50+ Family Fun Things to Do this Summer in Hamilton

Photo Credit: Dundas Cactus Festival

Check out a variety of food festivals, concerts, beautiful parks,  waterfalls, museums and heritage sites 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.

50+ Family Fun Things to Do this Summer in Hamilton – 2019.

Meet Ralph the Dog, his tennis ball and a butterfly.

Snap a selfie with Ralph the dog at City Hall! The creation of the City of Hamilton’s horticultural staff, this 15-foot sculpture, was developed using a type of sage grass native to New Zealand and grown in the city greenhouses this spring.

1. Waterdown Ribfest

June 29 -July 1, 2019 at Waterdown Memorial Park, 266 Main St N

2. Canada 152

Celebrate Canada’s 151st birthday with live entertainment, well-known performers, food trucks, family-friendly activities and fireworks.

July 1, 2019 at various venues, Hamilton

3. Seven Sundays in Gage

Enjoy music, movies, a variety of cultural experiences and awesome food trucks every Sunday at this festival in the park.

Sundays at George R. Robinson Band Shell, South-West corner of Gage Park (1000 Main St E).

4. Makers’ Market

View the work of local artisans including bath and body products, home decor, stationery and so much more. There will also be local artists and tour guides to help you learn more about the historic architecture.

June 14th, July 12th, August 9th | 7:00 PM -10:00 PMÂ at Christ’s Church Cathedral, 252 James St N

5. Con Bravo Geek Festival

Join for celebrating the very best in independent creators. Whether you enjoy video, graphic novels, webcomics, gaming, or cosplay, ConBravo! is where you can celebrate your passion.

July 26 to 28, 2019 at  Hamilton Convention Centre, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton

6. Hamilton Fringe Festival 2019

Enjoy awesome performances including musicals, comedies and magic shows with over 40 companies participating in this festival’s fifteenth year.

July 18-28, 2019 in various areas in Downtown Hamilton

7. Dusk Dances 2019

As dusk descends, a theatrical host leads the audience to eclectic dance pieces that unfold in different areas of the park.Have fun at this outdoor dance festival.

July 25-28, 2019 @ Bayfront Park, north of Waterfront Drive

Festival of Friends

August 2 to 4, 2019 at Gage Park, Hamilton

8. ArtsFest

Check out this festival to experience professional music artists from all over the world, with one-of-a-kind curated craft show & makers market, with family-friendly activities & excitement.

June 21 – 23, 2019 at Westdale Village, Hamilton

Waterloo Poutine Feast

At Waterloo Poutine Feast, there will be tunes bumpin’, games for the whole family, tasty treats and many amazing poutines to try! July 4 – 7, 2019

9. Free Films

Watch some great movies at the Tim Hortons Field. Seats are based on first come, first serve and the concessions will be open so you can grab some snacks and drinks. (Events are not yet announced)

Tim Hortons Field, 64 Melrose Avenue North

10. Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Bring your teddy bear for a visit to the hospital, participate in some games and a teddy bear parade.

August 11, 2019 at Whitehern Historic House, 41 Jackson Street West

11. Hamilton Greek Fest

Come celebrate authentic Greek culture with food, music, dance and great activities at this annual festival.

August 16 – 18, 2019 at Inch Park (East 15th & Brucedale)

12. Dundas Cactus Festival

This festival features several entertainment stages, event zones, kids zone, parade and over 100 vendors!

August 16-18, 2019 at Dundas Driving Park, 71 Cross Street

13. FreeFit at City Hall

Practice your yoga poses throughout the summer with classes at the City Hall.

Thursdays at City Hall, 71 Main St W

14. Wednesdays at Whitehern

Enjoy live music, tea and lemonade in a gorgeous garden. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch where you can enjoy the beautiful view.

Wednesdays at Whitehern Historic House, 41 Jackson St. W.

15. Farmers Market

Visit this market for fresh produce and meats, baked goods, specialty foods and artisans. The vendors include bakeries like Blackberry Hill farm and Lina’s European Pastries.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 35 York Blvd.

16. Confederation Park

17. Art Gallery of Hamilton

Check out some fun family arts and crafts activities including block printing, silk screen printing, and literacy events. You could also visit their gallery to see some of their current exhibitions including exhibition classics.

18. 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.

19. Hamilton Children’s Museum

Allow the kids to experiment and let their imagination run free at this unique hands-on museum experience.

20. Dundurn National Historic Site

Take a guided tour of this 40-room villa including their beautiful garden area for a great educational experience for the whole family.

21. 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 breath-taking.

22. Chicago Style Pizza Shack

Try out this fabulous deep dish pizza full of cheese, sauce and whatever toppings you choose.

23. Music at Fieldcote

Enjoy a wide range of musical talent weekly at this summer concert series celebrating local and international talent.

24. 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.

25. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Have a cool educational experience viewing aircraft collections of almost 50 aircrafts. There are also flight simulators and an air combat zone.

26. Adventure Village

This attraction offers golfing, bumper cars, batting cages, rock climbing, arcades and so much more!

27. 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!

28. Albion Falls

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

29. Exhibit: Magic of Theatre

Come and celebrate 20 years of creativity and passion with displays of posters, costumes and programs.

30. Gore Park Summer Promenade

Enjoy music, food trucks and great activities in this beautiful garden Tuesday through Friday until end of August .

31. Farm Crawl

Explore farms and their practices through a unique educational experience. You also have the opportunity to learn more about organic vegetables, fruits, herbs and of course the animals.

July 13, August 17 | 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM

32. Cathedral of Christ the King

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

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. Reptile Centre & Nature Centre

Have an interactive zoo experience visiting their various exhibitions and fairs. You can also book shows and attend their reptile camps or other summer programs.

36. Hamilton Harbour Queen

Cruise the Hamilton Harbour for a relaxing evening with spectacular views, food and people. On Canada Day, you can even with the fireworks.

37. Amazing Adventures

This facility is great for young kids with great play structures, slides, tunnels, foam ball arenas and awesome arcade games.

38. Giant’s Rib Discovery Centre

Learn more about the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve through educational lectures, guided hikes, programs and tours.

39. Wild Waterworks

Head over to the water park for one of the largest outdoor wave pools in Canada, water slides, kid’s area and a lazy river.

40. Hutch’s on the Beach

Try out this beach restaurant open all year round, famous for their hamburgers, fish & chips, milkshakes and fries.

41. Dundas Valley Conservation Area

42. Westfield Heritage Village

Visit this collection of historic buildings and participate in guided tours of the area as well as various educational programs.

43. 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 and then follow the ravine, you will also pass Denlow falls.

44. Alcatraz Escape Room

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

45. 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.

46. Hamilton Ontario Aviary

Visit this hidden gem on Sundays from 1pm-4pm for guided tours and a special look at unique bird species.

47. 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.

48. Tim Hortons First Store

Visit the very first Tim Hortons store, which is a mix of a coffee shop and museum, celebrating over 50 years of history.

49. 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.

50. Waterdown Village

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

51. Sunday Brunch at Ancaster Mill

Don’t say goodbye to summer without having a family brunch at this amazing restaurant!