Brant Hills Park Has A New Splash Pad! Read More »
The post Brant Hills Park Has A New Splash Pad! appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>During the summer of 2021, a new splash pad was built at Brant Hills park and it’s been popular with visitors! There are a few unique water sprayers and sprinklers. When it’s time to refuel, you can snack at the picnic tables with the umbrella covering.
My kids (ages 6, 3, and 1) had a great time at this park in Burlington! Their favourite part was the various climbing options and while there, being able to run to a different play structure. Due to the smaller sizes of both structures, it would not entertain kids over the age of 7 for very long. Here’s what you’ll find at Brant Hills Park in Burlington.
Playground One – Orange and Blue
Playground Two – Green and Yellow
This playground is located on a large piece of property that is also home to multiple baseball diamonds for teams of all ages, a community centre and the Brant Hills branch of Burlington Libraries. Lots of parking makes it easy to visit, and ample grassy fields make kits flying and ball-playing ideal. The playground is park woodchips, park concrete (where the splash pad is). If you visit during the hours that the community centre/library is open, you can use their washrooms and water bottle refill station.
Tim Hortons, Pizza Pizza, a grocery store and more are located a short drive away if you get hungry while playing or need to pick up a few things. The park is also located on a transit route to make visiting easier.
Brant Hills Park is located at 2300 Duncaster Dr, Burlington, ON L7P 4C2
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!
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]]>The post William Connell Park in Hamilton Has TWO Playgrounds appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>SPRING NOTE: Contractors will be on-site to install a new wheelchair accessible swing between the existing playground and spray pad. All park assets will remain open for public use; however, some interruptions can be expected. (Source)
There’s nothing I love more than a good playground recommendation, and when an Active Parents fans sent us a few Instagram photos of a new park she found, we just had to visit! William Connell Park delivered a great afternoon for my kids, and I know your kids will love a visit too!
When we first arrived we took our basketballs and soccer ball to play in the fenced court. I love that the court is fenced in because then all of our wild shots didn’t have us running all over the park to retrieve the balls. It also had built-in hockey nets that we used to practice our soccer skills. again, thankful for the fences to keep the balls close by. There were also a regulation-size football field and soccer field, which are both fenced off, and can be used if you book a permit with the city of Hamilton.
After we were done being sports superstars, we played at the traditional playground. It’s not very big but it had some apparatuses we hadn’t seen before, so my kids liked it. There were various ways to climb, swing, and balance which my adventurous kids like.
The natural playground at William Connell Park was fantastic. We played many games of “the floor as lava”, and the various ways to climb and balance really challenged my 10-year-old. It even challenged her mom! The beauty of the natural playground is that it gives the kids tons of opportunities to use their imagination. Balancing, jumping, and climbing are so good for kids in so many different ways. Another great park addition in Hamilton.
William Connell Park is located at 1086 West 5th Street, Hamilton.
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]]>The post Shell Park in Oakville – Skate Park, Playground, Gardens and a Big Dog Park appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Shell Park is a large park, playground and garden pace in Oakville. It’s located on Lakeshore Ave., just east of Great Lakes Drive. With ample free parking, at various lots throughout the park, you’ll find a spot easily if you drive over.
We’ve always loved this playground because of the rubberized play surface and the mature trees that provide lots of shade – essential for us redheads who burn easily. The playground has lots of ways to climb, balance and swing, and I know your kids will have fun here.
My 10-year old claims Shell Skatepark are one of her favourite skateparks. The immense size and impressive graffiti make it a top-rated cool kids hangout. If you’ve got younger kiddos or skaters with less experience, definitely aim for a morning visit. It can get busy once the teenagers arrive. We’ve never had an issue, though. In fact, we’ve had great experiences with the “big kids” at Shell Skate Park. There are a few parent benches around the skate park, and lots of parking.
