Blustery, cold days don’t have to mean pressing pause on family fun. When the weather forecast isn’t in your favour, there’s a whole heap of ways to entertain, engage and educate the entire family in Hamilton Halton Brant. Here are some of our favourite family-friendly places and spaces.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is home to a fascinating collection of almost 50 historic aircraft. The Air Combat Zone jet fighter simulation centre allows guests to experience the thrill of a flying mission in an F-18. With live instrumentation, a working heads-up display, replica flight controls and a giant view of the world outside your cockpit, this is miles apart from any video game experience.
Mattamy National Cycling Centre
The Youth Try The Track program at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre offers beginner cyclists between the ages of 10 and 18 the chance to experience the only velodrome of its kind in Canada. In addition to exploring the basic principles of track cycling and how to ride the track, they’ll learn the techniques for mounting/dismounting, balance, starting/stopping, rider control and how to get on and off the track.
iFLY Oakville
Book your flight in Oakville at iFLY and experience the sensation of freefalling in a safe, indoor environment. Programs available for all abilities, ages 3 and up.
Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology
Discover the ins and outs of Canada’s early industrial revolution while exploring a 160-year-old Waterworks. In addition to two 70-tonne steam-powered water pumping engines, the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology National Historic Site has fascinating permanent and temporary exhibits, hands-on activities and guided tours.
Art Gallery of Hamilton
The Art Gallery of Hamilton offers excellent programming for families throughout the year inspired by the Gallery’s extensive collection and rotating exhibitions.
Installation view of Esmaa Mohamoud: To Play in the Face of Certain Defeat, 2021. Photo: Julian Ross.
Woodland Cultural Centre
The building known as the Woodland Cultural Centre today operated as The Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School from 1828 to 1970. A visit here is an excellent way to teach everyone in the family about the history of Residential Schools in Canada.
Credit: Ian R. Maracle
Royal Botanical Gardens
When the weather is grey and gloomy, Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens indoor gardens offer a perfect place to escape the rain, and roam. The RBG Centre offers a Mediterranean Garden, Cacti and Succulent Collection, Orchid Collection, and Exploration Hall. Check the RBG Event Calendar for upcoming family and youth programming.
Credit: Mark Zelinski
