Family Day in Burlington Ontario

No matter what the weather is on February 18th, there are lots of great activities to enjoy on Family Day.  You can spend time in Burlington or the surrounding area and be sure that the little ones have no reason to say “I’m bored.”

If the snow remains you can dig out those toboggans, ski’s, skates, or snowshoes, blow off the dust and put them to good use.  The Conservation Halton parks are a great place to hike, bird watch, enjoy nature, and use those snow toys. Please check individual park sites to find out what activities are available at each location.

Have you ever heard of Snowsnake?  I honestly had no idea what this was when it was first mentioned to me, but I found out that this is a traditional Iroquoian game taking place at Crawford Lake Conservation Area as part of their Snowflakes & Snowsnakes event.  This unique event includes winter survival hikes, legends in the longhouse, hemlock tea tasting, and much more.

If you are more interested in an event that includes snuggling up and keeping warm, you can head to Mountsberg Conservation Area for Tales by a Winter Fire starting at 10am. You will be able to toboggan, hike, and enjoy an outdoor bonfire and if you prefer not to trek through the woods, relax on a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride being offered ($) through the fields and forest. 

Glen Eden offers tubing, fresh slopes, and even nighttime lighting for those of us who want to sleep in.  Although I am not much of a skier, I was able to master the bunny hill at Glen Eden.  If you are looking for a challenge or just trying something new it is it is well worth it, with their Discover Skiing and Snowboarding packages, this is a day of fun which is easy to organize.

Bronte Creek is always an inviting location to spend the morning, afternoon, or evening!  With the Olympic-sized outdoor rink you can lace up your skates and enjoy the pleasure of skating outside from 9am-9:30pm.  I personally love this because my friends enjoy skating while I am more of a watcher.  No matter how many times I try, I can never seem to get the hang of things, which ends up with me falling down constantly.  So instead, I’d rather sit and sip on a cup of hot chocolate, while they enjoy themselves.  With heated change rooms, washrooms, music, skate rentals, farm and play barn open from 9am-4pm, this is something that both friends and family can enjoy together.  Sometimes I even bring my dog, Nyssa, to run free in the leash free areas.  She is just as much a part of my family as my younger sister! 

The Rotary Centennial Pond offers a stunning view of the waterfront to enjoy while you skate.  Public skating is open daily from 10am-10pm depending on the weather. Don’t worry if the weather is not looking great for outside skating, The Appleby Ice Centre will be open with drop in programs for the entire family.  Check the website for skate types and times.

If you prefer the indoors, why not spend some time at the pool.  Pull out the swimsuits, goggles, and nose plugs and splash around in the water with public swimming at Aldershot Pool or Angela Coughlan Pool. Check the website for swim types and times.

Have your kids saying “RARW” at the Royal Botanical Gardens – Battle of the Titans.  Visitors can learn about paleontology, see a Tyrannosaurus Rex/ Triceratops life size diorama, play dress up, see dino prints, or try the digital dig pit. On February 17^th & 18^th Dr. Phil Manning, an internationally renowned dinosaur hunter from the University of Manchester will be on-hand to answer any of your questions on these prehistoric creatures.  The RBG is an affordable day out at only $30.50 for a family of four.  Once you’ve had the opportunity to see through dino-vision and learn about dino-diets, you will likely become “dino-hungry.”  The Garden Café at the RBG is featuring a Family Day Feast feeds two adults and two children and includes a salad, entrée and drink for only $30 + HST. (reservations are recommended).

For those that are more dramatically inclined be sure to get your tickets for Sing-a-long A Sound of Music at the Burlington Performing Art Centre. This interactive screening event is complimented with onscreen lyrics, props, costumes, and vocal warm-ups.  Be sure to visit the website to get a real feel for this cool interactive event and for ticket information.  

If you need a little extra incentive to get out of bed on the 18^th, the Burlington Chocolate Trail is a delectable treasure path Take your teen, best girlfriend or a special individual out to enjoy some decadent treats on this self-guided trail.  Is there anything better then spending the day with a little self enjoyment and chocolate - I don’t think so! 

Don’t worry about finding somewhere to eat on your day out, the restaurants of Burlington are always offering tasty meals. If you are looking for a prix fixe dining experience be sure to try one of more of the 23 restaurants participating in the Taste of Burlington from February 17 – March 10, 2013. 

Tourism Burlington will be open on Family Day from 9am-4pm,  and we are always available on the web, via Facebook or Twitter.

Whatever your plans are this Family Day we hope you enjoy your time together!

TourBurlGrl2

Family Day Activities in Burlington 2012

It’s almost here – the second statutory holiday of the year and a day meant to share with your loved ones – Family Day 2012!  Burlington is a great place to celebrate Family Day, with a wide variety of events and activities you are sure to find something to please. 

For families looking to spend the day outdoors you need look no further than our local parks.  If the snow flies before the 20^th you can partake in tobogganing, snowshoeing and

cross-country skiing but rest assured that even without the white stuff there is plenty to see and do!

