Local Love Ontario – Where to Eat & Wander with Your Family this Summer (*UPDATED: including FALL*)
It feels like forever-ago since we did a family travel post. I’ve missed it. All these life restrictions weren’t on our family vision board! 😉 Like many of you, we’ve had to post-pone/cancel Summer travel plans. So, we won’t be resorting or jet-setting to some of the exciting destinations we’d hoped (yep, our California dreamin’ getaway, among others, was squashed), but what a beautiful opportunity to soak in the gems right here in our province of Ontario we normally take for granted. We’ve been enjoying spontaneous day trips – most under or just over an hour from Toronto – and will share some of our favourites here: Local Love Ontario – Where to Eat & Wander with your Family this Summer (and FALL)!
*At the time of writing this, most destinations have specific safety protocols in place to operate responsibly due to COVID-19, including modified time openings, occupancy restrictions, sanitization/ requirements, crowd-control measures, etc., which may change over the course of the Summer. Definitely have a peek at their social channels (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) or main websites on the day you plan to day trip to avoid disappointment*
*If you’re not up for a full read, we’ve also shared tips + itineraries on our LocalLoveON highlight on Instagram and rounded up suggestions from fellow travel writers under our “Ontario Travel” board on Pinterest*
Disclosure: this post contains some recommendations from previous/current partnerships, meaning we earned/earn compensation and/or complimentary travel incentives. As always, opinions are our own.
Ontario Day Trips & Unique Experiences List (*click the one that grabs you!*)
Terre Bleu Lavender Farm (Campbellville, ON)
Day Trip Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Grey County, ON – Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
Kawartha Lakes, ON – Best Spots to Eat & Explore
Stouffville, ON – Piazza Family Dining at a Winery
Innisfill, ON – Friday Harbour Resort
Day Trip Oshawa, ON: Visit a National Historic Site Where Some of Your Favourite Films Were Made!
King Township, ON – Fall Family Hikes
Day Trip – Caledon, ON: “The Belle & The Badlands”
Day Trip – Orangeville/Mono, ON: Cliffs, The Schitt’s Creek Motel & Good Eats
Port Perry, ON (Scugog Township)
We’ve passed through Port Perry (about an hour from north Toronto) on the way to the family cottage for years without more than a quick pit stop at a local coffee shop. It was about time to give more attention, and I think your gang will be happy you do too.
There’s lots of FREE parking in the historic Downtown area (*we parked in Lot 4 off of Mary Street tucked behind the Post Office*) and all amenities suggested here accessible by foot.
© House of Kerrs
Suggested Itinerary (Saturday visit):
- Grab takeout at one of the eateries off Queen or Water Street (most open at 11 am) & enjoy a family picnic in Palmer Park (*lots of shaded areas & picnic tables/benches*). We devoured the eats from Captain George’s Fish n’ Chips (*we got the Halibut family pack for 3 which was enough for the 4 of us*). For licensed patio dining, The Boathouse Grill on Water St. had the best waterfront view of Lake Scugog.
- Take a stroll around the marina (or bring your lures along to fish), and cool off at the Palmer’s Park Splash Pad (*note: this part of Lake Scugog was not deemed safe to swim at the time of our visit*).
- Pick up some farm-fresh goodies from the lakefront Farmers’ Market (opens at 8 a.m. every Saturday beginning in June).
© House of Kerrs
- If a frozen treat is an essential part of your day trips too, The Perfect Scoop across from Palmer’s Park will more than satisfy every flavour preference in your crew & then some. An array of handmade gelato & ice cream, smoothies & shakes are on the menu, including “Sorbetto” – a dairy-free option for lactose intolerant folks. Flavours we tried: Buttertart, Chocolate & Vanilla Gelato, double scoop of Pink Grapefruit + Green Apple Sorbetto (“Georgie’s Special”), and Strawberry Sorbetto – all verified dee-lish!
The “Georgie Special” – Green Apple + Pink Grapefruit Sorbetto combo @ The Perfect Scoop © House of Kerrs
- Don’t leave without a pit stop into Hank’s Pastries – their cinnamon buns are world famous (DadChef’s fave dessert) & their apple fritters will melt in your mouth. (*Note: you can pre-order from Wed-Fri to avoid weekend line ups*)
- Hit up Willowtree Farm before/after your downtown perusing – great quality in season fruit/veg, baked goods & locally sourced meats! Alternatively, pre-order your groceries online & do curb-side pick up!
- If you’re looking for a great family resto in the area away from the downtown core, try out the legendary Haugen’s Chicken & Ribs (*featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here*). They have a nice selection of chicken & ribs meals paired with their well-loved dipping sauces, and even some vegetarian options. Fries & pies are made fresh onsite and the kids love their milkshakes. If you’d rather pick up then dine in, they have take out too!
We didn’t have time to explore some of the local gems accessible by car – Ocala Winery, Christel Lake Lavender Farm …but we’ve got them on our radar for the next time we pass through.
Terre Bleu Lavender Farm (Campbellville, ON)
Inspired by a trip to a lavender field in Quebec, The Baird family left urban life in Toronto to farm Ontario’s largest organic lavender grounds sprawling over 160 acres set in the middle of the Grand River Conservation area. How lucky are we for this magical, serene place tucked in the rural area of the Town of Milton (*about an hour west of the City*).
