts at Wii Sports – or any other video game you’re good at!

Make a home movie – act out a scene from your favourite TV show or movie, write and record your play, or sing a song for the camera!

Let the kids make the adults’ breakfast/lunch/dinner. And don’t forget to smile while eating it!

Teach the kids to cook and bake/ We love starting with eggs, cookies, and muffins. Have you ever made energy balls? You should!

Write to seniors living in retirement residences. They miss visitors and love getting mail and art from kids.

Bake and decorate a cake – just because you’re the best parent ever. Get some inspiration here.

One of my personal favourite things to do in winter is stay in your pyjamas all day long. Because you can.

Have an indoor picnic. Put a plastic or washable tablecloth down so it’s worry-free.

Make a marble or pom pom tunnel – so fun and so easy!

Roll out some upside-down wrapping paper and paint or draw on a larger scale! Let kids get wild with their creativity.

Have some fun with science and make a marshmallow catapult. I’m serious, it looks awesome.

Use up some of the thousands of Perler beads your kid has. These ideas will have you covered for gifts all year!

I’m not a fan of spiders, but I LOVE this sticky spiderweb. And it’s an active, mess-free activity for indoors.

There’s no school today, so throwing paper aeroplanes is permitted! Check out this easy to make a hanging target!

Our favourite indoor winter activities are playing a new game together. Find our favourite board games listed here.

Send a postcard to someone you know, or someone you don’t by signing up for our favourite postcard mailing service.

Did someone say backward day? Wear your clothes backwards, call each other by your middle name, walk backwards, eat breakfast for dinner, and most importantly – eat dessert first!

Get a jump on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts with these adorable DIY mugs.

Are your grandparents in your bubble? Have a sleepover at their house! This one is a winner for everyone.

Outdoor Things to do on Family Day

We all need some fresh air and movement daily, and these are excellent suggestions on what to do once you get all bundled up.

Make some Snow Ice-Cream! It’s so easy and actually tastes good!

Visit a park! They’re not just for summer, right? It’s so fun to see what some snow does to change the way kids play at the playground.

Find a local skating rink and lace-up. One of the best (and timeless) winter activities around. (Rotary Pond even rents skates now!)

We’ve got 24 more fun ideas on our Winter Bingo card and you could win a gift card just for having some fun!

Grab your toboggans, your friends, and your neighbours, and go tobogganing. Bonus points if you bring a thermos of hot chocolate!

Have you tried snowshoeing yet? Conservation Halton rents snowshoes and has 3 snowshoe trails at Crawford Lake. And, if you have your own snow shoes you can take them to explore 5 additional trails at Mountsberg and Hilton Falls.

Chase waterfalls with these recommendations for kid-friendly falls in Hamilton to visit.

Find a Little Free Library near you and drop off some books you’re done reading. You may even find a new book for yourself!

Take a hike! Nature doesn’t close up shop just because it’s chilly. Halton and Hamilton are rich with beautiful locales to walk and hike, and there are lots of free spots to visit too!

Did you know that a spray bottle + water + food colouring means you can paint the snow like a rainbow? It’s literally hours of fun for kids! Take it to the park and decorate the hills.

Take a walk through Bronte Creek and enjoy their playgrounds, their hiking paths, and of course the Gnome Trail.

Go with what you know and add in another neighbourhood walk – but this time with scavenger hunts for big and little kids

You need nourishment, right? I always suggest hitting up one of our favourite donut shops for absolutely any reason.

The post 40+ Indoor and Outdoor Things To Do This Family Day appeared first on Active Parents.

Things To Do on a PD Day – Winter Edition

Amber Rohal — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 03:02:40 +0000

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.

Hamilton Steam Museum – Self-Guided Field Trips

Amanda Pascoe — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 14:17:14 +0000

Plan a field trip to the Hamilton Steam Museum and use our Self-Guided Field Trip Guide to add some easy education to your entertainment. This school year, classes and students won’t be going on field trips, but that doesn’t mean your kids have to miss out on the hands-on in-person learning that field trips offer. Take them yourself, and use our Field Trip Guide to help encourage additional learning!

