Take the kids on a stroll or drive through a Burlington neighbourhood overflowing with holiday charm and whimsy. Welcome to Frosty’s Village!

Welcome to frosty's village

Just off of Maple Avenue in Burlington, there is a magical place where Christmas comes to life in the form of “Frosty’s Village”. Frosty’s Village is an incredible display of over 140 inflatable snowmen that grace the lawns and properties of homes in the Lockhart Village neighbourhood.

Since 2019 Annie and her friends, Christina and Melissa have spearheaded this community initiative.  Annie was inspired by similar displays she had seen in Alton Village as well as Toronto and with her love of Christmas lights and she was looking to start something similar. 

Taking to their neighbourhood Facebook page, Annie posted the idea of a mass Christmas display and the idea was so well received that a vote was posted to determine what type of display would be showcased. The inflatable Frosty’s won by a landslide!

Annie, Melissa and Christina went mailbox to mailbox in 2019 as well as speaking to their neighbours face to face and before they knew it they had over 110 homes set up for their snowman village.  Sourcing snowmen from Grimsby to Brampton the women aided their neighbours in finding snowmen for the project and by December 1^st of 2019 over 110 homes were on the “Frosty’s Village” map. 

Fast forward to 2020 and “Frosty’s Village” is on its second successful year of spreading joy and holiday cheer.  The team has set up a weather-proof donation box for non-perishable food donations at 1148 Lockhart Drive to support the Burlington Food Bank.

There are over 140 homes partaking in “Frosty’s Village” this year. Use this map to make your way through the streets and see them all.

Bring a food bank donation if you can, and enjoy your walk or drive “Frosty’s Village” in Burlington. 

Happy holidays!

Ashley Huff

Ashley is a self-proclaimed writer, creator and positivity spreader. She is an activist for mental health wellness and is Burlington born and raised. You can follow her on Facebook

Follow Ashley

more ideas for winter fun

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

Step up your Christmas lights drive (or walk) with our printable Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt! Kids will love walking or driving by Christmas Houses in

Readers Recommend: Family Movies

When you’re home with kids and weather, illness, or just plain old exhaustion keep you indoors, our readers have your cinematic needs covered! Here are

Burlington’s New Play Equipment Lending Library

The City of Burlington Parks and Recreation Department has released a free sports equipment borrowing program just in time for summer! Read on about the

March Break Family Fun!

Wondering what Burlington has going on this March Break? Here is your guide to March Break Merriment!

25 Days of Christmas Fun {Printable}

December is here and if you’re racking your brain for new ways to keep your family entertained, we’ve got you covered with our 25 Days

StoryWalks in Burlington Parks

Have you ever been on a Story Walk in Burlington yet? It’s a great way to get kids excited for reading, while also getting some

The post Stroll Through Frosty’s Village in Burlington appeared first on Active Parents.

Updated December 24, 2020

Hitting a toboggan hill in Burlington or Hamilton is an excellent way to spend time close to home but still get fresh air during the lockdown. The City of Burlington has designated six locations that are safe for tobogganing and The City of Hamilton has designated four hills.

Tobogganing is a Canadian winter past-time that almost makes our frigid winters bearable! While it may look like any hill will work, choose a tobogganing hill that is city-approved as you know it’s a safer alternative to other hills. Get bundled up, and bring your helmets, because you can never be too safe. Here are the designated toboggan hills in Burlington and Hamilton.

City Approved Toboggan Hills in Burlington

• LaSalle Park, at the east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Golf Course, at hole No. 4, on the west slope
• Central Park, the hill northwest of Community Garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of tennis courts
• Nelson Park, east side of the park, north of Centennial Bike Path
• Lowville Park, the hill on the southwest end of the park.

City Approved Toboggan Hills in HAMILTON

• Garth and Stone Church Reservoir – 1515 Garth Street, Hamilton – Hill details: Northeast corner, Southern side (East of the parking lot)
• King’s Forest Golf Course – 100 Greenhill Avenue, Hamilton – Hill details: Hole #9 – in front of the 9th green
• Waterdown Memorial Park – 200 Hamilton Street, Waterdown – Hill details: Northeast corner, West of baseball diamond #3
• Chedoke Golf Course Martin Course – 563 Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton – Hill details: Martin Course, Hole #10- Tee

Play Safe!

Here are a few tips to play safely while tobogganing

• Toboggan during daylight hours, not when it is dark.
• Toboggan when the hill is snow-covered, not when it is icy or bare.
• Check the hill and make sure it is free of obstacles and toboggan in the designated area.
• Wear a helmet designed for winter sports.
• Use a toboggan that is in good shape and has brakes and steering.
• Avoid wearing scarves or any clothing that could get caught in a toboggan and cause injury.
• Always sit down and face-forward on a toboggan.
• Do not build jumps or other obstacles on the toboggan hill.
• Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for others coming down the hill.
• If you fall off of your toboggan, move out of the way to avoid being hit.

Reminder, tobogganing is an activity that you do at your own risk. The city is not responsible for any personal injury or damage to your personal items.   Find more info here.

More Winter Fun

• 50+ Things To Do This Winter
• What Can We Do During Lockdown?
• Cross-Country Skiing Near Hamilton and Burlington
• Outdoor Ice Skating in Burlington and Hamilton
• 10 Toboggan Hills in Burlington and Hamilton
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home
• Winter Family Fun Challenge 2021
• Stroll Through Frosty’s Village in Burlington
• Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt
• Family-Friendly New Years Eve Events
• Map of Christmas Lights in Burlington, Hamilton and Beyond
• 2021 Christmas Events in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville

The post 10 Toboggan Hills in Burlington and Hamilton appeared first on Active Parents.