© House of Kerrs
Three stunning, well-maintained fields in total to explore (*bring your wandering shoes*), plus the Yellow Bench Trail through the centuries-old cedar forest (*pause at the meditation circle*), an equestrian showcase, & on-site Apiary (*Honey-bee House*) and Distillery where they make the Essential Lavender Oils they sell in their shop.
NOTE: tours are self-guided & some activations were closed due to safety protocols. Limited tickets available exclusively to Email Subscribers & entry times controlled.
© House of Kerrs
In addition to the over 50,000 different Lavender plants in bloom that make a gorgeous backdrop for finding calm, tranquility & photo opps, there are art installations like the famous Yellow Door, the symbolic large circle, Galena Gardens, and a large swing with a view. Sunflower gardens are strategically grown as a beautiful yellow complimentary hue to the purple haze.
Before you go, pop into the lavender-infused everything boutique for some giftables. We picked up some of their culinary delights – the Lavender Gouda Cheese, Culinary buds, pints of Lavender Ice Cream, Bleum Sparkling Water & Lavender Maple Syrup. *Optional: You can order goodies online & do curb-side pick up.
Sunflower Fields are at peak season Mid-August © House of Kerrs
Tidbits:
- July through August (*high season*) are the best times to visit for bloom maturity; The sunflower fields are at peak bloom mid-August
- Naturally, there are lots of bees pollinating throughout the grounds and in the lavender plants (be cautious when smelling up close)
- Controlled entry times, sanitization stations & social distancing were well respected
- There are 3 fields – 1 is stand-alone (the one with the Swing & Galena Garden*), and the other 2 about 100 metres away (*you’ll have to park twice if you want to see them all*).
© House of Kerrs
- The farm grounds are wheelchair & stroller accessible, although given the natural environment, some areas may be a bit more challenging to navigate.
- Personal photography is welcome, but commercial photographers will require a permit
- Leave your furry friends at home, this is a people-only farm.
Day Trip Cobourg, ON
About an hour & ½ east of Toronto, the Town of Cobourg is a wonderful spot for family focused fun & food in Northumberland County. Our visit happened late Summer last year & remains one of our most favourite day trips. The retro lifeguard towers that line the beach evoke a feeling you’ve teleported to Cali or the Caribbean. Here’s the loose itinerary we followed:
© House of Kerrs
- We stopped at Burnham Family Farm Market for fresh produce & baked goods (cookies, biscuits, breads & fruit) to enjoy picnic style on the beach. It’s under 10 mins away from the beach core.
- We parked adjacent to Victoria Park (paid lots) which gave us walking access to all the amenities we wanted to experience – beach, boardwalk, marina & shops/eateries
- We spent about 3 hours on the Lake Ontario beach – nice white sand, the shore large enough families weren’t on top of each other and well-maintained. The beach is accessible for all with a mat stretched from the boardwalk to the water’s edge. You’re also within a short walk to public restrooms, a snack bar, small playground & splash pad which we enjoyed once the kids were beached-out (*check website/social channels before your visit to see how things have been modified for Covid-19*).
© House of Kerrs
- A jaunt down the boardwalk to the Marina from the beach was a highlight to boat-watch and get some family pics in front of the lighthouse.
- We ended our day with some good eats – a late lunch at the newish Cucina Urbana (kid-approved options like pastas & the Eggplant Parm was delizioso!) & frozen treats from Harbourlight Delight right across – 24 soft serve ice cream flavours, slushies, funnel cakes & more…indecisive dessert pickers will be challenged 😉
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
© House of Kerrs
A region that has stolen my heart and is good for the soul, just 1.5 hours from Toronto, soak in the sights, eats & historical culture amidst Ontario’s stunning Wine Country. I have suggested itineraries for:
Each of them including food & attractions options that could be modified to a family-friendly version. Tip – off-peak weekday trips highly recommended.
© House of Kerrs
Grey County, ON
A family favourite region for all-seasons and just 1.5-2 hrs from the GTA, depending on how deep into Grey you go. And there’s so much more to experience than the popular Blue Mountain Resort (which we absolutely love…we’ve stayed at every on-property lodge & you can find our family favourite here) like the Apple Pie Trail, Conservation Areas, Water Falls, Cideries/Wineries & foodie haven that are scattered around the region in Meaford, Thornbury, Owen Sound & the outskirts.
© House of Kerrs
The Resting Place Air bnb would make a fantastic, secluded oasis for your family’s stay, and pit stops to Thornbury Bakery & The Cheese Gallery on Bruce Street are a MUST!
The Resting Place Cottage Grey County, ON © House of Kerrs
If you’re looking for time to unwind sans kiddos, how does an exclusive dining experience with a 9-course Chef prepped tasting menu of Aboriginal cuisine in a natural, magical setting sound? Renowned Ojibway Chef Zach Keeshig with his talented culinary interns at Elephant Thoughts is now offering this one of kind, intimate dining experience at Riverstone Retreat in Durham Grey County. All courses are prepped using foraged/locally sourced ingredients. The first 3 courses are served outdoors by the Saugeen River (beautiful!) & from a restored wood-burning oven.
Wood Oven Sour Dough with Maple Syrup infused butter – Chef Zach Keeshig
Add on an overnight stay at one of Riverstone’s charming accommodations (either The Stone House, Eco-Nest or Authentic Restored CN Caboose Rail) with a feel good factor – all proceeds from bookings support developmental programming at Elephant Thoughts for disadvantaged youth. Book your immersive NAAGAN Foraged Feast dining experience ($100 pp) directly with Chef Zach via his Facebook page @Chef-Zach-Keeshig.
