Before we know it, the glorious long, warm days of summer will be upon us. When school’s out, you’ll be looking for fun ways to keep your family active and entertained.
Here’s an assortment of amazing attractions to get you started. Find loads more attractions, tours and trip ideas at Attractions Ontario, your essential guide to kid-friendly fun in Ontario. And their money-saving coupons will help make summer parent friendly too.
Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan
Reopened in early May, the largest theme park in Canada delivers on thrills, squeals and delight with slides, rides, roller coasters and more. New for 2019, meet the Yukon Striker, the longest, fastest and highest dive coaster in the world. Climb up above the park’s skyline before the dramatic 90-degree drop into breakneck speeds through twists, turns and a complete 360-degree loop.
Note: height restrictions apply, with minimum of 140 cm and a maximum of 195.50 cm.
If you love theme parks, check these ones out!
Lang Pioneer Village Museum, Keene
You don’t need a time machine to travel back 200 years and experience a day in the life of 19th century settlers and Indigenous peoples. Lang Pioneer Village is an award-winning living history museum located on the banks of the historic Indian River. On site you can explore over 30 restored and furnished buildings representing the time period between 1825 and 1899, including an Aabnaabin First Nations Camp, General Store, School House, Print Shop, Blacksmith and Carpentry Shops, Town Hall and Weaver Shop with a rare working Jacquard Loom. Wander the lanes and pathways, try your hand at weaving, visit resident farm animals and interact with villagers of all ages dressed in authentic historic costume while demonstrating the work of daily 19th century living. Top your afternoon off with fresh lemonade or tea and treats at the historic Keene Hotel.
Explore more of Ontario’s historic sites, castles and forts.
Puddicombe Estate, Stoney Creek
Growing and sharing the bounty of Mother Nature has been the business of the Puddicombe family for over 200 years, and it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone here. Tour the 300-acre farm, pick your own fruit, hop aboard ‘Little Pudd’ for a half-hour agricultural train tour, visit the children’s village and farm animals, stock up on hand-baked pies, jams, jellies, cookies, tarts, strudels, cider and fudge from the country store, and sample delicious fruit wine and crisp cider in the tasting room. You can even book a farm stay in the Puddicombe Caboose, an authentic CNR caboose that’s been converted into a comfy two-bed suite with kitchenette.
Ontario’s farms offer family fun all season long.
Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park, Orono
Protection, conservation and education of at-risk animals are driving forces behind the running of this zoological park about 45 minutes east of Toronto. Interpretive signs help you get to know more about the 60 different species, and you’re invited to free, daily guided feeding tours. Of course, after dark is when things really get wild, so sign up for a nighttime group safari. This park also offers three safari themed B&B suites so you can fall asleep to the howls and roars of the jungle.
We have enough zoos, sanctuaries and parks to keep animal lovers engaged all summer.
Niagara Speedway, Niagara Falls
Clifton Hill, the famous ‘street of fun’ just got even more exciting. Unleash your inner Mario and Luigi at this unique, elevated four-acre facility that combines the thrills of go-kart racing and roller coaster riding. Another recent addition Clifton Hill’s attractions is the Game Zone, featuring new and classic carnival games, as well as favourites like the Niagara SkyWheel, the Great Canadian Midway and the wax museums. Get your Clifton Hill Fun Pass for access to six attractions for one low price and find great kid friendly hotels nearby to all the action.
Niagara is full of kid-approved fun!
Eagle Canyon Adventures, Dorion
We dare you to look down on Ouimet Canyon while on Canada’s longest foot suspension bridge. Eagle Canyon Adventures, just outside of Thunder Bay, will get you to your first step; the next 182 metres across is up to you. Got shaky legs? Instead of climbing down to the canyon floor, take an exhilarating 60 second ride on Canada’s longest, highest and fastest zipline.
Feed your need for more heart stopping adventure.
Segway Tours at Blue Mountain Resort, Blue Mountains
Learn how to operate a Segway – a two-wheeled, motorized, self balancing vehicle – before you roll off on a scenic, guided off-road tour of the Niagara Escarpment. It’s the most fun you can have standing on two wheels! Take in the views of the village and the gorgeous colours of Georgian Bay. Other Segway tours are available in various locations in Niagara, the Distillery District and Ontario Place in Toronto, in downtown Ottawa, at Muskoka’s JW Marriott and at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte.
Note: Height, weight and age restrictions apply.
Calypso Waterpark, Limoges
Canada’s biggest themed waterpark is located just outside of Ottawa and boasts the nation’s largest wave pool, over 35 slides, 100 water games and two themed rivers. The park reopens June 7th, and the 2019 season passes are already available. While you’re at it, look into the VIP zones, cabanas and suites. Perfect for families and groups, these luxurious, private spaces offer lounge chairs, fridge and bottled water, internet and a VIP bar with exclusive menu. Located on an elevated deck, the panoramic view of the park is pretty sweet too.
Make a splash at other outdoor and indoor waterparks.
Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, Haliburton
You may need to spend a whole weekend at this unique, privately owned attraction. There are over 300 kilometres of trails, guided canoeing tours, the wolf centre that includes an observatory to watch for the resident wolf pack (and possibly hear them howl!), and the amazing treetop trekking adventure. Set out on a scenic four-hour tour from 20 metres above the ground on the Walk in the Clouds Canopy Boardwalk, the longest canopy boardwalk in the world. To make your visit more convenient, stay in one of the on-site log cabins or lakeside campsites.
Fort Henry, Kingston
This UNESCO World Heritage Site invites you to experience 19th century military life at an authentic British army fort. Watch a garrison parade, attend a Victorian school, fire a rifle and tour the grounds. Seasonal programming includes Sunset Ceremonies on Wednesday nights in July and August, from 6:30pm to 9pm. Witness precision demonstrations with rifle drills, military music, thundering canon firing and a grand fireworks finale. VIP seats for this extravaganza is a must!
Want more? Ontario’s got attractions to please every crowd, especially the high energy demographic.
Top image credit: Canada’s Wonderland