We adore hibernating during these brisk winter months, but after several weeks of captivity, the term cabin fever has taken on new meaning. We’re actually sick of PJs and desperately need to do something different with the crew. Here are a few trips that could be done in a day or as an overnight to break out and get some much needed new experiences.
Chicopee Tube Park
Snow tubing is great fun for all (kids need to be at least four years of age) and seems much less labour intensive than skiing or snowboarding. It’s a quick jaunt to the KW area and then you’ll be whooping it up as you take on the slopes. Added bonus – après tube in the giant chalet.
From $21 per person for two hours of tubing, chicopeetubepark.com
Horseshoe Valley Snow Tubing
If snow tubing proves to be a hit, you might want to check out the longest snow tubing hill in Ontario at Horseshoe Valley. No skill involved, just the ability to stare down that big hill and let go! There are more lanes this winter plus a magic carpet to get you back to the top of the hill again. Kiddos must be 42” tall to tube.
From $8 per single ride, horseshoeresort.com
Plunge Aquatic Centre at Blue Mountain Resort
Head to Blue Mountain for a couple of hours or for a fun overnight. Laze about in the hot tubs, if you wish, or join in the fun with kids as they tackle the rope swings, water slides and indoor plus outdoor pools with frenzied enthusiasm. Work up an appetite for beavertails in the Village and a great dinner out!
From $13 per child for 3 hours, bluemountain.ca
Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail
Yes, it’s the skate trail everyone’s been talking and posting about for the last year or so! Check out the 1.3 km trail and enjoy the exercise, fresh air, and nature. Better yet, attend a Fire and Ice night when the trail is lit with hundreds of tiki torches for a mesmerizing effect (and great photos). Sundays are less busy than Saturdays, as are midweek (PA day trip, anyone?)
From $17 per vehicle, discovermuskoka.ca
Cranberry Skate Trail and Bog Hockey
If the Arrowhead skate trail is a bit too busy, check out the Cranberry skate trail, where you can skate past acres of cranberries, waterfalls and have a hot drink of mulled wine or cran-apple cider at the end of it all. Other fun stuff includes playing shinny or perfecting your skating technique on the Bog rinks. Snow-shoeing, torchlight skating, and lots of other fun is also offered.
From $8 for a kid pass, cranberry.ca
Goat Cuddling in Port Hope
Are we the only parents who are constantly under a barrage of requests for pet goats? Kids love goats – especially Nigerian Dwarf Goats – and cuddling the wee beasties is a great excuse for a road trip. Although there is limited availability for this experience, you can also contact the host to arrange for other dates or a larger group. And then – get to cuddling! Soup, crusty bread, apple tarts, and refreshments are provided.
$40 per person, airbnb.ca/experiences
Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre
Photo Credit: Rhys Langdon
Head to Haliburton Forest to try ice fishing, snowmobiling, or the truly unique experience – visiting the wolf centre. Check out the exhibits and information, and then there’s a great chance of seeing one of the wolf pack members on the live wolf cam or through the observatory as the canines prowl the 15-acre property. To make a night of it, book one of the on-site cabins.
From $7 for admission to Wolf Centre, haliburtonforest.com
Tagged under: Toronto,family activities,GTA,day trips GTA,Toronto family activities
Category: attractions,outdoor-play