The 7 Bedroom Stone House @ Riverstone Retreat © House of Kerrs – All Rights Reserved
Kawartha Lakes Region
Known as the “House Boat Capital of Ontario”, the Kawartha Lakes region is breathtaking & comprised of well over 200 lakes + rivers & roughly 1.5 hours north-east of Toronto. I’ve been travelling with hubs to this region since teenage-hood & many Summer weekends spent at his family cottage near Coboconk (“Coby”).
© House of Kerrs
We don’t usually venture far from the cottage, but some of our favourite spots to eat & wander in the Kawartha Lakes area are:
Little Britain, Ontario
Buttertarts n’ More, Little Britain, ON – a pit stop on the Kawartha Lakes Buttertart Tour & bakers of one of our families faves – veggie bread! A stopover here on the way to the cottage is a family tradition.
- Butter Tarts n’ More – Little Britain, ON (a traditional family pit stop for tarts & veggie bread! They’re 1 of 50 stops along Ontario’s Butter Tart Tour!). We also love The Spudster just up the street from the bakery for burgers, fries & “the best” Poutine in Kawartha Lakes with 22 flavours on the menu!
Gourmet Burgers & Award-winning Poutine at The Spudster – Little Britain, ON
New to Little Britain is the latest SWEET spot – Ye Olde Little British Sweet Shoppe is a short jaunt from The Spudster on Eldon Road & owned by the friendliest couple from across the pond! Old fashioned candy picking galore!
Sweet tooth heaven – Little Britain’s newest sweet spot at Ye Olde Little British Sweet Shoppe on Eldon Street.
Coboconk & surrounding area, Ontario
- For families with the need for speed, you may enjoy Coboconk Go-Karts, Mini Putt, Candy Shoppe & Ice Cream Parlour (*offering just what their name says!*). We did not eat on premises, but did enjoy a 10 minute family ride ($20 pp) around their small, but fun go-kart track. Kids under 52″ must ride with an adult. (*disposable hairnets were offered to each rider & only one family was allowed on the track at a time).
© House of Kerrs – All Rights Reserved
- The Pattie House (I’m laughing inside a tad adding this one – once a spot hubs & I let loose when we were young, wild & free, now a spot you can pick up or stay for family eats)
- “Coby” is home to Canada’s Smallest Jailhouse – it’s now been converted to a craft shop & you can catch a glimpse of it running errands in town or visiting Thompson’s marina.
Visit Canada’s smallest jail in Coboconk, Ontario!
- Balsam Lake Provincial Park – a short jaunt from downtown Coby up HWY 48, a very popular activity rich provincial park with a clean, gorgeous beach awaits. Definitely check the park’s website/social channels the day of before heading there to check on capacity restrictions.
- Rent a watercraft & joy-ride on the gorgeous waterways. Taking a jet-ski for a spin from RPM Marinas was a super-cool family experience & day we’ll never forget!
Super-cool family experience with a Jet Ski Rental from RPM Marinas – 4 locations in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
- The Kinmount Farmers’ Market (when restrictions from COVID lift, add the Kinmount Fair to your list too).
- Hit The Butter Tart Bandits’ favourite four stops along The Buttertart Tour and head to the Farmers’ Market in Fenelon Falls
Kayak the Trent-Severn Waterway – soul-fuelling! © House of Kerrs
- Kayak or SUP Board around the Trent-Severn Waterway
Bobcaygeon, Ontario
- Visit the Beach Park, Just for the Halibut & Kawartha Dairy Headquarters in Bobcaygeon, ON – shoe lovers will also want to pop into the region’s famous Bigley Shoes & Clothing on the main drag of Bolton Street.
- Free fun – watch the boats along the Lock 32 – Trent Severn located in the heart of the village in Bobcaygeon near the swing bridge. Fun fact: Boycageon is called the Houseboat Capital of Canada , and you can get an up-close glimpse of a whole lot of them at Lock 32. There’s lots of shade & places to sit, so bring a family picnic or local take-out while you gawk!
Gallucci Winery – Piazza Dining in the GTA
A little taste of Tuscany just 30 mins outside of Toronto in Stouffville, Ontario, Gallucci Winery was a fabulous place for a family wine + dine. We had our son’s birthday dinner here last week – a special way to celebrate at a unique spot. Reservations are a must & tables are for 6 people max out on the Piazza (a la distancing) [*weather permitting – rain means cancellations*].
© House of Kerrs – All Rights Reserved
The menu is basic Italian fare with the usual suspects like antipastos, salads, brick-oven pizzas, paninis (no pasta) & Gelato for dessert [*mid-range prices $15 – 22 per item*]. The wine list is comprised of the vineyard’s offering – highly recommend the Donna Nella vino bianca (a nice blended white wine). There’s a pretty fountain, pond & lots of picture opps among the vines. Overall, a family-friendly spot, with satisfying casual dining amidst a unique ambiance & nice change of scene. TIP – book about a week ahead from when you want to go.
Family Dining on the Piazza – Gallucci Winery © House of Kerrs – All Rights Reserved
Friday Harbour Resort, Innisfill, Ontario
When it rained on birthday boy’s go-karting parade, we detoured and checked out Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfill which turned into a fun, spontaneous day trip. We parked along Sunreef Avenue (*FREE*) & grabbed take-out from The Beach Club for a beachy family picnic near the playground (*we tried the Turkey Burgers, Fish Tacos & Chicken Fingers + Fries – satisfied the hunger pangs but don’t expect fine dining quality*) *Reservations only for dine-in*. After, we went for a stroll along the wrap around boardwalk through the marina for fish & boat gazing then grabbed dessert at Beaver Tails & coffees at Starbucks.
