10 Great Things to do with kids in Burlington, Ontario this summer

One of the greatest joys of summer is having the kids at home, but it also presents one of the greatest challenges to parenting: how to keep the little ones busy, outside and entertained. Fortunately, Burlington is full of gems to keep your little ones happy throughout the coming months!

Fun in the sun at Burlington Beach!

Photo courtesy of Banko Media

Looking for a beach vacation? One needn’t venture to far-away lands to find a piece of paradise, as Burlington Beach offers a close, cost-free place to kick back and enjoy the summer heat!  Bring the kids down to the waterfront where they can swim, romp around the playground or build a spectacular sandcastle. After all that activity they’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite for a tasty ice-cream cone from one of the concession stands on site. Don’t forget your camera, this is a beach where family memories are made, and you won’t want to miss a single one!

Older youth certainly won’t be left out at this beautiful sandy strip. Suggest they pack up their tanning oil, ipod or guitar and head out to this lake-side getaway. Whether they can bring their friends for some frisbee or go solo to get some colour, however they choose to spend their time in the sun, they’re guaranteed a beautiful escape. Far enough from downtown to enjoy peaceful serenity, but close enough to nip across the street for a delicious gelato or iced coffee.

Visit the Waterfront  for picnics and play

Grab the kids and hop on your bikes for a ride by the water, where the bike trail will take you from the far east side of the park straight through to Hamilton.  Take a break from your ride to visit the playground outside Spencer’s restaurant, and remember the kids’ bathing suits: there’s the Dofasco Waterjet Plaza here that is sure to put a smile on their faces and keep them cool in the summer heat.  Whether you bike, walk or drive there is plenty to do at the waterfront. Bring a blanket and your family pooch and have a seat on the green of Spencer Smith. Pack up the little ones and a picnic or stop The Bite for some takeout then relax and enjoy the park and the beautiful lake view.  Bask in the sun or cool off in the shade of the gazebo and if you’re lucky you might just be fortunate enough to catch one of Burlington’s many talented young musicians busking by the water.  Or for guaranteed entertainment plan a visit during one of three afternoon concerts in the park at Spencer Smith.  Burlington’s waterfront is the perfect place to spend time with the people you care about.

Discover the outdoors at Conservation Halton’s Parks

At Crawford Lake

There is no better place to be active than Conservation Halton’s 6 parks and 10,000 acres of beautifully preserved natural lands. Hiking, cycling, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing are only some of the activities available at these parks, right in the heart of some of Ontario’s most lush  forests and only minutes from the city. Trying to narrow down which park is right for you, consider these unique features at each site.  At Crawford Lake  take a walk around the Rare meromictic lake and give your kids a taste of history by stopping by the 15th century reconstructed Iroquoian Village. Over at Kelso Conservation Area you can enjoy the beach and watersports. The great part is that you can rent kayaks, paddle boats and canoes on-site to get out on the water. Mountsberg Conservation Area offers you a chance to get up close and personal with 15 different species of native birds of prey at their Raptor Centre and visit the farm animals at the barn.  Visit Hilton Falls where visits from the chikadees, who happily munch on birdseed from visitor’s hands are a great photo op with the kids then head out to the viewing station at the 10 metre waterfall that cascades over the Niagara Escarpment and the mysterious mill ruins that surround it. And if hiking and mountain biking is not quite enough adventure for your older kids, join them on a visit to Rattlesnake Point or Mount Nemo for the added option of rock climbing!

Explore, swim and even camp at Bronte Creek Provincial Park

For folks looking for a family vacation, Bronte Creek is the perfect place to escape for an overnight adventure with their 144 electrical campsites. Don’t have a tent?  Bronte Creek also offers yurts but book early as these fill up quickly. Bring the kids for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing during the day and retire back to a campsite for a barbecue and a campfire. Cozy up in your sleeping bags, crack open a skillet of kettle corn and conjure up a good ghost story: this is a place the kids are sure to enjoy at any age! If that’s not enough to tucker out the kids, the park store also rents rollerblades, bicycles, tennis equipment and basketballs to ensure that your family never tires of options for fun!  The park also offers picnic areas for day use and access to the pool, playbarn and nature centre.  On the day use side of the park you can step back in time and explore the Spruce Lane Farmhouse, a turn of the century living history museum.

