The Best Spring Kids Activities, Events and Weekend Getaways north of Toronto

We always get the following questions -

What can I do with my kids this spring in Ontario?
What are the best spring activities for kids?
How do I get my kids out enjoying nature in the spring?

This blog can answer all your Q's, well try to anyways.

We all know if the kids aren't having fun - everyone is pretty much miserable. The activities below are a broad range of choices to satisfy all types of kids and families. The right activities with the right attitudes are a great start to a fun family day trip or overnight getaway.

Springing out of an amazing winter full of snow, areas north of Toronto are the best place to watch Ontario prepare for summer. Outdoors spaces and small town attractions and activities can be a great focal point for a day trip or quick weekend getaway. 

1. Get Sappy at the Maple Sugar Bush. Maple festivals are a great way to really make you feel like you are part of Canada’s rich heritage. Did you know that Natives used syrup to flavour food and make tonics long before Europeans came to North America? We have a lot to be proud of. Even though it is getting warmer, you have not missed out on festivals for this year. Festivals in Ontario are ongoing throughout April. Tree tapping ceremonies, sugar shacks, maple tours and maple taffy are just a few of the experiences of visiting a maple bush. If you don’t already believe it is the perfect outing, festivals usually offer horse drawn wagon rides for tired legs to boot!

2. Shake your winter hibernation and have a quick getaway. Get into the spirit and enjoy the beautiful spring weather and go for a weekend getaway with the family.Take advantage of holiday promotions like Victoria Day long weekend and Mother's Day. Many resorts and hotels are offering great specials every weekend. Choose an event and stay in the area for a day or two, or more!

3. Happy Trails - Hike, Bike or Trike. Find the nearest paved or dirt trail and find out what's happening this spring in the forests of Ontario. Trails and access are available all over areas north of Toronto offering an option for every skill level or for families with kids of a range of ages. Many attractions offer trails as well as community maintained trails, or you could even find a beach and explore that too!

4. Thank a Farmer & enjoy FRESH FOOD. Exploring a local market is simply a must. It's the perfect destination for a day trip to a neighbouring community and the best place to see what edible goodness is being produced in the area. The month of May marks the start of farmer's market season and continues all the way through until fall. Kids get excited about food and love being a part of the procurement process as well as the preparation process (and don't forget the clean up process). Kids should know where their food really comes from! It's inspiring to think kids today are the chefs of tomorrow. This is a fun activity if you are staying in a cottage or cabin or a studio with a kitchenette.

5. Book a long weekend getaway. Who doesn't love a Long Weekend? It's been a long stretch, but Victoria Day long weekend is just what we need to get us into the summer mood! Queen Victoria , the UK monarch, reigned from 1837 to 1901. Canada decided to continue celebrating her birthday after she passed. There are many festivities to commemorate the grand day, and to cap-off the relaxing, fun-filled long weekend: fireworks! Watch our events calendar as we add events, activities and getaways for this exciting weekend.

6. Tried and True Attractions. Private or government run attractions are all over resort areas north of Toronto. A small town museum, a western ranch or an art or cultural centre are all places you can lose track of time hanging out with the kids. Parents will have just as much fun!

7. Celebrate good times, Come on! Festivals are a lively way to enjoy everything Ontario has to offer. Festivals are a big part of community celebrations and chances are you'll find a party for wonderful things everywhere like butter Tarts, strawberries, boats and more. Check our events calendar as we continually update with festivals and events. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for up to date messages about what's happening.

8. Explore the the wild side. Be sure to experience some of Ontario’s wildlife treasures that will make you and your little adventurers feel like you’re budding woodsmen. Pack your hikers and even your opera glasses if you wish and head off into nature looking for adventure. Take time to look for green tree buds, to smell any flowers and take in mother nature's all around awesome-ness.

9. Here Fishy Fishy. Be it a couple of hours of quiet fishing time on a dock or weekend getaway to a cabin for the family, fishing is a great activity for kids. Aside from a ton of fun outdoors, it's character building. We know it's not easy to teach the art of patience so here's our helpful tips for fishing with kiddos.

10. If all else fails, think summer thoughts. Summer holidays are right around the corner. Research and reserve your children’s spots in the best camps Ontario has to offer. Canadian Physical Activity guidelines state that children and youth need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorously intense activity per day. In addition to activity, camps build confidence, social skills, and educate! Whether it is a day camp or overnight, horseback riding or arts and crafts, there are so many to choose from.

Whatever it is you choose to do, remember our kids get most of their cues from us. Inspire them to be positive and be curious to experience new places and things. 

Easter Weekend Day Trips and Getaways North of Toronto and north in Ontario

Click for Easter Events & Activities

Click for Easter Weekend Getaways

Have a hoppin' good time!

The truth revealed about Sweetwater Harvest Festival - a child's review of the popular annual maple festival North of Toronto

Truthful Kids' Reviews

If you're wondering whether or not your kids will enjoy the annual maple celebration at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland this spring then read Ontario Family Travel North of Toronto's 'KIDS TALK' review by Karine.

Karine is a regular reviewer for OFT, is 12 years old and likes writing and figure skating.

"I recently went to the Sweetwater Festival with my family at the Wye Marsh. I had a great time!! When I got to the Festival we paid for admission which included an all-day pancake breakfast. We ate pancakes, sausages and juice, tea or coffee. It really filled me up!! 

Photo: Wye Marsh

Then we went outside and we looked at the owls and a couple of hawks. They weren’t caged in and we’re sitting freely outside. My favorite was the great horned owl. 

That's what she's talkin' about!

Then we learnt how they make maple syrup. It was interesting to see how they did it. That was topped off with some fresh maple taffy!!! 

Then we headed out to the swan conservatory where the swans roam freely. I learnt about swans and how they got to be there. How some of them were found hurt or how others were born there. I even got a couple feet from a swan that was swimming around. It was funny watching my brother running away from the trumpeter swans!! 

We then went to the scout cabin where there were kid activities like colouring and face painting. Scouts showed us how to make a fire with a rock and a stick!!! 

Then we each took a handful of seeds and headed out to the observatory tower. At the top of the tower, we held out our hands and had chickadees eat seeds out of our palm. It was very funny the feel of their prickly feet and I tried really hard not to laugh when they came by. 

Then we got to make our own bannock grilled over a campfire. It was delicious!! 

Photo: Wye Marsh

Then we all took a nice walk down the boardwalk. 

To finish the day off we ate wye bean soup and watched a snake show all while admiring the beautiful quilted hats and savouring the homemade jams that were being sold. 

I had a great experience at the Sweetwater Festival and I hope to go again next year."

There you have it. We hope Karine has as much fun and more this year!

About: The annual Sweetwater Harvest festival at the Wye Marsh is one of the top maple syrup events in Canada and will entertain, educate, and engage people of all ages.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20, 2016 in Midland.

Photo: Wye Marsh

Find the Wye Marsh at:

www.wyemarsh.com
www.facebook.com/wyemarshwildlifecentre
www.twitter.com/wyemarsh

Have a review you'd like to submit to 411 Ontario Kids? Please send it to us via email!

Can't make this festival but still craving sweet maple events and activities? No problem!
SPRING 2016 MAPLE EVENTS

See our website for more:

MARCH BREAK

EASTER

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