NOTE: The beach loungers, pool & splash pad are for guests/owners use only. While we didn’t take advantage, there were bike & PWC rentals available. Hubs got googly-eyed for The Nest golf course on-site, which also has a clubhouse & other amenities. Overall, a nice spot to go for a stroll & dine {you can also stay at one of their rental units if you’re resorting this Summer}. One of our favourite restos is on premises – Fishbone – but is closed on Sundays & Mondays so we “missed the boat” ;).
Kleinberg, ON Day Trip
Kleinberg is a village in the city of Vaughan, ON and invites you to engage in “The Art of Time Well Spent”! There are wonderful opportunities for families to connect in nature, immerse in Canadian arts culture and support fabulous local eateries. Kleinberg is home to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection with a spectacular gallery showcasing the Group of Seven, and the well-known Toronto & Region Conservation Kortright Centre, which is where we began our day trip.
Kortright Centre for Conservation
Book your time slot in advance and take a family-friendly hike through the trails. We navigated the Lookout and Maple trails using the AllTrails app (*partner*) with kids ages 5 & 7 years old with no trouble.
The Lookout Trail – if you go right, there’s lots of incline, left, mostly downhill! We went for uphill!
There are lots of educational activations on the property, including invitations for kids to learn about the various types of trees in the woods during your hike.
The Nature School at Kortright Centre!
Kortright Center is also home to the Earth Rangers Centre facility, a Nature School and hosts edu-taining family experiences throughout the year, like their springtime maple syrup festivities.
Kleinberg Village
After you soak in the natural beauty of the region and get some exercise, head over to Kleinberg Village for family fuel and unique local amenities – just over 3 km away from Kortright Centre. There is lots of parking available along the main strip on Islington Avenue. The village is bustling with quaint shops and old world European charm meets modern cuisine & services.
The quaint & charming main strip in Kleinberg Village!
Where to eat:
Most restos and eateries along the main street serve Italian-inspired fare. While we’ve previously enjoyed the scrumptious buffet at The Doctor’s House for family celebrations & the modern Italian cuisine of Avenue Cibi e Vini (also great for a dinner date sans kiddos!), we kept things casual and opted for to-go this time with a delicious zah from Sughetto’s La Pizza Shoppe – Napolitana meets New York Style Pizza. You can pick thin or thick crust from their mouth-watering pizza menu & take it to-go to enjoy on a bench right outside of the shoppe.
Napolitana meets NY Style zah at Sughetto’s in Kleinberg Village!
A family day trip wouldn’t feel complete without a stop for ice cream! We highly recommend you grab your scoops from Old Firehall Confectionary, diagonally across from Sughetto’s. This is the 2nd location to their landmark shop in Unionville. They have classic Kawartha Dairy ice cream or grab a taste of Italy with one of their traditional Gelato flavours. OFC specializes in hand painted truffles (they almost look too beautiful to eat!) and specialty confections like their Prosecco, Rose & Gin Fizz Gummies line. Us parents enjoyed a Cappuccino made from OFH’s Signature Blend of roasted coffee beans while the kids kept up with their drippy cones.
Grab some ice cream & other goodies from Old Firehall Confectionery!
Cool factor: Kleinberg Village has been a hub for many TV & motion picture productions, including the 2006 film The Sentinel starring Michael Douglas, Keifer Sutherland, Kim Basinger & Eva Longoria that was shot at The McMichael Art Gallery.
Before you go:
- pre-booking your time slot to visit Kortright Centre is required. Book HERE and you’ll have a 2 hour window to explore once you park.
- masks & sanitization protocols were strictly adhered to;
- all shops/eateries were adhering to provincial max capacity protocols;
- there are lots of benches to sit on along Islington in The Village of Kleinberg;
- the main street in The Village is highly trafficked by cars – watch your brood closely.
- at the time of our visit, McMichael Art Gallery was closed for indoor experiences until further notice.
Spray Lake – King, ON
No cottage, no problem! Just 30 minutes outside of Toronto is a fun-tastic place to do all the things you would in cottage country closer to home. Park admission ($25 for adults, $15 for kids & seniors, under 2 yrs are FREE) gives you all-day access to that lakeside lifestyle with the Aqua Park, swimming, fishing, nature hiking & picnic-ing. You can also pre-book a learn to Wakeboard session on their cable-run park or a Water Ski lesson – both excellent options for beginners! SUP boards are also available to rent.
Know-Before-You-Go:
- Pre-booking is mandatory to keep within COVID-19 protocols & digital waivers must be signed + submitted by EACH member of your party prior to arrival. 24-hour cancellation policy in effect. BOOK HERE. Park is open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- There is a waterpark Supervisor on duty, but water safety responsibility lies with parent/guardian (must be 16+ years of age). Life jackets in all sizes are available FREE to visitors & must be worn in the splash park regardless of swim capability.
- There is lots of room to space out on shore by the lake, but no picnic tables & such so bring a waterproof blanket, lounge chairs etc.
- Fishing is catch & release and it’s bring-your-own rods kind of deal. Bait is available on-premises.
- There is a vending machine on-site, but if you’re wanting to have a proper meal on-site, pack your own picnic.
- Washroom facilities are Portalets.
Book a wakeboarding lesson on their cable park – Ranch Wake Park!