Updated December 20, 2021

Outdoor ice skating in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton is back for 2021. The weather is finally cold enough to build a rink!

This winter you will find us rink-side tying up our skates and zooming around the outdoor skating rinks. Here is where all of the outdoor ice skating rinks are so you can join us!

While Public Health is continuing to encourage residents to avoid unnecessary trips outside the home and to limit close contact with those they don’t live with, it’s still important to find ways to keep up with physical health and mental wellbeing.

Outdoor Ice Skating in Burlington

Ice skating in Burlington at Rotary Centennial Pond will be open for skating as of December 21, 2021.  No registration is required. Skates are available for rental, too! Outdoor ice skating in Burlington at Rotary Pond is free.

Outdoor Ice Skating in Hamilton

Winter is here and drop-in outdoor ice skating in Hamilton is back.  Staff are on-site at City-operated outdoor rinks to maintain the ice and monitor COVID-19 safety measures. Outdoor ice rinks are weather dependent, during extended periods of above 0-degree temperatures, ice conditions may require closure.  Closure notifications will be posted both online and at the park. Rinks are expected to open between December 20th and 24th 2021, weather dependant.

Outdoor public ice skating in Hamilton is offered at the following 3 locations:

• Bernie Morelli – Serafini Family Outdoor Ice
• Dundas Driving Park
• Waterdown Memorial Park
• Freelton Community Park

Click on your preferred skating rink above to make a reservation. Reservations are limited to Hamilton residents. Skating at these rinks is free.

Hamilton Community Skating Rinks

Hamilton has numerous community ice skating rinks that are operated by volunteers (weather permitting). Here are the parks where they are approved. (source)

Outdoor Ice Skating in Oakville

Looking for outdoor skating in Oakviile? The rink at Trafalgar Park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, weather permitting, from mid-December to March. Please call the community centre or check back later, follow us on social media, or subscribe to the Recreation and Culture newsletter for updates.

Schedules for outdoor skating at Trafalgar Park will be available in Active Oakville but registration is not required:

• Admission is free and first-come, first-served as space allows.
• Capacity limits apply and are subject to change.
• Helmets and skates can be rented from the community centre.
• Cancellations will be posted on site. Please contact the facility directly for the most up-to-date information.

Standard public skating admission requirements apply, including:

• No gameplay or scrimmages are allowed.
• The use of sticks and pucks is permitted during designated times only.
• Failure to follow the rules may result in ejection.

Please play safely. We welcome skaters of all ages and abilities. Helmets are strongly recommended.

Note: Proof of vaccination is not required to use our outdoor facilities but is required to enter the community centre.

Where to Get Your Skates Sharpened in Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville

Before you hit the ice, make sure your skates are sharpened! Here are a few spots sharpening skates.

SportChek in Burlington Centre – contact them directly for availability.

Fast & Sharp – Mobile Skate Sharpening Service in Burlington. $10 for hockey and goalie skates. No figure skates at this time. Drop off and pick up currently.

Gillian’s Skate Ship in Burlington – $7 to sharpen skates, contactless pickup and drop off available.

Tydan Blades in Dundas – $10 to sharpen, contact for info.

Centre Ice Training Academy in Burlington

Al’s Source for Sports in Burlington

More Winter Activities

Where to Toboggan in Halton and Hamilton

Play Winter Bingo and Win!

Browse all of our winter ideas here

The post Outdoor Ice Skating in Burlington and Hamilton appeared first on Active Parents.

Cross-Country skiing in the Burlington and Hamilton areas is a great way to get outside and be active, all while maintaining a safe physical distance. Here’s where you can cross-country ski near you.

Fresh air and physical activity are essential now and always and if you’re looking for a great workout, cross-country skiing is an ideal winter activity for you. It’s a great cardio workout and anyone of any age can do it with kids some skis, boots and poles.

Cross-Country Skiing in Milton

Crawford Lake Conservation Area offers 3 cross-country ski trails on escarpment trails through woods and fields. It is also the site of a rare meromictic lake and a reconstructed Iroquoian village. No ski rentals. The prime skiing season is from January to March. Admission required.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area has 3 trails with a total of 15 km for skiing. The trails take you through escarpment woods and beaver meadows. No ski rentals are available for the 2021-2022 season. Admission required.

Kelso Conservation Area – closed for the season.

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area – closed for the season.

Cross-Country Skiing in Hamilton

“While Hamilton Conservation Authority does not groom or maintain trails specific to cross country skiing, it doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of great places to go! The trails on the south side of Christie Lake can be challenging in some areas but also very fun. Use the Round the Lake Trail and you’ll get to ski across the dam. The Reforestation and G. Donald Trails in the Dundas Valley will be of particular interest to those looking for more challenging hills. Users are reminded to stay on the trail.” Admission required.

Cross-Country Skiing in Burlington

Tyandaga Golf Course in Burlington is open for cross-country skiing. There is no fee to use the grounds.

Mountsberg Conservation Area has 2 ski trails run along the shoreline, through woods and sugar bush. They take you along the Wildlife Walkway with bison, elk, and birds of prey enclosures. No ski rentals are available. Admission required.

Winter Fun and Activities

• 50+ Things To Do This Winter
• What Can We Do During Lockdown?
• Cross-Country Skiing Near Hamilton and Burlington
• Outdoor Ice Skating in Burlington and Hamilton
• 10 Toboggan Hills in Burlington and Hamilton
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home
• Winter Family Fun Challenge 2021
• Stroll Through Frosty’s Village in Burlington
• Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt

The post Cross-Country Skiing Near Hamilton and Burlington appeared first on Active Parents.

