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70+ Family Fun Things to Do This Summer in Hamilton

Published by To Do Canada On June 30, 2021 Leave a response
70+ Family Fun Things to Do This Summer in Hamilton

Hamilton Conservation Authority

Check out a variety of food trucks, drive-in concerts, beautiful parks, waterfalls, museums, and conservation areas as well as unique interactive animal experiences this summer in Hamilton.

For fun family activities to do every weekend, see Things to do this weekend in Hamilton.

**All indoor attractions will open by end of July when Ontario moves to Stage 3 of the reopening plan.**

Events and Festivals

 

Dinos & Friends Drive Thru

Journey back to prehistoric times and see a herd of animatronic dinos. During the drive-thru experience, guests are guided by engaging and informative digital audio which is transmitted through your car radio. Details

June 19 – July 4, 2021

Enjoy Skating

The outdoor rink at Hamilton waterfront is open. Skate rentals will resume from June 30th. Details

Open Streets on Baraton

Safely dine, shop, listen to live music, and play on Barton Street during Open Streets on Barton. Details

Saturday, July 3, 2021 | 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
August 7 & September 4, 2021

Summer Supie

The Supie program offers free drop-in and reservation-based recreation programs during the summer for children at neighbourhood park locations across the city. Programs may include a combination of staff-led and self-directed activities you can do with members of your household. Details

July 5 to August 27, 2021

Farm Feasts

Join the Manorun Organic Farm for a delectable multi-course dinner prepared by Chef Ken using seasonal Manorun herbs, grains, vegetables and pasture-raised meats. Details

July 9 & 30, August 20, 2021 | 6:00 PM until the stars come out

Sunflower Festival

See hundreds of thousands of sunflowers spread across gently rolling hills, nestled at the back of a picturesque family farm. Details

Friday – Sunday, July 30 – August 15 & Monday, August 2, 2021 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Hamilton Fringe Festival

From July 14-25, 2021 the Hamilton Fringe Festival will share the biggest offering of unabashed and unjuried theatre produced in Hamilton. Offered online or live-at-a-distance, there will be something for everyone in the family in every genre. Details

July 14 – 25, 2021

Downtown Hamilton Ghost Walks

Hear some of Downtown Hamilton’s best ghost stories. The walk stops at landmarks like the Royal Connaught, Right House, Hamilton Place, St. Paul’s Church, and the Gothic Pigott Building. Details

select days in July & August (more dates will be added)

See Theodore Too

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CNW Group/BWTT Holdings Inc.

The Theodore TOO Tugboat, a reproduction of the original TV character Theodore Tugboat from the beloved CBC series “Theodore Tugboat”, is going to be a Hamilton native. See him at Hamilton Port. Details

July 16 (tentative)

Drive-thru Ribfest

Enjoy award-winning, authentic southern BBQ and classic festival treats.

July & August

Brott Summer Music Festival

This summer, enjoy three unique drive-in concerts at Ancaster Fairgrounds. The live performances will be projected onto the big screen while you watch from the safety and comfort of your vehicle. Details

July 15, 22 & 30, 2021

Tee Off For Mental Health

Tee Off for Mental Health is a golf fundraiser in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association Hamilton. Join the event to raise awareness and funds for CMHA all while having a great day on the links! Details

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Farm Crawl

Get a behind-the-scenes peek at the operations of many of the farms in Hamilton and the surrounding area.

July 24 & September 25, 2021

Hamilton’s Dark History Tour

Hear dark and violent stories from Hamilton’s history during the Dark History Tour. Details

select days in July (more dates will be added)

Music on the Waterfront

Grab a blanket and listen to live music at the Hamilton Waterfront on Thursdays in the summer. Details

Thursdays, July 29 – September 2, 2021 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Hamilton Greek Fest

Enjoy the taste of Greece at the Hamilton Greek Fest. This year, Hamilton Greek Fest will be a 2-day Food Take out event. Details

August 14 – 15, 2021

Farmers Market

Visit this market for fresh produce and meats, baked goods, specialty foods, and artisans. Details

Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 35 York Blvd

Movies at Starlite Drive-In

What a better way to spend an enjoyable time with family than to watch a movie under the stars? Check out the Drive-in Theatres in Ontario.

