Things to do as a Family in Simcoe County
Simcoe County is an area that is blessed with magnificent lakes, sprawling trails, and spectacular landscapes. It is also an area that is historically rich and culturally abundant. It is a wonderful place to raise a family. While the kids are growing up fast, the region offers plenty of opportunity to spend quality time together to make great memories and nurture their imaginations.
Here is just a snapshot of some of the family fun to be had in Simcoe County that we think you should not miss before the kids grow up:
Try to get there while they are still under 10:
Elmvale Jungle Zoo
Located on Highway 27 in Elmvale, The Elmvale Jungle Zoo is a delightful zoo experience. With shaded, stroller-friendly walking trails, the intimate setting allows for a more interactive animal experience than many larger zoos. Host to lions, tigers, lemurs, monkeys and more, there is opportunity to feed and pet some of the animals, experience a pony ride, or you may even be licked by a giraffe!
South Simcoe Railway
Bring your junior conductor out to Tottenham for a ride on the restored 1920s locomotive, which works its way through the picturesque Beeton Creek Valley. Special events at Easter, Halloween and Christmas bring visits from festive characters, as well as treats and games.
Centennial Park
http://www.barrie.ca/Living/ParksTrails/Pages/Beaches.aspx
Located in the heart of Barrie on Lakeshore Drive, Centennial Park is the focal point of Barrie’s waterfront. It features sandy beaches, seasonal festivals, accessible trails, public washrooms, and an impressive playground perfect for passing a summer day away.
Elephant Thoughts
Head to Collingwood to find the coolest toy store around. Elephant Thoughts is much more than meets the eye; this quirky toy shop is full of wonder. Live Lemurs, lizards and turtles greet you at the entrance of the store which opens up into a wonder emporium of creativity, art, science, and things to spark your child’s imagination. Much more than just a store, it is a teacher-led charity delivering education throughout schools across Ontario, among first nations and Inuit communities, as well as places across the globe including Tanzania, Nepal and India. Proceeds from the store go directly to their charitable work.
For families with tweens and teens:
Sunset Speedway
It doesn’t get much more exciting than Innisfil’s Sunset Speedway. This third mile oval track is host to NASCAR’s Whelen series. Located on Yonge Street, the Speedway offers first rate fun with exhilarating races and a great atmosphere.
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Head to Collingwood and then drive up the mountain to find Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Hike along trails with breathtaking views overlooking Collingwood and Georgian Bay. Traverse the 420 foot suspension bridge, zip line 2550 feet across the Niagara Escarpment, snowshoe or cross country ski through some of Ontario’s most beautiful forests or explore the caves within. There is a 10 year age minimum to participate in the zip line.
Bear Creek Sanctuary
Experience a personal tour at this exotic animal rescue centre located on the 10th line of Essa. Up-close encounters and one-on-one attention from sanctuary staff will have you meeting rescued tigers, lions, coyotes, bears, birds and more; a once in a lifetime experience for your animal-loving offspring. Minimum age for tours is 10 years old.
Drive Big Chute
http://www.where.ca/blog/road-trip-blog/driving-ontarios-big-chute-marine-railway/
What better way to spend quality time with your family than a road trip? You will not find a more picturesque drive than the one that takes you to Big Chute Marine Railway (Lock 44). Take Highway 400 North to exit 162, which will take you to White’s Falls Road. This journey will twist and turn through spectacular landscapes, and past stunning lakes and landmarks that will require pause. You will land at Big Chute Marine Railway, a cool spectacle which carries boats up a 60 foot incline moving them from Georgian Bay to the Trent Severn waterway. Camp or fish at the nearby Six Mile Lake Provincial Park or just make it a day trip and enjoy a great picnic at the Chute.
Perfect for all ages:
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach holds the bragging rights as the longest freshwater beach in the world. It is a spectacle worth experiencing. With 14 km of sandy beaches, you can choose how quiet or active your beach experience will be. The area is a tourist haven and is full of fun family activities, festivals, and food, but good old fashioned sandcastles and body surfing remain the best part of every kid’s Wasaga Beach memory.
Wye Marsh
Sometimes, a family just needs pure nature immersion. The Wye Marsh National Wildlife area on Highway 12 in Midland is some of the province’s best preserved wetlands. Peaceful trails, trumpeter swan sightings, guided canoe trips, and eco tours through the marsh will help the whole family unplug. There are also plenty of learning opportunities through demonstrations and workshops at the wildlife centre.
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/sm/index.htm
Experience what it was like for pioneers living in the 1600s. This recreated Jesuit and French settlement will take you and your family back to life in New France, right where it happened, in the homeland of the Huron Wendat nation.
