Saturday 29 December 2012

Ontario Kids Family New Year's events North of Toronto including New Year's Eve and First Day of 2013

Blue Mountain Village Family Party
No sitter for New Year's Eve? No problem. In what seems like a flash your kids will be grown up and choosing to party with friends so why not enjoy some festive times together while you can.

New Year's celebrations North of Toronto are shaping up for some good family times! Whether you have a place to crash with friends and family or need family friendly accommodations, it's all possible. It's a winter wonderland full of fun kids snowy activities that will create warm memories to last a lifetime.

Here are some events and overnight getaways waiting for your family to bring in 2013!

ALLISTON
Jan. 1 brunch @ Nottawasaga Inn Resort
NEW YEAR'S DAY BRUNCH: Join Nottawasaga Inn Resort on Tuesday January 1st, 2013 between 9:30am and 1:30pm in the Riverview Dining Room for the first Brunch of 2013.

BARRIE
DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN: (NYE Event) Family fun featuring live music, fireworks and activities for kids.
NEW YEAR'S TORCH PARADE ON THE HILL: (NYE event @ Horseshoe Resort) See the beautiful torch light parade down the hill at 10:15pm with fireworks to follow at 10:30pm. Indoor events, include different areas designated to different age categories for New Year celebrations.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
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December Frost Frenzy @ BMV

BLUE MOUNTAINS / COLLINGWOOD

FROST FRENZY: (ongoing event) The Holiday spirit is very much alive in the Blue Mountain Village during FROST FRENZY starting with so many FREE activities including FIREWORKS every Saturday at 8pm all month long!
NEW YEAR'S VILLAGE CELEBRATION: (NYE Event) Family Celebration in Huron Grand Ballroom from 5:30-9pm and New Years Eve Party featuring The Sound Parade in the Weider Room from 10pm-2am. Family fireworks over the Mill Pond at 9pm, then enjoy the main show at midnight over the hill.
CARVE THIS WAY (ongoing event) The Collingwood Downtown Ice Sculpture Festival is the perfect way to end 2012. Just like the extra sprinkles topping on the perfect cake, the ice festival will put the perfect frosting on the top of the year.

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS 
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HUNTSVILLE
HUGE Kids PlayZone at Deerhurst Resort
DECADES DINNER, SHOW & DANCE: (overnight @ Deerhurst Resort) Ideal for adults or families with older children. Time travel through pop's greatest hits, from the 50's right up to today!
Includes: Buffet dinner, Decades 2012 live stage show, DJ and dancing.
STARGAZERS "STREET CARNIVAL" PARTY (overnight @ Deerhurst Resort) Ideal for families with younger children. Step into a world of magic and street festival wonders, right next door to the Bounce! Holiday PlayZone. Includes:  Buffet dinner with children’s station, the magic of Peter Mennie, roving performers, Stargazers’ Ridge game tickets, DJ and dancing, plus an early ringing in of the New Year at 10pm.
MUSKOKA HOLIDAY MAGIC: (overnight getaways @ Deerhurst Resort) From a gigantic Holiday PlayZone for the kids, to outdoor winter activities and delicious festive feasts, Deerhurst Resort has the magic for your Muskoka getaway this holiday season.
NEW YEAR'S DAY BRUNCH: January 1, 2013 | Advance reservations required - @ Deerhurst Resort


Torch Parade Down the Ski Hill!
OWEN SOUND
FESTIVAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS:
(ongoing event) Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas season each evening from 5pm to 11pm, as 25+ kilometres of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park.
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION:
(ongoing event) Celebrate New Year's Eve early with the kids at Owen Sound's new recreation centre. Donations Encouraged.

Book Owen Sound Hotels Online 

SUDBURY
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS:
(ongoing event) Science North Parking Lot.

Browse Sudbury Hotels
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TONS of family fun at Blue!
Parents can find more family getaways for NYE or the winter on our website. See our 15 FEATURED FAMILY WINTER GETAWAYS!

