Outdoor activities are not in short supply near you! We couldn’t be more appreciative of our region and all of the wonderful and unique ways it offers us to be outdoors. We’ve put together some top-rated, family-friendly things to do outdoors, for all seasons. We just know we can inspire your next outdoor adventure with one of our things to do outdoors in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville…and beyond!
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We love to scope out family-friendly outdoor activities and report back to YOU with details so you know what to expect on your visit. Got questions? Send us an email and we’ll be happy to help.
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outdoor activities, things to do outdoors and places to visit
Grand River Rafting Adventure – Tips From Our Trip
Floating along the Grand River was definitely our best summer adventure!
Ice Cream and Gelato in Hamilton
Temps are rising and I can’t think of a better way to cool down than with a frosty dessert! Read on for your guide to …
15+ Ice Cream and Gelato Spots in Burlington
Temps are rising and I can’t think of a better way to cool down than with a frosty dessert! Read on for your guide to …
2023 Victoria Day Fireworks, Events and Festivals
Hellooooo Summer! Victoria Day is the (un)official kickoff to our Canadian summer, and it couldn’t come at a better time! This weekend you can enjoy Victoria …
Farmers Markets in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton
Visit a Farmer’s Market in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville. It’s a great way to support the hardworking folks who grow and make our food, and …
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm 2023 Tips For Your Visit
Make fabulous (and delicious) fall memories at Chudleigh’s Farm in Milton.
Safari Niagara Reopens on May 13 – New For 2023
Safari Niagara is a great day trip when you’re looking for a wild adventure!
Pick Your Own Flower Farms
Pretty colours and sweet scents await you at these Ontario pick-your-own flower farms. Gather your family together and head out to a local farm this …
13+ Reasons To Visit Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville is one of the 340 Ontario Provincial parks, and we are so lucky to have it so close by. …
Disc Golf Courses Near You
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 …
Paletta Lakefront Park and Mansion
Nestled behind a stone wall and manicured shrubbery sits Paletta Mansion, at Paletta Lakefront Park in Burlington. The grounds make for a peaceful place to …
The Best Hiking Trails Near Hamilton and Halton For Families
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.
Splash Pads and Wading Pools in Hamilton
Just in time for the hot temperatures, splash pads and wading pools in Hamilton are opening up again for the season! You’re almost guaranteed to …
Twin Valley Nature Park (Formerly Brantford Zoo) Opens May 6
Twin Valley Nature Park – formerly called Brantford Twin Valley Zoo – ranks high on the list of must-visit destinations for so many reasons. Read …
Skateboard and Scooter Parks in Burlington
Burlington has 10 skateboard and scooter parks spread out across the city. Each one has different benefits, and we’ve laid it all out here to …
The Best Hamilton Skate Parks According To Locals
Summer is the prime time for skateboarding, scootering and BMX biking, and these Hamilton area skateparks provide the perfect location for kids (and adults!) to …
The 5 Coolest Skate Parks in Oakville, Ontario
Oakville is home to five outdoor scooter and skate parks, spread throughout the town. They vary in size and style, but all pack a punch …
Milton Community Sports Park Has The Biggest Climber We’ve Ever Seen
Add a day at Milton Community Sports Park to your summer calendar if you’re looking for a park that has a playground, zipline, basketball courts, …
African Lion Safari Reopens Saturday, May 6 And Has New Ticket Pricing
What’s new for 2022 at African Lion Safari? We can tell you! Plus opening dates and admission prices.
The Best Mini Golf Courses To Play Right Now
Grab your putter and meet me on the links!
The 4 Best Drive-In Movie Theatres in Hamilton, Oakville, Niagara, Guelph
A night at the drive in is a fantastic way to spend an evening with the family
Triple C Farm: Get Up Close With Adorable Farm Animals
Triple C Farm, located in Ancaster, is one of our most recommended farms to visit. If you’ve got little kids who love visiting petting zoos, …
Hamilton’s Confederation Beach Park is a Pirate Lovers Paradise
Take a look at what Hamilton’s Confederation Beach Park has for your kids – you’re going to want to visit today! Find more things to …
Springridge Farm Is Open! Take a Tour With Us
Let us show you why Springridge Farm in Milton is always a great way to spend a day.
Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park Will Be Your Favourite Waterfront Park!
When I met a friend for coffee and we stumbled into Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park I was shocked that I hadn’t been here before. This …
30+ Free Things To Do With Kids This Month
Flowers are blooming and the rainy is waking up everything green. Welcome to May! This month brings us a plethora of free things to do …
Exhibition Park is a Huge Natural Playground in Guelph
I love a good day trip, and this summer we’ve been doing many! A few weekends ago we grabbed the kids and hopped in the …
12 Recommendations for Family Camping in Ontario
Camping in Ontario is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family, especially because we live in such a beautiful province! With an …
100+ March Break 2023 Activities
March Break 2023 is full of things to do in Hamilton, Halton, Niagara and the Waterloo Region. We’ve loaded our events calendar below and put together a long list of March Break activities and fun things you can do with the kids this week (or anytime)!
The Hamilton Aviary Bird Sanctuary
A visit to The Hamilton Aviary is a great way to feel tropical while supporting this wonderful, volunteer-run bird sanctuary in Dundas, Ontario.
Maple Syrup Festivals 2023: Hamilton, Halton, Niagara and More
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 in Ontario that you should visit. Bon appetite!
Outdoor Scavenger Hunts for Kids
You’re going to love these outdoor scavenger hunts to add a mission and destination to your next family walk. Grab the kids and maybe a pair of binoculars and enjoy these nature scavenger hunts.
Free Fishing Weekend 2023 in Ontario
In 2023, 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.
How To Borrow Free Parks Passes From Your Library
Your library has free family passes to local conservation areas, Ontario Parks and botanical gardens. Here is how to borrow them!
Cross-Country Skiing Near Hamilton and Burlington
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. …
23+ Outdoor Skating Rinks in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Milton
“Hey, Active Parents! Is there an outdoor skating rink near me?” Yep! Outdoor ice skating rinks are a great place to take your kids in …
Top 10 Toboggan Hills in Burlington and Hamilton
Tobogganing is one of the easiest and cheapest ways 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.
You Have To See This Magnificent Train Display Before It’s Gone
Royal Botanical Gardens enchanted holiday train display in his back for a limited time! Run, don’t walk, to this whimsical display that will be loved by all ages.
The Best Christmas Towns From Toronto to Niagara
Holiday lights, snowy strolls, outdoor ice skating and Christmas markets galore.
Back For 2022 – The Candlelit Stroll Through Downtown Burlington
Fantastic news! The Candlelit Stroll through Downtown Burlington is back for 2022 and we have all the details! What Is The Candlelit Stroll? The Candlelit …
Burloak Waterfront Park is Accessible and So Much Fun For Families
On the border of Burlington and Oakville is Burloak Waterfront Park and it’s going to be your new favourite park. Its Lake Ontario views and …
Treetop Trekking Hamilton – Fun in the Forest
Hamilton is home to an outdoor adventure that families will love to experience! Treetop Trekking Hamilton offers fresh air activity and this is the perfect …
Pumpkins After Dark: How Spooky is This Immersive Halloween Experience?
Your kids will love this massive drive-thru Halloween event in Milton
Mountsberg’s Evening Halloween Spooktacular
Come with us for a behind-the-scenes look at Mountsberg Halloween Spooktacular
The Apple Orchard Is Full of Fall Family Fun
The apple orchard was one of the very first places I took my kids to pick apples. I’m pretty sure we went the first year they were open! And we’ve been recommending it to families ever since.
Hanes Corn Maze is Canada’s Largest Corn Maze!
It’s not Fall without a visit to Hanes Corn Maze. Never been? Here’s the scoop on what makes it an ideal destination for a day out with the family.
The Best Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patches in Milton, Burlington, Hamilton, Brant County
The crisp fall air, hayrides, and freshly baked farm treats are a great way to spend a day. If you’re looking for a pumpkin patch, you’ll find all the info you need below.
