Thanksgiving Long Weekend Family Fun Guide North of Toronto for October 11-14

This year families looking for R&R fun can be thankful for a large bounty of getaways, events and activities happening in colourful resort areas north of Toronto. Ontario forests are full of colour with the leaves still on the trees for the most part, creating a great chance to catch Mother Nature's impressive once-a-year big show! The weather looks like cooler temps and sunshine. It seems the stars are aligning for a really fun Thanksgiving Weekend! Kids can definitely find fun and delight in the open spaces of the great Ontario outdoors.

Make family memories this long weekend at kids favorite fall fairs as well as at outdoor markets. Note Thanksgiving Weekend is the last of the season for many outdoor Ontario markets. Kids will love pumpkin patch fun and other fall themed festivals that offer all the classic small farm fun.

Pumpkin Mania at Rounds Ranch

THANKSGIVING GETAWAYS - more than just a bird!

It's no lie that resorts and other accommodations are offering amazing long weekend Thanksgiving getaway packages - turkey dinners and the clean up included! Other great activities as part of these packages include attractions passes, fall cruises, fishing, hiking and more photo opportunities than your memory card can hold.

LONG LONG WEEKEND - PA DAY

For some Friday, October 11 is a PA or PD Day, which means, no school for children! This can give families a head start on any road trip or give your family some time together before seeing all the extended family. Parents looking for something to do can consider attractions and other fun fall activities. Or check out the Zip Line and Eco Adventure Tour weekday specials at Scenic Caves.

-READ our earlier blog TIPS FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP-

WILL TRAVEL NEED TURKEY?

Families at the cottage, still on a boat or staying at other accomodations north of Toronto without a restaurant on site can still find a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. Visit our website for a list of delicious turkey dinners available for walk-ins.

Here are some events and activities listed by cities/towns, happening in areas north of Toronto this weekend.

This weekend's 'PLAY LIST'...

KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:
These events are within 1-3 hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip, or stay at any family friendly accommodation and extend the fun. These events would also be within proximity or close to many of Ontario's 'cottage country'.


~FALL FAIRS~

Who doesn't love a good fall fair? The midway rides, the candy and vendor foods, the animals, the impressive local produce and childrens' creations displays and if you're lucky a good tractor pull or demolition derby! Fairs are great for all families and also families with varying age groups. Fall Fairs offer something entertaining to all ages and a great way to have fun all weekend long.

This weekend you can get your fall fair on in: Elmvale and Norwood.

~BARRIE~ 

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP
Every Sunday is Family Sunday at the MacLaren. Regional artist Annie Aspden and guest artists will lead creative projects that families can complete together. Sign up in person at 1:00 pm on the day of the workshop, as space is limited.

HORSESHOE RESORT & ADVENTURE PARK
Enjoy a nice family Thanksgiving brunch, or get your spook on with a Haunted Halloween Hummer Tour! Fun for the family with the Zip Lining and Treetop Trekking course; build your golf skills and challenge the family to a round of Mini Putt, or explore the Copeland Forest on Segway. Families can also have fun mountain biking on forest trails.

HARDWOOD SKI & BIKE
Hit the day trails or play disc golf. Rent a bike or bring your own. Great trials for all ages and skill levels. Go now and take advantage of their ski sales!

MACLAREN ART CENTRE
Enrich your childrens' days with art. Every child has the potential and needs the inspiration! Kids are never too young to learn art appreciation and be inspired themselves.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS

~THE BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

TURKEY TENT EVENT SKI AND SNOWBOARD SALE
Blue Mountain’s Annual Turkey Tent Event is back and bigger than ever before! Save up to 75% off of skis, boards, bindings and outerwear for kids and adults.


APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Enjoy free activities including live music, all things apple, buskers, hiking, biking, and fall driving tours throughout Clarksburg, Thornbury and the Blue Mountain Village. So much to do for your whole family, free all weekend!

VILLAGE ACTIVITIES AT BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
Scavenger hunts and other kids and family fun happening daily in Blue Mountain Village.


FALL COLOURS TOURING
It’s country road and river touring time. Enjoy local wine and cider tasting, guided hiking and unique Apple Pie Trail adventures. Not all events are kid friendly but you can pick and choose your own adventure with this one so both parents and kids can enjoy.

