Long Weekend Family Fun Guide North of Toronto May 16-19 including Victoria Day

The May Victoria Day Long Weekend is here! 

The official un-official start of the spring and summer season in Ontario begins. The landscape is getting green again, the puddles are drying up and the lakes and bays are slowly warming up.

Ontario cottage country is such a special place for families and kids. With modern small towns, families can still get back to simpler times and enjoy basic activities with their kids like biking, hiking, swimming, star gazing, visiting farmers' markets...and a whole lot more!

The May long weekend is also a weekend where many accommodations and attractions that were closed for the winter open. If you're a regular reader of the Weekend Playlist, you'll notice the list of events and activities certainly grew this week!

Resorts, hotels and other family friendly accommodation are offering exciting (and relaxing too!) family getaway offers that include all the best parts of a weekend 'up north' - including camp fires, canoe rides and firecrackers too! You can find those offers here: VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND GETAWAY OFFERS.

We also encourage you to visit a number of our featured Farmers' Markets, several will have Opening Weekend festivities happening. You can find our list here: FEATURED FARMERS' MARKETS.

This weekend's 'PLAY LIST'...
KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA

These events are within 1-4 hours north (or so!) 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 in or within proximity and close to much of Ontario's 'cottage country'.

~Featured Maple Festivals~

TAP INTO MAPLE TOUR
Ontario's Lake Country
until May 31

Filled with a variety of different stops throughout the region, the Tap into Maple route will get your senses flowing and your mouth watering. Come and experience our maple history, taste our local maple cuisine, and create your own maple products.

~BARRIE~

HARDWOOD SKI AND BIKE

Hardwood is officially open for mountain biking! We are open 9-5 daily.  All trails, excluding Radical, are open. Extended hours will start Wednesday May 14th! We will be open Wednesday-Friday 9am - 8pm and Saturday-Tuesday 9am - 5pm.   

Disc Golf Course Open - Hardwood has expanded our disc golf course to 18 holes so come on out and play this great game on this, fun and challenging course. We have a family special all season - kids 12 and under play free with a paying adult.

HORSESHOE ADVENTURE PARK
Horseshoe Resort is an inviting Ontario destination offering four seasons of fun for thrill-seekers and adventurers alike! This spring, plan your next getaway as active or relaxing as you want it to be. Enjoy golf on two championship golf courses, ride the trails in the Lift Access Mountain Bike Park or kick your adrenaline up a notch in the Adventure Park, with so many outdoor adventures to chose from, what will you do next?

Browse BARRIE HOTELS

~THE BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

ATTRACTION PARK BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
From a sightseeing gondola ride to an alpine hike; from a day in our mountain bike park to an afternoon on the Cascade Putting Course or Ridge Runner Coaster, there's an activity with just the right amount of adventure to suit just about anyone.

PLUNGE! AQUATIC CENTRE
Plunge! is the ultimate, all ages, four season water adventure at the base of Blue Mountain Ski Resort, the largest mountain resort in Ontario, Canada, located near Collingwood - just a 90-minute drive from Toronto.

BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE - ACTIVITY CENTRAL
Activity Central is your source for the region’s and the resort’s best year-round activities! Pure adrenaline or simple serenity, we have activities to suit every interest and budget! Currently selling Scandinave Spa packages, Wine tasting, Caving tours and gearing up for winter with Snowmobile tours, snowshoeing and the list goes on.

* May Long Weekend & Fireworks *

Greet summer on your favorite Village patio! Enjoy live music with Juno Award winning JRDN on stage Sunday at 6:30 plus face painting, scavenger hunts, hiking, gondola rides, Groove Dancing and Saturday night FIREWORKS!

SCENIC CAVES
Open this weekend at discounted prices with limited availabilities. Great time to see a beautiful spot and save.

Stay in Collingwood Accommodations

~ BRACEBRIDGE ~

WHISPERING PINES CAMPGROUND OPENS

Santa's Village Whispering Pines Campground Opens Victoria Day Weekend May 16, 2014

BRACEBRIDGE FARMERS' MARKET
Grand Opening Weekend! 

The Market runs each Saturday, 8:30 to 1pm from the Victoria Day long weekend in May, until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. The market located in Memorial Park on Manitoba Street, next to the Norwood Theatre.