Baby goats at Mountsberg

Conservation Halton parks are a great place to walk, hike, birdwatch and enjoy nature.  At Mountsberg you can enjoy all things cute and cuddly with the arrival of baby goats and lambs to the Cameron barnyard! Moms and babies are all doing fine and are looking forward to visitors. Why not spend the day with the babies, play in the play barn and take a horse-drawn wagon ride ($) through the fields and forests. Then visit the Raptor Centre and take in the Birds of Prey show, this year you can also visit the Royal Ontario Museum’s spectacular Northern Owls exhibit being hosted at the park until February 23rd. Crawford Lake is home to a re-constructed 15^th century Iroquoian Village which you can explore or as part of their Season of the Snowsnake join the staff for a guided tours of the at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, try a guided winter survival hike at 2pm and create a craft or enjoy a discovery hunt from 10am to 4pm.  While the ground may be bare here, if you head to Glen Eden there is plenty of snow for you to ski, snowboard and tube on.  Look for special family day activities at the snow park to be announced soon.  Check out the video of our guest blogger Victoria Hughes and her daughter enjoying a private kinderski lesson.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park is another amazing location for enjoying the outdoors.  You can hike the trails, skate on the outdoor rink (weather permitting), visit the farm animals and explore the children’s play barn.  If you bring along your four legged friend they can run themselves out in the designated leash free areas.  There will also be special family day tours of the 1900’s farmhouse from 11am-3pm.
 
Lace up and head down to the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington.  Rotary Centennial Pond is open daily for skating from 10am-10pm (weather permitting) and the best part – it’s FREE!  While you are there you can also stroll the waterfront and the kids will love the playground in any weather.  Post skate, consider heading to one of the many downtown eateries for a hot chocolate or bite to eat.

Prefer your activities indoors?  The City of Burlington parks and recreation have some great family day activities planned.  Visit Tansley Woods and purchase a Family Day pass that allows you to participate in 3 activities at the Centre.  Activities run from 9:30am-4:30pm (see the website for schedule and activities).  Other drop-in programs will also be available including skating at Appleby Ice Centre and swimming at Aldershot  & Angela Coughlan pools.  Times and locations on the website.  Ever thought of joining the circus? Prestige Circus & Gymnastics School is having a family day free event.  Bring the kids and try out age appropriate circus skills and gymnastics.  Details online.


Facepainting at Kids Day


Looking for a family fun event?  The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore presents Burlington’s Kids Day.  This family friendly event runs from 9am-5pm at Corpus Christie Secondary School with a pancake breakfast at 8:30am. Purchase a play all day wristband($15/child, $5/toddler under 2) and let the kids enjoy a wide variety of fun activities including professional entertainers, arts and crafts, sporting activities, inflatables and more!  Note: some additional activities are available at a nominal cost.  See the website for a complete listing.  There is food on-site so you don’t have to leave when the “hungrys” start.  I have visited this event in the past and it is very busy so be sure to pack some patience as the more popular activities may have line-ups.  It is a great way to spend the day and I highly recommend it – just be sure to visit the website for all the details on things like parking, strollers, changing areas, etc. before you go.

Checking out the Chocolate Exhibition at the RBG


A sweet way to spend family day is to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens for Chocolate: The Exhibition (running to April 15).  In addition to the amazing interactive exhibit from the Museum of Chicago there are numerous activities for kids of all ages.  Start with the chocolate chase, a self-guided scavenger hunt that can be traded in for a reward at the marketplace.  Visit the interpretive programs full of stories, activities, chocolate making and more.  Be sure to include a stop at the Gardens Café for a sweet lunch or snack while visiting.  Inside you can also explore the year round gardens and take in the Glass under Glass exhibits.  When you are done there are loads of great hiking/walking trails to explore and the birds at The Gardens are famously friendly (we hear they like sunflower seeds in the shell best).

For those looking for a culinary delight consider the self-guided Burlington Chocolate Trail, a decadent day of all things chocolate in Burlington.  Check out the video of our day on the trail.  Or consider prix fixe dining with a Taste of Burlington (Feb. 20-Mar.11) at twenty-five of Burlington’s finest restaurants.  You are sure to find something to please your palate.

Tourism Burlington will be closed on Family Day but we are always available on the web, via Facebook or Twitter.

Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy the day.  Have fun, play hard, eat well & enjoy!

It is time to Celebrate!

To say Tourism Burlington is excited about the opening of the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre is an understatement.  We are thrilled, delighted, ecstatic, elated and tickled pink that this facility is our new neighbour and we can’t wait to join in the celebration during the opening week festivities. 

You see it is not often that a major new facility is opened in our City that has so much tourism potential.  We want people to not only support the centre by attending events, we also want them to linger here in our city, have dinner, do some shopping, visit other local attractions and stay overnight.  Over the past year we have enthusiastically been helping to promote this state of the art facility to potential visitors, meeting planners and group tour operators. 