  • Movies at Starlite Drive-In Stoney Creek. Details
  • Movies at 5 Drive-In Oakville. Details

Material Girls Drive-in Concert

This drive-in concert features tributes to Madonna, Cher, Lady Gaga and Adele as well as special guest tributes to Shania Twain, Annie Lennox and Blondie! Details

Sunday, September 5, 2021 | 3:00 PM

CMA Ontario Festival & Awards Weekend

Get your tickets to the drive-in concerts including the New Faces Showcase & Concert, the Legacy Revival, and the 9th Annual Country Music Association of Ontario Awards at Ancaster Fairgrounds in Hamilton. Details

September 3 – 5, 2021

Activities in (and near) the City

Visit the Beach

With the summer heat high, it’s a good time to plan a trip to the beach. Check out the options near you:

  • Christie Lake Conservation Area
  • Fifty Point Conservation Area
  • Valens Lake Conservation Area
  • Binbrook Conservation Area
  • Confederation Beach Park

Confederation Park

This park is a great place to spend the day with the whole family. Enjoy go-karts, mini-golf, great restaurants, water facilities, beach sports and so much more! The park is open 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Details

Go Camping at Valens Lake Conservation Area

Walk the boardwalk, climb the observation tower, fish, frolic at the beach and stay the night at Valens Conservation Area. The park has 225 campsites and cabins to rent.

Explore Bruce Trail

Explore and hike various trails viewing caves, swamps, old forests and cobble beaches. You could also camp in some of their designated campground areas. Check for updates and trail closures before starting. Details

Spencer Gorge/Webster’s Falls Conservation Area

Spend the afternoon hiking through nature trails to enjoy the Webster falls and the Spencer gorge, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Do note that you need to reserve your visit to Webster Falls in advance. Details

You might like: 25 Waterfalls to Visit Near Toronto

Puddicombe Farms

Enjoy a train ride through the orchards! The train is running from Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. PYO sweet cherries will be available for picking from July 2nd. You can also enjoy fresh local strawberries, a flight of wine or cider, shop local produce, pick up wines and baked goods, and more. Details

Have a Splash Time

Head to FunSplash waterpark! Splash, climb, jump, swing, bounce, and slide at this playground located just 20 minutes south in Binbrook Conservation Area.

Cycle the HamBur Loop

The HamBur Loop is a pretty long 50-kilometre trail that makes for a great day trip adventure or several small multi-day ones as it includes various smaller routes, such as the Hamilton Waterfront Trail, Escarpment Rail Trail, Red Hill Valley Trail, and the Breezeway Trail. The trail takes you past the shores of Lake Ontario all the way up to the Hamilton Mountain and back and features paved and unpaved trails, as well as forested areas. There are several scenic lookouts along the way. Trail Map

Adventure Village

This attraction (580 Van Wagners Beach Road Hamilton) offers golfing, bumper cars, batting cages, rock climbing, arcades and so much more! For operating hours see here.

Visit Hamilton Civic Museums

Plan your visits to Hamiltons nine city-owned museums when they reopen. There are 6 national historic sites, a children’s museum, and a heritage centre. Admission to all Civic Museums are free with the Hamilton Public Library card.

Details

Eramosa Karst

Filled with underground caves and streams, meadows and forests, the Eramosa Karst is one of the watershed’s unique natural gems. Explore this one-of-a-kind destination of Ontario! Details

Albion Falls

Enjoy a hike through the escarpment trail that extends to a magnificent view of Albion Falls. Details

Twin Valley Zoo – Brantford

Take your kids to this 25 acre, family-run, wildlife park to see over 80 species of animals including Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Birds, Bears, Deer, Alpaca, Primates, and so much more! Details

Walk the Red Hill Valley Trail

The Red Hill Valley Trail is a 10 km trail that runs along the Red Hill Creek with picturesque views of the escarpment. The trail connects the Waterfront trail in Confederation Park to the Bruce Trail.

