We now have enough snow to declare the winter season open! Although it can be a bit discouraging to some, it’s the beginning of outdoor fun for many people, especially children. Slides, laughter, red cheeks, runny noses, etc. A few worry-free hours of pure happiness. Just the simple pleasure of being together.
A few ideas for the entire family
Every city, town, village or district has a school, park or other area where large amounts of snow have accumulated. These places are great to go tobogganing with the children. You can often go by walking, or create your own slides for hours of fun that will not cost you a penny! You will also likely find an outdoor skating rink in your area. Here are a few suggestions of great family spots all across Canada.
NEW BRUNSWICK
The town of Riverview, hasits own toboggan hill just off the Findlay Park area. Both will certainly attract the kids who have been anxiously waiting for the snow for wintertime fun!
In Fredericton, tobogganing at the Potato Research Center (PRC), referred locally to as the "Experimental Farm", is not only guaranteed fun for the whole family, it’s also free!
NOVA SCOTIA
Get your snow suits on and come slide down Halifax's famous Citadel hill! Enjoy the fresh air and feel the excitement! Your kids will love it, and so will you!
NEWFOUNDLAND
For a great tobogganing experience, pack up the kids and visit St.John's Bowring Park.
PRINCE EDWARD'S ISLAND
For hours of fun, try the Brookvale Nordic Touring Center’s 250 feet long sliding hill. Using the hill is free, but if you need to rent equipment, you can get a tube at the Nordic rental shop for $5.
QUEBEC
Whether you want an easy ride for the little ones or something a bit crazier for the daredevils, Mount Avila offers 17 slides and 3 lifts, so you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for here! You can also get a Family Pack for $85.
The only outdoor ice skating ring in Montreal, The Quays Skating Rink offers perfect ice, incredible views of historic Old-Montreal and the river and entertaining activities all winter long! Good music and night lighting will make your experience even more fun!
Canada’s largest winter fun centre, Valcartier Vacation Village offers you 42 slides , Snow Rafting and Tornado, children’s play areas and skating paths. With 5000 inner tubes and 17 mechanical lifts, you’re in for a memorable experience!
ONTARIO
Walter Baker Park is a great citywide man-made hill with lights, directional containment fencing and very long runs. Parking is available at Kanata Recreation Complex.
Trinity Bellwoods Park is a well-known park in Toronto that definitely gets extra points for convenience and character. If you’re a morning person, why not combine Sunday morning tobogganing followed by a family brunch?
MANITOBA
The Forks' Skating rink is available for leisure skating and pick-up hockey games. The rink is maintained daily with a Zamboni, offering excellent ice conditions. Hockey nets and warm-up shacks are provided. And while you’re there, why not try the Toboggan Chute close by?
SASKATCHEWAN
The Table Mountain Tubing Park is open every afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Take not that kids must be at least 110 cm to ride in the park.
Wascana Hill in Regina and Diefenbaker Hill in Saskatoon are other great spots for tobogganing fun.
ALBERTA
There are so many options that listing them would be too long! Check out Calgary’s and Edmonton’s city websites for a complete list of maintained hills.
Outside of the city, Muskoseepi Park in Grande Prairie and Bower Ponds toboggan hill in Red Deer’s Waskasoo Park are sure choices as well! Guaranteed fun for the entire family!
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Kamloops has the perfect winter conditions for tubing, sledding, tobogganing, and all other types of sliding accessories! Harper Mountain, Rayleigh, Bachelor Heights and Aberdeen are all sure bets for family fun, laughs and memories.
Grouse Mountain: Grab your skates and go for a glide on Grouse Mountain's 8,000 square foot Ice Skating Pond. You can also rent skates for all sizes at the Fireside Hut.
These are just a few examples of possible activities to do during the holiday season. You can also improvise other fun outdoor activities, such as playing hide and seek, soccer or football! Find out about outdoor activities available in your area and take advantage of your time off to play outside!
Check out our Holiday fun! article to get a few more ideas!
Frozen Treasure Hunt
Here’s a fun and easy games for kids of all ages. Although this activity requires preparation, this winter scavenger hunt will certainly please the little ones!
In an outdoor designated area, hide ice cubes that you have previously stained with food coloring and let the children find them. You can also divide the family into teams, and each team must track down only the cubes of a specific color!
Once all the cubes have been found, why not treat everyone to a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate? Have it inside by the fireplace or bring it outside in a thermos.
For 4 cups, you will need:
- 100g of half sweetened chocolate
- 4 table spoons of hot water
- 3 large cups of milk
Ask the kids to break the chocolate in small pieces. Melt it over low heat until it’s smooth. Keep stirring, add milk and bring to a boil. Let cool a little bit and enjoy!
