Ontario Family Travel North of Toronto: spring family attractions

Showing posts with label spring family attractions. Show all posts

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Kids and Family fun activities and events happening in areas North of Toronto April 26-28

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What a start to spring this has been for cottage country! Muskoka, Bancroft, Kawarthas - all so very wet and in some cases, very sad news. Water is reminding us just who's boss and in these times, we wish all these areas safety and little damage.

Maple Festivals are pretty much done for the season with a last but certainly not least festival happening this weekend in Powassan. Where is Powassan you say? It is near North Bay! The Powassan Maple Festival is a popular one. In fact, on Saturday April 27, Mr. Rick Mercer will be there flipping pancakes - and you know that's going to be funny! Additional to maple producers, the festival will include other food vendors, artisans, music and family fun events. Click here to book North Bay Hotels and Accommodations.

Kids Fish Too!

The Orillia Perch Festival continues with the announcements of impressive fish already being caught. Prizes are already being won. The festival continues through until May 11. Visit the OPF website for details on how to participate. And if you're fishing with kids, read our family fishing tips. We also encourage you to check out the Orillia Perch Festival Package at Comfort Inn Orillia or at the Best Western Mariposa Inn Conference Centre.

We continue to update the Spring Family Getaways and there are some fun family activities included! As a new portion to this blog we will be posting our FEATURED DESTINATION AREA of the week: this week we are happy to feature the beautiful town of Midland! This is a vibrant and modern waterfront town full of attractions, nature and family fun.

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 extent the fun.

~BARRIE~

We made it ourselves!

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

~BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

A RECORD SEASON!

BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT: A record season continues at Blue Mountain as day skiing and snowboarding continues (yes!). All Season Passes will be valid on Thursday, lift tickets will be $29 and we'll be open until Sunday, conditions permitting. Keep the season alive at the last resort standing!

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

SCENIC CAVES OPENING WEEKEND: Scenic Caves Nature Adventures begins green season on April 27th. Reservation hotline for Eco Tours is now open!

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

~MIDLAND~

Wye Marsh Wet 'N Scaly...and cute!

WET 'N SCALY SHOW: Wye Marsh - This program includes a one hour live reptile show in conjunction with an hour of interactive games and activities. Participants will meet and get to know some of the interesting reptilian characters who populate the display hall at the Wye Marsh.

BIRDS OF PREY SHOW: Wye Marsh - The owls, hawks, and falcons that make up the birds of prey are rarely seen up close in nature so the Birds of Prey demonstration provides a unique opportunity to observe these birds in close proximity and discover the unique personalities of the individuals.

NORDIC POLE WALKING WORKSHOP: Note: this event is not for small children. It is recommended for older kids or teens. We have been told many grandparents enjoy this activity with their more mature grandchildren. This three-week course includes professional instruction as well as the use of Nordixx walking poles. The course comprises three two-hour sessions on successive Saturdays. Enjoy the diverse walking trails and wildlife at the Marsh.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online

~ORILLIA~

ANNUAL PERCH FESTIVAL: One of Canada's Largest Registered Fishing Derbies! Over Sixty Tagged Perch worth $500 Each! Plus ... Thousands of Dollars in Daily, Weekly and Grand Prize Draws!

See ORILLIA HOTELS & ATTRACTIONS

~OWEN SOUND~

SPRING CRUISE: Annual spring Chi-Cheemaun cruise from Owen Sound to Tobermory (note this event is on Thursday May 2).

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Mother's Day

Planning ahead - so are we! See our website for:

MOTHER'S DAY EVENTS AND GETAWAYS
VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND EVENTS AND GETAWAYS

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

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Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Maple Syrup and Fishing - but not together! Kids and Family fun activities and events happening in areas North of Toronto April 19-21

All right! Finally it seems safe to say spring is here...we think. Although with a second glance at the forecast we may notexactly be out of the woods yet. Fear not though, events and activities continue for families and kids in areas from the Bruce Peninsula to the Ottawa Valley. We always recommend a visit to any Ontario attraction or to get moving and have some fun at places that offer great family activities at good prices. If free is your thing, there are many options there too.

Saturday is the annual Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival. Try the syrup, buy the syrup or taste many other maple recipes and treats. Sweet and Savoury food stands, vendors and artisans fill the town's main area for strolling around. You can also dance at the main stage or get some thrills at the midway at the recreation centre. All the classic rides are there. Inside the recreation centre are vendors and other cool stuff to check out. As a tip - this is a busy festival. Pack wisely and light if possible, you may not want to use a stroller in the large crowds. Slings or backpacks if you got'em and have small (and light!) enough children to fit in them.

