• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Homes and Lifestyle Logo Black

Homes and Lifestyle Toronto

Real Estate, Luxury & Style

  • Homes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Wellness
  • Education
  • Advertising Info

Summer 2021 Family Activity Guide

by Preferred Publishing

By Brooke Madden

If you’re anything like me, you’re beyond ready to get out of your home, breathe some noncirculated air, put on real pants (okay, maybe not so much this one), and start doing again. Fellow Ontarians, I know it’s been a difficult 15 months. If you, too, are finding endless laundry loads, infinite dishwashing (seriously, how many cups can your son possible keep on his side table?), Netflix binges, pacing back and forth waiting for this seemingly eternal doomsday feeling to end, baking banana bread, and boardgames with the kids a little mundane at this point, fear not; your time has come. Whether you were a perpetual Lysol mail-wiper or a fearless (albeit responsible) pandemic survivor, there’s one thing we can all agree on: Ontario is back, and families are ready to enjoy it. For those itching to get out of the house with the family, I’ve created a Family Activity Guide, where you and your loved ones can enjoy each others’ company, with a less monotonous, even exciting back-drop.


Royal Botanical Gardens

RBG is the largest botanical garden in the country. A leading force in environmental preservation, the gardens serve as a quaint day-trip for families, young couples, and quiet minds, seeking a relaxing day of solace. Personally, I like to pretend I’m a protagonist in a Shakespearean love scene and/or a Game of Thrones-style conspiracy murder plot while strolling through the gardens…but they’re also an incredible educational resource if you’re looking to expand your knowledge of people, plants, and nature.

680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
rbg.ca | @rbgcanada

5 Drive-In

Let’s be honest, the best date nights involve dancing hot dogs, sitting under the stars, and an unexpected hint of Travolta energy. Take the Sandy to your Danny or the entire family for a retro-inspired movie night. I grew up going to 5 Drive-In, and I promise you, their snacks are the best movie snacks you’ll find in the GTA. It does get busy, so show up early if you want to snag a great spot!

2332 Ninth Line, Oakville
premiertheatres.ca/5drivein | @premier_theatres

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

With activities like hiking, disc golf, swimming, fishing, and even a children’s animal farm, Bronte Creek Provincial Park makes for an entire day of fun for kiddos and kids at heart alike. If you’re a bit of a bird nerd like me, you and the family can spend the day observing a plethora of warm-blooded vertebrates you’d usually miss out on in the city. It’ll be a hoot!

1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville
ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek | @ontarioparks

Kelso Conservation Area

More athletic, competitive families can take advantage of the mountain biking opportunities at Kelso this summer! There are plenty of trails for bikers and hikers alike; a fun way to get out of that quarantine slump and get moving. There’s also paddle-boarding, canoeing, and picnicking opportunities. If you’re more of a movie-loving family, check out Family Outdoor Movie Nights under the stars!

5234 Kelso Rd, Milton
conservationhalton.ca/kelso | @conservationhalton

Terre Bleu Lavender Farm

Aside from being one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the province, Terre Bleu Lavender Farm is home to over 40,000 plants! Learn something new with your family, on a guided tour through the farm. Experience the essential oil distillery, honey house, equestrian ring, and herb bar. This sustainable farm makes for a gorgeous outing for families and dates alike!

2501 25 Side Rd, Campbellville
terrebleu.ca | @terrebleu

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm

Though Chudleigh’s was initially opened exclusively for apple picking, the farm has transformed into a summer destination for kids of all ages. With multiple play areas, animals, trails, and music nights, Chudleigh’s seriously has something for everyone. Speaking from personal experience – definitely visit the Blossom Cafe for some of the most incredible treats. You won’t regret it.

9528 Regional Rd 25, Milton
chudleighs.com | @chudleighsfarm

Brae Ridge Farm & Sanctuary

Brae Ridge is a small farm with a focus on “alpacas, bees, and lavender.” Just reading those words makes me unclench my jaw, take a deep breath, and feel like I’m sinking into a hot bubble bath. Brae Ridge offers private tours where families can learn about and feed the animals. If you’re in need of a little zen, try alpaca yoga available every weekend this summer. I’ll definitely see you there.

7667 Maltby Rd E, Puslinch
braeridgefarm.com | @braeridgealpacas

Canada’s Wonderland

Rollercoasters, waterslides, funnel cakes, what more can I say? Canada’s Wonderland is an iconic Canadian destination. Opening July 7th to the general public, the amusement park is looking forward to welcoming guests by reservation. With two new attractions this season (Mountain Bay Cliffs and Beagle Brigade Airfield), the 2021 season will be like no other. Definitely keep the SPF handy, and treat your family to a summer outing they’ll never forget.

1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
canadaswonderland.com | @canadaswonderland

Long Point Eco-Adventures

If you and your kids have a little bit too much pent-up energy from staying indoors all year, look no further than Long Point Eco-Adventures. Zip-lining, kayaking, axe-throwing, fishing, water and land tours, are all offered at this unique spot. Honestly, it’s a pretty great date destination too! Journey a little ways south and check out beachside towns with a variety of shops, restaurants and, most importantly, wineries.

1730 Front Rd, St Williams
lpfun.ca | @longpointecoadv

Ontario Science Centre

Opening during phase 3, the Science Centre is definitely a must-do with the kids. If the rubber pencil trick impressed you as a kid (or an adult, I’m not judging), the interactive and educational activities at the Science Centre will blow your mind. An iconic Ontario destination, your kids will be begging to return to learn even more! P.S. If you were a sub-par home schooler in virtual science class, this one’s definitely for you.

770 Don Mills Rd., North York
ontariosciencecentre.ca | @ontariosciencecentre

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: 5 drive-in, activity guide, alpaca yoga, brae ridge farm and sanctuary, bronte creek, bronte creek provincial park, canada's wonderland, chudleigh's, chudleigh's entertainment farm, conservation halton, drive-in, family activities, family activity guide, kelso, kelso conservation area, long point eco-adventures, ontario parks, ontario science centre, rbg, royal botanical gardens, terre bleu, terre bleu lavender farm, wonderland

For Advertisers

Connect To Your Ideal Audience With Homes & Lifestyle Magazines.

Have your ad featured in 300,000 printed lifestyle magazines per year, delivered to high-income homes & retail locations throughout Toronto, Muskoka, Mississauga, Oakville & Burlington. To get started, contact us today.

Content & editorials are distributed in print magazines, digital magazines, various blogs, social media channels & proprietary email databases.

Learn More

Footer

Check out our latest issues available now in Toronto, Muskoka & West GTA.

Cayman Marshall West GTA
Grace & Co Homes Toronto
Cayman Marshall Muskoka

Below Footer

If you are interested in receiving printed and/or digital copies of any of our magazines please contact us today.

© 2023 · Luxury Real Estate & Lifestyle Magazine Publishing By Preferred Publishing

  • Homes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Wellness
  • Education
  • Contact Us