Why We Love Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg Conservation Area is one of eight Conservation Halton parks. It’s located in Campbellville and features outdoor activities and attractions suitable for everyone from littles to tweens. Grown-ups, too!
Ride the Antique Carousel at Lakeside Park
Take a trip back in time when you ride the antique carousel at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie. It really is a thing of beauty and nostalgia.
The Best Places To See The Leaves Change in Burlington and Hamilton
October is the perfect time to watch the leaves in Ontario change from fresh green to warm, firey hues before the frost of winter rolls in. Here are our suggestions for the best places to see leaves change in Burlington and Hamilton.
Downey’s Farm Welcomes You To Pumpkin Fest and More!
If you’re looking for a full day of fun at the farm, Downey’s Farm is where you need to go! Animals, pumpkins, slides and more!
7 Large and Small Local Corn Mazes Around Hamilton and Halton
Get lost – and found – in a corn maze this fall!
44 Family Favourite Fall Activities
Raise your hand if fall activities are your favourite! Indoors, outdoors, active or relaxed, we have put together sooo many things to do with kids near Hamilton, Halton and Niagara.
Mountview Park
Hamilton Mountain’s Mountview Park had a big renovation this summer – let’s see what’s new!
Kid-Friendly Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards in Halton and Hamilton
There are lots of pick-your-own apple orchards throughout Halton and into Hamilton. Here’s our pick-your-own apple guide with all the details you need to find an orchard and have some family fun on the farm over the next few weeks.
Stroller-Friendly Trails in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton
Here are some of the best-loved and most recommended stroller-friendly trails in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton. We asked our followers with wee ones where they love to walk with their wagons and wheels.
Sunflower Farms and Fields in Hamilton & Halton
Find a stunning, natural backdrop for some beautiful selfies!
Chicopee Zip Lining at Chicopee is An Adrenaline-Filled Family Adventure
Looking for another epic family adventure this summer? Let me introduce you to zip lining at Chicopee Tube Park!
Chappel East Parkette in Hamilton
A natural playground nestled under the watchful eye of a massive owl.
50+ Free Things To Do In The Summer + Printable Activity List
50 free and cheap things to do with your kids this summer vacation.
Movies Under The Stars – Free Outdoor Movies In Burlington
Enjoy free outdoor movies under the stars all summer long throughout Burlington Ontario. The City of Burlington is once again hosting its summer series “Movies …
Burlington’s Children Festival Has 3x The Fun in 2022!
Burlington’s Children’s Festival is back for 2022 and has a new look for this year! In order to serve more people and spread out the …
Centreville – A Full Day of Toronto Adventure For Families
Centreville Amusement Park in Toronto is over 50 Years Old! Can you believe it has been around that long? This Centre Island amusement park is …
Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals Near Burlington and Hamilton
Add an outdoor adventure to your summer break when you book a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard rental near Burlington and Hamilton. The very best …
Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will Love
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm in St. Catharines is a must-visit for families. Pack a lunch and bring the kids, because this is a day trip …
Churchill Park in Cambridge is Out of This World!
3…2…1… Blast off! Churchill Park in Cambridge is out of the world and definitely worth the car ride to check it out! Rocket Ship Playground …
Where To See Fireworks on Canada Day
It’s so exciting to see the return of many in-person Canada Day celebrations in Hamilton, Burlington Oakville and beyond.