Parkwood Estate, Oshawa, ON
Travel back to another period in time with a visit to the 100-year-old Parkwood Estate – about an hour’s drive from Toronto. Home to R.S. McLaughlin, the late Canadian auto-baron and founder of General Motors of Canada, the sprawling gardens with English and European resemblances, as well as the 15,000 square foot mansion can be explored and the art and architectural elements appreciated as you do at this carefully maintained National Historic Site.
With the 100-year-old Mansion as a backdrop coupled with the sprawling 11-acres of pristine grounds and English-Euro style gardens, Parkwood Estate offers TONS of fabulous photo opps!
Cool factor: the stunning grounds, mansion and 200-foot-long fountain have been the backdrop to many motion picture and TV productions, including Anne of Green Gables, Billy Madison, Chicago, Canadian Bacon, Life with Judy Garland, Hannibal, Marilyn, Workin’ Moms, X-Men, The Umbrella Academy and more.
Parkwood’s 200-foot-long, extraordinarily gorgeous fountain is a dream spot for the film/tv industry. Can you name a movie that was filmed here?! (View from the Tea House).
Parkwood’s Fountain – view from the garden pathways.
After a stroll through the gardens with lots of fabulous photo opps and/or a guided tour of the mansion, finish with an outdoor lunch, afternoon tea or bevvies and snacks with a spectacular view at the Tea House (*weather-permitting; our lunch was cancelled due to rain, but we relocated to Berry Hill Co.’s resto on King West just 5 mins from Parwood & dined on the covered portion of the outdoor patio. Food was delicious*).
Lots of tasty lunch/dinner options for the whole fam at Berry Hill Co. resto, including their Goat in the Garden Sandwich with roasted veggies smothered in pesto and fresh goat cheese!
Know-Before-You-Go
- Parking is free, as is a self-guided tour of the 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Guided Tours of the Gardens & Mansion are available at a cost & must be pre-booked.
- Reservations for dining the Tea House are highly encouraged.
Parkwood Estate’s grounds, gardens and pathways are a free-spirit’s dream!
- The Mansion and Gardens are partially accessible – contact the Estate prior to your visit to discuss accommodations.
- The site operates 7 days a week in the Spring/Summer months – gates open at 8:30 a.m. and last tour is at 5 p.m. Consult the Parkwood Estate website prior to any form of visit for updates under COVID-19 times.
The McLaughlin Family’s 15,000 square foot Parkwood Estate – guided tours to soak in the historical and artistic elements available to book.
Mount Albert, Ontario – a Day Trip the Whole Family Will Love
Mount Albert is a friendly community located within the Town of East Gwillimbury in York Region. It’s just under an hour from Toronto and easily accessible by the 404 Highway. It may not be a big place, but it’s got a lot of heart and you won’t be hard pressed to find things to do the whole family will enjoy. Here’s our suggested itinerary for families with kids from pre-school to tween age ranges:
Brooks Farms
One of our favourite places to wander in Summer & Fall, families will love Brooks Farms pick-your-own experiences (strawberries are a tradition!), the Market to get fresh pies, produce & other goodies, and the Barnyard Playland (*admission fee*).
Pick-your-own fruit, Barnyard Playground, Market + Bakery & more at Brooks Farms
Know Before You Go:
- Open daily – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. – last entry 5 p.m.
- pick-your-own is a popular family activity and last field entry is 5 p.m., but the farm may enforce a cut-off point in the day so fields are protected & can flourish – check their website & Facebook page for updates before you go;
- Farm Market & Bakery is open til’ 6 p.m. with a covered, shaded outdoor dining area to enjoy your goodies. They also have Kawartha Dairy ice cream to cool off with, as well as a Chip Truck on site for a tray of family-sized fries, burgers or dogs!
- Barnyard Playground (Zip Line, Splash area, jumping pillow, tractor rides & more)- open daily, but we’d suggest visiting during on a less busy week day over weekends. Admission fee for every one 2 years+ – $14 per person on weekdays, $17 on weekends. Pre-book your tickets & read their COVID-19 policies before you visit HERE.
- No outside food permitted. No pets allowed unless designated a service animal;
- Washrooms are port-a-potty type.
The Giving Place Lavender & Honey Farm
Just around the way from Brooks Farms is The Giving Place – the friendliest place with a big heart your gang can catch your breath & soothe your soul with a self-guided, full-sensory tour of their growing activations.
Grab some lavender-infused goodies at the market, take a seat & soak in the beauty at The Giving Place
Kids, parents & grandparents will love the invitation to wander at a slower pace through The Community Garden, Whimsical Wildflower/Sunflower & Lavender fields, Bunny Haven, Bee-utiful Bees sanctuary & Heart Labyrinth and finish with a mindful pause by The Pond.
The Bunny Haven for a cute & quiet encounter!
Grab some lavender-infused goodies like butter tarts, sugar cookies & lollies to enjoy while you saunter or their honey & bath bombs to enjoy at home or gift! 100% of what is cultivated from this all natural, pesticide free farm is given back to the local community in need – heart-blooming!
Know Before You Go:
- The Giving Place is open to the public on Sundays only 10 a.m. – 2p.m.;
- Self-guided tours are free, while there are some special outdoor events (Yoga & Picnic in the Lavender Fields, Lavender Wreath-Making Workshop & more) planned for the Summer for a reasonable cost;
“The earth laughs in flowers” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
- The public parking space is small, but you can park along York Durham Line just in front of it if need be;
- Washroom is port-a-potty type;
- As with all lavender fields, bees are bustling about – wear closed toe shoes or stay mindful of where you step while you stroll!