Our Self-Guided Field Trip Guides have been created by Amanda, a Peel Region elementary teacher to help families connect education to the entertainment that comes when visiting one of the many local cultural attractions. This issue is the perfect companion to your Hamilton Steam Museum visit.

Hamilton Steam Museum

Visit here when you are studying: Science & Technology:

Witness the social and mechanical life of Canada’s early industrial revolution. Housed in a 160-year-old Waterworks, this National Historic Site preserves two 70-ton steam-powered water pumping engines, perhaps the oldest surviving Canadian-built engines. The historic Hamilton Waterworks is a Civil and Power Engineering Landmark.

Grade 1

Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Materials, Objects, and Everyday Structures

Investigate structures that are built for a specific purpose to see how their design and materials to suit that purpose; Demonstrate an understanding that objects and structures have observable characteristics and are made from materials with specific properties that determine how they are used.

What does that mean?

Students will be looking at shapes, materials and structures in this unit. What makes a material good for building a specific structure? What shapes help make the structure strong?

Get the kids thinking:

Try to figure out the purpose of each of the buildings, look at the materials they are made from – why those materials?
Are the heavy? Light? Strong?
Find the shapes in the buildings. Triangles are very strong, but buildings are usually square or rectangular. Can you find where they have used triangles to make the building stronger?

Vocabulary: purpose, smooth, solid, rigid, flexible, texture, shape, wood, plastic, steel, paper, foam

Grade 2

Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Movement

Assess the impact on society and the environment of simple machines and mechanisms; Demonstrate an understanding of movement and ways in which simple machines help to move objects.

What does that mean?

Students will be looking at how simple machines (a lever; an inclined plane; pulley; wheel and axle, including gear; a screw; and a wedge) make tasks easier and how they move.

Get the kids thinking:

Which simple machines do you see?
Which way are they moving? How do you think that helps us?
Are there any ways in which building this machine to help us may also hurt us? (are there environmental impacts of running it? )

Vocabulary: push, pull, beside, above, wheel, axel, inclined plane, pulley, lever, screw, wedge, turning, spinning

Grade 3

Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Strong and Stable Structures

Assess the importance of form, function, strength, and stability in structures through time; Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of structure, strength, and stability and the factors that affect them.

What does that mean?

Students will be learning the definitions of strength (the ability to support a load) and stability (the ability to maintain balance and stay fixed in one spot) and investigating the properties of the materials used to make them, as well as how to improve them.

Get the kids thinking:

What about these buildings mean that they are still standing after so long?
What materials are they made from?
What if we made them out of gold? Paper? What would be different?
Could you do anything to those materials to be able to build something strong like this?
Find the shapes in the Hamilton Steam Museum buildings. Triangles are very strong, but buildings are usually square or rectangular. Can you find where they have used triangles to make the building stronger?

Vocabulary: compression, tension, strut, ties, strength, stability, flexibility

Grade 4

Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Pulleys and Gears

Evaluate the impact of pulleys and gears on society and the environment; Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and functions of pulley systems and gear systems.

What does that mean?

Students will be learning how pulleys and gears work to make life easier and the change in movement and/or speed that happens in pulley or gear systems.

Get the kids thinking:

If you can see the engines etc working, try tracing the movement and looking particularly at the gears – which way is this one turning? What about the next one?
Why do you think there’s a difference in size between them?
What happens to the speed now? Is there anywhere where one kind of movement is turned into another kind of movement – like rotary to linear – is there a flat gear instead of a wheel?

Vocabulary: pulley, gear, force, speed, spur gears, bevel gears, crown gears, pulley block

Grade 5

Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms

Identify forces that act on and within structures and mechanisms, and describe the effects of these forces on structures and mechanisms.

What does that mean?

Students are looking at the forces within structures that help make them strong and the forces around structures acting on them.

Get the kids thinking:

Where are the forces in the building? Is there anything that adds to that? The people walking on the floors above? The wind from outside?
Can you see anything in the Hamilton Steam Museum building that makes it stronger to deal with those forces?