What Can We Do During Lockdown? Additional restrictions are coming back into play for Hamilton and Halton (and almost all of Ontario), but that doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice good times. Here are some ideas to answer the question “What Can We Do Now?”

Have Fun At Home

First and foremost stay home. It’s the very best place for you and your family, and trust me when I say there is still a lot of fun you can have at home! Whether you want to send the kids on an indoor scavenger hunt or an outdoor scavenger hunt around the neighbourhood, we’ve got you set.

Festive Fun with Your Bubble

Driving by or walking through to see beautiful Christmas lights is a perfect way to spend time with your household without it costing a penny. We have the biggest Map of Christmas Lights and even a printable Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt for the kids to take with them. And if you’re looking for a bigger display, check out these drive-through and walk-through holiday light displays.

hit the slopes with your sled

Did you know there are 10 City-approved toboggan hills between Burlington and Hamilton, spaced throughout various neighbourhoods.

Bring Some Fun Home

Take-home activity kits are a great way to inject a little fun and activity into the winter. Whether it’s a craft kit from a local maker, or paint your own pottery, businesses are finding new and great ways to make sure you stay entertained while at home. There are lots on this list of Grab and Go activities. Also, most toy stores are set up for online ordering and curbside pickup or delivery. If you can, support the independent toy and book stores.

Virtual and Online Game Nights

Who knew one of my new favourite lockdown activities would be online Pictionary and Scategories with my friends over Zoom? Crazy times! We have a bunch of family-friendly and adult-approved ideas for your next virtual game night right here.

Check Out the Library

Though all Burlington and Hamilton branches are closed for in-person borrowing and browsing, you can still request books and movies online and pick them up when they’re ready. We’ve been doing holds and curbside pickups since March and have loved it. Hamilton Public Library has moved its events online and you can do anything from listening to storytime, watch a movie, or play an online game with others. See their events page here. Burlington Public Library has virtual puppet shows, storytimes, and of course Tumblebooks for kids! See BPL’s online offerings here. Select Hamilton libraries are open for computer usage.

Get Outside Safely

Fresh air is vital, and we’ve also become fans of hiking in the last 10+ months. Thankfully, even in the current grey zone, Conservation Halton and Hamilton Conservation Areas will be accessible. You can book your visit to a Halton Conservation Area here. Hamilton Conservation doesn’t require pre-booking, but they do close entrances when they hit their new modified capacity, so watch their Twitter feed for those updates before you head out. Check out our guide to Favourite Hikes with Kids, we have lots of options and lots of great know-before-you-go info.

Hit The Ice

Outdoor ice skating is an excellent way to be outdoors, be active and be physically distanced from other people. Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville have outdoor rinks open for community skating for their residents. You can find them here: Oakville   –    Burlington   –   Hamilton. Spaces have been hard to come by, so be aware!

Go For a Walk or Roll

Until some serious snow lands and stays, you can easily walk, roll, stroll, scoot or bike around the city. Smooth walking and biking paths are the perfect way to stretch those legs and let the kids burn off some energy. Walking new streets and paths was one of our favourite March/April/May lockdown activities so expect to see us out there again this winter. Our faves are:

• Hamilton Beachway Path
• Centennial Multi-Use Path in Burlington runs from downtown to Burloak and is 8 km long
• Lions Valley Park in Oakville
• Bayfront Park in Hamilton
• Spencer Smith Park in Burlington (could be busy)
• Sheldon Creek Trail in Oakville

Parks and Playgrounds

Playgrounds are still open and accessible during this phase of the covid response. We’ve been to quite a few this year and we have the ins and outs of what to expect and what to plan for in our Parks and Playgrounds guides. Keep in mind we have dozens (literally dozens) of park options, so choose a lesser-known park to help ensure there are plenty of ways to socially distance.

Enjoy Some Quality Screen Time

Screen time gets a bad rap a lot of the time, but it can be such a great way to learn about things we’d otherwise never know! Finding interactive and educational lockdown activities became a mission in March, and boy am I glad I still have this list! Sit back and take in a tutorial on cartooning, or tour a museum. Watch one of the many concerts that have been streamed this year or check out the live Zoo Cams at some of the world’s biggest zoos! All of these ideas and more can be found here.

3 Weeks of Movie Nights!

Oh yeah! I love a movie night, and I’ll be using this list of the 30 Best Christmas Movies to get my family through this lockdown. If you have any you’d like to add to the list – share them in the comments!

Volunteer

The City of Hamilton has a program called Snow Angels. The Snow Angels program is a volunteer-driven snow removal service for low-income seniors and/or people with disabilities who live in the City of Hamilton to ensure the safety of the residents and their caregivers. Volunteers remove snow from a resident’s sidewalk, windrow, and the path leading to their main access door. Kids 14 and older can volunteer, and it’s a great way for you and your teen to give back, together. Food banks and other community outreach programs need help as well. They’ll be limited right now on how many volunteers they can host, but please reach out and see where you can help.

Get Talking!

We have some great kid-approved conversation starters here. Choose from questions that start with Would You Rather? or This or That? and spark some big thoughts and big laughs at dinner time or anytime!

More Winter Fun

• 50+ Things To Do This Winter

• What Can We Do During Lockdown?

• Cross-Country Skiing Near Hamilton and Burlington

• Outdoor Ice Skating in Burlington and Hamilton

• 10 Toboggan Hills in Burlington and Hamilton

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home

The post What Can We Do During Lockdown? appeared first on Active Parents.

Hiking with kids in Hamilton and Halton is a perfect way to soak up some vitamin D and enjoy the calmness (and social distancing) that nature brings. Any excuse to get outdoors is a great excuse!