I’m an amateur gardener and all-around nature lover, so the beautiful gardens at Shell Park are always a favourite stop for me. The gardens are paved with stepping stones and because they are lovingly maintained by dedicated folks, they are in bloom all spring, summer and fall in some fashion. Bring your camera and snap some inspiration for your own garden, or some photos of your adorable kids in a gorgeous setting.
I wasn’t fibbing when I said that Shell Park has something for everyone – even pooches! This dog park has high ratings from canine owners. The dog park has 2 pens, one for bigger dogs and one for little guys, and in warmer months, there is water on-site to keep them hydrated. If you need shade or shelter from the rain, there is a little hut as well.
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!
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]]>The post Central Park in Burlington Has A Super Fun Playground appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Central Park is a highly visited location for families all year long. It shares a parking lot with the central branch of the Burlington Public Library and is adjacent to Central Arena and the New Street Seniors Centre. It’s also home to my favourite Burlington attraction, the Teen Tour Band.
Read More: Click here for 40+ playground reviews with photos!
Some of these apparatuses I’ve never seen before, so I have no idea what to call them…except “awesome”! They offer new ways to climb and balance and work those muscles. Kids need to challenge themselves, and this park will do that. They also provide new ways for kids to use their imaginations – what will they turn those funky boulders into?
Balancing and adventure walking will be a big hit when you visit. The new equipment offers many ways to move throughout the playground.
There are slides in every size and shape at Central Park, which are perfect for catering to kids of varying ages. The new playground has the same number of swings as before: 4 big swings, 1 baby swing and 1 special needs swing.
Central Park is located at 2255 New Street in Burlington.
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]]>The post 13+ Things to Do At Bronte Creek Provincial Park appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Your admission to the day use area includes unlimited play at the play barn. Kids will love that they get to run, jump, swing and slide inside a real barn. Open spring, summer and fall.
Bronte Creek is home to many animals including cows, goats, chickens, peacocks, sheep, rabbits and more! There are animals around throughout most seasons. Visit in the spring when you can meet baby animals that were born earlier that year.
Most animal experiences are open in spring, summer and fall.
Visit the Spruce Lane Farmhouse on the fourth weekend in September for the Harvest Festival. Pick up a pumpkin and enjoy yummy snacks like kettle corn and freshly pressed cider. Fall is a great time to visit the animals and take a wagon ride over to the play barn.
Winter at Bronte Creek brings on the Victorian Christmas preparations, games and food of the festive season. Enjoy crafts, stories, treats and games. It’s certain to get you into the spirit of the season.
Check out the Friends of Bronte Creek website to see if there are any special events happening.
The Gnome Road is a great reason to visit. It’s home to little wooden houses decorated like gnome homes. Follow along a very stroller-friendly walking path just at the tree line near the play barn and yellow playground.
There is a good tree canopy as well, so some shade for anyone who needs a break. Open all year.
Bronte Creek Pool has been a family favourite for years because of its size and beach entry. The park has confirmed that it will remain closed for 2023, after being closed for the past few seasons.
Fall is the time of year when the salmon migration runs through Bronte Creek Park. We first saw them in 2020, and it was honestly magical. Nature controls the migration, so there is no specific time to see them. They generally make their way to spawning grounds in September/October.
Directions to a viewing area. Park in Lot F, and walk toward Spruce Lane Farm. Behind the barns and the cow pasture, there is a trail marker for the Half Moon Valley Trail. When you get to a fork in the trail, go left, which is trail 4.
Tip: Bring appropriate footwear and a camera. Note that this trail has stairs.
When we visited in the fall, we thought the barns we all empty for the season. We were pleasantly surprised to see the cows were out and so were these massive rabbits!
We read about the great White Oak tree, which started growing in 1685. I was surprised to learn it is one of the biggest oak trees in Ontario.
Kids will have fun at the playgrounds and play structures as you make your way through the park.
Bronte has stroller-friendly trails that are easy for kids. You can walk by the creek, among the tall trees, or on the gravel paths that go all around the park.
