Top 5 Summer Activities for Kids in Canada
According to the Government of Canada’s Health Infobase, nearly 70% of the Canadian population has now received at least one dose, with 50% fully vaccinated as of July 23, 2021. This, in combination with the falling number of COVID cases, has resulted in the long-awaited re-openings (with varying degrees of capacity and social distancing restrictions) across nearly all sectors across all provinces and territories.
This means that families and friends can now finally get together indoors and outdoors!
Summer is the perfect time to make the most of the warm weather outdoors. What are some popular activities that your kids will enjoy?
Explore Canada’s National Parks
We live in a country of tremendous natural beauty. From coast to coast, Canada’s National parks span a range of ecosystems, landscapes, and natural phenomena. Covering 450,000 square kilometers of protected areas, you can create a memorable experience for your family at one or more of these parks this summer!
Whether you’re interested in a day trip for a picnic, some hiking, cycling, swimming, or canoeing, or an overnight trip for camping, there’s a range of activities to suit children and adults of all ages.
The Parks Canada website provides a full list of National Parks with all the details you need to plan your trip. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel
Visit an Amusement Park for Thrills, Attractions, and Indulgent Food!
Vancouver’s Playland
HOURS
- Open Thursday to Sunday: 11am to 5pm
- Friday and Saturday nights: 6pm to 11pm (separate session)
PRICING
- Fun Pass for kids and family rides – $29.50
- Thrill Seeker Pass (rides with a minimum height of 48”) – $39.50
Tickets are limited and date-specific so make sure you book your passes in advance!
For more details, check out: https://www.pne.ca/playland/
Calgary’s Calaway Park
HOURS
Open daily from July 5 – August 31 and September 4 – 6: 10am to 7pm
Open September 1 – 3: 10am to 4pm with some limited operations
September 11 – October 1 (Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Monday): Open from 11am to 5pm
PRICING
One day admission pricing for 3-49 year olds – $47.95
After 2pm special pricing – $29.95
Season Pass (3 years and up) – $127.95
Admission entry reservations are no longer needed as of July 1st.
Check out Bumble Blast, Calaway Parks’ new spinning coaster ride!
For more details, check out: https://www.calawaypark.com/
West Edmonton Mall’s Galaxyland
HOURS
Monday to Saturday: Noon to 7pm
Sunday: 11am to 6pm
PRICING
General Admission for kids 43” or taller – Starting at $39.00
Kids under 43” tall – Starting at $35.00
Seniors 55+ years of age – Starting at $35.00
All rides are currently open (though ride status is subject to change).
For more details, check out: https://www.wem.ca/play/attractions/galaxyland/rides
Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto
HOURS
Canada’s Wonderland open daily: 10am to 8pm
Splash Works open daily: 12pm to 6pm
PRICING
Daily admission – From $45.99
Season pass – From $79.99
Online reservations required so book in advance to secure your date and time!
For more details, check out: https://www.canadaswonderland.com/
Montreal’s LaRonde
HOURS
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 7pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 10am to 8pm
PRICING
One day tickets – Starting at $29.99
Season pass – Starting at $49.99
Reservations are required so please book in advance.
For more details, check out: https://www.sixflags.com/larondeen
Explore the Trans Canada Trail with the Family by Bike or by Hike
Did you know that Canada has something called the “Trans Canada Trail”? Here are some interesting facts about this multipurpose trail.
- Most recently known as “The Great Trail,” the name has changed back to its original name of the “Trans Canada Trail” as of June 1, 2021
- It’s the longest recreational trail in the world at 24,140 kilometres
- The trail passes through each of the 13 Canadian provinces and territories
If you want an excellent summary bucket-list-worthy portions of the trail from east to west, check out the link below from the “Canada for Glowing Hearts” website:
https://bit.ly/3rBmI42
If you want to learn more trail, including stories, news and events, and activities along the trail, check out the official Trans Canada Trail website:
Go Stargazing
If you’re in the city, it will be hard to see stars at night because of light pollution. There isn’t enough contrast for our eyes to see the tiny lights in the sky when it’s too bright all around us. But if you pick a clear night and drive out of the big city (the further away you go from city lights, the better your chances will be), there awaits a magnificent view guaranteed to leave both kids and adults in awe.
Having special equipment like telescopes and binoculars is a plus, but even without these tools, you can see constellations with your naked eye after giving your eyes 15-20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. So make sure your kids look at the sky long enough for the stars to come into focus!
To turn stargazing into an adventure, Red Tricycle recommends you bring the following:
- A large blanket with pillows so you can lay down, relax and stare up at the sky in comfort
- Folding chairs if you prefer to sit rather than lay down
- Snacks (watching anything is more fun with food!)
- Insect repellent (try not to go on a hot, humid night when there are more mosquitoes out)
- A flashlight to get to where you’re going in the dark
- A phone with Star Apps like Night Sky or SkyView
To see a full list of tips including amazing stargazing locations across Canada, including designated dark sky sites, check out the link below from the Government of Canada:
https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/tips-tricks/stargazing-tips.asp
Try Backyard Camping
Having trouble booking a campsite?
Not crazy about camping when facilities like showers may still be closed?
Don’t feel safe enough yet to start getting out there?
Looking for something simpler and easier to plan for the kids?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then you and your kids may love backyard camping!
Invite a few of your kid’s friends over to join in the fun and you’ll be amazed at how their imaginations can turn your backyard into a wilderness adventure.
For backyard camping, you will need the typical camping gear minus the toiletries, which means:
- Outdoor tent
- Sleeping bags
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Blankets
- Folding lawn chairs
- Marshmallows or other food that toast nicely over an open flame
- A barbecue
- A firepit
- Flashlight
- A guitar, if anyone plays and you want to do a sing-along
- Sunscreen
Backyard camping is also a great way to prepare for the real thing if your family has been hesitant. Take this opportunity to teach your kids how to set up a tent, how to start a fire, etc. in the comfort of your backyard.
For more details including what to buy if you’re missing anything, see this backyard camping checklist from My Backyard Kids.
https://mybackyardkids.com/backyard-camping-checklist/
In Summary
There are many ways to create lasting memories with the kids this summer. Take your pick and get out there and have fun!
And don’t forget, summer is also a great time to consider giving your nanny or caregiver some vacation time.
A break is essential to everyone’s well-being as a time to rest and recharge.
If you have any questions about vacation time/pay for your nanny, please reach out to NannyTax and we would be happy to help you out!