Get creative at Burlington Art Centre and take in history at the Museums of Burlington

If your children are less inclined towards the outdoors, or simply need a change of pace, try a visit to the Burlington Art Centre. The Art Centre is host to several breathtaking exhibits by local artists, and is home to seven guilds plus they own the largest collection of Contemporary Canadian Ceramics in the world, all of which is sure to inspire the minds of your children. The best part is that admission to the Burlington Art Centre is always free! Of course, once inspired, you may wish to enroll your young artists in one of the many classes offered by The Centre, where they can explore the reaches of their imaginations.   

Camp @ Ireland House

If you want to step back in time and learn some local history there is no better place than the Museums of Burlington.  Joseph Brant Museum is a replica of the original homestead of Joseph Brant ‘Thayendanegea’ and hosts exhibits in the Eileen Collard Gallery in addition to the collections on display throughout the museum.  Ireland House at Oakridge Farm was the home of Joseph Ireland, one of Burlington's earliest settlers. The homestead has been restored to illustrate three distinct time periods that represent the generations of Irelands who lived in the house: 1850s, 1890s and 1920s. Ninety percent of the furnishings are original to the Ireland family and give you a great perspective on how they lived. The property consists of 4 acres of woodland, gardens, potting shed, cottage/drive shed, and picnic areas. Tours of the property, living historical demonstrations, special events and educational programs are offered.

Become one with nature at the Royal Botanical Gardens

A horticultural dream, the Royal Botanical Gardens offers 24 000 acres of gardens, beautiful walking trails, more than 50 at-risk plant species and countless beautiful migratory birds. Bring your young explorers on a guided tour, or wander around at your own pace and observe the beauty of nature, accented by 20 original works of Earth Art created by renowned Canadian artists. If your kids just can’t get enough of what the RBG has to offer, might also wish to enroll them in one of the garden’s children’s gardening programs, day camps or teen leadership programs. Once they’re dropped off you might even have the time to sit down and unwind in one of the beautiful tea houses in the botanical gardens or head back solo to enjoy Tranquil Tuesdays or Red Hot Jazz & Cool Blues on Wednesdays in Hendrie Gardens.

Get your hands dirty at local farms

If your little ones have an affinity for animals, don’t miss a change to visit Spruce Lane Farm, located in Bronte Creek Provincial Park, here children can run, jump and climb for hours in a the play barn, and can even get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals including pigs, chickens, rabbits, and goats. If this is a hit, your kids will love a trip to Country Heritage Park, an interactive heritage park depicting the evolution of agriculture and rural life over the past 170 years.  Springridge Farm is always a hit with kids.  Spend the day playing in the family fun yard, trek up the escarpment to the lookout for a breathtaking view, enjoy a tractor ride around the farm and then stop at the café for lunch (and I dare you to try leaving without picking up something from the bakery). For those who wish to bring a bit of the farm back home, visit one of the many farms and markets located across Halton.  Many of the farms offer pick your own and on-farm markets so the kids can see where their food comes from and you support your local economy at the same time.

Learn a new dish at Paradiso Kid’s Cooking Classes

For culinary whiz-kids, or those who aspire to be such, bring your children to Paradiso the weeks of July 16-20 and August 13-17 for a fun introduction to the kitchen. Paradiso has put together a collection of 3 hour classes to introduce some basic techniques to children in the kitchen. Sign up for individual classes or for a full-week.

Festivals and Events

In addition to the exciting goings-on throughout the summer, Burlington also plays host to many festivals and events throughout the summer. From large scale events in Spencer Smith Park like the Canada Day Festival, Country & Blues BBQ and Children’s Festival to smaller community events, there is something for everyone.  Check out our blog on fun, fantastic (and mostly) free festivals in Burlington.

Cast a line at one of our many fishing spots

Summer is the perfect time to relax, and there is no better way than by grabbing your fishing pole and heading out to the serene waters of Burlington’s many fishing spots. For a tranquil outdoor adventure treat your kids to a visit to Grindstone Creek, Sixteen Valley, Carlisle Conservation Area, Kelso Conservation Area and more for the chance to relax on the shores, in shallow waters or in a non-motorized fishing boat to let your kids try their hands at catching trout, pike, perch and other delicious fish! Remember a valid Ontario Fishing License is required for those 18 years of age and over and Ontario Fishing regulations apply.   For more information on fishing in Burlington visit our website.