SUMMER ATTRACTION PARK BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Take the exciting Ridge Runner ride or visit the now-open summer attraction park that includes fun activities like Mountaintop Segway touring, Open-air gondola rides, Mini-putt, Climbing wall and more!

EXPLORE SCENIC CAVES
Nature, history and adventures for the whole family. Self-guided tour of caves, caverns and lookouts on the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment. Ontario’s longest Suspension Footbridge offers light adventure and the most spectacular views of Georgian Bay and surrounding countryside. Gemstone Mining, train ride, mini golf, trout pond, picnic areas, snack bar and gift shop.

Stay in COLLINGWOOD HOTELS

~ELMVALE~

PUMPKIN MANIA
It's PUMPKIN MANIA Season at Rounds Ranch so saddle up and get down here for some serious fun and farm filled adventures. Everyone gets a free pumpkin! Event runs on weekends only starting September 28 - October 27 (open Thanksgiving Monday). 

Stay in WASAGA BEACH
Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region

~HALIBURTON~

SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKEAnnual Ski Swap and Open House! Great savings on season passes and books of 8 tickets. Don't miss out on these great savings and fun filled day. Take out the bikes and have some outdoor adventure. Ride the chair lift and see the fall colours forrest.

Browse HALIBURTON ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATIONS

~IROQUIS~

DORAN BAY MODEL SHIP MUSEUM Doran Bay Model Ship Museum provides marvel world-class collection of museum quality model ships, including a special exhibit of ships from the War of 1812.

Stay at DORAN BAY RESORT

~MIDLAND | PENETANGUISHENE~

THANKSGIVING HARVEST CRAFT SHOW
Sainte-Marie's Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale is a fun family event, with lots of on-site activities and over 45 outstanding artisans and crafters.

GO CRUISING
Head out on a 2.5 hour Georgian Bay cruise. Saturday the Miss Midland is offering 3 cruises amongst the tall ships. The later 2 cruises include dinner and live music.

MIDLAND FARMERS' MARKET
Meet farmers and artisans and have a taste of Ontario! Sunday morning 9-1 across from the Midland town dock. This is the last outdoor market of the season.

DOWNTOWN SHOPS AND DOCKS
Check out the shops and docks in beautiful Midland! Walk about and strolling fun for kids and check out one of the largest outdoor mural collections in North America.

GUIDED CANOE OR KAYAK TOURS | GUIDED WALKS | REPTILE SHOW | BIRDS OF PREY SHOW
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Check their website for details and times. *this weekend includes and Owl Banding Workshop. Contact the Wye Marsh for details.

HURONIA FOOD TRAIL
You will find a list of the farmers, producers, restaurants, retailers and accommodations that have identified themselves as advocates of local taste and local products, within the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene & Townships of Tay and Tiny, Ontario through the Huronia Food Trail.

LEARN ABOUT ONTARIO'S HISTORY
Visit Sainte Marie among the Hurons and see a french historical site in native territory from the 1600's. 

Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region

~ORILLIA~

STREETS ALIVE LETTERS OF ORILLIA OUTDOOR ART CELEBRATION
City streets are alive with 6 foot high metal letter sculptures, transformed into exciting works of art by area artists! This is a great free exhibit for kids. Bring a camera and take their picture by their name letter!

Browse Orillia Accommodations & Attractions

~PARRY SOUND~

GEORGIAN BAY AIRWAYS
Operating from May through October out of Parry Sound’s beautiful downtown waterfront in the Heart of the 30,000 Islands, Georgian Bay Airways Ltd. proudly offers a modern fleet of seaplanes to service your flying needs. Sightseeing Air Tours, Our Signature "Fly & Dine" to World Famous Henry's Fish Restaurant, Charters, and Flying Adventures are just a sample of the Georgian Bay Airways experience. Not into flying? Well at least come say hello and visit the ice cream parlour and coffee shop!   

Browse Parry Sound area Accommodations & Attractions

~PORT SEVERN~

FALL COLOURS CRUISE
Midland Tours Inc. offers 2 ½ hour fall colour tours on the Muskoka Trent-Severn Waterway departing from Lock 45 in Port Severn, Ontario. The Serendipity Princess cruises to the Big Chute Marine Railway – only two of its kind in the world. The Serendipity Princess is a 265 passenger paddle-wheeler with triple decks featuring a patio on the upper level.

Browse Accommodations and Information Port Severn
 
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Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving!