Top 10 Attractions for Kids

This Canadian original in Hamilton is the place for exotic animal adventure – whether it’s taking in amazing wild animals and birds on a drive through the 16-hectare reserve, watching elephants take an afternoon bath, or riding the Nature Boy railway. Pack swim gear to end the day with a splash at the wet play area. With children eight and up, get behind-the-scenes access with the Wake Up The Wild experience, an unforgettable open-air truck tour where you’ll watch lions devour their breakfast and hand-feed a giraffe.

This summer, don’t miss:
The new baby Asian elephant! During the 2019 season, African Lion Safari celebrates its 50th season, and baby “Sunita” is coming to the party. Born in November, she is now on view to the public, making this summer the perfect time to join African Lion Safari as they celebrate 50 years of history, conservation and family fun.

Cool off and splash the day away in one of Canada’s largest wave pools in Hamilton’s Confederation Park. Zoom down four tube slides, float the Easy River and brave the six-storey body slides. Little Squirt Works, filled with wading pools, small slides, sprays, mists and fountains, is perfect for the littlest ones.

This summer, don’t miss:
The park’s “Sundown” rates. Arriving late in the day can make for amazing savings! Admission after 4 p.m. is only $10 for ages 3-10 and $15.50 for ages 11 and up. You can also save $2 when you buy your tickets online.

Head to Hamilton to introduce train fanatics to a steam engine that puts Thomas the Tank Engine to shame. Train fans will get a true sense of the power of steam at this National Historic Site housed in a historic waterworks.

This summer, don’t miss:
Behind-the-scenes tours. On most Saturdays in July and August, you can discover this marvel of engineering from an entirely different perspective when you roll up your sleeves, put on your hard hat, and get up close and personal with the pumping engines, walking beam, surge tanks and oil cups. The tours are suitable for all ages.

Break for the barn in Winona, where you can hop on board and enjoy a train ride through fruit fields and stop by to meet the horses, cows, goats, chickens, emus, and pigs that call the farm home. Leave time to pick your own fresh in-season fruit, including sweet and sour cherries, blueberries, apples, pears and pumpkins. Thrill your train lovers with an overnight stay in the farm’s very own caboose!

This summer, don’t miss:
“Mom and Me Day”, every Thursday through September. Enjoy morning activities for ages 2+ for one price — take a train ride, visit the play area, snack in the café (strudel/muffin & tea/coffee for mom, cookie/fruit & juice for children) and receive a gift for each child.

Give your kids the ultimate lesson in physics and a thrill at this indoor flight-themed museum in Mount Hope. After checking out the more than 40 aircraft on exhibit, navigate the legendary Lancaster bomber or supersonic CF-101 Voodoo jet on a flight simulator, or climb right into the cockpit of a fighter jet.

This summer, don’t miss:
Flying inside a Lancaster bomber! Be part of the crew on a bombing raid with the BBC 1943 Berlin Blitz virtual reality experience. This unique cinematic experience is only offered until August 31 and is suggested for ages 13 and up.

Guided tours at this Hamilton estate reveal stories about the affluent family that once lived within its walls, as well as the people who lived downstairs and served their every beck and call. Once you’ve toured the 40-room castle, be sure to check out the Hamilton Military Museum, also on site, so the kids can see original uniforms from the War of 1812.

This summer, don’t miss:
The Canada Day Military Tattoo. The Regimental Band of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Pipes and Drums perform at this spectacular (and free) military musical celebration on July 1st.

With over 30 carefully restored heritage buildings, costumed interpreters and fun events throughout the summer, this is an amazing place to visit to give kids a great sense of what life was like for pioneers. The guides donning historically accurate garb and authentic demonstrations will have you stepping back in time.

This summer, don’t miss:
The Ice Cream Carnival. On August 4-5, don’t miss a delicious family outing with Edwardian carnival games, foods, amusements and music. Hand cranked real ice cream making demonstrations and samples are always the highlight.

Step into the wind tunnel at this indoor skydiving experience in Oakville and you’ll feel just like you’re experiencing an authentic plane jump. Kids over the age of four will get a thrill out of experiencing wind speeds of 300 km/h and the sensation of freefalling in a safe environment wind speeds.

This summer, don’t miss:
The Tuesday to Friday promo. This introduction to indoor skydiving during the week is valid Tuesday to Friday only, and is priced at $62 per person for two flights.

Biology lessons don’t get any more beautiful than a trip to Canada’s largest botanical garden in Burlington. Its 1,100 hectares are filled with trails and exhibits that make for a really fun day of exploring. Kids will love the Rock Garden, the Mediterranean Garden and the newly installed model train display.

This summer, don’t miss:
Fairies in the gardens. At Enchanted Evening Sunday, August 4, experience fairies in the twilight with this pre-registered program. Be enchanted with fairy stories, fairy folklore and a candle-lit walk. “If your eyes are quick and light is just right…you may see the fairies about to take flight.”

Teach them the roots of that smartphone they can’t stop staring at with a trip to Brantford. Even tech-obsessed teens will enjoy learning about one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in history, the telephone, at Alexander Graham Bell’s childhood home.

This summer, don’t miss:
The Summer Theatre Festival. The Bell family’s front veranda provides the stage for performances presented on selected summer Sundays. Pay-what-you-can productions include kid-friendly shows like Puss and Boots.