Ontario Kids also recommends taking the family out to the hills for exercise, fresh air...and fun! Many ski resorts have special New Year programming. Check directly with them for details. Tire them out real good and perhaps you will enjoy a nice quiet ushering in of the new year with your partner!

BLUE MOUNTAIN | HARDWOOD SKI AND BIKE | HORSESHOE RESORT | SIR SAM'S SKI AND BIKE | SCENIC CAVES NORDIC CENTRE

You can find Ontario ski and snow reports here.  


Safe, healthy and happy New Year to you!
As the year closes, we thank our members, our advertisers and of course, our website viewers, fan and followers. Please connect with us and let us know how we can improve our services. You can message us on Facebook or through email: info(at)411ontariokids.com

We hope you have a safe and fun NYE and fabulous 2013! 



Wednesday 26 December 2012

Ontario Kids Family Events North of Toronto for December 26-31 including Christmas Break and New Year's Eve

Family and Kids Fun on the Hills
Hopefully most kids in Ontario are happily playing with their new toys and treasures. While it's tempting to let them entertain themselves, during the Christmas school break is also a great time to get your kids (of any age) out and moving and discovering new places, activities or sports! So put aside the electronic gadgets and engage your kids in any of the great events and activities happening North of Toronto!

Our ski and snowboard operators have been busy, many places and are ready for nordic / cross country skiiing as well. If your family got new gear for Christmas, now is the time to try it out! Weather conditions have been helpful enough to create a great base and surface for downhill, snowboard, nordic skiing and even snowboarding. You can find great hills, trails and specials events happening at:

BLUE MOUNTAIN | HARDWOOD SKI AND BIKE | HORSESHOE RESORT | SIR SAM'S SKI AND BIKE | SCENIC CAVES NORDIC CENTRE

You can find Ontario ski and snow reports here.

Normally we post weekend events however, since it's a school break we will includes all events from our family events happening this week. Click the event link for more details.

Kids Art Camp @ MacLaren Art Centre
BARRIE
COOL YULE CAMP:
(ages 3-6) at the MacLarenArtCentre for an engaging morning or afternoon of art-making with regional artist Jenn Guerin.
COOL YULE CAMP: (ages 7-10) at the MacLarenArtCentre for an engaging morning or afternoon of art-making with regional artist Jenn Guerin.
DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN: Barrie's annual New Year's Eve party! Family fun featuring live music, fireworks and activities for kids.
TORCH LIGHT PARADE & FIREWORKS: Special New Year's celebrations at Horseshoe Resort.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online

BRACEBRIDGE
SANTAFEST: Visit with Santa and other holiday activities at Santa's Village in Bracebridge.  

Fireworks over Mill Pond at BMV
COLLINGWOOD/BLUE MOUNTAINS
FROST FRENZY: The Holiday spirit is very much alive in the Blue Mountain Village during FROST FRENZY starting with so many FREE activities including FIREWORKS every Saturday at 8pm all month long! 
WINTER GIFT SHOW & SALE: Paintings • Photographs • Pottery • Hand-made clothing • Jewellery • Sculpture and Carvings • Furniture • Glass works ...and more.
CARVE THIS WAY: The Collingwood Downtown Ice Sculpture Festival is the perfect way to end 2012.
WORLD SNOWBOARD DAY PARK PARTY: The park will be stocked with lots of swag giveaways, music, best tick jams & more. Skiers, it may be World Snowboard Day, but at Blue we spread the love.
NEW YEAR'S VILLAGE CELEBRATION: As always Blue Mountain Village will be bustling with excitement as we ring out 2012 and welcome 2013!