While you’re walking at this Oakville Park, look for the unusual cylindrical buildings and picnic shelters with real wood-burning fireplaces and sinks. Lots of opportunities for using your imaginations, and a ton of green space to run off all that energy kids have.
Tip: Bring lunch or dinner and have a picnic.
Bronte is a park that offers educational programs like the Maple Syrup Festival, Ghost Walks, Camper Halloween, and Victorian Christmas. It’s a popular destination for classes and families looking for interactive experiences throughout the year.
Bring your furry friend and let them enjoy a little fresh air freedom at the dedicated leash-free section of the park.
Disc golf is a challenging and fun activity in nice weather. Bring your own frisbees, stand at the marker, and throw. Your goal is to land your disk in or as close as possible to the hole. Perfect for some fresh air fun, and no experience necessary.
Come in the winter months and enjoy cross-country skiing and tobogganing with the family.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park camping is easy and ideal for first-timers because if things don’t go as planned, you’re not far from home. I know many families who have gotten their “camping legs” at Bronte. You can tent or RV camp from May through October, or stay at one of the park’s yurts. For camping fees check here.
Comfort stations include washroom facilities with flush toilets and handwashing facilities. They are near the Playbarn, Spruce Lane Farmhouse and various points around the park.
You can hike and bike on the trails.
Bring your binoculars because we permit and encourage bird watching.
Bronte has picnic benches all throughout the park, so pack a picnic or snack spread and dine al fresco.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park offers a variety of price deals and discounts. Prices vary for everything from walk-in day use to RV camping. You can find them all here on their official website.
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]]>The post Parent and Tot Programs in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Hosting a Parent and Tot program in Hamilton, Burlington or Oakville? Click here to add it to this guide.
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]]>The post Hidden Valley Park is a Must-Visit Destination appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Have you been to Hidden Valley Park in Burlington? Many parents agree it’s one of Burlington’s best free things to do. And get this, Hidden Valley is home to 2 playgrounds, each completely different and so worth talking about. Love this park? Here’s even more local playgrounds to explore!
Hidden Valley Park needs to be high on your list of parks to visit if you’ve not been yet. Located in Aldershot, we were originally drawn to it because my kids love monkey bars and geocaching. If you have a monkey bars fan, they’ll get a good challenge here.
Hidden Valley Park is located off of Plains Road West, just west of Waterdown Road. There is a large gravel parking lot, with enough parking for about 40-50 visitors. When you arrive, you’ll breathe a huge sigh of relief as you see the – cue the angels singing – public washrooms. Yes, it has public washrooms!
The park is fenced in on the side facing the parking lot, with the perfect mix of enough fence for safety, but not feeling like it’s closed in. As I mentioned, we were on a mission for monkey bars, so my trio of terrors took off for the play structures. Hidden Valley Park has a larger structure and a smaller one. My kiddos were 6 and 8, so they had no trouble with any of the equipment. I saw little diapered kiddos roaming all over too, but on the above-ground structure there are openings, so they’ll need to be supervised.
Hidden Valley has a variety of climbers and slides, and the ramps that connected them provided just as much entertainment. The kids imagined that the structure was everything from a tree house a la Swiss Family Robinson, a pirate ship, a space ship and an apartment for superheroes. There were swings for big kids and swings for little kids and a high-back full-support swing. We were happy to see that the picnic tables were wheelchair accessible.
When you walk the Hidden Valley Park grounds, you’ll come to the Burlington Model Railway Club. It was closed on the day we were there, but it is open to the public during its various free events throughout the year.
Walk to the wooded side of the parking lot and you come across a bridge that takes you over Grindstone Creek, and to a clearing with what my kids described as a “ghost cabin”. I’m not sure what it was before, but now it’s just a boarded-up stone building no bigger than a shed. And it’s not scary, so don’t worry. We were hot on the trail of a geocache, so we climbed the steep hill and were met with two amazing treasures.