Rail Yard Aqua & Wake Park
If you’re looking for the ultimate active outdoor family fun place this Summer, a visit to Rail Yard Aqua & Wake Park is a must! This water playground is set on a private 25-acre lake, and being just a 5 minute drive from our farm stops (entry off of Queensville Sideroad), was the perfect place too cool off & get our water ninja warrior-style family challenge on! There is also a super-cool cable wakeboarding park on-site, and while we have yet to try it, it was inspiring to watch the riders rip around the lake.
The Rail Yard Aqua & Wake Park – one of Ontario’s largest inflatable water parks!
Why we love it:
- mandatory pre-booking meant fantastic crowd-control & maximum fun;
- after a quick check in, entry was seamless with staff assisting with proper-fit life jackets for our whole crew;
- there are several picnic tables with umbrellas for families to use & any non-participants in your party (like Nana or kids under 5 years old) to sit comfortably and watch the action from the shore;
- there is a snack bar & licensed patio on-site and you’re also permitted to bring your own picnic-type foods (great for families with dietary & allergy considerations);
- there are a team of lifeguards on-duty scattered around the Aqua park – some added peace of mind while you enjoy one of the biggest inflatable aqua parks in Ontario.
Your whole gang will likely crash early after at day at Rail Yard – Mom + Dad, you may be sore! It’s a work out 🙂
Know Before You Go:
- Parking is free & plentiful;
- Pre-booking aqua park tickets via phone (905-868-5647) is mandatory, as is signing their Digital Waiver before you visit (*even for non-participants*). Have your list of people in your party ready before you call. The aqua park is open Wednesday – Sunday and there are (3) time slots to choose from: 10 – 12 p.m., 1 – 3 p.m. & 4 -6 p.m. The Wake Park is open 7 days a week – rides + lessons can be booked ONLINE. Bring your own equipment or rentals available on-site. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS, unless the park closes due to severe weather & at such time you will be given guidance on how to reschedule your visit;
Picnic tables are available for non-participants to watch comfortably & outside food IS allowed on-site.
- Kids must be 5 years old + to participate & able to swim out approx. 25 meters from the pier to the water park. Kids 5-8 years old must be supervised by a participating, responsible person at least 16 years of age who can swim relatively well.
- Moving about the water park requires a moderate-strenuous level of physicality & strength. Don’t be deterred – even this not in peak form mama of four managed & had the time of her life. Sore muscles thereafter, but worth it! 😉
A sign of good times at Rail Yard Aqua & Wake Park; Kids must be 5+ years to participate & responsible person 16 yrs+ must be in the water with kids under 8 years old.
- There are a handful of picnic tables for family use, but in the event you don’t snag one, bring a waterproof blanket or beach chair(s) to sit on;
- Washrooms are port-a-potty type;
- No pets allowed on-site unless designated service animals.
- They serve simple family fare at the Snack Bar – burgers, hot dogs, fries, etc., but it was closed during our late afternoon visit. Just around the corner from Rail Yard is North Burger for diner-style family eats, Moose Caboose for food truck fare or The Works restaurant with 30+ varieties (and cheekily-named) craft burgers (*food allergy-friendly & lots of vegan & gluten-free options*) a short drive away in Newmarket, Ontario. Dine in or take out.
Craft burgers all around at The Works – 10 min drive from Rail Yard in Newmarket, ON with 30+ varieties of cheekily-named burgers to choose from + kids’ menu!
Beef, Grilled Chicken & Meatless burger options at The Works with lots of Vegan & Gluten-free options. SHOWN: “The Hipster” chicken burger on a sesame multigrain bun.
Stardust Drive-in Theatre – Sharon, ON
If you think you can stay awake, finish your Mount Albert day trip at the iconic Stardust Drive-in Theatre in Sharon to catch a family flick under the stars. Another fun option: book an exclusive big screen concert viewing of your favourite musical artists with Encore Drive-In Nights for another time. We watched Bon Jovi by drive-in last month with the kids in tow & it was one of our favourite summer memories so far. Concerts by car with kids may be the “new nightlife”!
Breaking bedtime with a family flick viewing under the stars at Stardust Drive-in Mount Albert, ON
Know Before You Go:
- check out show times + book your tickets in advance HERE & plan for it to be a late night breaking bed time (bring some blankets/pillows for early-crashing kiddos); Box Office opens at 7:30 p.m. to purchase tickets in person.
- download the app & order your popcorn + drinks from the car – line-ups for the walk up snack bar were long & never-ending;
- No outside food permitted;
- Full service washroom facilities on-site
- Prices range from $13 (single person) – $38 (family) per car;
- You’ll be notified of the radio station to dial into for your film during check-in.
Exclusive concerts by car with Encore Drive-in Nights – the “new nightlife?!”
King Township – Oak Ridges Trail at Seneca College
Eaton Hall – nature & Canadian history in one beautiful trek!