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS 
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

HUNTSVILLE
MUSKOKA HOLIDAY MAGIC: The holidays are going to come alive at Deerhurst Resort! From a gigantic Holiday PlayZone for the kids, to outdoor winter activities and delicious festive feasts, Deerhurst Resort has the magic for your Muskoka getaway this holiday season.
STARGAZERS STREET CARNIVAL PARTY: Put some Muskoka magic in your new Year’s Eve celebrations at Deerhurst Resort.
DECADES DINNER AND DANCE PARTY: Put some Muskoka magic in your new Year’s Eve celebrations at Deerhurst Resort.

Check out Festivals of Lights happening in Ontario
MIDLAND
FARMERS' MARKET: Midland's Indoor Farmers' & Artisans' Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online   


OWEN SOUND
FESTIVAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS: Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas season each evening from 5pm to 11pm, as 25+ kilometres of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park.
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION: Celebrate New Year's Eve early with the kids at Owen Sound's new recreation centre. Donations Encouraged.

SUDBURY
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Science North Parking Lot.

Browse Sudbury Hotels
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Wednesday 19 December 2012

Ontario Kids Family Events North of Toronto for December 21-23

Between teachers in Ontario striking and Christmas holidays, December has been a scrambling time for parents looking for last minute child care options, day camps and activities for their kids. The good news is 411ontariokids.com is here to connect parents with options so the kids can have fun and parents can relax.

Head for the Hills!
Hats Off to many of Ontario Ski Resorts! It might seem like Spring temps in some areas but many hills are open for the season. Kids and families can spend time downhill skiing or snowboarding. Check with the following ski operators for hours of operation, ski conditions, ski schools and ski day camps.

Blue Mountain | Hardwood Ski and Bike | Horseshoe Resort | Sir Sam's Ski and Bike

Other attractions and businesses are offering neat events and activities for kids. See here for more Christmas Break Happenings North of Toronto.

It's also not too late to get away from home for Christmas. Why not, this Christmas seems extra busy and with the tragic events in the US, all parents have had a very heavy reminder of what to be grateful for this year. We can give our kids an extra special Christmas this year by giving them what they really want, our time. If you're looking for an affordable extra special (and magical!) Christmas or New Year's family getaway - you can find them here -

Ontario Kids Top 15 Winter Family Getaways

Below are the kids and family events happening this weekend, North of Toronto.

BARRIE
Horseshoe Resort
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.
RODEO RAIL JAM:
This event is the premiere kick-off ski and snowboard event of the winter season.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online 


BRACEBRIDGE
SANTAFEST: Visit with Santa and other holiday activities at Santa's Village in Bracebridge. 

COLLINGWOOD/BLUE MOUNTAINS
FROST FRENZY: The Holiday spirit is very much alive in the Blue Mountain Village during FROST FRENZY starting with so many FREE activities including FIREWORKS every Saturday at 8pm all month long! 
WINTER GIFT SHOW & SALE: Paintings • Photographs • Pottery • Hand-made clothing • Jewellery • Sculpture and Carvings • Furniture • Glass works ...and more.


Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS 
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

HUNTSVILLE
MUSKOKA HOLIDAY MAGIC: The holidays are going to come alive at Deerhurst Resort! From a gigantic Holiday PlayZone for the kids, to outdoor winter activities and delicious festive feasts, Deerhurst Resort has the magic for your Muskoka getaway this holiday season.
PORTAGE FLYER CHRISTMAS: The annual Portage Flyer Christmas train ride to Santa is set to take place on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at Muskoka Heritage Place Train Station off Forbes Hill Drive. 

SantaFest at Santa's Village
MIDLAND
FARMERS' MARKET: Midland's Indoor Farmers' & Artisans' Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING: Saturday at the Midland Public Library.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
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OWEN SOUND
FESTIVAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS: Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas season each evening from 5pm to 11pm, as 25+ kilometres of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park.

PORT CARLING
COME TRY HOCKEY: For Boys and Girls age 5-13. Sundays from 12:00pm - 1:30pm. 

SUDBURY
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Science North Parking Lot.