Strawberry Picking in Niagara
Strawberries are at their peak sweetness in the early days of summer – June and July. The farms we’ve listed below offer strawberry picking in …
Strawberry Picking in Hamilton
Strawberries are at their peak sweetness in the early days of summer – June and July. The farms we’ve listed below offer strawberry picking in …
Strawberry Picking in Burlington, Oakville and Milton
Make the most of the early days of summer by taking the family to a pick-your-own strawberry farm in Halton! Strawberries are at their peak …
9 Outdoor Waterparks You Must Visit This Summer
Visiting a waterpark in the summer is one of the more exciting things to do with your kids. We’ve rounded up all of the waterparks …
Splash Pads, Outdoor and Wading Pools in Burlington
Spend your summer cooling down at a Burlington splash pad (sometimes called splash parks or spray pads). Most of them are free summer activities! If …
Splash Pads and Pools in Oakville
We’ve got all of your splash pads and swimming pools in Oakville so you can cool down all summer long! Oakville has dozens of wet …
Local Pick-Your-Own Produce Farms
Updated for 2023! There’s nothing better than fresh, local produce, and it doesn’t get any fresher than picking your own right at the farm! Read …
Things To Do In Spring in Burlington
Spring has sprung in Burlington and it is a welcome reprieve from that long cold winter! We know you are ready to leave cabin fever …
Play Footgolf in Hamilton!
Hamilton’s Buncrana Golf Course is now home to a footgolf course and it looks like a blast! Buncrana Golf Course is located in Hamilton and …
William Connell Park in Hamilton Has TWO Playgrounds
When you visit William Connell Park in Hamilton you’ll be treated to a combination of a natural playground, a traditional playground, and more sports fields …
Hilton Falls Conservation Area
Hilton Falls Conservation Area is a hidden gem! A stroller-friendly hike that includes up-close access to a waterfall and ruins to explore.
Free and Cheap Things To Do in Burlington With Kids
Burlington is consistently voted one of the best cities for families in Canada, and we couldn’t agree more. But it doesn’t have to cost an …
Natural Playgrounds Near Burlington and Hamilton
There are so many natural playgrounds near Burlington and Hamilton, and visiting one with a picnic in tow makes for an excellent and inexpensive summer …
Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids In Hamilton
Having fun with kids in tow doesn’t have to cost a lot with these free and cheap things to do in Hamilton.
Stroll Through Frosty’s Village in Burlington
100+ inflatable Frostys await you in Lockhart Village
LaSalle Park in Burlington – You Gotta Go Here
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 …
Perth Park – A Natural Playground in Ancaster
Perth Park is a natural playground in Ancaster. Natural playgrounds are still unique in this area, so when we find one it’s big news! We’ve …
Pier 4 Park in Hamilton Has a Tugboat!
Meet me at the pier – Pier 4 that is! This waterfront destination in Hamilton is full of reasons to visit from an amazing nautical-themed …
Geocaching in Burlington and Hamilton
Geocaching in Burlington and Hamilton is a great way to spend time outdoors with your kids. It brings together walking in the fresh air, investigative …
Tansley Woods Park in Burlington Has Trails and a Japanese Garden
Tansley Woods Park and Playground is a great spot to spend an afternoon. The playground is great for all ages, and the paths make for …
Little Free Libraries in Burlington and Hamilton
Looking for a new read? Check out our coverage on #BurlOn’s Little Free Libraries, and swap out an old favourite, for a new summer read!
Park Profile: Mountainside Park in Burlington
Janelle and her girls ventured off to Mountainside Park recently and were pleasantly surprised with what they found. It has everything for a variety of …
William Rose Park – Great Playground, Sports Courts, Skate Bowl and Trails
William Rose Park in North Oakville is one of the city’s newest parks. It is 4 acres of fun for the entire family and here’s …
Coronation Park in Oakville – Perfect For Picnics, Biking Paths, and Splash Pad
Oakville’s Coronation Park is a beautiful park situated on the shore of Lake Ontario. It’s 23+ acres of beauty, and it’s an ideal destination for …
Free and Cheap Summer Activities
I’m nothing if not frugal, and summer vacation is no exception! When the kids are home, and we want to do something great, I know …
3 Great Spots for Creek Walking in Burlington
Creek Walking is one of the best ways to cool down in nature. Nothing is more refreshing and grounding than dipping your toes into cool, …
The Toronto Zoo
While a visit to the Toronto Zoo isn’t possible at this time, a virtual campout at the zoo sounds like just the fix your animal …
Wild Waterworks
One more favourite family destination won’t be opening for the summer 2020 season.
Rainy Days Out On The Town
11 places to go in Burlington when the weather just doesn’t want you to be outside.