Start from the parking lot at Pritchart and old Mud Street (Red Hill Trail south Parking lot) or the parking lot at Albion Falls on Mountain Brow Boulevard. Details

Cathedral of Christ the King

Visit this stunning basilica with ornate stain glass windows commemorating significant people and events of the Catholic faith. Details

African Lion Safari

Drive through game reserves, watch elephants swim, journey on scenic cruises and railways, visit the pet corner and view over 100 different species at this safari. Details

 

Lakeland Centre

Cool off at the outdoor pool and splash pad and then enjoy some lunch at the Lakeland Bistro. This centre also features a 30-foot viewing tower. All visits must be reserved in advance and social distancing guidelines must be adhered to. Details

Reptile Centre & Nature Centre

Little Rays is open for private tours! These 90-minute tours consist of a guided walk through the nature centre with hands-on opportunities with a variety of mammals and reptile. You may also book a 30-minute Private Sloth Encounter to feed and take photos with sloth. Details

Treetop Trekking

Treetop Trekking has activities for all ages from zip line, aerial game trek, tree walk, and more. Details

HMCS Haida National Historic Site

Visit this national historic site and Canada’s most famous warship. You have the chance to experience what it was like to be a crew member and celebrate the contributions of the Canadian Navy. Current operating hours are Friday-Sunday 1 – 5 pm. Details

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Hutch’s on the Beach

Get your pick-up from this beach restaurant open all year round, famous for their hamburgers, fish & chips, milkshakes, and fries. Details

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Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Hike through beautiful trails viewing forests, meadows, streams and wildlife. There is also a place for group picnics and make sure to check out the hermitage ruins. Details

Westfield Heritage Village

Explore 8-km of walking trails in the Village. The trails can be easily accessed and are great for families. Read a book, relax, watch birds or paint – there are so many things to do here. There are many shaded picnic areas, so pack a picnic basket or buy from a local bakery or restaurant. Westfield is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset for hikes and walks. Details and Map

Hamiltonian Tour Boat

Enjoy a leisurely narrated 50-minute tour of Hamilton Harbour and listen to the stories and history of one of North America’s most noteworthy harbours. The tour also provides unique views of the natural, recreational and industrial faces of Hamilton. Details

You might like: Boat Tours and Cruises in Ontario

See Chedoke Falls

These falls are a bit difficult to get to but definitely worth it. It can be accessed from the Chedoke Civic Golf Course, just follow the Chedoke Radial Trail (Trail Map) and then follow the ravine, you will also pass Denlow falls.

You might like: 25 of the Best Hiking Trails in Hamilton

Alcatraz Escape Room

 

Visit these uniquely themed rooms to solve puzzles, riddles, mysteries and escape the room in a limited time. Details

Fifty Point Conservation Area

Stroll along this spectacular park and marina, spotting a variety of birds. It’s also a great place for a swim, picnic, and even a family camp. Details

Pick-Your-Own Strawberries/ Cherries

Delicious strawberries or cherries are ready for picking. Head over to your nearby U-pick Farms and enjoy ‘Pick-Your-Own’ berries!

You might like: U-Pick Strawberry Farms in Greater Toronto Area & Hamilton

Visit a Petting Zoo

Book private visits to Triple C Petting Farm and see how much your kids enjoy the trip. Cuddle baby goats while watching them have fun playing with one another. There are also horses, donkeys, cows, alpacas, dogs, and cats.

Here, you can also enjoy traditional yoga with the playful antics of goats! They will climb on you and lay down to relax on you, they have also been known to fall asleep cuddled in your lap while you’re doing Lotus pose. Details

Play Outdoors

All outdoor courts and recreational areas like Baseball diamonds, Batting cages, Soccer, football and sports fields, tennis, platform tennis, table tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, BMX parks, skate parks, cycling tracks and bike trails, horse riding facilities, shooting ranges, including those operated by rod and gun clubs, playgrounds, portions of parks or recreational areas containing outdoor fitness equipment, arche1y ranges, lawn game courts, including lawn bowling, bocce and croquet courts are open.