Much like the “ghost cabin”, the history of the rusted-out car is unknown to me, but we had tons of fun imagining how it got there. Was it an off-road ride gone awry? I’d love to know more about either of these little gems, so if you have details, leave them in the comments below.
After our geocache adventure at Hidden Valley Park Burlington, we sat in the gazebo to have a snack and rehydrate, then we hit up the (surprisingly clean) restrooms before getting in the truck and going home. Disclaimer: The restrooms had toilet paper, were checked throughout the day, and didn’t smell, and to me that is clean.
We promised you two parks and we are bringing you two parks! Hidden Valley has a large footprint, so it crossed a road and continues on the south side of Lemonville Road you’ll find more fun and adventure.
While we love the spray pad at the park details above, we love the easy access to Grindstone Creek in this section of the park the most. My kids are huge into creek walking and nature exploring so this is one of our favourite places to visit in Burlington. Bring your rubber boots, a bucket and a small net. You can catch some wee little fish and crayfish to check them out up close. Just remember to catch and release.
And keep your eyes peeled for awesome discoveries like this skull from a furry friend who either died of old age or at the paws of a predator. Science at its finest! There is a pathway that has a great canopy cover from the spring through the fall. It’s shady and packed gravel which makes it perfect for families, wagons and strollers.
This portion of Hidden Valley Park is also home to a playground with a dinosaur theme. Plus swings and climbers, and another shaded gazebo. Pack a picnic because there are dozen of picnic tables to take full advantage of.
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!
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]]>The post Confederation Beach Park Is For Pirate Fans appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>Take a look at what Hamilton’s Confederation Beach Park has for your kids – you’re going to want to visit today!
Are you looking for more parks and playgrounds? We visit them a tell you all about the best ones we find.
Take one of these kid-friendly hikes in Hamilton and Halton.
Confederation Beach Park in Hamilton ticks so many boxes: a variety of climbing options and heights, a cool pirate theme complete with a sunken ship, and wide-open spaces for running and playing. We love going to this park because we can spend a ton of time there – I’m talking hours – and never be bored.
For my kids, the big draw is the whole pirate ship park theme. Its pinnacle is the ship deck that uses kid-power to rock side to side like it’s sailing the high seas. This ship will cause a ton of laughter and will definitely tire your kids out. For a few minutes, anyway!
As you can probably tell by her face in the photo, my youngest thinks these saucer swings are the coolest swings ever. Very few parks have them, so when she sees one, I know the park will become a fast favourite.
Another great aspect of Confederation Beach Park is its climbers. The climbers have something for every age. Big kids will love the monkey bars and ropes, and little ones will like the fake logs for balancing and the rock wall. My kids use all of their muscles, balance and imagination when they’re playing here.
What I love about visiting this park, also known as Hamilton Beach Park, is its proximity to the Lake Ontario waterfront and bike path. I can spend all my days near water, and being this close lets you break up the park visit with some tranquillity. No matter the season, this park is a perfect way to spend a day. We love collecting “sea” glass, driftwood, and unique rocks and treasures. Sit on the rocks and downed tree trunks and take a few minutes to yourself!
We drive across the Hamilton/Burlington lift bridge and park at the first lot we see. Then we ride our bikes down to Confederation Beach Park. The bike path is flat and wide and perfect for wheels of every variety. If your kiddo gets bored at the park, they can scooter and bike along the path for a change of scenery.
Pack a picnic lunch as the trees here are mammoth and provide a ton of shade. Wander the grounds and you’ll see some incredible sights and plaques. And as you can tell by my photo below, the washrooms were very clean when we visited.
Have you been to Confederation Beach Park? Tell us your favourite park and maybe we’ll come to see you! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see where we play next!
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]]>The post Milton Community Sports Park Has The Biggest Climber We’ve Ever Seen appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>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, beach volleyball courts, skate park and more!
Located at Derry Road and Hwy 25, this mega sports complex is easily accessible by car if you’re not local. There is ample free parking. Pop the address 805 Santa Maria Blvd. into your GPS and have a great visit!