SumTourBurlGrls

It was the summer of '86

We have been doing some clean up at Tourism Burlington and came across some “blogs” from the summer staff of 1986.  Twenty-five years ago our office didn’t have the internet, social media and computers which means our summer travel counsellors used a typewriter or *gasp* hand-wrote their work summaries (which today we call blogs!)

Here are a few highlights from what we found, hope you enjoy these as much as we did.

“The summer of 1986 proved to be eventful for Pamela B., Lisa M., and Bill B., as they began their summer job on May 5 and continued through until September 5.  The three students’ duties began with a tour of local attractions of the Burlington area to familiarize them with the area and its facilities.  The travel counsellors then began their job promoting Burlington in their second week of employ.” 

Our fun and friendly counsellors



In 2011 we now employ seven travel counsellors and next Monday we will be sending them on a Familiarization trip to learn more about what to see and do in Burlington.  Watch for an upcoming blogs on their adventures.

"The travel counsellors also had an opportunity to present Burlington at a variety of functions such as the Christie Do Festival, The Sound of Music Festival, Joseph Brant Day, and CNE Heritage Day.  These events took the travel counsellors out of the office, and gave them a great opportunity to sell the city to a large audience.”

 

This year our travel counselors are out and about again at local events and festivals.  So far we have attended The BAC Fine Art and Craft Festival, Doors Open Burlington, The Sound of Music Festival, Canada Day Festival, The Great Waterfront Trail Adventure and the Country & Blues BBQ.  Look for them at the upcoming Joseph Brant Day Festival, Sandcastle and Children’s Day Festival and Ribfest! 



Look how charming they are!

 “The V&C also afforded the opportunity to work in an office atmosphere.  There was a constant need for office skills such as telephone manners, typing expertise as well as all round office charm…Lisa on the other hand, hand produced the newsletter for the month of September.”



Today’s travel counsellors are still full of all round office charm just drop in and see!  They also are adept at e-media, texting, tweeting, posting, blogging, navigating the internet, and keeping us all in the know about the latest and greatest in pop culture and beyond.  We still produce a newsletter quarterly for our visitors and you can receive it right to your inbox by signing up online.

At the compass

“The second major event of this period was the Sound of Music Festival.  We worked outdoors answering questions from passing tourists, handing out literature about Burlington, and serving orange juice to all the parade participants.  It was quite an enjoyable weekend.”



Our travel counsellors are still a major presence at summer events and festivals  working in the information tents providing visitors with information about Burlington and more.  You’d be surprised what people ask our staff and probably more surprised to learn they usually have the answers!



A timely group



“The month of July has proven to be a boom month for tourism.  We had 3,400 visitors through the Information Centre. ..August 15, Heritage Day at the C.N.E. allowed two of the travel counsellors the opportunity to work in co-operation with some Board of Directors of the Visitor and Convention Bureau.  Grant C., Bonnie C., Jim G., and Carole N., spent the day promoting the city under less than ideal weather conditions.”

We don’t have our July visitations yet but in 2010 we greeted over 3,700 visitors and we now staff both our year round location on Locust St. as well as providing information at Discovery Landing and at festivals and events.

“The three of us also met Jane R., who is the Project Officer for Employment and Immigration Canada.  She asked the three of us specific questions about ourselves, and what are our future endevours.  She was also asking us about our jobs here at the Visitor and Convention Bureau, just to make sure things were running smoothly.  We told her not to worry because everything is perfect and we are enjoying ourselves immensely.  Of course, we cannot forget about our happy travelers as they are still lost and we are still helping them get back on their road to happiness!”



Summer 2011



At the end of the summer we hope that Elyse, Kat, Natalie, Ellen, Becky, Michelle, and Amy also had a great time here at the Visitor’s Centre.  They will definitely have lots of similar experiences to our summer staff of ’86 but with a 2011 flair.  As I finish writing this blog and giggle again about the use of white out on the typewritten pages I have just transcribed I wonder what the staff of 2036 will think of us.

Festival Season kicks off!

Burlington is home to many festivals and events throughout the year but during the summer months, we have an exciting festival/event happening almost every weekend! Throughout the summer, you can find our friendly Summer Travel Counsellors present, ready and eager at these events to help you enjoy the most out of your experience while you discover all that beautiful Burlington has to offer! This past weekend, 3 events called Burlington home; the Fine Arts and Craft Festival, Doors Open and the Relay for Life. We had some of our counsellors at each one of these events.

