Top 5 Kid Friendly Summer Escapes In Ontario

The Hidden Treasures Your Family Will Love

No more pencils. No more books. Schools out for summer. Schools out forever. Ok, not really, but it can feel that way sometimes. Tell the truth. How many times have you heard “I’m bored”......in the last 24 hours? You need to getaway, with the kids of course.

Here are five weekend getaways in Ontario that combine family fun and an opportunity for learning, just so their brains don’t get mushy. Bet you don’t hear “I’m bored” once.

Parliament Hill/Calypso Waterpark (Ottawa)

If your children ask you who the President is, it’s time to get them to the Capital for a little lesson on Canada’s government. Visit Parliament Hill and watch the changing of the guard (daily from 10:00 to 10:30). Go to the top of the Peace Tower and visit the Memorial Chamber. Guided tours are available daily in the summer through the Centre Block and East Block of Parliament Hill. When you’re done, test them by asking who our Prime Minister is, who is the leader of the Official Opposition and what does the Governor General do exactly? Bonus points if they can tell you what year Parliament Hill caught on fire. The reward for being total brainiacs? Take them to Calypso Waterpark. Opened in 2010, Calypso Waterpark is Canada’s biggest theme waterpark with over 35 waterslides, a wave pool and 100 water games. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Muskoka/Santa’s Village (Bracebridge)

Revel in the natural beauty that Ontario has to offer by planning a trip to Muskoka. Bike ride on trails, rent a canoe, go horseback riding or try fishing. Get in touch with your rugged side. Or not. There’s also world class golfing available, boat cruises and gourmet dining. Roughing it or not, it’s all set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Muskoka. While you’re there, make sure you get a early word in with the big guy at Santa’s Village in Bracebridge, Ontario. Geared more for the younger set, Santa’s village had rides and farm animals and of course Santa’s reindeer. You’ll also be able to use “Santa’s watching” a whole lot earlier this year.

Farm Experience/Sandbanks Provincial Park (Prince Edward County)

Prince Edward County is roughly midway between Toronto and Ottawa. Rich with history and natural beauty, it’s the perfect place to escape the city and introduce your kids to life on a farm. There are several farm experiences you can book for just the day or overnight. Feed baby animals, interact with various farm animals, learn where our food comes from, ride horses and get lost in a corn maze. Don’t come this way though without planning a visit to Sandbanks Provincial Park. Sandbanks has three beautiful sandy beaches, among the largest in Ontario. It also has the world’s largest fresh water sand bar and dune system. It’s SoCal, so Ontario style.

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