Living near Lake Ontario without sailing is like working at an ice cream parlour without ever grabbing a spoon. Sailing is a big part of our lakeside heritage, but if you’ve ever watched boats go by and thought sailing was only for the lucky few, think again. You don’t even need to own a boat to call yourself a sailor!

“I used to watch sailboats and think it was something just for rich people,” says Roman Sivers, Rear Commodore Training at Bronte Harbour Yacht Club (BHYC). That changed once he and his wife signed up for lessons at the BHYC, and later enrolled their kids in summer sailing camp.

Sivers, who is currently looking to buy his own boat, says sailing is more enjoyable, and affordable, than he ever thought. “You can get a sailboat for $15,000 – compare that to cottage ownership. People drive four hours to the cottage on Fridays. For me, it’s eight minutes door to door. You’ve got this tiny floating cottage and can go to Hamilton, Toronto Island, have a barbecue on the water, watch the sunset. Every weekend is like a tiny vacation,” he says.

If buying a boat isn’t in the cards, there are still plenty of ways to learn and to sail. BHYC offers lessons, and the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club runs a unique Mentored Sailing Program that gives would-be sailors of any experience level the opportunity to learn on the water. “They sail for about three to four hours weekly under the advice and direction of a more seasoned sailor, one of our mentors,” says Shaun Vince, 2025 Mentored Sailing Program Coordinator.

During the 16-week program, participants learn to dock and undock, manoeuvre, prep the boat for sailing and secure it afterward. They also learn about anchoring, safety, and basic boat maintenance. To join, participants need to have their Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC), a government required license for anyone operating a motorized boat (even if they’re not using the motor). It’s a one- time online course, and the license lasts a lifetime.

Your time on the boat doesn’t have to stop after lessons. Boat owners need crew members for races, and many are happy to welcome beginners. BHYC and other clubs host regular races, usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some weekends. “Signing up for these can be a great way to get on the water, meet folks, and learn quite a bit about sailing,” says Vince.

TALL SHIP SAILING

Looking for a totally different kind of sailing experience? Try tall ship sailing with Brigs, a program that takes participants back in time aboard a traditional wooden ship. It’s an open-air history lesson that lets you step – or float – back in time.

Brigs offers epic one to two week voyages for teens (ages 13- 18) and shorter four-day voyages for adults, where participants live on board while learning to sail. “These boats cannot be sailed solo or by two people. They have to be sailed by an entire team, who you live with on board,” says Christine Chesterman, Captain of TS Playfair.

Tall ship voyages appeal to those with a sense of adventure, who want to experience sailing the way it was done in the 1800s. Sailors climb into the rigging, set sails, steer the ship, and learn anchoring and navigation – all while sailing through the scenic waters of Georgian Bay. “You’ve got that romance and majesty of being 60 feet in the air with the sails,” Chesterman says.

Beyond learning to sail, Brigs tall ship voyages help build confidence, independence, and collaboration skills as sailors live, work, cook and clean together on board for the duration of the voyage. The ship takes up to 15 new trainees per voyage as well as 10 volunteer members. No experience required. All you need is curiosity and a love of adventure.

Local Links:

BRIGS
brigs.ca

BRONTE HARBOUR
YACHT CLUB
bhyc.on.ca

OAKVILLE YACHT
SQUADRON
oysqn.com

ROYAL HAMILTON
YACHT CLUB
rhyc.ca

By Lisa Evans

Two adults who hardly know each other are performing a murder scene at a comedy improv workshop. The man hits the woman on the head with a hammer, and she falls dramatically – so dramatically that she hurls her body through the air and lands hard, whacking her head on the leg of a table.

That woman was me. I got so into my role that I almost gave myself a concussion. While the instructor rushed off to get me some ice, my “murderer” sheepishly apologized, staring incredulously at the invisible (ie. non-existent) hammer in his hand.

As I write this, Southern Ontario is in a polar vortex and world politics are nothing to laugh about. Fortunately, there’s a cure for the blues right here in your neighbourhood.

Try some crazy fun

Studios and theatres in the Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth regions offer improv workshops for both kids and adults. Participants play games, do interactive exercises and sometimes act out scenes. The aim is to watch for the other person’s cues and respond in the moment. It’s trickier than it sounds, but the results are often hilarious.