 

My kids were long over the mundane neighbourhood walks a few weeks into the provincial stay-at-home orders, so once nature opened back up we jumped at the chance to get outside and enjoy the fresh air again. Hikes and nature walks have been a super simple and inexpensive way to be active, be together and also be socially distanced from others. Here are a few of our favourite locations for walking and hiking with kids in Hamilton and Halton, and why we love each of them.

 

Eramosa Karst

Upper Mt Albion Rd, Stoney Creek   |   website     |    $10 per vehicle to park

Part of the Hamilton Conservation group of areas, Eramosa Karst is one of the most under-rated conservation areas in my opinion. I had never heard of it before, and attendance never seems to max out. Once I saw pictures of it I knew I had to plan a visit. From Hamilton Conservation: “Karsts are geological formations including underground drainage, caves and passages caused by dissolving rock, found in limestone formations like the Niagara Escarpment. The Eramosa Karst contains examples of 16 different karst features and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources designated the Eramosa Karst lands as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest in 2003.”

In addition to the karsts, the walking trails are excellent for any age and ability. They’re even stroller-friendly! There is a HUGE old tree that has split in three and provides great climbing. Be sure to take a few minutes to check out the natural spring and the views from the bench.

 

See more of our pictures on Facebook and Instagram

 

 

 

Hilton Falls Conservation Area

4985 Campbellville Rd, Burlington   |   website   |    $6.50 adults, $5.00 kids 4+ and seniors, kids under 4 free

 

Hilton Falls is another hidden gem that was new to us this year. It’s a little more out of the city centre, so I expected it to be a bit less crowded, and it was. As a Halton Conservation Area, you need to pre-register your visit currently. Any measures that work as crowd control and also ensure I won’t be turned away when I get there are fine by me! Hilton Falls is a great spot for hiking with kids because the terrain is a little rocky and rooty which makes it challenging for them. Ideal for balancing and working those large muscles! I did see folks manoeuvring their strollers, but some parts were rocky and had a lot of tree roots, so prepare for that. Dogs on leashes are welcome, too!

The waterfalls and small ruins are very cool and picture-worthy. The rock formations are always stunning. When times are back to normal, you can gather at the fire pit at the end of the trail by the waterfall, so be sure to bring hotdogs or marshmallows to cook over the fire!  Ideally, visit in the fall so you can see a rushing waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for bugs, frogs, snakes and small fish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can mountain bike the trails in the nice weather, or cross-country ski in the winter!

 

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville   |   website   |   $21 per vehicle

We love the diversity of Bronte Creek.  Trails start at the parking lot and, ranging in length from 1 km to almost 3 km, wind along the top of Bronte Creek (always be careful when hiking and biking!) to cover all of the grounds. Bronte has a great trail to have your family dog off-leash, going through a little forest and along a stream, where, in season, you can fish for trout and salmon, among other fish.  You’re sure to see little creatures like frogs, small snakes and bugs and also the Bronte Creek cows are always grazing in the fields.  Follow the signs for the Gnome Trail where you will wander down a shaded path to the cutest community of painted gnome homes you ever did see. Bored of walking? Bring a frisbee and play some disc golf. Hopefully, you’re better at it than I am! With a wheelchair and stroller accessible trail, this is truly a family-friendly destination sure to please everyone

 

 

 

Crawford Lake, Halton Conservation

3115 Conservation Road, Milton    |   website   |   $6.50 adults, $5.00 kids 4+ and seniors, kids under 4 free

Crawford Lake is as full of great history as it is full of hiking trails.  No matter what season you visit in, you’re sure to love your experience. We like to visit the Longhouse Village (reopening on August 4, 2020) and take in some history. From Conservation Halton: “Visit the reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian village, and explore local history. From 1973 to 1987, excavations uncovered 11 longhouses on the site and over 10 000 artifacts from the day-to-day lives of the Iroquoian people who once lived in the village. Three of the longhouses have been reconstructed based on archaeological findings. Wander around the village and learn about what daily life was like over 600 years ago through Interpretive programs, including simulated digs and fire-starting demonstrations. The state-of-the-art Deer Clan Longhouse features seasonal exhibits that explore contemporary Indigenous art and culture.”

After you’ve visited the Longhouse Village, walk the trail around Crawford Lake’s unique meromictic lake. With the boardwalk wrapping around the lake, Crawford Lake offers 5 great hikes for any season, ranging in length from 2 km to over 7 km. Stroller friendly, and operating in a one-way direction currently to allow for better distancing. Great for hiking with kids. Learn about species at risk as you follow along with the Hide and Seek Trail and view the enormous wooden carvings. The Hide and Seek Trail is located along the blue Crawford Lake Trail as you head toward the lake.

 

 

 

Dundas Valley Conservation Area, HCA

650 Governors Road, Dundas   |   website   |    $10 per vehicle

This trail is a favourite for our family because there is so much to see along the way. The enormous trees offer a ton of shade as you walk, and I’m certain the temperatures were at least 5 degrees cooler in their shady canopy. The trail is smooth ground for the most part, and I saw some families easily pushing their strollers. Along the path we walked, called the main loop, you’ll come across the replica of a Victorian railway station that serves as the area’s Trail Centre. It’s also home to washrooms. Adjacent to it is a remnant of the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway track, with a 1929 executive coach car and a 1931 baggage car donated by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Lots of education and photo opportunities. We love seeing equestrians – folks on horseback! My kids had never seen horses being ridden in the wild like that. Dogs on leashes are welcome, too. Streams and creeks drew the kid’s attention as we kept making our way to the Hermitage Ruins. Wow, they did not disappoint. The magnificent stone mansion was built in 1855 by George Gordon Browne Leith, an immigrant from Scotland.  The bricks used in its building originated from the Dundas Valley clay; limestone was quarried at the Credit River valley. The Hermitage burned down in 1934. After that, Leith’s daughter built a much smaller house among the ruins and lived there until her death in 1942. To prevent further deterioration, the ruins were stabilized using wooden braces.

