Weekend and Holiday Break Family Fun Guide North of Toronto for December 20 - January 5, 2014

Christmas Break Edition

It's a White Christmas! Families looking for kids winter fun this holiday season will find alot of it in snowy Winter Wonderland areas north of Toronto. Pack up the car with skis, snowboards, skates, toboggans, snowshoes or rent/borrow them where ever you are going. Either way, the perfect outdoor experience awaits your family. Kids attractions, special events and resorts are also offering great activities for your family this holiday break.

This week's playlist is a special Christmas Break Edition. In this blog you'll find events or activity suggestions for your kids and for your family during the school break and into the new year. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us!

It's not too late to run away for Christmas with the family! Stressed out? Do it, run away! Our resort and family accomodation members north of Toronto are ready to give your family the best Christmas or New Year's Eve getaway from home - complete with all of the traditions, all of the food and well, none of the work! Kids will be overjoyed at all they can do activity wise and will have the best memory of a great Christmas.

Family Holiday Getaways

Winter sports and outdoor activities are top on the list for many kids, teens and families right now. The best ski resorts in Ontario have been open for business and are well on their way to another super season with lots of snow and great ski and snowboard weather. Several feet of perfect powder has been falling for weeks and the conditions are optimal for downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow tubing and other outdoor winter recreational activities.

Kids Winter Activities

Day camps and ski school are option for working parents and families who live in or near these areas. These types of programs are great for keeping kids entertained and definitely promise kids fun!

Ski Schools and Day Camps

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'.

~ONTARIO~

FREE SKATING

Tim Horton's sponsors free public skating times at a number of community rinks north of Toronto and throughout Ontario! 

~ALLISTON~

FREE PUBLIC SKATING
Nottawasaga Inn Resort (December 27 - January 1)! Enjoy free public skating at Centre Ice Sportsplex from December 27th - January 1st from 11:00am - 12:50pm at the Nottwasaga Inn Resort. Guests are required to pick up skating passes at the Hotel's Front Desk. Skate rentals are not available through the resort. Helmets are recommended for children's safety. Hockey sticks and pucks are not permitted during the recreational skate.

 ~BARRIE~

SNOW VALLEY RESORT
Open for skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing! Saturday December 21, night operation begins. Events happening over the break include New Year's special package and the Cloud 9 Experience movie. Click here for their Christmas Hours.

HORSESHOE RESORT & HMA KIDS PROGRAM
Skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing and other winter fun! Get in the holiday spirit this season with Horseshoe Resort. Take the kids for Brunch with Santa, or give the gift of relaxation to mom as she unwinds with a peppermint pedicure. Celebrate New Years Eve and enjoy Live Music, Fireworks & fun for the whole family. See you at Horseshoe this season! Click here for their Holiday Family Specials including the Rodeo Rail Jam event and New Year's Eve Bash!

HARDWOOD SKI AND BIKE
Weekend hours are from 8 am to 5 pm including holidays. Complete Ski Shop offers the latest in clothing, waxes, equipment, and accessories for both recreational and performance skiers. The Chalet includes a great Cafe with a new menu featuring fresh and healthy food for the whole family. Check out the Rental Shop which offers the latest equipment for skate skiing, classic skiing and snowshoeing. Lessons and clinics for all ability levels are available. Click here for information about their New Year's Eve family friendly bash!

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. Click here for information on art day camps.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS

~THE BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

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!

HOLIDAY SCHOOL BREAK AT BMV
Daily fun for kids & parents alike at Blue Mountain Village! Click here for the daily schedule! Click here for information on Family New Year's Eve in the village.

SCENIC CAVES NORDIC CENTRE
Winter and Christmas holiday break activities include groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and traversing 420 feet over Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge.

BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Skiing and snowboarding are back! Click here for the latest snow conditions. If you’re wondering what there is to do at Blue Mountain when you aren’t skiing, you’ll be happy to know that your winter getaway can be filled with activity…even off the slopes with activities like skating, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Toboggan Tours, ATV's and the Plunge! Aquatic Centre.

WORLD SNOWPARK DAY PARTY at BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Get your party socks on for a solid day of jib-jamming fun! 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. Come out and celebrate the kick-off to winter 2014.