Vocabulary: tension, compression, torque, load, weight

Kids are like sponges, and they want to soak up everything they can learn, and all we need to do – as parents and educators – is make it interesting. Take a visit to the Hamilton Steam Museum and “get their gears turning” today!

Additional Self-Guided Field Trip Guides

Joseph Brant Museum

The post Hamilton Steam Museum – Self-Guided Field Trips appeared first on Active Parents.

Burlington’s New Play Equipment Lending Library

Amber Rohal — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 02:15:59 +0000

The City of Burlington Parks and Recreation Department has a free sports equipment borrowing program you’ll want to access just in time for summer! Read on about the Burlington Play Equipment Lending Library.

If you’ve even been to a City of Burlington summer camp or drop-in play session at their recreation centres, you know that they have a ton of amazing sports equipment.

Check out the free Play Equipment Lending Library which gives Burlington families a chance to borrow equipment to enhance their summer fun. This program is an excellent way to get out and active as a family.

How to borrow from the Burlington Play Equipment Lending Library

Visit the City of Burlington website here.
Book equipment thru Live & Play You’ll need to create an account if you do not already have one.
Wait to be contacted for your pick-up date. So easy!

Choose equipment to play the following popular sports: hockey, soccer, tennis, and bocce. But also be sure to try out games like pickleball, spike ball and spike ball junior, croquet, washer toss, cornhole, kanjam, wiffleball, and ladder toss. It’s a great time to try out the equipment if you were thinking of buying it. You can also borrow things like game sashes, potato sacks and even snowshoes come wintertime! There are currently 93 items in the play equipment lending library here.

You may borrow equipment for free for 5 days bookable up to 45 days in advance. It is booked online thru a Live & Play account with a credit card attached and a deposit is required. In the FAQs of the program, there is mention of a $50 refundable deposit to take care of any lost or damaged equipment. We are signed up! I can’t wait to try croquet and spike ball. You know I will let you know how it goes. Burlington residents, get on the list today! Tag us on social media when you get your equipment so we can be part of the fun.

Got extra equipment that needs to be played with again? The Burlington Play Equipment Lending Library will accept gently-used equipment that is transportable. Snowshoes, hiking poles, badminton, volleyball, etc. Please contact [email protected] if you wish to donate.

Trending Now…

26 Ideas for Free Summer Fun

60 Summery Activities You Can Do Right Now

Burlington’s Coolest Skate Parks for Kids

Why Creek Walking is Our Favourite Free Activity

The post Burlington’s New Play Equipment Lending Library appeared first on Active Parents.

Family Fun Game Night Ideas

Amber Rohal — Thu, 07 May 2020 13:24:54 +0000

Whether cooperative or competitive, in person or online, game nights can be fun for the whole family! Here are some creative and out of the box ways of hosting a Game Night.

How to Plan a Game Night

Step 1: In Person or Online?

It’s always fun to gather everyone in the living room for a video game or around the kitchen table for a board game.

If you are opting to play online, you’ll need to make sure all of the players and teams are fluent in technology, or at a minimum, comfortable. Our three favourite ways of connecting for online game nights are FaceTime (with iPhone/iPads), Zoom video chatting, and the kids have started using Facebook Messanger Kids to video connect. Stay connected with family friends near and far.

Zoom is the “all-encompassing” favourite for our house because it doesn’t require a certain phone type or social media account. Just an internet connection and a screen.

Step 2: Get Yourself Some Refreshments

Game night needs snacks! And here is what love to pair with a little family game night fun.

Christy’s Gourmet Gifts has game night snacking down pat! I love the candy tray filled with all the essentials, and you’ll love the chocolate caramel pretzel puddle!

The Sweetest Thing is located in Kerr Village and is home to some of the yummiest baked goods ever. You absolutely must have the Crispy Chewy cookies and the lemon loaf.

Donut Monster makes my fave donuts! Pre-order a day or two before and game night will be your new favourite night of the week! Highly recommend the classic apple fritter and the double coconut!

Film.ca has fresh, movie theatre popcorn and snacks.