Escarpment Expedition

This is an easy to moderate trail that explores the Niagara Escarpment and connects nearby historic downtowns. The trail later joins the Chedoke Trail and back to Ancaster. This 22.4 km ride will take you past stunning waterfalls, woodlands, and reward you with picturesque views. Details

You may like: Top Bicycle Tours to Explore Ontario

Hamilton Waterfront Trolley

Travel along the Hamilton Waterfront Trail on the Hamilton Waterfront Trolley and visit both natural and constructed attractions, view historic bridges and the shoreline. Details

Enjoy a Tee Time

Golf courses in the City of Hamilton are open. You can now book a tee time at Chedoke Golf Club and King’s Forest Golf Club. Do note that you must pre-book your slot either online or by phone as walk-ups will not be permitted. Details

Close Encounters with Alpacas

Enjoy a private tour at an Alpaca farm and learn more about these gentle creatures. Walk through Alpaca paddocks and hand feed them. You will also learn about their fabulous fibre and feel the luxury first hand. Details

Visit Royal Botanical Gardens

The outdoor garden areas of the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens are open. Explore the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, Hendrie Park, the Arboretum, Laking Garden, and the RBG trails. Light grab and go fare will be available at the Rock Garden as well as at the Turner Pavilion Teahouse in Hendrie Park. Details

 

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You might like: 20 of the Best Gardens You Should Visit in GTA

Explore Christie Lake

Enjoy a day out with family at Christie Lake! Pack a picnic with goodies and treats from your favourite restaurant and enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Christie Lake. Christie Lake has 10 km of multi-use trails (PDF Trail Map) including a new single-track mountain bike trail system. Christie Lake also has a 18-hole championship disc golf course that is free to use with entry.

  • Get an HCA Membership Pass – enjoy year-round access to HCA conservation areas for 12 months from the date of purchase

Cameron Speedway and Amusements

Visit this awesome place for just about every fun activity including go-karts, paintball, laser tag, rock climbing, and a target range. Details

Waterdown Village

Shop around in this beautiful village at antique stores, tea rooms and enjoy everything from fine dining restaurants to cafes. Details

Lunch at Ancaster Mill

Don’t say goodbye to summer without enjoying a meal on the patio of this amazing restaurant! Details

Geocaching

For a treasure hunt-like experience try geocaching! Chances are there are some geocaches near you. Create a free account to get started. Details

See Beautiful Views of the Escarpment

Plan a hike to the Buffalo Crag Lookout Point. It boasts of some of the best views of the escarpment. Trail Map (PDF)

Bike the Mountsberg Conservation Area

Mountsberg Conservation Area has some easy and relaxing ride to enjoy – the 1.5 km Sugar Bush Trail, the 5.6 km Lakeshore Lookout Trail, and the 6.5 km Pioneer Creek trail. PDF Trail Map

Visit an Alpaca Farm

Come, relax and enjoy the experience of walking with an alpaca at the Alpacas from Eighth and Mud Farm. Learn about these gentle creatures, feed them, see alpaca fibres and shop them and other goodies at the gift shop. Want more time with them? Why not book a picnic!! Alpaca Trekking is available on select Fridays to Sundays in August. Details

Go Apple Picking

There are many farms in the region that offers apple picking. Apple picking season usually starts mid-late August/early-mid September. Do call the farms to confirm their hours before starting. Check out these farms for some great options:

For more options see,

See Sunflower Fields Corn Mazes

A visit to a sunflower farm is surely a cause for a smile, photo ops, and plenty of sunshine. Walk on a path through a sea of yellow flowers and purchase a specialty product from a store on-site to commemorate your summer experience. In Ontario, these flowers bloom for about two weeks only from early to late August/early September.