~FORESTER FALLS | BEACHBURG ~

ADVENTURE RIVER RUN RAFTING WILDERNESS RESORT
For the young and “young at heart”, join us for this gentle water raft trip on the Middle Channel of the river. With just enough whitewater to make it fun there’s plenty to see and learn about this historical river.

~ HALIBURTON ~

SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE

Open for mountain biking! Open weekends only from May 17- June 30th, 10am- 3:00pm (Full lift and food service). 

* Victoria Day Long Weekend: Saturday, May 17 - Free draw for Sir Sam’s Bucks. 

Area locals: Register for Skills Camp. These 3 day camps are a great way to to spend summer hours meeting new friends, learning new things and building the skills for years of biking pleasure. *

SUPnorth PADDLE ADVENTURES
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Cottage Country's beautiful Haliburton Highlands. *Requires advanced booking.

~ IROQUOIS ~

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.

~MIDLAND | PENETANGUISHENE~

MISS MIDLAND
The Miss Midland sailing season will begin on Saturday May 17th. Daily sightseeing cruises at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday May 17th; 2:00 p.m. on Sunday May 18th and 2:00 p.m. on Monday May 19th.

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

HURONIA MUSEUM
Huronia Museum is a fun place for taking the kids and is located in Little Lake Park, directly across from the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre. Fun exhibits for the whole family and be sure to check their website for specials events and activities.

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 on Saturday at 2pm.

WYE MARSH
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Situated on approximately 3,000 acres of natural property in the beautiful Wye Valley (Georgian Bay), it is that perfect place for a family or group outing. With over 25 km of snowshoeing/skiing trails, an observation tower and boardwalks, visitors can get closer to nature.

SAINTE MARIE AMONG THE HURONS
Experience life in one of Canada’s oldest reconstructed European communities, that was shared with First Nations people all the way back to the sixteen hundreds! There are over 25 buildings to explore and the costumed staff will help tell the story of life in Upper Canada. Daily family activities for you to enjoy. Bring a picnic and experience it for the full day!

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.

MIDLAND TOURISM
The Town of Midland is a dynamic community situated on Georgian Bay and based in the heart of one of our nation's most beautiful recreational areas. It's perfect for a family fun day trip or overnight getaway.

PENETANGUISHENE TOURISM
Penetanguishene has many cultural attractions, wide range of leisure & recreation activities to choose from at our community centres and libraries and on our sports fields. Experience the outdoors in our parks, along our pathway system and our beach and harbour.

Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region
MORE Penetanguishene Tourism Region

~ORILLIA | SPRINGWATER~

TAP INTO MAPLE TOUR
Starting on March 1st and running through to May 31st, the Tap into Maple route was created to support and showcase our local maple syrup, maple products and events. Filled with a variety of different stops throughout the region, the Tap into Maple route will get your senses flowing and your mouth watering. Come and experience our maple history, taste our local maple cuisine, and create your own maple products. You can even stay awhile, our local accommodators have some sweet maple packages available for you! Bring your family or getaway as a couple, Ontario’s Lake Country has something for everyone.

ORILLIA FARMERS' MARKET
Grand Opening Weekend
One of Ontario's longest running markets runs every Saturday from 7:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Orillia Library on Mississauga Street in Downtown Orillia. This is family friendly market that offers kids alot of fun activities and tasty treats.

ORILLIA FAIRGROUNDS FARMERS' MARKET
Grand Opening Weekend
Over 50 local farmers, food producers, bakers and artisans. Fresh fruit, meat and vegetables, baked goods, cheese, honey, prepared foods, sausages, maple syrup, and live music! FREE PARKING for everyone! COME TO THE FAIR!

~ PARRY SOUND ~

GEORGIAN BAY AIRWAYS
AMAZE at the natural beauty of Muskoka and Georgian Bay by seaplane! Let Georgian Bay Airways make your vacation a memorable experience. We provide many services with our legendary seaplanes including sightseeing tours and flying adventures. Join our nearly 1,000 passengers a year to experience our signature "Fly & Dine" to World Famous Henry's Fish Restaurant.

-----------------------------------------------------------

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.

SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER.

Are you mobile?