Day Trip Caledon, Ontario
Caledon is a developing urban area, but remains primarily rural with lots of opportunity to wander safely outdoors amidst beautiful conservation areas & trails and an array of options for delicious foodie pit stops. About 45 minutes from Toronto, and stretches across the southern region of York-Durham Headwaters. You could spend an entire day here and not fit it all in. We got the kids up bright & early, and even though it was a rainy day, we still had a wonderful time exploring some gems of the area. Here’s the itinerary we followed (*you will need to pre-plan if you want to visit certain conservation areas, see below*):
© House of Kerrs
A beautiful space to get your #LocalLoveON ❤ and very suitable for families of all ages. Fall colours were at their peak and we enjoyed seeing the historic “Belle” Fountain, taking a pause at the viewing platforms and trekking along the suspension bridge overlooking the falls that guide you to the walking trails set along the West Credit River. Entry is by reservation only and some trails are clearly marked “one way” to allow for proper physical distancing. If you have a stroller in tow, I’d recommend taking the Pond Loop (beginner trail with flat land) instead of the Gorge Loop Trail (intermediate and VERY rugged). Belfountain would make for a great couples’ date too – hubs and I want to head back solo to soak this one in a bit more than we could parenting while social distancing through a popular conservation area 😉
© House of Kerrs
TIPS & TIDBITS: book your reservation as early in the day as possible, especially if on weekends. We had a 9 a.m. slot and *almost* felt like we had the park to ourselves! The Credit Valley Conservation also offers this COVID-19 Safe Trail Use Guide. For family convenience, there is a washroom facility adjacent to the parking lot. Parking reservation fees are $17.70 +HST on weekdays & $22.12 + HST on weekends per vehicle, granting you a 2-hour timeslot to explore. *Members of CVC are granted free park entry but must still reserve your date and time.
La “Belle” Fountain of Belfountain Conservation Area – Caledon, ON © House of Kerrs
Heatherlea Farm Shoppe
Under a 10 minute drive from Belfountain Conservation, Heatherlea Farm Shoppe is a perfect spot to feed your hungry brood after the morning’s trail walks. It’s a food market, fresh butcher and Cafe all in one, featuring specialty products from 50+ local farmers and producers. We picked up freshly baked goods (a sourdough loaf, foccaccia, brownies & butter tarts), some unique flavour infused condiments (like balsamic fig Dijon mustard and locally produced Chipotle Aioli) and ordered sandwiches to go from the cafe. The Rueben, Curry Chicken Salad Wrap & Peameal Bacon on Brioche were our faves! The also have an online ordering option & are offering Thanksgiving Dinner to go this year. York-Durham Headwaters offers some delicious recipe suggestions to make with your local produce haul.
Cheltenham Badlands
I have lived in the GTA my whole life & never did I ever know we had “Badlands” right here in Ontario until a week ago! The Cheltenham Badlands are part of the Niagara Escarpment and designated a “Sensitive Area” by the CVC, so walking onto the highly eroded Queenston Shale “badlands” (formed over 400 million years ago!) is restricted right now until further notice. As with Belfountain Conservation, a reservation to park is required, and you can access the viewing deck for photo ops in front of this geological gem either via the side walk along Old Baseline Road (*accessible access, about a 5 minute walk from the parking lot*) or by the Bruce Trail (*one-way*). If taking the trail, it’ll take about an hour roundtrip. This made for an edu-taining family experience (slip sliding through the wet trails and all ;)) – no dino sightings but it was fun to let the imaginations wander 😉
© House of Kerrs
TIPS & TIDBITS: if visiting during or after a rain storm, and choosing to access the viewing deck via the nature trail, wear rainboots! Our gang was covered in clay-like dirt knee down. Also, there are no washroom facilities other than port-o-lets off of the parking lot, so pack some hand sanitizer. Respect the markers on the viewing deck to adhere to physical distancing. Cost to park is almost $10 on weekday and $15 on weekends per vehicle.
Note: conditions permitting (continued access to CVC parks is dependent on responsible park visitation, adherence to physical distancing practices and remains subject to any changes in provincial or public health direction or guidance). Fall Access – Sep 8 – Oct 25 (subject to change)
Seven days a week – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (*reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and each family/vehicle will be allowed a 1.5 hour window to explore*).
Spirit Tree Estate Cidery
At this point in our day’s adventure the kids were rightfully zonked, so while they caught a nap in the car, we made one last stop to Spirit Tree Estate Cidery – a cider house with tastings, a quaint restaurant/bistro (*patio dining only right now*) & mouth-watering farm shoppe bakery. They usually offer pick-your-own fruit in the Apple Orchard around back of the main building, but it’s weather-permitting & access was closed due to rain that day. I grabbed some Apple & Pear infused tall cans from their sweet ciders variety, sparkling apple cider for our Thanksgiving dinner & several slices of their thick, freshly-baked, ginormous slices of pizza to take home (*certified delish by our brood*).
Other Options in Caledon
We had already done our apple & pumpkin picking, but Caledon has lots of great agri-tourism spots for families, including the very popular Downey’s Farm we visited when the kids were smaller. When the time feels right, we’d love to do a couple’s retreat to the Millcroft Inn & Spa.
Circa 2013 – Downey’s Farm Visit
Also, if you desire to wander through the Conservation areas but didn’t make a mandatory reservation at Belfountain & Cheltenham Badlands, you can explore other options like the Albion Hills Conservation Area or Terra Cotta Conservation Area While we had this booked for a while, avoiding weekends is highly encouraged, as is respecting “No Parking” zones throughout the area. We are a more go with the flow bunch than tightly scheduled travellers, but pre-planning your route is definitely a wise move for this day trip made easier with this Caledon Fall Colours Driving Tours Map. *All park, farm & food shop openings are subject to change daily, so make sure you check attractions websites/social channels before venturing out.
Orangeville/Mono, Ontario
The towns of Orangeville/Mono are located in south-central Ontario about 45 minutes – 1 hour outside of the GTA along the seat of Dufferin County. Usually towns we visit casually during the kids’ hockey season, we we have more margin in our weeks with extra-curriculars on hold, so decided to explore these regions a bit more. We enjoyed a day trip last week, and here’s our very light, but fun itinerary (a mix of nature, novelty & nom nom!):
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Mono Cliffs is located on the scenic Bruce Trail with several hiking trail options throughout the park to soak in Ontario’s Fall colour show in all her glory. Given how expansive the park is, you could easily spend up to 3 hours exploring. It was a rainy morning for us, so we did a bit of research before we went to condense our route a bit.
We knew climbing “Jacob’s Ladder” between the large cliffs was a must, so we followed a tip to bypass the main parking lot (on 3rd line) & park along 2nd line instead, across from the TDSB Outdoor Education Centre (we cleared it with the park warden before following through so it’s all good! I marked the spot we parked with an “X” below).
Best parking to get to access the Clifftop Trail & Jacob’s Ladder – Mono Cliffs Park
Parking on 2nd line will allow you to bypass parking fees & head straight to the Cliff Top Trail where you can easily access the main “look out” point with a panorama view of the park & the stairs down to Jacob’s Ladder & bottom-up views of the 30 foot cliffs (*NOTE: the passageway to Jacob’s ladder is narrow & it’s a smaller area than you might gather from internet pics. To physical distance, one family went down at a time). We ventured off the trail a bit to pause along a calming pond, and wandered as far as where the Cliff Top Trail meets Walter Tovell Trail (about 4 km in total & almost 1.5 hour moving time).
Bottom-up views of the park’s 30 foot cliffs at Jacob’s Ladder © House of Kerrs
TIPS & TIDBITS: the trail is very rugged – lots of protruding rocks – so I’d advise against trying to bring a stroller if you have wee ones. Mono Cliffs is a popular provincial park and closely monitors visitor volume given social distancing protocols, so definitely check out the park’s website before venturing there to avoid disappointment. There are no pre-registration requirements like some other parks, but we went as early in the morning as possible to curtail potential crowding. Although we by-passed the main parking lot, we still opted to pay the parking fee as a way to support, as our parks derive most of their funds for park maintenance & preserving our natural landscapes for families to enjoy from day fees & donations.
Schitt’s Creek Motel
We’re a little late to the Schitt’s Creek craze party, but we’re on Season 4 now, and loving it! When I was looking at spots to check out for this day trip I stumbled upon a Hockley Valley visitor’s comment that the Schitt’s Creek Motel (aka Rosebud Motel) was in the Mono area. Cool! [*if you’ve followed the blog a while, you know I have an affiliation for visiting sets of our favourite films/TV shows :)]
©House of Kerrs
So, after our morning hike, we headed over for a quick view (*it’s about 10 minutes South of Mono Cliffs park on Hockley Road in Orangeville*). NOTE: the property is PRIVATE & currently up for sale so we didn’t trespass, but you can’t park safely on the shoulder of the road in front of it & grab a quick Schitt’s & giggles selfie 😉
If you want to check out all the other main set locations of the show (like Café Tropical, Rose Apothecary, Ted’s Veterinary Clinic, the park where David & Patrick get engaged & more) they’re scattered around Ontario in Goodwood, Stouffville, Unionville, Milton & Toronto, all detailed HERE.
Historic Downtown Orangeville
About 15 minutes from the Schitt’s Creek motel, we planned to park & stroll along the historic downtown of Orangeville. It was raining pretty hard at this point in our day, so we did a drive by instead, then ordered food to take out. NOTE: most of the restos along the main downtown strip (on Broadway avenue) have modified hours & many we wanted to check out – Son of Chef Bakery & the new Topville Jamaican Cuisine –were closed. Parking: public parking for the downtown area is off of Armstrong Street or at 200 Broadway.
Where to Eat in Orangeville, ON – The Pulled Pork Beanasaurus Sandwich at Sul Irmaos is a must! ©House of Kerrs
Where to Eat – Orangeville
We’d read great reviews of Sur Irmaos – Portuguese BBQ – and decided to give it a try. It was a wise choice for comfort foods on a dreary day. It’s off of the main downtown strip, and while you can’t dine-in for obvious reasons, they have take out & are following provincial safety protocols (*they only allowed one customer for in-shop pick up at a time, mandatory masks & sanitizer stations all along the counter*).
Foodie family recos – while they have the classics of Portuguese BBQ (roasted chicken, rice, potatoes, etc.), you’re definitely going to want to try their signature Po Boy sandwiches & poutines. The Pulled Pork Beanasaurus Sandwich (topped with fried Mac n’ Cheese – oh my YUM!) & Pulled Pork Poutine are a MUST! Cool factor: Their sandwiches were featured on Food Network Canada’s You Gotta Eat Here.
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We’ve got some short getaways planned (including our first secluded overnight anywhere since lockdown to Tobermory), so we’ll keep adding to this as the Summer/Fall goes on. Note: Our kids range in age from 4 -12 years old, so all these recos were age appropriate for this bracket.
Visit ‘Canada’s Caribbean’ – Where to Stay, Eat & Wander in Tobermory, Ontario
Sprawling limestone waterfront all to yourselves at the Azure Cottage with the best views of the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry!
We’d love to know your family’s favourite spots to eat & wander responsibly in Ontario to get your Local Love ON!
Keep well, wander safely,
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