In a word. Everything. Outdoors – which is where we were – is equipped with the following areas:
Basketball “courts” – the 4 courts are not big enough for a regulation game but great for free throws, or 3 on 3.
A skatepark with a separate bowl – kids of all ages were able to make use of the various-sized ramps, grinds and drop-ins. The bowl was completely separate from the main skate park, and the kids liked that so they could practice drop-ins without the congestion. This was a large and very popular park. Park your patience.
Beach volleyball courts – we saw kids taking part in a city program on the 6 beach volleyball courts. The courts and nets were in great shape.
A well laid out playground – the playground was spread out very well, so there wasn’t any congestion even those there were lots of kids. The playground has a zipline that was very popular with kids of all ages. 4 big swings and 2 baby swings, a smaller climber perfect for toddlers, and a long climber (see photo) for the more adventurous and skilled kids.
The massive climber that we teased you with in our Instagram stories was the main attraction for my kids. It was over 2 stories tall and somehow was accessible for little kids and a challenge for my tween and teen! I saw some parents make it to the top as I clutched my pearls and kept my 2 feet on the ground.
We didn’t venture indoors because nothing is accessible right now, but during regular times you can find numerous ways to stay active and have fun at the Milton Community Sports Park community centre. Swimming, sports gyms, fitness, children’s and adult programming and more will return gradually as the province reopens.
Bring your wheels because there are bike paths and a skate park to roll around. The paths that wind throughout the playground area are all paved, and very stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. And wear comfortable shoes so you can make good use of the walking paths too!
Sunscreen and hats. The trees aren’t yet giving off much shade, and covered seating is limited. There are lots of picnic tables though, so pack a picnic and lots of water.
Bring your balls! Lots of wide-open grass space for soccer, catch, and kite flying.
Did you know you can sort our playground and park reviews based on what you need? Hate woodchips? Choose places with rubberized play surfaces. Need a covered or shady spot to set up base for the day? We can help you find that. Everything from great parking to access to washrooms, we know it and we tell you. Click here to find your perfect park.
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]]>The post Nelson Park is Home to a Pool, Splash Pad, Dirt Jumps, Skate Park and More! appeared first on Active Parents.
]]>If you’re looking for a park that has it all, Nelson Park in Burlington is where you want to be! Read on to find out why this park sees us at least once a week when the weather is good.
Located centrally in the south Burlington area this park, pool and playground combination truly has something for everyone, during every season. Nelson is Burlington’s most recently renovated pool and it’s beautiful. The pool is huge (50 metres long!) and clean, and offers diving boards, diving platforms, small dumping buckets in the gradual-entry shallow end and an awesome rock-climbing wall,
There are Muskoka chairs and permanent umbrellas along three sides of the pool and shady trees provide some relief from the sun on a hot day. The renovations included adding a variety of great water amenities such as:
The pool and attached splash pad make Nelson a destination perfect for any age.
The playground has two big swings three baby swings and a special needs swing. The kids will love the four slides and various climbing apparatuses. Nelson Park playground has a circus vibe to it, so kids flock to its bright colours. For parents, there are a few benches and lots of shady trees. The playground surface is rubberized in parts and small rocks for the remaining.
The parking lot is shared with the community centre, so there’s lots of free parking, and being on New Street, there is easy access to Burlington Transit.
The skate park is long and thin, perfect for kids just learning and ones who want to add a few tricks to their repertoire. There’s no shade at the skatepark, but some shade-giving trees around.
The dirt jumps at Nelson Park were only installed a few years ago and they are the cherry on top if you ask my kids. My adventurous 10-year-old made it through with some strong peddling, but the signage posted does recommend adult supervision for kids under the age of 10. Remember your safety gear for this one.
Maple Park in Burlington has a fenced playground and one of the cities best skate parks
Take a short drive to Waterdown Memorial Park for a huge skate park, a large playground and a splash pad
Oakville’s Coronation Park has the area’s best splash pad (as voted on by my kids)
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
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