Before the kids go back to school

It’s the kids’ summer holiday and time for the perfect family trip. If you are looking for a last minute deal before the kids go back to school, and unsure of where to go, why not try Canada? From aquariums to zoos, theme parks to museums, Canada offers the coolest activities for your perfect family holiday. Children play a vital role in the planning of your summer, so find out what enticing adventures your little ones can have in Canada. With amazing deals for a fairy-tale experience, it’s a must!

Toronto

Toronto is certainly one of the best places to visit with kids and teens as there are a heap of things to do. If you are looking for a unique wildlife experience, head to Toronto Zoo. After getting up close to some incredible animals, visit the zoo’s Splash Island where kids can play on the crazy water-slide whilst admiring the water-spouting animals and waterfalls. Ideal for a hot summer’s day, the children can explore and learn about which plants and endangered animals live in Canada while they cool off.

If you’re visiting Canada with slightly older kids, spend an unforgettable day at Treetop Trekking. Buzz with adrenaline as you whip down the zip-line and act like Tarzan,  swinging and climbing across hammock nets, wooden bridges and cable traverses.

All aboard the miniature train! Another awesome activity to do in Toronto is to ride around the grounds of Toronto’s Railway Museum as you soak up the atmosphere and learn about the cool history of Toronto and Ontario’s railways! It’s fun for both children and grownups, and totally fascinating to learn about the intricate mechanics behind the building and maintenance of these Canadian trains.

If you are after a more creative experience, the Art Gallery of Ontario is wonderful. Teeming with every period and style of art, the gallery also offers families the chance to get creative by making some art of their own!

For all ages, the Fantasy Fair at Woodbine will provide you with an afternoon or evening full of laughter. Whether it’s shopping, riding a train, rock climbing or driving bumper cars, everyone will be in for a good time.

For those with more of a sports focus, head to the Rogers Stadium and watch an ace baseball or football game! Get your kids excited for the fun activities and adventures by checking out this fantastic interactive website www.yo-toronto.com.

Vancouver

Greater Vancouver is a paradise for children of all ages. There are hundreds of outdoor and indoor activities to entertain both kids and parents on your summer holiday. Vancouver is one giant adventure playground, with interactive museums, cool attractions, fun festivals and amazing parks.

For unforgettable entertainment and learning, Vancouver Aquarium should be top of your list. Discover the underwater wonderland home to a colourful variety of fish and aquatic mammals in naturalistic habitats. Make sure you watch out for the deadly piranhas and scary insects, and you might even come across a shark! With the Aquarium’s underwater windows you can have a rare close-up view of these enormous and fascinating creatures.

If you love markets just as much as us, then be sure to head down to Vancouver’s Kids Market on Granville Island. This colourful building welcomes families to its bustling play area, surrounded by shops selling all sorts of handcrafted and educational toys and trinkets made locally. Not only will you take home a fun toy but a memory of your time in Vancouver.

Your young ones will be pleased to hear that the largest free water park in North America is open all summer! Also located on Granville Island, you can hop on the mini ferry and spend the day trying out the variety of slides. Buying a delicious picnic from the public market is a great way to save the pennies whilst maximising play time.

While you’re in Vancouver, make sure you take a trip to Grouse Mountain and explore the North Shore for fantastic biking. Don’t miss the amazing Capilano Suspension Bridge Park if you’ve got daredevils in the family – they’ll love the iconic rope bridge and the cliff walkway.

Montreal

Another fantastic, child-friendly city to visit this summer is Montreal. Old Montreal is the most historic area of the city, and it allows kids to imagine what it was like to live hundreds of years ago along the narrow cobblestone streets of a French colonial settlement. Jump forward in time to learn about the cutting-edge innovations at the Montreal Science Centre, or travel the natural world from the tropics to the Arctic at the Biodome. Montreal is more than just a city!

Discover historical and cultural artefacts at the McCord Museum. Kids can dress up in period costumes dating back to 1887 and play with classic toys. Adults will love the vintage gowns, photographs and art on display. On Sundays, families get to go for free as they offer exclusive games and themed workshops for all ages.

This summer, Star Wars fans can check out props, costumes, models, and artwork from the popular films at the Science Centre. When you are there, visit their IMAX theatre as well as their awesome array of multimedia challenges, games and interactive areas.

For kids up to 10 years old, go to the Récréathèque playground, which is the largest in Montreal. Get lost in a maze, go on a roller coaster, play mini golf, drive bumper cars, go paint-balling, or get stuck into many more activities. For the slightly older and more adventurous kids, head to La Ronde – Canada’s second biggest amusement park on Saint Helen’s Island. The Six Flags Park has more than forty rides, including ten roller coasters, a grand carousel and a flume ride.

Canada is fantastic for kids, big and small, as there is always plenty to do. Education and learning is made fun with heaps of interactive activities. Children will have the experience of a lifetime as their eyes are opened to a new culture. Visit Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal this summer for a holiday the whole family will love!

Image credit: abdallahh (flickr.com), Márcio Cabral de Moura (flickr.com)