Amy McKenzie, one of the founders of Oakville Improv Theatre Company, got into improv because it satisfied her need to perform but didn’t require “the aggressive and sometimes brutal competition” of auditions. “On the whole, the people I found who were attracted to improv were people who enjoyed collaborating, playing (like children do — without fear), and laughing,” she says. “It blew my mind.”

People from all walks of life learn improv, for myriad reasons. Those pursuing a career on stage gain valuable performance skills. For others it helps with social skills, builds courage, and brightens our mood. Improv teaches us to relax, and to be affable and fearless in front of others.

Good for what ails you

According to McKenzie, some folks sign up for improv classes because their HR people said they needed to get better at interacting with peers. And given that laughter is the best medicine, she adds, “I’ve literally had two people tell me improv was their prescription [from their doctor] to get them out of their heads, either for anxiety or depression.”

Christina Payne, founder of Improv Your Life, says many of her adult students (ages 18 to 78) have taken classes “to better themselves as a whole, to wiggle out of their comfort zones, meet new like-minded creative or funny friends, and try something that was outside the box to their usual.”

Almost anyone can do improv, as long as they’re willing to try something new. Participants should be open-minded. Some are surprised to discover that improv isn’t so much “thinking fast” as it is about slowing down and really listening to what’s going on around you. A reasonable degree of fitness also helps, since improvisers often use mime to create objects and environments and build a scene for the audience.

The Magic of Improv

“One of my favourite anecdotes is about a class we did with a group of parents and youths with autism. We were playing a game where everyone jumps in with an element to a frozen picture (or tableau) and all the students couldn’t wait to add their piece of the puzzle — except one young man who studiously stayed back and hadn’t participated for the entire class. His mother was trying to get him to leave her side, but he wouldn’t budge and seemed non-verbal.

At the last part of the game, we were building an airport. Some had jumped in as tourists, some as luggage, some as flight crew walking by. I had coached them to loudly proclaim what they were becoming, starting with the words ‘I am …’

I was just about to end the exercise because everyone had joined, when the young man boldly walked up to the stage area, lay down on the floor in a fetal position and yelled, “I am a refugee!”

Of course, all of the parents and I just gasped. It was so beautiful and a poignant addition to the picture. We thought he wasn’t paying attention, but he was deeply engaged.”

– AMY MCKENZIE,
Oakville Improv Theatre Company

A craft to master

Improv is, above all, an art form. Participants from Improv Your Life and Oakville Improv have gone on to perform at Second City, Saturday Night Live, Who’s Line is it Anyway, or to form their own improv troupes, write or perform in scripted or televised work.

As for the rest of us (who get hit by invisible hammers socially, not professionally), dabbling in the art of improv can be life-changing. It boosts confidence, teaches us to interact and collaborate with others, and feels wonderful. Best of all, it gets us in touch with our silliest and most genuine selves.

As Payne has found both as a performer andas a teacher, improv allows participants to be themselves. It’s something they can do “just for them,” she says, “not as a mother/wife/hubby/boss. Just something for them, without judgement.”

LOCAL LINKS

IMPROV YOUR LIFE
Find them on Facebook or e-mail
christina@improvyourlife.ca

OAKVILLE IMPROV THEATRE
COMPANY
2302 Bridge Road, Oakville
oakvilleimprov.com

THE STAIRCASE
27 Dundurn Street North, Hamilton
staircasehamilton.com

By Michelle Morra

Art is more than just a creative outlet. It’s a way to relax, express yourself, and connect with others. Whether you’re looking to nurture your child’s creativity or pick up your own new hobby, art classes have something for everyone.

From painting to drawing, pottery and beyond, local studios offer a range of programs for both experienced and novice artists. For anyone wanting to start the year off with a worthwhile pursuit, art is the whole package – self-improvement (through new skills), self-expression, self-discovery and self-pampering. It can also be an absolute blast!

THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON ART

Why should you add art classes to your child’s schedule, or your own? For kids, art is more than just doodles and finger paint. Among its many developmental benefits, art builds fine motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination. It also provides an outlet for self-expression, emotions, and fostering important life skills.

“Art is a great way to help kids focus and learn patience,” says Zoe Medel, studio manager at 4Cats Art Studio in Burlington. “With drawing and painting, you really have to have the patience and focus when doing different techniques.”