I have been to several events at the centre this fall but I have not actually seen a musical performance yet.  From all accounts the sound in the main theatre is spectacular and the space is so intimate that there is not a bad seat in the house, so I am looking forward to the experience. 

Facepainting

The opening week festivities kick off on Sunday November 27 with Family Day at the Centre.  This day is packed with activities from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.so plan to bring your kids, grandkids, as it will be a fantastic day.  In the Main Theatre Quebec dance company Sursaut presents the visually stunning At Nightfall, the story of a shoemaker that discovers the joys that are outside of his workshop. In the Community Studio Theatre you will be treated to a moving and funny performance of Simple Gifts by the internationally acclaimed Cashore Marionettes.  Tickets need to be purchased in advance for these two performances however the activities in the lobby are free.  You can get your face painted by make-up designer for Cirque du Soleil's Totem Nathalie Simard.  Have you ever seen an 8 foot Mountie or ballerina, on point shoes!!  Kristi Heath will be towering over you, and it will be hard to miss her!  Do you remember Granny Garbanzo a character from the Gemini-award winning children's show The Big Comfy Couch?  She will be making an appearance at Family Day.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in “hands on” arts experiences with professionals from the Burlington Art Centre.  Tourism will have a photographer on site that day so smile for the camera and you never know you might see yourself in future tourism publications.

In Paradisum

Modern dance lovers will not want to miss In Paradisum, by Canada’s Coleman, Lemieux and Compagnie on November 29^th which features three brilliant modern dance performances.

Being a blue jeans kind of girl I have tickets for the December 1 “Celebration!” A Blue Jeans Gala featuring a diverse group of performers with one thing in common - they are all "Burlingtonians".  I can’t wait to see The Spoons again and hear Romantic Traffic, be entertained by long time favorite Gordie Tapp, and see some more recent acts such as Myles Erlick who played the lead role in Billy Elliott, post hardcore band Silverstein and Mike Eastick and Sean Kelly of Idle Sons and more!

Word is that there only a few tickets left for the Saturday December 3rd is a Red Carpet Evening with Sarah McLachlan.  The official opening of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a “red carpet” experience. 

After opening week there are many other performances in December that will get you in the holiday mood so you might want to consider buying a few early gifts for family and friends including Irish Rovers Christmas, Canadian Orpheus Mal Choir, Stories about Storytelleers, Harbourtown Sound, Glen Poster, and the Burlington Concert Band.  For the complete 2011-2012 season please visit the website.

tourburlgirl

Family Day 2011

As a new statutory holiday has been added to our calendar year, we can embrace the day off, spend quality time with the ones we love and build a great yearly tradition.

February 21, 2011 is bursting full of great things to see and do in Burlington; the City of Burlington has decided that Family Day is a great day to have most of our recreation facilities open. At Tansley Woods Community Centre, you and your family are able to enjoy Gym Drop-ins, Family Fitness and many different Swims in their great indoor pool. Available for sale at Tansley Woods is the Family Day Pass; purchase a Family Day Pass and your family can participate in up to 3 activities at Tansley Woods Community Centre. Choose from the activities listed here. For those who love skating and want to keep Family Day a winter affair, check out Appleby Ice Centre for the Family and Public Skates or head down to the waterfront for some great outdoor skating on the Rotary Centennial Pond. Swimming is always great for kids, not only do they get to practice life saving skills; they have fun doing it without knowing they are! Aldershot Pool, Angela Coughlin Pool and Tansley Woods are all open for Family and Fun Swims.

If rosy cheeks and crisp air is more of what you had in mind for this Family Day, be sure to visit our Conservation Halton parks. Glen Eden is hosting their annual Family Day Dummy Race with great skiing, snowboarding, family activities and a BBQ. Join Mountsberg for a memorable winter experience for the whole family; Tales by a Winter Fire as well as Winter Wagon Rides are 2 great events both being held at the Conservation Area where bird watching, snowshoeing as well as cross-country skiing are encouraged.

A new event this Family Day is Burlington Kidfest being held at Corpus Christi Secondary School from 9am to 5pm. For $2 admission, you and your family are able to enjoy a pancake breakfast served by Mayor Rick Goldring at 8:30am, magic shows, inflatable jumping games, gymnastics, martial arts and dance workshops, a variety of sports, contests and games, special guests with activities and of course, smudge fundaes. This is definitely a worthwhile event to experience as a family.

Royal Botanical Gardens is always a great learning destination. On now is the “Glass under Glass” exhibit where you and your family are able to experience glass art in a glass house displayed inside the warm Mediterranean Garden. Also on at the RBG is Wild Music: Sounds and Songs of Life being held until April 10. On Family Day from 12pm to 2pm, take part in a dynamic and interactive drumming program with Wild about Rhythm Drum Circle; discover the origins of the drum and investigate the science of sound and vibration through hands-on demonstrations.

We hope you get out with your family to enjoy all that Burlington has to offer this Family Day. Check out our Facebook page and Twitter feed for updates throughout the day.