Install the 400eleven.com and 411ontariokids.com APP

Weekend Family Fun Guide North of Toronto May - 9-11

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mama's reading this blog post! And welcome to anyone reading this post looking for inspiration on what to plan for Mother's Day Weekend. We know this blog can help you plan a perfect day or weekend.

In a few short days, on May 11, Moms everywhere will wake to adoration, expressions of appreciation and some down-right spoiling. Oh yah!

Day trips and weekend getaways in areas north of Toronto area a perfect way to celebrate. Spending time together as a family is always the basic and easiest way to create great childhood memories with your kids. Try for a screen-free day and go out of your way to find something new.

The snow is gone, the trees have buds and wildlife is peppy and abundant. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, turtles and even moose are all out and about - and so cute and amazing! There is no better place to have fun than in the best and most beautiful recreation spots of Ontario.

Nature is happening is something your kids need and love. Visit a farmers' market, pack a picnic, hop on your bikes, take a hike, whatever your family likes best - relax and have fun. 

Read our list of kid-approved spring activities.

If you're looking for Mother's Day Brunches, you can find a full list here:

All Mother's Day Brunches

Otherwise, our playlist below list only a few happening at attractions and activity places regularly listed in our blog.

Mom can take advantage of many freebies! 

This weekend's 'PLAY LIST'...
KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA

These events are within 1-4 hours north (or so!) 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 in or within proximity and close to much of Ontario's 'cottage country'.

~Featured Maple Festivals~

TAP INTO MAPLE TOUR
Ontario's Lake Country
until May 31

Filled with a variety of different stops throughout the region, the Tap into Maple route will get your senses flowing and your mouth watering. Come and experience our maple history, taste our local maple cuisine, and create your own maple products.

~BARRIE~

HARDWOOD SKI AND BIKE

GOOD NEWS! Hardwood will officially be OPEN for Mountain Biking at 4pm on Wednesday May 7th!

*Sunday May 11 is DEMO DAY & MOMS RIDE FREE *

Looking to buy? Or just want to try? Come out to Hardwood Ski and Bike to test the latest from 15 different bike manufacturers. You can take the Bikes out for approximately 30 minutes which lets everyone have a chance to try what’s new. All you need is a $10 trail pass! There will also be gear giveaways all day long! See you Sunday! 9 am - 3 pm. Ps. Mom's Ride For FREE!

HORSESHOE ADVENTURE PARK
Please check directly for Adventure Park open date but Horseshoe is definitely open for overnight getaways.

* Take Mom for Sunday Brunch! *

Browse BARRIE HOTELS

~THE BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

ATTRACTION PARK BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
From a sightseeing gondola ride to an alpine hike; from a day in our mountain bike park to an afternoon on the Cascade Putting Course or Ridge Runner Coaster, there's an activity with just the right amount of adventure to suit just about anyone.

PLUNGE! AQUATIC CENTRE
Plunge! is the ultimate, all ages, four season water adventure at the base of Blue Mountain Ski Resort, the largest mountain resort in Ontario, Canada, located near Collingwood - just a 90-minute drive from Toronto.

BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE - ACTIVITY CENTRAL
Activity Central is your source for the region’s and the resort’s best year-round activities! Pure adrenaline or simple serenity, we have activities to suit every interest and budget! Currently selling Scandinave Spa packages, Wine tasting, Caving tours and gearing up for winter with Snowmobile tours, snowshoeing and the list goes on.

SCENIC CAVES
Open this weekend at discounted prices with limited availabilities. Great time to see a beautiful spot and save.

* Both days, Mothers receive FREE park admission with paid child admission (ages 3-17) for caves/suspension bridge/mini-golf package. On Mother's Day (May 11 only), mothers AND each member of the family (up to 3) receive $30-off an Eco Adventure Tour (guided treetop canopy walking and zip cable gliding). Add the new Thunderbird Twin Zip ride for even more adrenaline-pumping excitement. Age/height/weight restrictions apply. Coupon and reservations are required for the Eco Tour."

Stay in Collingwood Accommodations

~FORESTER FALLS~ 

ADVENTURE RIVER RUN RAFTING WILDERNESS RESORT

Book 4 people into a High Adventure Rafting trip and Mom goes free! Package includes a full river high adventure rafting trip in a 12-passenger raft, lunch, river gear (except wetsuits) use of all resort facilities and video review of your trip. * Valid May 2014 Season only. * Must be mentioned at the time of reservation * Cannot be combined with any other offers * Free wetsuits included during the month of May.