Step 3: Choose Your Games

We polled our community and boy did they deliver! We asked what they are playing right now and we never expected so many answers. We’ve broken them down into categories based on the age and demographic of your Game Night friends.

For in person Game Nights check out our Best Family Board Games for Every Age, or read on for more and online suggestions.

Online Games for Kids

These games are so simple that they don’t require a whole lot of parental involvement (assuming you don’t want to be involved!) for kids ages 8+ I’d say.

Bingo! – If you have a Bingo set at home, you can drop off some Bingo cards if your friends are local and one person can be the caller. Don’t already own Bingo? You can download bingo cards from the net or buy your own set here.

Charades is an easy one, and so much fun to watch! The kids act out movies, TV shows, books, songs and anything else they can come up with. And when you run out of ideas, we looooove this board game version of Kids Charades.

Scultp-It is like charades, but with play dough. Kids do their best to replicate something (anything) and their friend needs to guess what they’re creating. You can either freehand this one or get yourself the official Sculpt-It board game.

Battleship can be played online or tabletop.

Guess Who? is the ideal way for kids to play solo with their friends online. The game is simple, and if both friends have it, they can easily play with little help needed. Or drop a board off to the friend/family member if they don’t have it.

Pictionary is another one that is just as fun to play as it is to spectate – especially with kids as the artist! Grandparents will get tons of laughs out of this one for sure. Buy it here.

Game Night for The Whole Family

In addition to all of the games listed above, we’ve got some more that you’ll enjoy with the whole family.

Scattergories is a new fave, and our kids are just starting to get fast at it. It’s basically a “things that begin with the letter ___” game, so everyone can play, and all you need is quick thinking and fast writing! You can buy the original game here, or try the card game. For zero cost, you can also find the Scattergories categories here, and a very decent online version here. Plus, you can also download the app for iOS and Android for free and play your family online.

Yahtzee is a classic for almost 50 years now for its simplicity and mild-mannered competition (unless you’re my family). You can find the original Yahtzee scorecard here, and as long as everyone has dice – game on!

Farkle is new to our family, but we recommend it already. It’s another dice game, but your challenge is to be the first to get to 10,000 points. All you need is a pen and paper to keep score, and everyone needs their own dice. And we needed this cheat sheet. Easy-peasy!

Kahoot! Your kids may already be playing Kahoot in the classroom. “Kahoots” are user-generated multiple-choice quizzes that can be accessed via a web browser or the Kahoot app. This is a great way for a kiddo to get their friends guessing, or to make up a quiz for the grandparents. Who can name the pups from Paw Patrol? Or “Can you name all of my favourite things?” The ideas are endless.

PlayingCards – PlayingCards.io lets you play any tabletop game, in your browser, multiplayer with your friends, for free! Card games like Poker and Crazy Eights, and board games like Checkers, Chess and Backgammon. You play online with a partner, and the screens are synchronized so your partner sees your moves as they happen. This is another great one to play with the grandparents or friends.

Games For Grownups

These games are a little more risque so make sure you do you research if you’re going to propose one for family game night.

Jackbox Games has been a fun one for our Ladies’ Zoom Nights. You need to pay for Jackbox Games, about $20 to buy, but it’s already paid for itself. One of us loads it on their computer and shares the screen with everyone else via Zoom. It was trivia, drawing games, word games, and more. Plus, they have additional party packs, so the fun never has to stop.

Evil Apples is new to me, but it looks great! If you’ve played Cards Against Humanity, the Evil Apples app seems to be very similar. “Evil Apples is a filthy & hilarious card & party game for adults looking for dirty humor and fun times!” Be prepared for some colourful language and topics!

Picolo – If the kids are in bed, and you’re not having to wake up early with them, Picolo was recommended but many of you as a fun way to connect with your friends and a few “beverages” if you get my drift. This app, available for both Android and iOS, is easy to play and only (thankfully) lasts about 15 minutes. But feel free to keep going if you can handle it

Refresh family game night! We rounded up our favourite board games right here.

The post Family Fun Game Night Ideas appeared first on Active Parents.