Browse Sudbury Hotels
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Wednesday 12 December 2012

Ontario Kids Family Events North of Toronto for December 14-16

Festival of Lights
Here we are mid-December already. Happy Hannukah to all - dates are December 8 - 16. Hope you are enjoying the nice warm glow of the candles on the menorah, singing songs and enjoying some nice family time.

The excitement of kids everywhere is in the air as we near Christmas with each day. Santa Claus parades are pretty much wrapped up but Santa does have a few more appointments before heading back to the North Pole!

More intimate and personal holiday shopping experiences also continue at crafts shows, art sales, farmers' market and small town downtowns. We encourage families to support smaller local business during their holiday shopping. The items are better, sometimes handmade and by doing this, you are supporting family, friends and neighbours.

For skiers (downhill and Nordic) and boarders as well as all around snow recreation lovers - the following ski operators are open for business (collective "Yahoo")! Many of these places have downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Check directly with the operator for activities and hours of operation. Rental equipment is also available.

Horseshoe Valley - Barrie
Hardwood Ski and Bike - Barrie
Blue Mountain - Blue Mountains
Sir Sam's Ski and Bike - Haliburton

FAMILY AND KIDS EVENTS NORTH OF TORONTO

Eat, Chat and Pose with Santa Claus!
ALLISTON
BRUNCH WITH SANTA: Nottawasaga Inn Resort in Alliston - Sunday Brunch. 

BARRIE
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.
SONGS FOR A SNOWY SEASON: The Barrie Folk Society presents a fun concert with a great trio of women - Katherine Wheatley, Tannis Slimmon and Jude Vadala. Appropriate for older mature children or teens.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online

COLLINGWOOD/BLUE MOUNTAINS
FROST FRENZY: The Holiday spirit is very much alive in the Blue Mountain Village during FROST FRENZY starting with so many FREE activities including FIREWORKS every Saturday at 8pm all month long! 
WINTER GIFT SHOW & SALE: Paintings • Photographs • Pottery • Hand-made clothing • Jewellery • Sculpture and Carvings • Furniture • Glass works ...and more.

Blue Mountain Village
Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS 
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

MIDLAND
FARMERS' MARKET: Midland's Indoor Farmers' & Artisans' Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.
HERITAGE CHRISTMAS CRAFTS: Fun afternoon of Christmas craft making for the kids at the Midland Public Library.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
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OWEN SOUND
FESTIVAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS: Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas season each evening from 5pm to 11pm, as 25+ kilometres of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park.

PAISLEY
BY OUR HANDS ONE OF A KIND SHOW:
By Our Hands is a very high quality one of a kind show and is now in its 5th consecutive year Time: 10:00 AM to  6:00 PM. 

PENETANGUISHENE
ROTARY FESTIVAL OF TREES: View the beautiful display of decorated tress which will magically tranform three participating malls into a Winter Wonderland.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Join the fun at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and Archives for only $5.00 per person.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS (close to Penetanguishene)
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PORT CARLING
COME TRY HOCKEY: For Boys and Girls age 5-13. Sundays from 12:00pm - 1:30pm.

Trees and Lights - Kids Delights!
SUDBURY
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Science North Parking Lot.

Browse Sudbury Hotels
Book Sudbury Hotels Online

Stay tuned to 411ontariokids.com for all the events, activities and getaway planning a family needs.

Ontario Family Friendly Accommodations have some great packages and promotions that make getting away in the winter as a family not only fun, but most importantly, affordable. See our featured 15 family winter getaways. Resorts, condos, chalet, cabin rentals are combined with snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, tobagganing and even sleigh rides with sleigh bells!

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Wednesday 5 December 2012

Ontario Kids Family Events North of Toronto for December 7-9

Have you seen this guy yet?
So, how many parades have you and your family been to so far? :-)

Chances are kids all over Ontario have taken in a Santa Claus parade or two already and there are more in the forecast! Dress warmly, bring or pick up a hot chocolate and enjoy the show. Parades this year seem over the top with theme creativity, new ideas and lots of kids fun and excitement. One parade was even blessed with a float carring the King...Elvis that is!