Keir Overton, Director of Marketing, Events & Digital Strategy at the Dundas Valley School of Art, agrees,adding that art helps foster important developmental skills. “Mixing paint colours is a process of exploration and experimentation, while constructing a sculpture to stand tall and be supported involves critical thinking and problem solving.”

In a fast-paced world, art also gives kids valuable time to develop a sense of self. “Art can create a space for kids to slow down and focus on their own making in a way that is self-directed and deeply fulfilling,” says Stephanie Vegh, Head of Learning at the Art Gallery of Burlington.

But the rewards aren’t just for kids! Adults, too, reap incredible benefits from artistic pursuits.

“For some, the art-making process is a journey of self-discovery and expression,” Overton explains. “For others, it’s about mastering a skill or pursuing excellence. Art can also offer healing and an avenue for processing life’s challenges.” The Dundas Valley School of Art offers diploma programs but also has introductory programs in every art medium, from painting and drawing to glass art, ceramics and even photography.

Carving out time in your week for an art class provides an opportunity to rest the active side of your brain – the one that’s always making grocery lists, paying bills and checking off your to-do list – and re-awaken the often-neglected right side. Art classes can even enrich your social life. “An art class can be a wonderful environment for meeting new people and encountering new ideas while also making time for your own personal creative growth,” says Vegh.

READY FOR ART CLASS?

Halton Region is home to many art studios with a variety of offerings. There really is something for everyone, whether you’re six or 60. If you’re looking to get creative as a family, the Art Gallery of Burlington offers a free Family Open Studio on Sundays and a free space for exploring various art forms. This winter, the Family Open Studios will also feature different materials every two weeks such as fabric scraps, cardboard tubes, scrap paper and boxes. Family Open Studio happens on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.

4Cats Art Studio offers multi-week programs covering a variety of programs for children, teens and adults as well as PA day workshops and family programs that encourage parent and child bonding through visual arts.

From pottery to drawing and sculpting, there’s always something new to discover. Check out a local studio to find an artform that speaks to you.

LOCAL LINKS

4CATS ARTS STUDIO
Burlington & Oakville locations
4cats.com

ART FOR LIFE 4 KIDS
2025 William O’Connell Blvd # 14,
Burlington
artforlife4kids.ca

ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON
1333 Lakeshore Road
agb.life

CREATIVE INSIGHT POTTERY
23 Main St S, Waterdown
creativeinsightpottery.com

DUNDAS VALLEY SCHOOL OF ART
21 Ogilvie Street, Dundas
dvsa.ca

OAKVILLE ART SOCIETY
560 Bronte Road, Oakville
oakvilleartsociety.com

BEYOND POTTERY
3228 South Service Road #116,
Burlington
beyondpottery.ca

POTTERY N PAINT CAFE
3513 Wyecroft Road # H1,
Oakville
potterynpaintcafe.com

BY LISA EVANS

Singing is not one of my super powers. So, when a friend invited me to an evening of karaoke at a local bar a few years ago, I was tempted to say “maybe next time!” But I summoned up my courage and discovered that singing karaoke wasn’t so scary after all. I sang that night (after a few glasses of wine!) and was hooked. A highlight was when a group of young women danced with abandon, chanting my name, to my rendition of Blondie’s “One Way or Another.” I was a star, at least for a moment in time! 

Since then, I’ve sung karaoke at the Royal Canadian Legion, in a private karaoke room in New York City, and at various bars in our area. And while I won’t be winning any Canada’s Got Talent awards, I’ve found the perfect girls’ night out and date night option. 

Singing karaoke prodded me out of my comfort zone, increased my confidence, and served as a reminder that I don’t have to be perfect. Life is short (and increasingly tough) and being playful should be embraced, especially during the cold and often depressing winter months.

There are many ways to karaoke locally, including a night at the Legion, karaoke nights at bars and restaurants hosted by dynamic DJs, renting a private room for your group, and singing with a live band. All are waiting to be explored. 

Jane Watson, who hosts the popular Thursday Karaoke in the Lounge at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60 in Burlington, shares the following tips for fi rst timers and for those who want to feel more comfortable on a karaoke stage: 

• Come in with a smile and an open mind, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Say hi to the host or someone sitting at the next table. 

• Choose a song that you relate to, not a song you think you should sing. 

• Have fun! 