Friday is the first day of the Orillia Perch Festival, with the Opening Ceremonies at 7. The festival continues through until May 11, the day before Mother's Day. Coincidental? Maybe not...

Earth Day, April 22

See their website for details on how to participate. And if you're fishing with kids, see our family fishing tips on how to do so with as much fun as possible.

We continue to update the Spring Family Getaways and there are some fun family activities included!

Monday April 22 marks Earth Day where more than 6 million Canadians join 1 billion people in over 170 countries in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues. There are some organized events to participate in, or simply do your own activities around your house with the kids based on our easy-to-do suggestions.

KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS 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 extent the fun.

~ORILLIA~

~BARRIE~

~BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

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

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

~MIDLAND~

EARTH DAY FUNDRAISER: RainBarrel.ca is pleased to partner with Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in support of local environmental education and conservation of the Wye Valley. Wye Marsh is committed to conserving wetlands, woodlands and wildlife by creating exciting learning opportunities in a natural setting. This sale will help to raise funds to support these programs at Wye Marsh.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online

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Victoria Day - May Long Weekend

Friday, 12 April 2013

Spring family and kids activities in areas north of Toronto at Ontario attractions and other cool places!

Festival fun continues through April

1. Maple festivals really make you feel like you are part of Canada’s richly delicious 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 slowly getting warmer, you have not missed out on festivals for this year! Maple Festivals in Ontario are ongoing throughout April. Tree tapping ceremonies, maple taffy, maple taffy…something for every family member. If you don’t already believe it is the perfect family outing, festivals usually offer horse drawn wagon rides for tired legs to boot!

2. Shake your winter hibernation and getaway! Get into the spirit and enjoy the beautiful spring weather (cough - when it gets here)! Take advantage of the Victoria Day longweekend. Many resorts and hotels are offering great spring getaways specials for every weekend, not just the long weekend in May! Choose an event and stay in the area for a day or two, or more!

Enjoy outside again!

3. Family passes, rentals, and trails for every skill level make mountain biking a very accessible option! Sir Sam’s in Haliburton and Hardwood Ski and Bike near Barrie are popular choices with knowledgeable staff to set you on you tour. Imagine the looks on your city-dwelling neighbours faces after you’ve honed your biking skills all weekend long—watch out!

4. It is not too hot or busy yet, and with the great weather why not take advantage of hiking, beaches, and even geocaching. Whether it is the Bruce Trail, Tay Trail, the trans-Canada or park paths, you have many hiking options north of Toronto. Even if you didn't make it south this winter, some of Ontario's beaches are truly hidden jems! In case you’re not familiar, Geocaching is a growing trend in which players use GPS devices to find hidden treasures-- now that is a new way to get out and enjoy life!

5. If you are anything like me, delicious, fresh baked goods and produce really top off an active, fun-filled outing! The month of May marks the start of farmer'smarket season. Not only will you be supporting local farms, but the benefits for you and your family are countless. Many farmer's markets also have live music and artisan tables.

Spoil her silly!

6. Spring also means celebrating Mom! The anchor of the family, the lady who deserves everything and more! Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 12, 2013. Many resort accommodations offer a weekend that will give mom a break and some pampering - if a weekend getaway is not in the cards, consider a brunch or another mother's day event perfect for any day trip.

7. On April 22, Canadians will be joining 141 other nations who annually mark Earth Day. The day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment. What better way to celebrate this day than heading north to a new or favourite outdoor getaway! For Earth Day events please refer to our calendar.

8. Adventure and wild excitement can be experienced at Ontario family friendly attractions. A sure sign of spring is when the seasonal attractions start to open again. If your little ones have energy to burn there are many adventure activities for them to choose from like zip lining over the tree tops, gemstone mining, mini golfing, taking a flight on a Georgian Bay Airways plane or finding a quiet meadow and enjoying a horseback ride. The list of options is long!

Wildlife is our friend.

9. Be sure to experience some of Ontario’s wildlife treasures that will make you and your little adventurers feel like you’re in the outback! Pack your hikers and even your opera glasses if you wish. Wye Marsh encompasses 3000 acres for bikers, hikers, and even kayakers. Explore on your own or with a guide or catch their weekend Birds of Prey or Wet n' Scaly show. Your family can also head out on the beautiful trails or suspension bridge at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Collingwood where you will definitely see some wildlife, birds and a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay. Fishing is also always a great activity to do with kids. See our website for fishing tips with kids!

10. 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.

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Ontario Family Travel North of Toronto