 

Cherry Hill Gate, Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Rd W, Burlington   |   website    |    free admission, paid parking lot. 

A local family favourite – and also a hidden gem to some – is Cherry Hill Gate. It’s on the border-ish of Burlington and Hamilton and owned by Royal Botanical Gardens. The trail is relatively smooth, and definitely stroller-friendly. The entrance takes you down a steep-ish hill, so if it’s wet out, be warned that it could be slippery. Once you’ve made it down, keep your eyes peeled for the huge upturned tree stump and a ton of chipmunks. As you walk the trail, be on the lookout for beavers, swans, turtles, snakes, spiders, and a variety of birds. Much of the trail is a wooden boardwalk so very walkable. There is not much shade along the boardwalk so we try to go in the mornings or evenings to beat the heat. For years this was our favourite location for hiking with kids in Hamilton and Halton. It’s easy terrain and lots for them to see and do.

 

 

Cootes Paradise Trails at RBG

You can access a variety of trails around the Cootes Paradise Marsh, and each has something fabulous to offer. We love the area near the Hamilton Aviary (Caleb’s Walk, Ravine Road Trail with its packed gravel trail. Download the Cootes Paradise trail map here and you can expand your walk as long as you’d like! Paid parking is available at various spots around Cootes Paradise.

 

 

Chedoke Radial Trail

120 Beddoe Dr, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Z4   |   website    |   free admission, pay to park

This is another new trail for us (and I’m loving all the use I’m getting from the Halton Conservation Pass!) The trail itself is smooth ground and stroller-friendly. We went at about 11:00 am and the trail was a mix of shade and sun. Parts had a great breeze (thankfully) but when you’re walking through the section that has a store wall on one side and the escapement on the other, no air is getting through! It was toasty. The enormous rock wall is kind of awe-inspiring when you think of its size. The total incline is roughly 200 meters and the views at the top are beautiful. There are those famous stairs, but zero chance I’m walking up 240+ steps if I don’t have to LOL! There were a few waterfalls that were small in size and volume due to the lack of rain and high temperatures we’ve been having. One waterfall, when rushing after a rainfall, pours down onto the 403! Yikes! There was a lot of opportunity for climbing and balancing, so let the kids explore and adventure. It’s the very best part of hiking with kids! This trail had more mountain bikers than we’d experienced anywhere else. Lots of families of all ages were also enjoying the walk. We parked at the Chedoke Golf Course and went on a Sunday, so the lot was busy with other families and golfers. I am pleased to report that their washrooms were open. The club was even BBQing hot dogs as we left.

 

Joe Sam’s Park

752 Centre Rd, Hamilton   |    free

Thanks to a tip from a fellow mom, we visited Joe Sam’s Park in Waterdown and we were impressed! Our first visit was this week – during winter – and there was still a ton to do! We initially went for the excellent walking paths that take you through forests, over marshes and beside wetlands. The path was smooth and very stroller friendly. The trail was wide, and ideal for social distancing and toddler exploring. I cannot recommend this winter outing enough, especially to parents of young kids who need fresh air. There is also a playground right at the parking lot to entertain you before and/or after your walk. The loop is a nice size, it took us about 1.5 hours to complete, with lots of stopping for photos and exploring. See our review on Instagram and Facebook here.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Halton and Hamilton Family Fun (@activeparentsca)

 

 

 

Tips for Successful Hiking with Kids

• Bring water. I know it should be a given, but we have been known to forget, too!
• Snacks too. No one wants to get hangry.
• If you’re going during spring and summer, bring bug repellent and sunscreen.
• Make sure everyone has comfy shoes. Flip flops need not apply.
• Know where you’re going. If you want a little one to wander free, choose a location that isn’t a popular mountain biking location as well.
• Choose a less popular spot and discover a hidden gem.

Trending Now…

The Best Beaches for Families Near Halton and Hamilton

Fore! These Mini-Golf Courses Are Open Now

Cheap and Cheerful Ways To Make This Summer Awesome

 

 

The post The Best Places to Hike with Kids in Hamilton and Halton appeared first on Active Parents.

Having fun with kids in tow doesn’t have to cost a lot with these free and cheap things to do in Hamilton.

Hamilton is such an excellent place to explore with kids. The best part is that you can have weeks of fun in the Steel Twen without spending any (or much) money at all. Read on to find our best ideas for free and Fun Things to do in Hamilton with Kids.

Locations marked with an * asterisk are currently closed under the provincial order. 

More Things To Do In Hamilton

• Natural Playgrounds Near Burlington and Hamilton
• 10 Toboggan Hills in Burlington and Hamilton
• The Ultimate Guide To Things Tweens and Teens Want To Do In Burlington & Hamilton
• Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms Near Burlington and Hamilton
• Art Gallery of Hamilton – How To Visit For Free
• The Best Places To See The Leaves Change in Burlington and Hamilton
• The Family Room – Waterdowns Beautiful Play Space for Families
• Halloween Events and Activities in Burlington, Hamilton and Beyond!
• Indoor Things To Do With Kids Near Burlington and Hamilton
• The Best Local Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patches in Burlington and Hamilton
• Mountview Park
• Authentic Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards in Halton and Hamilton

More Free And Cheap Ideas Kids Will Love

• Natural Playgrounds Near Burlington and Hamilton
• Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids In Hamilton
• Outdoor Ice Skating in Burlington and Hamilton
• Play Winter Bingo and Win!
• The Best Places to Hike with Kids in Hamilton and Halton
• 10 Toboggan Hills in Burlington and Hamilton

The post Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids In Hamilton appeared first on Active Parents.