Watson learned from a mentor, 28 years ago, that it takes three times to nail a song. “The first time, you will be nervous and not used to the lyrics scrolling in front of you while singing,” she says. “Don’t fret over missing words. The second time, you will be more relaxed on stage and with reading the lyrics and each time you sing you will feel more confident. You will sing the song much better as you are now finding your groove. The third time is a charm for the same song, or a different song, as you are feeling more comfortable on the stage and probably making eye contact with your friends or the audience.” 

The stage is set

Connecting with an audience and feeling the love from the room are tangible results of singing your heart out at karaoke. As Breanna Cordeiro, General Manager of AB Sports Bar explains, community is front and centre during AB’s busy Friday karaoke nights. People from ages 18 to 80 participate in the interactive fun

“We have a nice community field and all are welcome,” Cordeiro says. “It’s fun to experience, and our DJ Chris is very good at welcoming and making people feel comfortable.” She adds that AB has karaoke regulars, as well as people who aren’t comfortable singing right away – many of whom show up with a group, watch others sing, and join in later.

“Singing really helps people to get out of their shell, and people get a thrill from being on stage,” Cordeiro says. “After doing it they feel like they want to come back and do it again.”

If you aren’t ready to step on a stage in front of others, or want to more intimate singing experience, renting a private karaoke room is a great option and luckily, you don’t have to go to NYC (like I did) Game Time Social in Burlington has a private karaoke room that holds up to 10 people.

People using the karaoke room can even order drinks and food in there. 

“We want people to feel comfortable,” says Jessica Santacruz, Local Store Marketer for Game Time, “and we have sound proofing in the room, which helps people let loose and lets guests dining in enjoy the other music that plays throughout our venue.” 

With so many options for karaoke in our area, what are you waiting for? Get a few friends together and enjoy a night out that will blast away your winter blues! 

 Where To Get Your Karaoke On!

AB Sports Bar
2000 APPLEBY LINE, BURLINGTON
Karaoke Night, Fridays, hosted by Chris Hazzard 9 pm. – 1:00 am.
ABSPORTSBAR.COM 

Black Swan Kitchen Pub
4040 PALLADIUM WAY, BURLINGTON
3420 REBECCA STREET, OAKVILLE
Saturday Karaoke Night Party, 9 pm.
BLKSWAN.CA 

Carrigan Arms
2025 UPPER MIDDLE ROAD, BURLINGTON
Karaoke on Fridays, hosted by Randy Moisan 8:30 pm.
CARRIGANARMS.CA 

Dickens Pub
423 ELIZABETH STREET, BURLINGTON
Karaoke Night with DJ Robin Hamilton, every Thursday, 10 pm.
THEDICKENS.CA 

Game Time Social
3330 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, BURLINGTON
Reserve at 905-634-4756,
$40 per hour Thursdays after 8 pm you can reserve a free session of karaoke.
GAMETIMESOCIAL.CA 

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60
828 LEGION ROAD, BURLINGTON
Thursday Karaoke in the Lounge, with Jane Watson, 6:30 pm. – 10:30 pm.
BURLINGTONLEGION.COM/HOME

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 551
79 HAMILTON, ST. N, WATERDOWN
Karaoke, October 25 and November 29/24
WATERDOWNLEGION.CA 

Temple Bar British Pub
1140 WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD #1, OAKVILLE
Friday Night Karaoke Night with DJ Sugar Shane
The-Temple-Bar-British-Pub-Oakville-

By Cyndi Ingle

From one-of-a-kind mugs to elegant vases, pottery is more than just beautiful décor — it’s a hands-on way to unleash creativity, relieve stress, and get your hands dirty! Whether you’re throwing clay on a wheel or moulding it by hand, the tactile experience of working with clay has something to offer everyone. 

For kids, the process of turning a lump of clay into a fi nished piece offers a fun, screen-free way to explore self-expression. “Many young people don’t get the opportunity to work with their hands; everything’s electronic. Coming away from that input to actually working with your hands is something a bit different,” says Yvette Garcia, co-founder of Beyond Pottery in Burlington. 

Adults, too, can benefit from pottery’s stress-relieving effects. “Clay is very grounding,” says Garcia. The calming rhythm of moulding clay offers a therapeutic break from the demands of everyday life. “[It allows you to] be present, setting aside distractions and delighting in the process,” says Katia Lemos, Founder of Creative Insight Pottery in Waterdown. Pottery also encourages patience, as the process takes time and care, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and enjoying the creative journey.