~MIDLAND | PENETANGUISHENE~

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

HURONIA MUSEUM
Huronia Museum is a fun place for taking the kids and is located in Little Lake Park, directly across from the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre. Fun exhibits for the whole family and be sure to check their website for specials events and activities. 

* Huronia Museum is delighted to have MJ Weber join us for an exhibition of her work from May 9th to June 19th in the museum’s auditorium. The grand opening for this exhibit will be on Friday, May 9th, 2014 at 7:00 pm . Muriel-Jane “M.J.” Weber was born and raised on a farm in Aldershot, now part of Burlington, Ontario. For mature art appreciating children - or date night. *

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 on Saturday at 2pm. 

* Bring Mom for Sunday Brunch! Treat mom to an elegant afternoon of culinary delight; hot entrees including lamb and chicken, waffle table, sweet table, etc. Special welcome gift for mom.

Evening: Tiffin Bay Folk Club present Shannon Lyon (for mature children or date night) *

WYE MARSH
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Situated on approximately 3,000 acres of natural property in the beautiful Wye Valley (Georgian Bay), it is that perfect place for a family or group outing. With over 25 km of snowshoeing/skiing trails, an observation tower and boardwalks, visitors can get closer to nature.

* Sunday Moms get in free! Birds of Prey Show at 1 pm and...

Turtle Guardian Workshop 1-3 pm. Learn about turtles and turtle habitats. *

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.

MIDLAND TOURISM
The Town of Midland is a dynamic community situated on Georgian Bay and based in the heart of one of our nation's most beautiful recreational areas. It's perfect for a family fun day trip or overnight getaway.

PENETANGUISHENE TOURISM
Penetanguishene has many cultural attractions, wide range of leisure & recreation activities to choose from at our community centres and libraries and on our sports fields. Experience the outdoors in our parks, along our pathway system and our beach and harbour.

Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region
MORE Penetanguishene Tourism Region

~ORILLIA | SPRINGWATER~

TAP INTO MAPLE TOUR
Starting on March 1st and running through to May 31st, the Tap into Maple route was created to support and showcase our local maple syrup, maple products and events. Filled with a variety of different stops throughout the region, the Tap into Maple route will get your senses flowing and your mouth watering. Come and experience our maple history, taste our local maple cuisine, and create your own maple products. You can even stay awhile, our local accommodators have some sweet maple packages available for you! Bring your family or getaway as a couple, Ontario’s Lake Country has something for everyone.

ORILLIA FARMERS' MARKET
One of Ontario's longest running markets runs every Saturday from 7:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Orillia Library on Mississauga Street in Downtown Orillia. This is family friendly market that offers kids alot of fun activities and tasty treats.

ORILLIA FAIRGROUNDS FARMERS' MARKET
Over 50 local farmers, food producers, bakers and artisans. Fresh fruit, meat and vegetables, baked goods, cheese, honey, prepared foods, sausages, maple syrup, and live music! FREE PARKING for everyone! COME TO THE FAIR!

* Saturday, May 10. Don't know when you can plant? Come out and ask a Master Gardener! Speak with not 1, not 2, but 3 Master Gardeners, there to answer all your gardening questions.

The three master gardeners who are volunteering their time and expertise are: Valerie Gillespie, Louise Jackson and Debrah Rabbitts. THANKS LADIES! *

ORILLIA 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!

* ends Saturday May 10 *

Read our Tips for Fishing with Kids.

--------------------------------------------------------

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.

Looking Ahead:

Victoria Day May Long Weekend

SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER.

Are you mobile?

Install the 400eleven.com and 411ontariokids.com APP

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

Deals in the INBOX!

We hope you are finding our blog posts helpful and information. If there are things you feel we are missing or information we are lacking, please let us know by contacting us. Also you can sign up for our weekly emails and receive insider info in regards to getaways, events and festivals right in your inbox.

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). 


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

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!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news

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~

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

~BARRIE~

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~ 

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~

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.

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


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

Victoria Day - May Long Weekend

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!

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news.