There are so many natural playgrounds near Burlington and Hamilton, and visiting one with a picnic in tow makes for an excellent and inexpensive summer day!

NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS near HAMILTON

Riverside Park

709 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON 

The playground structures are very large and offer lots of space for running and playing. The structures are a mix between natural pieces and modern equipment including a wooden fish and a grasshopper-shaped climber. Read all about our visit here.

Exhibition park

Guelph

The Park is home to a few different play areas, each one more impressive than the last. There’s a huge section that can best be described as a “spider web of logs”. Immediately their shoes were off and the kids were scaling the logs and making their way from one end to the other. The heights range from about 2 feet at the lowest point to 7 or 8 feet at the highest. 

Jaycee Park

1520 Gulleden Dr., Mississauga ON

Imaginations will run wild when you see the “city skyscrapers” and cargo nets (hello, Spiderman!) There are so many unique ways to climb and slide here. In the picture below, you can see the mini-trampoline – so fun! And take a look at the saucer swing. They are always a huge hit at the playground. See our pictures and read our review here.

chappel east parkette

1837 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton

Big parks are awesome, but there’s a lot to be said about having a whole park to yourself that just lets the imagination run wild! Chappel East Parkette, sometimes referred to as East Chappel Park is smaller, and its natural elements and massive owl structure make it an ideal setting for imagination play. Read our review and see more pictures of Chappel East Parkette here.

William Connell Park

1086 West 5th Street, Hamilton.

When you visit William Connell Park in Hamilton you’ll be treated to a combination of a natural playground, traditional playgrounds, and more sports fields than you could imagine! Read our review and see more photos here.

Perth Park

300 Woodworth Dr, Ancaster, ON

Perth Park is a neighbourhood park, which means parking is a challenge. It’s nestled in a neighbourhood and offers a ton of ways to climb and balance, plus equipment that gives lots of options to use your imagination. Read our review and see more pictures here.

Wayne Gretzky Park

254 N Park St, Brantford, ON

Located at Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, this is a small but mighty parkette that provides spaces for gathering, sand play, creative play and climbing. 

Central Elementary School in Dundas

73 Melville St, Dundas, ON

The site – home of Central Elementary School in Dundas – features an ancient, 100-year-old, 17,000 lbs, 8’ wide silver maple trunk (donated by the City of Hamilton Forestry), an amphitheatre, a wetland teaching garden and significant succession planting to replace the dying Ash canopy.

Paul COffey Park

3430 Derry Rd E, Mississauga, ON

The fairytale-inspired theme creates a memorable space that is an attraction for community members of all ages across the city. Built into a hillside adjacent to Paul Coffey Arena are three, four and a half metre high towers topped with colourful turrets and flags, which can be easily seen from the street. 

Moffat Creek Public School

710 Myers Rd, Cambridge, ON

The site is nestled in the Grand River watershed, flanked by nature trails, soccer fields and the school building.  Because of its prime location, the playground is frequented not only by students but also by sports teams, summer camps and the neighbouring community. The planning team’s goals for the playground included promoting imaginative play, fostering a sense of adventure, and providing children with the opportunity to test their skills and allow them to make risk-taking decisions in an appropriate play setting.

we share the best local playgrounds when we find them!

• Natural Playgrounds Near Burlington and Hamilton
• Park Profile: Lowville Park in Burlington
• Mountview Park
• Memorial Park In Oakville
• Hilton Falls Conservation Area
• Riverside Park in Guelph
• Chappel East Parkette in Hamilton
• Stroller-Friendly Trails in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton
• Milton Community Sports Park is Colossal!

The post Natural Playgrounds Near Burlington and Hamilton appeared first on Active Parents.

Here are some of the best-loved and most recommended stroller-friendly trails in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton. We asked our followers with wee ones where they love to walk with their wagons and wheels.

Stroller-Friendly Trails in Burlington

Burlington Beachway Path 

Spencer Smith Park, Burlington 

Home to 2 km of paved trails in the downtown Burlington area. One of the more popular stroller-friendly trails in Burlington. Park is free to access, and Some days/times offer free parking nearby. There are several paid parking lots close to the park: Spencer Smith Park West Parking lot and Waterfront Park West Lot both on Lakeshore Road, Waterfront Parking Garage on Locust Street, and several other municipal paid lots in the surrounding area. Washrooms are available at Discovery Landing at the west end of the park, near the splash pad. 

Cityview Park 

1500 Kerns Road, Burlington 

1.7 km of gravel trails surround the playground, sports fields and wooded area. Free access and free parking. July 2021 has sections of the large park space under construction, no end date available yet. 

Burloak Waterfront Park 

5420 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington

Another favourite waterfront paved trail includes several kilometres long in each direction as the trail is part of the Waterfront Trail. Free access to the trail with free parking. See our in-depth article on Burloak Waterfront Park here.

Cherry Hill Gate

680 Plains Road West, Burlington 

This 2 km trail consists of packed gravel and a boardwalk and is one of the most-loved stroller-friendly trails in Burlington. Full of wildlife encounters and natural beauty. Free to access, paid parking at the trailhead. No washrooms on the trail, but there are washrooms at the main RBG centre across the road. Also featured in our article Free and Cheap Things To Do in Burlington. 

Lowville Park 

6207 Lowville Park Rd, Burlington

1.8 km trail through the playground and the wooded area provides you with packed gravel and mulch trails through a wooded area and alongside Bronte Creek. Access is free, but reservations are required for summer 2021. Free parking and washrooms available. 

