Wednesday 2 October 2013

Family Fun Guide North of Toronto for October 4-6

Rain or shine, it's the time of year that road trips are mandatory! In no time at all, the Christmas rush will be here and then the snow fun begins. So don't let a few showers stop your family from exploring new or familiar areas in search of wholesome fun on the weekends. If you're lucky those raincoats and boots will stay packed in the trunk and you will enjoy a nice sunny weekend in the extremely colourful resort areas north of Toronto.

Let the kids take pictures too! Say "Wow"!


Do you ever wonder how your child sees the world? Let them use your camera, take a few pictures, you'd be surprised and amazed how many great shots a child can get while letting you in a little to their world. By all means, don't give them your most expensive and best camera or let them run off to with it but depending on your child, let have do what they are able to. It will also give them a sense of responsibility and make them look at their surroundings in different ways.

The next long weekend is less than two weeks away. In no time at all we will be spending time with family and friends and enjoying a grand Thanksgiving meal. A 3 day weekend is an opportunity to get out and about on day trips or parents may even consider a  no-work kind of Thanksgiving with a 2 or 3 day weekend getaway that includes the turkey and all the fixings...including a dishwasher!



The trees are still holding onto their colourful leaves and we know this is not always the kids things-to-do priority so we've coloured coded the blog so that parents will know which kids activities also include really unique views and locations to see the fall colours. Event Descriptions with orange text are events or activities that have the added bonus of a stellar view of one of Ontario's best shows of the year.

We \put together a MUST-DO list of fall activities for kids. If you're looking for a short list of what will really makes the kids happy, you can read that article here: Must-Do Fall Activities for Kids



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'.

~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: 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~
RUN COLLINGWOOD 1/2 MARATHON: The newest half marathon winds its way from the historic harbor town of Collingwood and the open countryside with spectacular views of the Niagara Escarpment.  In support of Collingwood G & M Hospital Foundation. It’s Fast, downhill and the air is fresh! The 10k provides an equally fast, scenic rural run conducive to running your personal best! Come cheer on the runners and see the beautiful fall colours at Blue Mountain Village!

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

~FORESTER FALLS~

RIVER RAFTING: 
High family adventure here with river rafting and zip lining! Age and weight requirements in effect. 

~HALIBURTON~

SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE
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~

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. 

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: Y
ou 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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out our updated FALL FAMILY GETAWAYS page!  


WEEKDAY FUN SPECIALS AT SCENIC CAVES!



Oct 2-4, 6, 9-11, 19-20, 26-27, Nov 2-3, 2013 (weather permitting)
SAVE $10-off the Thunderbird Twin Zip Package price. Height/ weight restrictions apply and riders must be 10 years of age or older. Reservations are not required. View website for hours of operation. Valid for up to four guests.  A coupon must be presented to receive the discount (available to download from the website; mobile screen shot coupons accepted ).  Visit:  www.sceniccaves.com or call:  (705) 446-0256

October 1 – November 3, 2013 (weather permitting) SAVE $30-off the Eco Adventure Tour price (applicable Mondays thru Fridays, excluding October 14). Experience a kaleidoscope of autumn colours while treetop canopy walking and zip cable gliding on a 3-hour guided tour. Age /height /weight restrictions apply.  Valid for up to two guests.  A coupon must be presented to receive the discount (available to download from the website; mobile screen shot coupons accepted).  Reservations are required.  Book online: www.sceniccaves.com, or call: (705) 446-0256 ext. 227
Check out our Scenic Caves video - it's NEW!!

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Have a fun and safe weekend!

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