“The best thing about clay is that it’s forgiving,” says Michelle Routledge, Owner of Crack Pot Studio in Oakville. “Working with a medium that can be manipulated into so many different forms means that you can quite literally take the stress of the day and create something beautiful from all of your emotions.” 

You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy pottery. Local studios in Halton region offer workshops, birthday parties and multi-week programs for all skill levels. 

Beginner programs often cover the fundamental tools and techniques of working with clay such as handbuilding, sculpting and wheel throwing. “Clay has a very high skill ceiling but is very beginner friendly,” says Routledge. It’s also a craft you can continue to grow with. “There’s always something new to learn,” says Garcia. Many studios offer multi-week programs at various skill levels, allowing students to continue to explore new techniques in the art form. 

Many local studios also offer camps and short workshops where you can spend a few hours creating your piece, then return to the studio a few weeks later to pick up your finished product once it has been fi red and dried by studio staff. 

HERE ARE A FEW FUN WAYS TO ENJOY POTTERY: 

Family Bonding 

Pottery is a fun way for families to get creative together. Take a Saturday morning family class at Creative Insight Pottery, or dive into their 10-week parent and child program where you’ll make individual and group projects. “It’s a great way to connect,” says Lemos.

Want to hand-make your family Christmas gifts? Crack Pot Studio offers drop-in ceramic painting, perfect for all skill levels — no experience needed. Choose a bisque piece from their shelf, paint it, and the staff will glaze and fi re it for you. In seven to 10 days, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation to keep or gift! 

Date Night

If the word “pottery” conjures up visions of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore from the movie Ghost, you’re onto something — because pottery makes for a fantastic date night! Beyond Pottery offers a couples’ night where you can each make your own masterpiece, or craft something together. These date nights are perfect for beginners looking to have fun and get creative. No experience required! 

Social Outing

Bored of dinner and a movie? Pottery is the perfect way to mix things up and get your hands dirty. Creative Insight Pottery offers a wine and pottery class in the evening where students can bring in their own wine, create a hand-built piece and try their hand at the wheel to make a small bowl.

“The time on the table with some wine makes it more social, perfect for dates and friends to come together,” says Lemos. Whether you’re looking to have fun, bond with a partner, or become an expert sculptor, working with clay can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. 

Local Links

CREATIVE INSIGHT POTTERY
23 Main Street South, Waterdown
creativeinsightpottery.com 

BEYOND POTTERY
3228 South Service Road, Burlington
beyondpottery.ca 

POTTERY N PAINT CAFE
3513 Wyecroft Road Unit H1, Oakville
potterynpaintcafe.com 

CRACK POT STUDIO
301 Robinson Street, Oakville
crackpotstudio.com 

THE POTTERY SUPPLY HOUSE
1120 Speers Road, Oakville
psh.ca 

ARTVENTURES
103 Jones Street, Oakville
artventuresstudios.com 

4CATS ART STUDIO
710 Cumberland Avenue, Burlington
4cats.com 

By Lisa Evans

The spirit of an unidentified, long-deceased woman haunts the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Locally known as “Alice,” she makes her presence known by tampering with the lights and equipment and sometimes appearing to guests in the ladies’ washroom.

Fans of the supernatural can learn about Alice and other apparitions on ghost walks hosted by the Oakville Historical Society. Another spooky landmark is the Oakville Museum (former residence of the Chisholm family), which boasts at least nine ghosts. One is Rebecca Chisholm, wife of Oakville’s founder, George Chisholm. Rebecca died of a stroke at the age of 65 and has been seen strolling in the gardens of the estate ever since.

A ghost walk is a guided tour and a local history lesson that just happens to feature an area’s most haunted locations. Ghost guides are men and women hired for their great storytelling ability, flair for speaking, and love of local history. Tours typically happen at night, for optimal activity and goose bumps.

Beyond the grave

“Ghost walks highlight local folklore, making them a fun and entertaining way for residents and visitors to spend an evening and learn about the community’s past, often leading to a deeper connection to the area,” says Marie Descent, Oakville Historical Society, Secretary of the Board of Directors.

For people who are intrigued by the paranormal, Oakville is – both figuratively and literally – the perfect haunt. Founded in 1827, it was a major shipping port in the 19th century and in 1834 was made a port of entry for foreign visitors and immigrants. Oakville was also a major gateway to Canada for African Americans fleeing slavery using the Underground Railroad.

“Add to this Oakville’s many historical buildings and houses, and the colourful residents that have walked the streets of Oakville,” Descent says, “and you have the setting for great ghost stories.”

Who knew that the charming harbour town had skeletons in so many closets?

The unrest is history

Daniel Cumerlato of Dundas Ghost Walks has been running ghost tours in the Hamilton area
since 2003. “I started out as a paranormal investigator back in the day,” he says. “Eventually I realized ghost stories were a real passion, and it spanned out from there.

Cumerlato has been collecting history and ghost stories for well over 20 years. Tours are based on personal experiences, mixed in with famous ghost stories of different supposed haunts. He combines deep research with organized storytelling to showcase each stop on the tour in the most compelling way possible.

Dundas, like Oakville, is a notorious ghost magnet. Incorporated in 1847, it has a rich history as a manufacturing and transportation hub. Early Ontario settlers travelling East or West passed through Dundas, where wealthy merchants and farmers spent scads of money at hotels, saloons and taverns along King Street. Their spirits lurk to this day.

The former Dundas District School, now an attractive condo, is a favourite stop for ghost walkers. A man named Russell, who was a caretaker there in the 1950s, allegedly made a death pact with the other 4 caretakers. They vowed that whoever died first must return and haunt the school. Russell died first.

“Now he’s the legendary ghost at the old building, experienced by so many over the previous 50 years when it served as a school,” Cumerlato says. This season, he adds, former students on ghost walks have shared their own ghostly experiences and Russell sightings.

Ghost walks are about both history and spooky stories. Guides do their best to connect the ghost to real history. When that’s not possible, they tell some robust legends.

“People enjoy the ghost tours as a unique way to learn about a town or city through its ghosts,” Cumerlato says. “And thinking, just maybe, that person still remains in an ‘energetic form’ is a bonus.”

By Michelle Morra

Summer is the time for awesome family adventures! The Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth regions have got you covered with endless fun, whether you’re soaring through the trees at Treetop Trekking or unleashing your competitive spirit over a game of Jenga at Nostalgia Games Cafe. Get ready for a summer of epic memories and non-stop laughter with kids in tow! 

Wild Waterworks | Hamilton

Pack your swimsuits, sunscreen and smiles and beat the summer heat at Wild Waterworks in Hamilton. From thrilling water slides for adrenaline junkies to a relaxing lazy river, and Canada’s largest wave pool, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Little Squirt Works is a cool-down paradise for toddlers and younger kids with a large splash pad with playful features like slides, sprays and fountains. 

    Ages 3-10 $20.80 | General Age 11-64 $32.30 | wild-waterworks.com

New Waterpark at Kelso | Milton  

Beat the heat at Milton’s new Kelso Cove Waterpark, which opened on Canada Day weekend. The park is a 50’ x 170’ floating island with 26 fun features and obstacles to climb, bounce, jump, and slide on. Activities are fully supervised by certified lifeguards. Swimmers ages 5 and older who meet the minimum height requirement of 48’’ can play on the waterpark after completing a 40 ft swim test, wearing a Kelso Cove lifejacket, and listening to the safety briefing. 

In addition to the new water park, Kelso Conservation Area is a place to rent a boat, swim, hike, mountain bike, play disc golf, have a picnic, take on challenge courses, and more.

11:00 am to 7:00 pm (pre-book a time slot online)
Water park pricing: Child 5-8 $20 + gate fee  |  General $25 + gate fee (no gate fee for Conservation Halton members)

Aerosports Trampoline Park | Oakville 

Kids bouncing off the walls? With over 130 trampolines sprawled across this massive 27,000 sq ft facility, there’s no shortage of opportunities to unleash energy at Aerosports.

When they’re done jumping, kids can test their strength and agility on the rock climbing wall, conquer the ninja course, zoom down the huge slide or duck and dive in a game of dodgeball. 

Before bouncing into action, you’ll need to grab a specialty pair of Aerosports socks, for purchase at the counter. 

Pricing varies  | aerosportsparks.ca/oakville 

Springridge Farm | Milton

Springridge is a working farm with an adventure playground providing endless fun for younger kids. Play in the giant sandbox, visit the farm animals, climb on antique tractors, or join in a song with the singing tractor and chickens. Take a family wagon ride around the farm and enjoy a delicious lunch at the barn. Parents will love relaxing on the big red Adirondack chairs while the kids enjoy their play.

