Your Guide To Summer Holidays In Simcoe County
Keeping The Kids Busy And Stay Sane
Sing it with me…school’s out for summer! Oh no…now what do you do with your kids? We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for a full day road trip or you want to spend a few hours on the water, here are some suggestions to keep your kids entertained and help you stay sane this summer
Sainte Marie Among The Hurons
School is out, but that doesn’t mean kids have to completely shut their brains off! Sainte-Marie Among The Hurons is a complete recreation of the settlement French Jesuit missionaries lived at during the 1600’s while they worked among the Huron-Wendat people. It’s now a living museum, and is a really cool glimpse of what early Canadian pioneer life was like. Kids will have so much fun exploring the village, they won’t even realize they’re learning about Canadian history. Parenting win!
Splash On Water Park
Barrie became home to the first Splash On Park in Ontario this summer, just in time for your kids to burn off tons of energy on it. Kids ages 5 and up can run, jump, slide and slip all over this massive park on water. Kids 5-8 require a chaperone on the park with them, and everyone regardless of age must wear a life jacket.
Elmvale Jungle Zoo
The Elmvale Jungle Zoo is a hidden gem in Simcoe County. The 25 acre zoo is home to lions, tigers, monkeys, giraffes, zebras and so much more. Kids are able to get up close and personal in the petting area and during daily shows. It’s the perfect size for younger kids (not too big) but older kids and parents will enjoy it just as much – especially feeding their giraffe!
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
I know what you’re thinking – try what with my kids? But Stand Up Paddleboarding (Or SUP boarding) is actually an awesome activity for kids of all ages. Younger kids can sit on the board while you paddle, and once they hit age 7 they can paddle their own board. Free Spirit Tours offers rentals, lessons and even a camp for kids to get everybody up to speed. SUP boarding will get your kids active in nature – what more could you ask for?
Castle Village in Midland
Did you know that there is a magical amusement park tucked away in Midland? A lot of people don’t, and that’s a shame because Castle Village is an awesome place to spend a day with your kids this summer. Explore the magical village, dress up in the castle costumes or even try an escape room (if your kids are older). Another hidden gem in Simcoe County.
Visit An Indoor Playground
Those inevitable rainy days often come along with an endless refrain of “Mom, I’m bored!”. A quick trip to an indoor playground can solve that. There are 3 in Barrie (Smart Moves, In Play and TreeTops Playground), each with something different to offer for different age groups. The kids will burn energy and stay dry indoors – can’t beat it!
(Image Courtesy of Splash On Barrie)