Hidden Valley Park 

1137 Hidden Valley Rd, Burlington

5.5 km of packed gravel trails through woods and beside the creek. Free parking, free to access and washrooms available. See our in-depth article on Hidden Valley Park here.

Wagon and Stroller-Friendly Trails in Oakville

Crosstown (Pipeline) Trail 

At Mowat Avenue and River Oaks Blvd W, Oakville, or access from Neyagawa Blvd near the baseball diamond at Neyagawa Park. 

2 km of paved trails are perfect for a wagon or stroller walk. Free access to the trails, with paid street parking or at Neyagawa Park parking lot. No washrooms.

West Oak Trails Community Park 

2860 Westoak Trails Blvd, Oakville

2 km of trails consisting of paved and packed gravel. Free to access, with free parking. Washroom facilities open May to October 

Lions Valley Park

2417 Fourth Line, Oakville

10 km of stroller-friendly trails in Oakville wind throughout this large park. Made with packed gravel, and consisting of a few steep hills. Free parking, a playground, creek access and free to access. No washrooms. 

Bronte Creek Provincial Park 

1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville

Bronte Creek is home to 7 easy, stroller-friendly trails in Oakville ranging from 1.6 to 17.1 km, all included in your day-use fee or with your membership. Playgrounds, washrooms and picnicking are also available. See our article on Bronte Creek here.

Crawford Lake 

3115 Conservation Road, Milton, ON

1 km (Crawford Lake Trail is a beautiful boardwalk. There are other trails ranging from 1.5-3.6 km that are packed gravel. Day Use fees apply or are included in your Conservation Halton Annual Pass with parking included. Washrooms at Visitor Centre and near the parking lot. This is one of our favourite hikes to do with kids. 

Stroller-Friendly Trails in Hamilton

Bayfront Park Loop

200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton

2.4 km of paved trails along the Hamilton waterfront. Free access and free parking, plus washrooms, a playground and green space. 

Chedoke Radial Trail 

Beddoe Drive, behind Chedoke Golf Course

9.5 km and one of our absolute favourite hikes to do with kids. Packed gravel makes it a favourite for cyclists as well. Shaded and some of the best views of the city. Free parking at Chedoke Golf Cours. No washrooms.

Cootes Paradise Trails at RBG

You can access a variety of trails around the Cootes Paradise Marsh, and each has something fabulous to offer. We love the area near the Hamilton Aviary (Caleb’s Walk, Ravine Road Trail with its packed gravel trail. Download the Cootes Paradise trail map here and you can expand your walk as long as you’d like! Paid parking is available at various spots around Cootes Paradise.

Princess Point Loop

330 Macklin Street North, Hamilton 

1.9 km of trails on packed dirt. No washrooms, but free access to the trail with paid parking at the trailhead. 

Main Loop, Dundas Valley Conservation Area

650 Governors Road, Dundas 

2.5 km long and one of our favourite hikes to do with kids. Ample shade, streams and even equestrians to see on this packed dirt stroller-friendly trail in Hamilton. Per vehicle entrance fee of $11, includes parking and is well worth it. Washrooms are available.

Valens Lake Boardwalk Trail 

1691 Regional 97 Rd, Cambridge

4.2 km boardwalk and packed dirt trail around Valens Lake. One of our favourite beaches as well! Day use fees apply or are included with your Conservation Hamilton annual pass. Parking is included in fees. Washrooms available 

Joe Sam’s Park 

752 Centre Rd, Waterdown

8 km of stroller-friendly trails in Hamilton are accessible in all seasons. Boardwalk, packed gravel, grass. Free access and free parking. No washrooms. 

Rockwood Conservation Area

161 Fall Street South, Rockwood

2.9 km of trails that vary between packed gravel, soil and boardwalk. Day use fees apply or use are included with your Grand River parks membership. Parking is included in fees. Washrooms available 

Looking for more inspiration? Thousands of parents just like you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we share daily! No glam, no filters, just real parenting and real opportunities to make memories with your kids!

The post Stroller-Friendly Trails in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton appeared first on Active Parents.

Burlington is consistently voted one of the best cities for families in Canada, and we couldn’t agree more. But it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to play here! We have a long list of great things to do with kids in Burlington today. Some are well-known places to visit and some are hidden gems only the locals know about. We are bringing you our favourite free and cheap things to do with kids in Burlington. And expect this list to grow as we find more and more free, local adventures.

Love Cheap Thrills? Don’t miss these Free Things in Hamilton!

Our favourite inexpensive and Free Things To Do In Burlington With Kids

Ice Skate at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at Spencer Smith Park

Ice skating at the waterfront is a great family activity. Skaters of all ages and abilities love spending a winter day here. The rink has some skate aids they lend out, and they lend out skates and helmets at no cost. Lending is available evenings, weekends and school holidays (but not during weekdays). There are washrooms on-site and parking is free and paid depending on the day/time you go. With the current restrictions, it’s open to both residents and out-of-town guests as long as you pre-book your skate time. Click here to make a reservation. Cost: Free!

FInd a new hill to toboggan

Burlington has 6 sites designated as official sledding hills. SLedding is one of the best wintery things to do in Burlington if you ask my kids. Find a new hill near you here. Cost: Free!

Cross Country Ski

Burlington has some great locations for cross-country skiing. Read about them here. Cost: Varies depending on where you go.

Spring, Summer and Fall…

Explore the Creek at hidden valley park

Some of our best days have been spent creek walking in Burlington. We are huge fans of exploring Bronte Creek as it runs through Hidden Valley Park. The water is cool and refreshing, and there are so many creatures to discover if you have a keen eye! Watch for crayfish, frogs, turtles, small and large fish, and more! We even found an animal skull that made for some great show-and-telling!