CARVE THIS WAY
Starting on Thursday, December 27 and continuing until New Years Day, the Ice Sculpture Festival will feature more than thirty beautiful sculptures throughout the area, celebrating the region's Marine Heritage. Don't miss the exciting carving demonstrations, wagon rides and other fun family activities! 

Stay in COLLINGWOOD HOTELS

~BRACEBRIDGE~

SANTAFEST & THANK YOU SANTA Celebrate SantaFest & Thank Santa Events at Santa’s Village, Bracebridge Muskoka. SantaFest Days are December 21 to 23 and Thank Santa Day is December 28.Come celebrate winter and the joy of the season with Santa and his Elves!

Stay in BRACEBRIDGE ACCOMMODATIONS

 ~HALIBURTON~

SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE
Get ready for a fantastic snow season ahead. Open for Holidays Beginning Friday, Dec, 20, 2013 when 11 runs & 4 lifts will be operating.

Browse Haliburton Attractions & Accommodations

~MIDLAND | PORT SEVERN~

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. Visit the Wye Marsh daily anytime for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, walking, hiking, chickadee feeding and to see Trumpeter Swans.
*Thursday December 27 the Wye Marsh is open late for evening ski or snowshoe (weather permitting)

MIDLAND CULTURAL CENTRE
Drop in to see what's going on or visit our website for the latest programs. Cafe Roxy is open for hot chocolate, coffee and refreshments, light meals and snacks, wine and beer. Open Mic at the Cafe Saturdays at 2:00pm. The Atrium is available for small group meetings or a get together with family or friends. Check out the Battle of the High School Bands! Open to all area high school bands.

MIDLAND FARMERS' MARKET
Meet farmers and artisans and have a taste of Ontario, even in winter! Saturday mornings 9-1 at the North Simcoe Sport and Recreation Centre.

NEW YEAR'S BRUNCH
Celebrate the First Day of 2014! New Years Brunch at Christie's Mill! 10am and 12pm seating’s - reservations required .

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.

Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you mobile? Announcing the 400eleven.com and 411ontariokids.com APP ~

This APP is very convenient listing events, last minute getaway links, Thing To Do and other fun travel north of Toronto related information. When on the move, this is an easy way to see what's going on! Great for cottagers, day trippers and getaway travellers and even locals! The APP is available from iTunes, GooglePlay and Amazon, you can find links here ~

ONTARIO TRAVEL NORTH OF TORONTO APP

Did we miss posting an event? Please fill free to CONTACT US and let us know what's happening!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news.    

Have a fun and weekend.   

Weekend Family Fun Guide North of Toronto for December 13-15

Let it Snow! We're going to do our best this year to get families lovin' Winter! There are so many benefits for children to be active in the great outdoors and snow activities like skiing, skating and snowshoeing give your kids a whole lots of exercise with a whole lot of fun! So come on up!

We are getting close to having all ski and trail operators open for business with limited hours. The following places are options for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, down-hill skiing and snowboarding.

Blue Mountain Resort | Horseshoe Resort | Scenic Caves Nordic Centre | Sir Sam's Ski and Bike | Snow Valley Resort | Wye Marsh

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Families looking for Christmas and New Year's Eve Getaways in beautiful resort areas north of Toronto, should check out out list of family friendly getaways that include all the wonderful traditions of the holidays with alot less work!

 

HOLIDAY GETAWAYS NORTH OF TORONTO

Are you mobile? Announcing the 400eleven.com and 411ontariokids.com APP ~

This APP is very convenient listing events, last minute getaway links, Thing To Do and other fun travel north of Toronto related information. When on the move, this is an easy way to see what's going on! Great for cottagers, day trippers and getaway travellers and even locals! The APP is available from iTunes, GooglePlay and Amazon, you can find links here ~

ONTARIO TRAVEL NORTH OF TORONTO APP

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'.

~ALLISTON~

FESTIVE BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Head to the Nottawasaga Inn Resort in Alliston - bring your kids, your appetite and your camera for a festive brunch with Santa!