Family Winter Getaways are also available at affordable rates that include super fun and enriching activitites. Blue Mountain Village has fireworks every Saturday night! Outdoor campfires, crafts and even baking are just some of the types of activities being offered by family friendly accommodations.

Sleigh rides, farmers' markets, holiday shopping, arts, crafts and more are all happening North of Toronto.

BARRIE
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online

BOBCAYGEON
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: December 8th 5pm.

Frost Frenzy at Blue Mountain Village
COLLINGWOOD/BLUE MOUNTAINS
FROST FRENZY: The Holiday spirit is very much alive in the Blue Mountain Village during FROST FRENZY starting with so many FREE activities including FIREWORKS every Saturday at 8pm all month long! 

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS 
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

GRAVENHURST
FARMERS MARKET CHRISTMAS SHOW: Every year the Farmers Market holds a Christmas Show comprised of regular market vendors.

Featured Gravenhurst Accommodation: CLUB MUSKOKA

HALIBURTON
OPENING DAY AT SIR SAM'S:  Saturday, December 8 & Sunday December 9. (Weather permitting)

Homemade Holiday Treats - Yum!
KINMOUNT
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: Breakfast with Santa 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Kinmount Community Centre. Live Music, Country Raffle. Adults $5, Children $3, Preschool free. Kids Christmas Crafts, Boucny Castle, Face Painting & Wagon Rides. Meet Santa at the Post Office at 2:00 p.m. & follow him to the Kinmount Legion. Kids 10 & under receive gift. Free family lunch. Christmas Music Night Dinner & Loonie Auction 5:30 pm at Galway Hall.

MIDLAND
FARMERS' MARKET: Midland's Indoor Farmers' & Artisans' Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online

OWEN SOUND
FESTIVAL OF NORTHERN LIGHTS: Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas season each evening from 5pm to 11pm, as 25+ kilometres of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park. 

PAISLEY
BY OUR HANDS ONE OF A KIND SHOW:
By Our Hands is a very high quality one of a kind show and is now in its 5th consecutive year Time: 10:00 AM to  6:00 PM.

PENETANGUISHENE
JINGLE BELL SKATE: Come for a FREE skate at the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre Jingle Bells, Door Prizes & Refreshments! A non-perishable food item in exchange for a jingle bell would be appreciated!
MAYOR'S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING: Including live entertainment, crafts, photos with Santa, storytime, face painting and refreshments.
ROTARY FESTIVAL OF TREES: View the beautiful display of decorated tress which will magically tranform three participating malls into a Winter Wonderland.

Tree Picking Holiday Fun
PORT CARLING
COME TRY HOCKEY: For Boys and Girls age 5-13. Sundays from 12:00pm - 1:30pm.

PORT SEVERN:
PARTY WITH SANTA: Come for a party with Santa from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Baxter Ward Community Centre.

SOUTHAMPTON
SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Young and old can enjoy Santa returning to Saugeen Shores!

SUDBURY
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Science North Parking Lot.

Browse Sudbury Hotels
Book Sudbury Hotels Online

~*~
 
www.facebook.com/411ontariokids
A Santa Claus Parade or Tree Lighting Ceremony, your family can find one every weekend! See our website for more ...

SANTA CLAUS PARADES & TREE LIGHTINGS
ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS & CHRISTMAS BAZAARS
FESTIVALS OF LIGHTS

Stay tuned to 411ontariokids.com for all the events, activities and getaway planning a family needs.

Ontario Family Friendly Accommodations have some great packages and promotions that make getting away in the winter as a family not only fun, but most importantly, affordable. See our featured 15 family winter getaways. Resorts, condos, chalet, cabin rentals are combined with snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, tobagganing and even sleigh rides with sleigh bells!

Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter