Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

june 1, 2021

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What are YOU going to do this weekend?

6 Ontario Staycations with the Kids

It’s finally June and the hot weather is here to stay. Are you sick of looking at the inside of your home yet?  Restrictions are slowly lightening up meaning some outdoor activities and visits are allowed (yay!). With the school year wrapping up, we thought we’d put together a list of Ontario staycation ideas to take with the kids. A little change of scenery is always welcomed, and especially after a year of staring into screens. Enjoy all Ontario has to offer this summer at one of these awesome resorts. Before booking, be sure to contact the resorts mentioned below to see what amenities are available as some attractions may be unavailable due to government restrictions. It is also Father’s Day coming up on June 20th so these ideas could be equally as good for a Father’s Day getaway with the fam.

Eastern Ontario – McCreary Beach Resort

Head to Perth, Ontario for a fun cottage stay with the kids at McCreary’s Beach Resort. This waterfront resort has a playground, beach, kayak/canoe/pontoon rentals, picnic area, trails, and a multi-sports court. Only 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa, the kids can learn to fish, build sandcastles at the beach, roast marshmallows and have fun with the resort mascots. McCreary’s Beach Resort is a cottage resort on Mississippi Lake, so there will likely be lots of new friends to make on the beach!

Niagara Region – Americana Conference Resort & Spa

Let loose at the Americana Conference Resort & Spa in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This hotel is located a 1 minute away from Lundy’s Lane, 5 km from the famous tourist street of Clifton Hill which is full of fun tourist attractions like haunted houses, restaurants and a wax museum, and 5 km from the Skylon Tower for an incredible view of Niagara Falls. The real draw though, is the waterpark at the hotel, with slides, tubes, and a retractable roof for year-round tropical weather!

Greater Toronto Area – Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection

Hotel X Toronto, located right within the Exhibition Place is the perfect place to have a family staycation in Toronto. Located a stones-throw from Lake Ontario, Ontario Place, the CNE, Enercare Center (for shows/conferences), BMO Field and Budweiser stage, you’re close to all the big events once they’re back in action.  Until then though, explore the waterfront and downtown Toronto easily from Hotel X, check out the rooftop pool or the 10XTO Kid’s Play Centre. The 3000 square foot Play Centre for kids has its own sports court, age-appropriate toys, and books, a quiet area, 4 video game consoles, and a big screen TV for movie watching. Rent Xbox, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch, or borrow from a huge collection of board games. Hotel X even has mini robes and slippers for your littles, age-appropriate bath products and if you want to have dinner out there’s an option to get babysitting for up to 3 hours. Of course, check their website to see what is available before you book due to government restrictions!

Ottawa Region – Calabogie Lodge

Calabogie Lodge, in the Ottawa valley on the shores of Calabogie Lake gives you a luxury cottage experience at an affordable price. Choose from 1–3-bedroom family-sized villas for your stay. The lodge offers pedal boats, kayaks, paddle boards and canoes as well as having an indoor saltwater pool & hot tub.  There is a sandy beach, biking trails, tennis, and pickle ball to keep you entertained during your stay. The area has tons of hiking trails and is close to Eagles Nest cliff for outdoor rock-climbing enthusiasts! At the end of your day, sit back and relax by a fire with the family for an evening wind down.

Central Ontario – Fern Resort

Fern Resort, close to Orillia on Lake Couchiching is an all-inclusive resort in its 4th generation of family operation and has been operating for 125 years! This resort has a plethora of fun water activities like pedal boats, kayaks, SUP, sailboat, and canoes as well as high ropes, rock climbing, archery and axe throwing. There is an outdoor pool with a terrace bar, and an indoor pool, a batting cage, volleyball, yoga, and the list keeps going and going and going!  The resort has afternoon and evening entertainment and five full programs of activities plus Children’s Playvillage. It is impossible to be bored at Fern Resort.

Northern Ontario - Northern Lights Resort

3.5 hours North of Toronto, just North of Muskoka in Port Loring is Northern Lights Resort. If you’re looking for a calming nature getaway instead of a high stimulation destination, what better place then among the lakes and rivers of Ontario’s North. Northern Lights Resorts offers family fishing trips for beautiful memory making, or you can relax at the sandy beach and enjoy hiking, swimming, cycling, bird & wildlife watching. Also, every Wednesday in Port Loring (only 5 km away) there is a Farmer’s Market and local artists/artisans displaying their creations!

Ontario staycation ideas with the kids this summer

Contact Natalie at news@summerfunguide.ca

The best suggestions come from others who have been there and done that!