Try geocaching with the kids

Geocaching is so much fun, espacially for kids. It’s eaasy – and free – too! Using an app on your phone, follow the coordinates to a hidden “cache”. At this cacahe, you can find a small container with a log book. Add your name to the log book and see if you recognize any other names. You can log your find in the app. Many of the caches are containers with trinkets in them, take one and leave one! Read more on Geocaching here. Cost: Free!

Spend The Day At Lowville Park

Lowville Park has quickly become our favourite park to visit in every season. There is a ton of parking, washrooms and lots of picnic space. Kids will love the playground, the wooded paths and of course, please in the creek. This is another opportunity to learn all about animals and their ecosystems, or just to inspect them up close. Wander down the wooded path and you’ll find this epic staircase. The photo below is from the summer, but be sure to visit in the winter for some amazing toboganning! During spring and summer, reservations are required. You can book your free visit here. Cost: Free!

Ride The Dirt Jumps at Nelson Park

This is a must-do if you’ve got a little daredevil or experienced rider looking for more fun. They’ll love the dirt jumps at Nelson Park, and I’ve seen kids of all ages zoom up and down them – even glider bikes! The dirt jumps are one of the coolest free things to do in Burlington. They are centrally located at Nelson Park, on New Street. You’ll also find a playground, skate park, and community centre with an outdoor pool and splash pad here. Excitement central! Cost: Free!

Cool Down At The Nelson Splash Pad

Burlington is home to a bunch of great splash pads, outdoor pools and wading pools that are open all summer long. Pictured below is the Nelson Pool Spray Pad, located inside/beside Nelson Pool. While it’s not free to access, it’s possibly the best splash pad in the city. With your paid admission, you also get access to Nelson Pool, definitely Burlington’s most beautiful outdoor pool. See our photos here. 2022 registration will be required. Available to residents and out of town visitors. Cost: $3.50 per person.

burlington’s best skate parks

Burlington is home to 10 skate parks, each with its own selection of equipment and challenge levels. Read about them all here. Locals also love skating the Maple Hydro path that runs from Graham’s Lane almost all the way to the Lake Ontario waterfront. Cost: Free!

Burlington Play Equipment Lending Library

Residents of Burlington can sign our play equipment for free for 5 days of play! They have everything from snowshoes, to a disk golf set to lifejackets! Try SPike Ball, Pickle Ball or any other sport you can imagine! See the entire library here. Cost: Free with security deposit.

Walk The Gnome Trail

Bronte Creek Provincial Park is home to the cutest little community. Kids love to wander down the Gnome Trail, tucked away down a tree covered path. It’s located near the play barn, look for the directional signs. And be sure to look up, too! Cost: Admission to Bronte Creek is $18 per vehicle.

Find a Construction Site to observe

I have spent countless hours over the years watching cranes, diggers, cement mixers, and dump trucks. We’ve met some wonderful construction workers who are happy to wave at the kids and say hello. Everywhere seems to be under construction these days, but our fave spots to watch are the high rises being built in Burlington’s Downtown. There are a few to choose from, and they are all at different stages, so there’s lots of variety to see. Another great visual (while sad at the same time) is to watch a house demolition before the new home is built on the land. It is sure to spark a ton of questions and oohs and ahhs from your kids. This is one of the easiest free things to do in Burlington with kids.

treat yourself to some ice cream

Burlington is home to a triple-scoop of great ice cream shops. Is there a better way to cool down on a warm day? We don’t think so! Find the local ice cream shops here. Cost: about $5 per person.

hike the kid-friendly cherry hill creek trails

Cherry Hill…If you know, you know! And if you don’t, I recommend you visit. This is one of the most-recomended hikes to do in Burlington with kids. The path is stroller and kid friendly (and gramma friendly, too!). Bring some seeds to feed the birds and get your photo snapped near this massive upturned tree with its root system exposted. Keep walking and find the boardwalk trails with more animal and bird watching opportunities. Paid parking. Cost: Free.

Drop into a burlingotn public library

Whether you are a resident or not, the library is always welcoming. Kid-friendly spaces, thousbands of books, crafts, toys and cozy reading spaces invite you to stay as long as you want to. Story times and special art programs are free to sign up for. Borrow an activity kit while you’re there and bring the fun of the library home! Find a library here. Cost: Free!

indoor ice skating rinks in burlington

Whether you’re beating the chill in the winter and mixing up your summer fun, indoor ice skating is always a great time. Burlington has multiple rinks with multiple skate times, and even sticks and pucks sessions for anyone who needs to practice their puck handling. See more info here. Cost: approx. $3.50 per person.

Walk the Labyrinth at central park

Tucked in just behind the Rotary Youth Centre on Guelph line is the Central Park Labyrinth. A labyrinth is a geometric pattern with one path that leads into its centre and back out again. We did have great fun pretending it was a path we had to take to reach the pirate ship on the other side and earn back our treasure. There is an excellent playground for little ones just behind the labyrinth. It’s not a big park but perfect for toddlers and my 5-year-old enjoyed it too. One thing I really liked was how much shade was around the park. A perfect spot to have a snack or picnic lunch! And one of the simplest free things to do in Burlington with kids. Cost: Free!

Any favourite spots to share? Or ideas for free activities that can be done anytime? Please post in the comments and help another parent out.

Now Trending…

• The Best Snow Tubing Hills Nearby
• Free and Cheap Things To Do in Burlington With Kids
• Top 10 Toboggan Hills in Burlington and Hamilton
• Postcrossing: Travel the World Through Postcards
• Stroller-Friendly Trails in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton
• Tutors in Halton and Hamilton

The post Free and Cheap Things To Do in Burlington With Kids appeared first on Active Parents.