~BARRIE~

CHRISTMAS WITH THE NEIGHBOURS
Snow Valley is proud to offer a festive evening of Dining, Dancing & Festive Cheer! Our snow-covered property is ideal for escaping the city streets and is a perfect location for relaxing by our beautiful wood burning fireplaces. Our decorated chalet is exploding with Christmas Cheer and Holiday Joy. Next date: Saturday December 14th

SNOW VALLEY RESORT
Open for skiing and snowboarding for the weekend!

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 AND BIKE
Open for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Don't miss the official Grand Opening of the ONE WAY Meadowlands Loop Trail along with our DEMO DAY this Saturday December 14, 2013.

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~

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!

SCENIC CAVES NORDIC CENTRE
Winter activities include groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and traversing 420 feet over Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge.

*December 2 – December 19, 2013* To celebrate the Scenic Caves Nordic Centre early season opening, we’re offering an opening special for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.  Monday – Friday:  trail passes are just $10; Saturday & Sunday:  trail passes are just $15. Because the weather and trail conditions continue to be highly changeable at this time of year, the trails will be open depending on conditions. Please check the Collingwood weather forecast and detailed trail report quick links at the bottom right of the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures website for daily details:  www.sceniccaves.com.  Or, please call: (705) 446-0256 ext. 223 before you head out.

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


SKIING & ATTRACTION PARK BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Slopes re-open December 5. Click here for the latest snow conditions. If you’re wondering what there is to do at Blue Mountain when you aren’t skiing, you’ll be happy to know that your winter getaway can be filled with activity…even off the slopes with activities like skating, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Toboggan Tours, ATV's and the Plunge! Aquatic Centre.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA CLAUS

Join Cranberry Resort in Collingwood for Breakfast with Santa! Colouring Contests, Cookie Decorating and much more! And of course, a visit from Santa.

Stay in COLLINGWOOD HOTELS

~HALIBURTON~

SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE
Get ready for a fantastic snow season ahead. Snowmaking has begun with a projected Opening Day of Saturday, December 7, 2013. Weather permitting.

Browse Haliburton Attractions & Accommodations

~MIDLAND | PENETANGUISHENE~

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.
*Thursday December the Wye Marsh is open late for evening ski or snowshoe (weather permitting)

MIDLAND CULTURAL CENTRE
Drop in to see what's going on or visit our website for the latest programs. Cafe Roxy is open for hot chocolate, coffee and refreshments, light meals and snacks, wine and beer. Open Mic at the Cafe Saturdays at 2:00pm. The Atrium is available for small group meetings or a get together with family or friends.

MIDLAND FARMERS' MARKET
Meet farmers and artisans and have a taste of Ontario, even in winter! Saturday morning 9-1 at the North Simcoe Sport and Recreation Centre.

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.

Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region

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

Did we miss posting an event? Please fill free to CONTACT US and let us know what's happening!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news.    

Have a fun and weekend.   

Weekend Family Fun Guide North of Toronto for December 6-8

Even with a little rain and warmer temps, snow fun and winter recreation carry on in areas north of Toronto.

A couple more ski and board operators will be opening this weekend, which rounds up the following places as options for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, down-hill skiing and snowboarding.

Blue Mountain Resort | Horseshoe Resort | Scenic Caves Nordic Centre | Sir Sam's Ski and Bike | Snow Valley Resort

*We definitely recommed last minute calls to check and be sure they are operating - there is alot of rain forecast in the next few days, turning into snow by Friday. *

If your family has not been to a Santa Claus Parade, time is quickly running out. Santa must get back to prepare for his journey and these are the last weekends for most SC parades.

This weekend you can find SC Parades and Tree Lightings in -

Dec. 6 SOUTHAMPTON Santa Claus Parade
Dec. 7 COLDWATER Santa Claus Parade
Dec. 7 PENETANGUISHENE Mayor's Tree Lighting
Dec. 7 KINCARDINE Santa Claus Parade
Dec. 7 MEAFORD Santa Claus Parade
Dec. 7 BANCROFT Santa Claus Parade
Dec. 7 WIARTON Santa Claus Parade
Dec. 7 KINMOUNT Christmas in the Village
Dec. 8 & 15 ALLISTON Brunch with Santa

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS 

You can visit our website if you're more in the mood for shopping. Craft shows and holiday bazaars also continue this weekend. Festivals of Lights and Festivals of Trees are good events to do on a family's schedule at your own pace. The whole family can enjoy a nice evening stroll before bedtime and then fall asleep dreaming of all those twinking lights, that's holiday magic.