Cost: Age 2+ $10 Weekdays / $14 Weekends  | springridgefarm.com

Nostalgia Games Cafe |  Burlington

Take family game night out on the town and visit Burlington’s newest game cafe. Nostalgia houses a collection of over 150 games that guarantees hours of laughter and friendly competition. Discover new favourites and re-live your childhood classics while enjoying a delicious variety of treats as well as coffee and bubble tea. 

Cost: $5 per person. Kids under 5 play for free.  | nostalgiagamescafe.com

Bronte Creek Provincial Park | Oakville 

Bronte Creek offers fun for all ages. Younger kids can enjoy two playgrounds and a play barn that’s perfect for burning off steam. With five scenic hiking trails, including the Enchanted Fairy Trail (located behind the play barn), it’s a perfect location for adventure seeking with young children in tow. Pack a picnic lunch and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.  

Vehicle entrance fees vary | ontarioparks.ca

Activate |  Burlington

This indoor active gaming facility is all about high-energy entertainment. Move between 11 interactive light-up game rooms that challenge your physical and mental agility as you jump, climb and dodge your way through arcade-style games. An electronic wristband keeps track of your gaming activities and achievements, adding an extra level of fun and competitiveness. While the games are designed with adults in mind, kids aged 10 and up can join in on the action and fun with a paying adult.

Activate recommends having 3 to 5 people per game, so bring your friends along for the fun. Each session lasts 75 minutes, which you can book using their online system.

Cost: $28.49 plus tax per person | playactivate.com/burlington

Treetop Trekking | Binbrook 

Embark on an exhilarating outdoor adventure filled with excitement, laughter and Tarzan calls. Located just outside Hamilton, Treetop Trekking offers a unique opportunity to soar through the treetops through obstacle courses, rope swings and ziplines.

For younger adventurers (age 5 and over), the discovery course features a variety of wooden bridges, tightropes and mini ziplines hovering 3 to 5 feet above the forest floor. 

Younger children will love Treewalk Village where miniature wooden treehouses, slides and rope courses await exploration.  

Pricing varies.  |  treetoptrekking.com

Connecting with nature, unplugging, and roasting s’mores sounds blissful. But let’s be real, roughing it in the great outdoors can be intimidating. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie outdoors person, a little preparation can elevate your camping trip from basic survival to a relaxing retreat.

PICK THE PERFECT SPOT

The perfect campsite is key to a great trip, especially with kids and pets in tow. Look for amenities such as safe swimming areas and easy to access hiking trails, and consider proximity to bathrooms and a camp store for essentials.

Opt for shaded campsites, especially for pets. If backpacking, choose a flat location that is clear of rocks to set up your tent and consider proximity to water sources and trees for shelter from the wind.

FIND THE RIGHT TENT

When buying a tent, “size, weight, and durability are the most important factors,” says Marina Orde, General Manager at Adventure Attic in Dundas. Lightweight tents are ideal for backpackers, while durability is a main concern for car campers and families.

Melo Ding, Owner of Ox-Gen Outdoors in Oakville, says tent size is rated by the number of people that can sleep in a tent, but warns these ratings can be tight. Allow extra space for gear.

MAKE YOUR BED

Pack a sleeping bag, a pillow, and an air mattress or sleeping pad for a cozy night’s rest. Sleeping bags trap your body heat inside to keep you warm while an air mattress or sleeping pad adds a layer of cushioning and insulation from the ground.

Sleeping pads roll up to fit inside your backpack, while air mattresses require an air pump for inflation but feel more like a regular bed. “You can also consider a camping cot if you don’t want to sleep on the ground directly,” suggests Ding.

PACK KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Roughing it somehow turns eggs and a humble cup of coffee into a zen ritual. For kitchen convenience don’t forget the portable gas stove, cookware, mugs, collapsible sink, and biodegradable camp soap. “Camp soap is usually very concentrated, so a little goes a long way,” says Orde.

PREP MEALS IN ADVANCE

Pre-made food, frozen in a leakproof container, is handy and also functions as ice in the cooler. Orde’s go-to camping meal is chili. “Chili can be prepared as a vegetarian or vegan option, and can offer great nutritional content: protein, vegetables, carbs and fibre,” she says, adding that chili can double as pasta sauce.