You might like: Sunflower Fields and Mazes in Ontario For a Day Trip

Dog Parks

Spend the afternoon letting your dog run free in any of the leash-free areas! Details

Check out every single Hamilton Conservation Areas

Hamilton Conservation Areas are open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. Whether you want to go waterfall hunting, hike, or bike, disc golf, kayak, or canoe, these areas provide great opportunities to be outside. Details

Circle in Wild Waterworks Water Park for 2022 summer.

Pools and Splash pads

Cool off at one of the many outdoor pools, wading pools, and splash pads in Hamilton. You must reserve your swim time at Outdoor Pools before visiting. Inch Park Outdoor Pool is scheduled to reopen on July 5. Dundas Driving Park Wading Pool is now open, the remaining Wading Pools will reopen on July 5. Spray pads are now open until early September. Find a spray pad in your neighbourhood using this interactive map.

Escape Rooms

Spend an evening working together as a family solving puzzles, finding clues, and attempting to escape from a locked room with a limited amount of time. Check operating hours and book your slot in advance at these locations:

Food Trucks

Summer is the season of food trucks. Check out some of the options in Hamilton:

Spend time in your Neighbourhood Park

Hamilton has many parks that allow its resident to enjoy time in a green space. Use City of Hamilton’s ParkFinder to find a park with amenities.

Visit your Favourite Patio

Dine safely outdoors at the patios this summer! Details

Enjoy Wakeboarding

Enjoy the incredible experience of wakeboarding! Details

Walk the Hilton Hills

Hiking Hilton Falls is a great way to explore this beautiful region. Take bird seeds with you to feed friendly Chickadees. Hilton Falls also has three bike-only trails (PDF Trail Map) that are a mix of novice level, and technically challenging rock-gardens.

Discover Nature Attractions in Hamilton

City parks and green spaces, Provincial parks and conservation reserves, City of Hamilton Trails as well as Hamilton Conservation Authority conservation areas are open for people to enjoy some time with nature.

 

See a Lavender Farm

Enjoy a calming, meditative walk amongst lavender flowers.

Lavender Farms in Ontario for a Day Trip

A Night of Stargazing

Watch the stars and wonder at the celestial splendor. Stargazing is not fun as well as relaxing. Lie back in your own backyard or in a dark sky area near you and take in the awe-inspiring star-filled night sky.

You might like: Where to Stargaze in Ontario: Dark Sky Areas and Observatories

Visit Clovermead Adventure Farm

Let the kids enjoy a day out at the Clovermead Adventure Farm! Whether it’s cooling off at the Splish Splashpad, getting lost in the cedar maze, or visiting the goats and chickens at the animal barn, Clovermead has activities for the whole family. Details

Visit Bronte Creek

Get out and enjoy the fresh air at Bronte Creek. The park is open for day use. Enjoy hiking and cycling. Details

Go Boating

Enjoy canoeing & kayaking in ponds, lakes & rivers as Ontario Marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches are open for recreational use. Fifty Point Marina & Boat Launch is open. Rent a canoe and enjoy a trip down the river: You can also rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards at Kelso.

Kusterman’s Adventure Farm

Enjoy acres of family fun and farm-fresh food at the Kusterman’s Adventure Farm. With activities like play tractors, sandhills, and zip lines, you can be sure your kids will have a great time here. Details

See a Waterfall

Hamilton is well-known for its waterfalls. Plan a trip to take in the beautiful waterfalls that adorn this land. Reservations are required to visit Dundas Peak/Tew Falls and Webster Fall.

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Visit Ontario Parks

All 115 provincial parks are free to visit from Mondays to Thursdays, until September 2nd, 2021. Ontario Parks will offer free day-use visits and issue free permits on those days. Visitors will still need a permit to visit parks from Fridays to Sundays. Details

Ontario provincial parks are open to visitors. Be it to enjoy a walk or just relax in the outdoors, fish or enjoy boating, provincial parks are great places to spend your time.

You can now visit Ontario parks for free by borrowing day-use permits from participating Ontario libraries.

Enjoy Camping

Experience nature and camp outside! Overnight camping is open at Valens Lake and Fifty Point Conservation Areas as well as Ontario Parks.

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