Families looking for Christmas and New Year's Eve Getaways in beautiful resort areas north of Toronto, should check out out list of family friendly getaways that include all the wonderful traditions of the holidays with alot less work!

HOLIDAY GETAWAYS NORTH OF TORONTO

We are very excited to announce our new 400eleven.com and 411ontariokids.com APP ~

This APP is very convenient listing events, last minute getaway links and other fun travel north of Toronto related useful information. When on the move, this is an easy way to see what's going on! Great for cottagers, day trippers and getaway travellers and even locals! The APP is available from iTunes, GooglePlay and Amazon, you can find links here ~

ONTARIO TRAVEL NORTH OF TORONTO APP

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'.

~ALLISTON~

FESTIVE BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Head to the Nottawasaga Inn Resort in Alliston - bring your kids, your appetite and your camera for a festive brunch with Santa!

~BARRIE~

CHRISTMAS WITH THE NEIGHBOURS
Snow Valley is proud to offer a festive evening of Dining, Dancing & Festive Cheer! Our snow-covered property is ideal for escaping the city streets and is a perfect location for relaxing by our beautiful wood burning fireplaces. Our decorated chalet is exploding with Christmas Cheer and Holiday Joy.

SNOW VALLEY RESORT
Open for skiing and snowboarding for the weekend!


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 AND BIKE
No trails ready yet, but the store is open for trail pass and gear sales. Christmas Shopping for the ski and bike loving family member!

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~

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!

SCENIC CAVES NORDIC CENTRE
Winter activities include groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and traversing 420 feet over Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge.

*December 2 – December 19, 2013* To celebrate the Scenic Caves Nordic Centre early season opening, we’re offering an opening special for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.  Monday – Friday:  trail passes are just $10; Saturday & Sunday:  trail passes are just $15. Because the weather and trail conditions continue to be highly changeable at this time of year, the trails will be open depending on conditions. Please check the Collingwood weather forecast and detailed trail report quick links at the bottom right of the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures website for daily details:  www.sceniccaves.com.  Or, please call: (705) 446-0256 ext. 223 before you head out.

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


SKIING & ATTRACTION PARK BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Slopes re-open December 5. Click here for the latest snow conditions. If you’re wondering what there is to do at Blue Mountain when you aren’t skiing, you’ll be happy to know that your winter getaway can be filled with activity…even off the slopes with activities like skating, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Toboggan Tours, ATV's and the Plunge! Aquatic Centre.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA CLAUS

Join Cranberry Resort in Collingwood for Breakfast with Santa! Colouring Contests, Cookie Decorating and much more! And of course, a visit from Santa.

Stay in COLLINGWOOD HOTELS

~BRACEBRIDGE~

SANTA'S MOONLIGHT SHOPPING PARTY
Featuring the Festival of Lights, Downtown Bracebridge.

More Bracebridge Area Information

 ~HALIBURTON~

SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE
Get ready for a fantastic snow season ahead. Snowmaking has begun with a projected Opening Day of Saturday, December 7, 2013. Weather permitting.

Browse Haliburton Attractions & Accommodations

~MIDLAND | PENETANGUISHENE~

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.

MIDLAND CULTURAL CENTRE
Drop in to see what's going on or visit our website for the latest programs. Cafe Roxy is open for hot chocolate, coffee and refreshments, light meals and snacks, wine and beer. Open Mic at the Cafe Saturdays at 2:00pm. The Atrium is available for small group meetings or a get together with family or friends.

MIDLAND FARMERS' MARKET
Meet farmers and artisans and have a taste of Ontario, even in winter! Saturday morning 9-1 at the North Simcoe Sport and Recreation Centre.

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.

Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region

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

Did we miss posting an event? Please fill free to CONTACT US and let us know what's happening!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news.    

Have a fun and weekend.