KEEP FOOD COLD AND SAFE

To keep food fresh, Order recommends YETI Tundra coolers. “These will keep ice frozen for days, and keep your food properly chilled for days, too,” says Orde. For optimal coolness, pre-chill your cooler and then place an ice block at the bottom, packing food in layers.

“Place items that need to stay coldest, such as raw meat and dairy, closest to the ice,” says Ding. Fill in empty spaces with ice. “A tightly packed cooler retains cold air more effectively and slows down the melting of ice,” says Ding.

Keep your cooler in a shaded area, replenishing ice as needed. Pack beverages in a separate cooler to avoid letting the heat in every time you grab a drink. Freeze dried foods and nonperishables are best for backcountry camping since keeping food cold isn’t an option.

STAY ORGANIZED

Labeled plastic storage bins help keep everything neat and protected. Ding recommends hanging gear on hooks to keep it off the ground and easy to find. Backcountry campers have the added challenge of packing only essentials to keep their load manageable.

Keep frequently used items accessible in exterior pockets to avoid digging through your pack, and use waterproof bags for clothing, electronics, and other items that need to stay dry.

Implementing these tips will help to make your outdoor getaway comfy and fun!

By Lisa Evans

Country day trips nourish the soul. Natural landscapes lift anyone’s spirits, and the therapeutic benefits of petting a bunny or frolicking in a meadow are hardly surprising. For city slickers craving a rustic getaway or a taste of nature’s bounty, the following two rural destinations are unique, local, and not to be missed.

TRIPLE C FARM, ANCASTER

Triple C started as a small hobby farm and horse boarding facility. Tricia Simons set up the farm to make her eldest son Geoffrey’s farming dreams come true. They started by rescuing four goats, a sheep, and two horses. The farm eventually opened its doors to the public for goat yoga.

If you’ve never heard of this, instead of the usual ultra-serious kind of zen experience, this yoga involves adorable goats checking you out, jumping on you, or chewing on your hair – making it impossible to have a bad day.

As word spread about these animal rescuers, their hobby farm evolved into a fully functional animal sanctuary. “Admittedly it is a bit addictive outbidding a meat buyer, walking out with an animal that was bound to be killed, and bringing it home and seeing it blossom and love and just be happy,” says owner Tricia Simons.

By appointment only, visitors can enjoy the property at their leisure. The interactive petting farm has more than 160 animals (goats, sheep, alpacas, mini horses, pigs). Visitors can take an alpaca, donkey, mini horse or goat for a walk; snuggle with goats, bunnies or mini pigs; groom a horse or donkey; partake in goat yoga; or even bring their favourite DVD and watch a movie with their new furry friends. Beyond the petting area there are horse and donkey paddocks, and freeroaming chickens and ducks.

The farm is a source of income for Simons and her family but, more importantly, it gives brothers Geoffrey, Michael and Richard, all of whom have autism, a wonderful life. “The farm’s most unique feature is that over 80% of the work is done by individuals with special needs,”

Simons says. “It gives them a sense of purpose and a ‘job’, and a place where they can be themselves — not to mention reducing the amount of screen time in their lives.”

WEST AVENUE CIDER HOUSE, FREELTON

The 75-acre property owned by Amy Robson and Chris Haworth is a popular destination for its breathtaking scenery and award-winning artisanal cider. The idea for West Avenue Cider House started to form when the couple lived in England. “There were so many amazing unique ciders and cider houses, but when we came back to Canada in 2005 there was nothing like that here,” Robson says. It took Amy and Chris – then a TV producer and a chef, respectively – a few years to get a business plan together and develop recipes.

What started as just a taproom has evolved into a thriving family-friendly agro-tourism experience. On a sunny day it’s abuzz with first dates, friends and families. “In England it was perfectly acceptable for you to bring your children to the pub,” Robson says. “We wanted a place where kids can roam and dogs can hang out.”

The property includes two kilometres of hiking trails where visitors can see the honey bees and apple trees, a lookout, a pond with a beaver dam, and even the resident chickens and roosters. The Cider House itself is cozy and rustic but, in nice weather, patrons prefer to sit outside in the beautiful Meadow Lounge to socialize and enjoy cider, wood-oven pizza and other delights in the soft summer breeze.

The scenery is so tranquil and pretty that West Avenue has become a popular spot for weddings, landscape painting, spa retreats, and more.

West Avenue Cider House’s summer hours are Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m.

By Michelle Morra