Saturday and Sunday welcomed hundreds of artisans from throughout Halton Region, Ontario and Canada to the Burlington Art Centre for the Fine Art and Craft Festival. With over 100 artisans in attendance, visitors were able to explore the BAC’s expansive art gallery while shopping for wearable art, hand-crafted pottery, hand-carved sculptures and enjoy some food with free admission. Stephanie, our Administrative Assistant, was a fan of all the vendors selling wearable art and jewellery. She customized her own charm necklace at Maris Fine Jewellery’s booth with 2 sterling silver charms and 2 dyed fresh water pearls strung onto a sterling silver chain. She also picked up a pair of their sterling silver corkscrew earrings. She also purchased a glass blown hibiscus flower from La Glasserie with gold plated trimming for decoration. Sally, our Visitor Services Co-ordinator, purchased a one-of-a-kind, unique gift for a friend. Kul Werks Candle Art was selling wax and glass votive holders with wax that that doesn’t burn! Amy and Natalie, 2 of our Summer Travel Counsellors were delighted by the scents surrounded by our table provided by Victorian Essence Tea. They tasted many different variations of tea available for purchase and bought such flavours as Mint-Gunpowder, Gingered Lime which was reminiscent of old English Wine Gums and Turkish-Apple-Lemon. Our office at 414 Locust St., has smelt delightful ever since!

During the same weekend, Burlington celebrated the 2nd annual Doors Open, where landmarks buildings, heritage and cultural gems opened their doors for FREE! It was a chance to give residents and visitors alike the chance to explore the city’s rich history with over 18 sites opening their doors to the public and through guided walking tours provided by Heritage Burlington. Our offices in downtown Burlington was Doors Open Headquarters and the meeting point for these guided tours which were extremely popular. Some of the other popular spots this year included a Brant Inn/Historical Society Q & A, the Gingerbread House Gardens, St. Luke’s Church, the Halton Mosque, Union Burying Grounds, the Joseph Brant Museum and the Royal Canadian Legion Wartime Museum.

Another event was Burlington’s 10th Relay for Life! For those of you who are unaware of this fantastic event, here’s how it works. In the months leading up to the event, teams collect money to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. Relay for Life itself is a 12-hour event in which participants walk throughout the night to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who have passed away and help work towards finding a cure for cancer. It is an emotional, powerful and fun experience that brings together family, friends and complete strangers in the struggle against cancer.

This year’s Relay was the fifth one I have personally attended and it was definitely one of my favourites. Although my friends and I certainly are not campers, we managed to put up our tent (and in only forty-five minutes too!). We were well-prepared, having stocked up on snacks and caffeine products in order to ensure we’d be able to stay awake for the night. It was great to see so many people participating, including a number of old friends. As always, I was particularly moved by the Survivor’s Lap, during which cancer survivors start the event by walking the first lap of the track.  It was truly an inspirational and moving sight. Participants walk the track during Burlington’s 10th Relay for Life.  The track was lined by luminaries, lit in memory of those who have passed away following their battle with cancer.

This upcoming weekend is the popular Sound of Music Festival. Visitors and residents are able to enjoy 4 free fabulous days of music with acts this year including Bedouin Soundclash, Emerson Drive, Stereos, Tokyo Police Club, Jimmy Rankin, Devo, Men without Hats and The Nylons. New this year to the festival is a Saturday Beach Party on John St., and outdoor musical performances on the front steps of the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre. As always, visitors and residents are able to enjoy Downtown Streetfest and the Grande Festival Parade with Burlington’s own Teen Tour Band. With over 200,000 attendees, festival organizers offer free shuttle services to and from the festival, call our Visitor Information Centre, 1.877.499.9989 for times and locations.

Sound of Music Announces its Festival Line-up

Today various media, sponsors and partners were invited to the media launch for the Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival and despite the rain (again!) we were all in a summertime mood.  The launch took place at the DeGroote School – Ron Joyce Centre in their beautiful lobby and first floor auditorium. If the weather had cooperated we could have spilled outside to the patio, but I guess they are saving the sunshine for the festival!

We got a chance to mingle with various VIP’s including past President of the Festival and Tourism Ambassador Award winner Judi Scetta, newly reelected M.P. Mike Wallace, the Mayor and Councillors Meed-Ward, Sharman and Dennison before the formalities began.

The President of the Sound of Music Gerry Murphy welcomed everyone to the 32^nd year of the festival and thanked the hundreds of volunteers. After a few brief comments about how proud they are of the festival and the contribution it makes to the city from Mayor Goldring and Mike Wallace, the eagerly anticipated line-up was announced by Dave Miller the Festival Executive Director.

The Sound of Music is one of the top 100 festivals in Ontario and features a unique blend of new and emerging artists, Canadian icons and favourites from the past. Dave promised that this year’s lineup will rock the park; with over 90 Musical Acts, a Grande Festival Parade with more than 20 marching bands, Downtown Streetfest, Family Zone, Carnival and much more.

Thursday June 16

On the ArcelorMittal Dofasco stage, Bedouin Soundclash, should put on a high energy show (www.bedouinsoundclash.com), opening for Bedouin Soundclash, is Canadian Music Weeks “best band” Yukon Blonde (www.myspace.com/yukonblondeband). Check out the rock ‘n’ roll, Celtic and bluegrass sounds of The Stanfields, (www.thestanfields.ca) and the rock and roll tunes of The Respectables (http://www.myspace.com/therespectablesmusic), both featured on the OLG stage.

Friday June 17

Friday evening boasts headliner names such as Emerson Drive www.emersondrive.com), The Reason (www.thereasonmusic.com/) and Toronto’s own Crash Karma www.crashkarma.com).  Appearing on the Cogeco Stage a feast for your ears, Micheal Kaeshammer (www.kaeshammer.com).

Saturday June 18

Saturday afternoon, on the ArcelorMittal Dofasco stage check out Stereos (www.wearestereos.com) their thrilling live show will bring a pop-rock mentality and newly explored electro-club sound to the Festival, followed in the evening by Hollerado (www.hollerado.com) and Tokyo Police Club (tokyopoliceclub.com). Over on the OLG stage, is the country and psychedelic blend of The Sadies (www.thesadies.net). Be sure to stay for the evening and see Jimmy Rankin (http://jimmyrankin.com/) and later the Barra McNeils (www.barramacneils.com), a band widely regarded as one of the greatest

live concert acts in the Celtic world.

Throughout the weekend music steeped in African tradition, Mighty Popo (www.mightypopo.ca), Sultans of String (www.sultansofstring.com) and Juno award nominated Luke Doucet & the White Falcon (www.lukedoucet.com) will be performing on the Cogeco Stage, located on Brant Street at Civic Square where you get a different feel to the Festival, while enjoying a café style setup.

Family Zone has a fun filled weekend lined up with lots of fabulous children’s acts to keep the family busy all weekend long.  We will outline these acts closer to the event for you.

Sunday June 19

Celebrate Fathers Day at the festival and sing along with a band that spans generations, Devo (www.clubdevo.com), as well as Chic Gamine (www.chicgamine.com), Le Vent du Nord (www.leventdunord.com), The Salads (www.thesalads.com) and The Creepshow

(www.thecreepshow.org). Is it safe to dance? with Men Without Hats

www.danceifyouwant.com/ ).  We danced to Whip It a 1980 #1 hit by Devo at our wedding reception, boy do I feel old!

And just to tease us a little we were told to stay tuned for the release of “withheld” headlining artists, for more Festival excitement. 

Our Team Burlington partner Burlington Downtown together with our soon to be next door neighbours the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) are teaming up to put on Downtown Streetfest on Saturday and Sunday.  With various performances throughout the day and evening plus sidewalk sales, and outdoor patios spilling into the street you may not even make it down to the park!  Both Brian Dean from Downtown and Graham Frampton from BPAC were lucky winners of door prizes at the launch! 

Make sure you mark your calendar for "Four Fabulous Days of Free Music and Fun” along our beautiful picturesque waterfront park and throughout downtown Burlington. Through the generosity and support of sponsors and the dedication of over 600 volunteers, the Festival continues to be a free event for music lovers of all ages, welcoming close to 200,000 visitors annually.

Tourism Burlington is pleased to be working with the festival to attract visitors to our city and welcome them once they are here.  For more details visit the newly redesigned website soundofmusic.ca or call the Festival Hotline 905-333-6364.