Things to Do This Summer in Durham Region – 2026

You’ll never be bored this summer in the Durham Region when you have options like spending the weekend camping, hang gliding, and attending festivals. Whether you are looking for a summer’s day date idea, food events, or outdoor adventure, you are sure to find something on this list!

So, let the fun begin with this list of 80+ things to do in the Durham region this summer of 2026.

Durham Region is:

• City of Oshawa
• City of Pickering
• Municipality of Clarington
• Town of Ajax
• Town of Whitby
• Township of Brock
• Township of Scugog
• Township of Uxbridge

Contents: 

• Festivals, Summer, and Food events
• Farm Fun – U-Picks, Flower Farms and Corn Mazes
• Outdoor Adventures: Nature Spaces, Water Fun, Camping and more!
• Historic Sites & Museums

Festivals & Summer Events

FIFA Watch Parties

Cheer on Team Canada together!

Pickering:

• June 18, 2026 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm @  Pickering Soccer Centre1(975 Clements Rd)
• June 24, 2026 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm @ CHD Recreation Complex  (1867 Valley Farm Road)
• July 19, 2026 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm @  CHD Recreation Complex BOND|ST Event Center

Ajax:

• Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m. @ Pat Bayly Square (55 Bayly St.)
• Wednesday, June 24, 3 p.m. @ Pat Bayly Square (55 Bayly St.)

Whitby:

• Thursday, June 18, 5 p.m. @ Whitby Soccer Dome (695 Rossland Road),

Pickering Ribfest

Pickering Rotary Ribfest is back this year, and it is the perfect way to kick off summer. Discover a delectable array of savoury delights that will delight your taste buds and take you on a journey of mouth-watering flavours, sure to tantalize your senses and leave you wanting more.

June 19 to 21 @ 1 Esplanade Park, Pickering

Fish for Free

Fish for free at some of the best fishing spots in the Durham region with this extensive guide, which includes descriptions of great fishing places, a fishing map, and a short breakdown of fishing in each season.

Free Fishing: Father’s Day Weekend and National Fishing Week @ Ontario Waterbodies

Movies in the Park

See movies for free.

Ajax:

• Friday, July 24 – GOAT @  Ajax Community Centre Sports field,  (75 Centennial Road)
• Friday, August 14 – How To Train Your Dragon @  Ajax Fairgrounds (955 Audley Rd. N)

Whitby:

@ TBA

• July 17, August 14, August 21  -Movies TBA

Oshawa:

• September 11 @ Columbus Park, 3265 Simcoe St. N.

Pickering:

• Wednesday, July 15 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre: Encanto
• A.F.I.Y.U Movie Night: Saturday, July 25 | 9:00 pm at Esplanade Park: Cool Runnings
• Saturday, August 15 at the Pickering Museum Village: Movie TBD
• Wednesday, August 19 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre: Jumanji (the original)
• Friday, August 21 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Rick Johnson Memorial Park: Zootopia 2

Free concerts

You can enjoy free concerts on select evenings across the Durham Region this summer.

• Thursdays, July 2  to August 27 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. @ Millennium Square (Liverpool Rd. South, at the Waterfront), Pickering
• Fridays,  July 3 to August  28 | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm @ Rick Johnson Memorial Park, Pickering
• Sundays, July 5 to  August 30 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm @ Esplanade Park Gazebo (Near City Hall), Pickering
• Every other Tuesday evening, July 7, 21, August 4, 18, September 1 | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. @ Pat Bayly Square, Ajax
• Tuesdays,  June 30 to August 18 | 7 pm@ Celebration Square, 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby
• Thursdays, July 2 to August 20 @ Grass Park in Brooklin, 41 Baldwin Street, Whitby
• Tuesdays in July  from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., @ Memorial Park, 110 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa
• Thursdays in August from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 2025 @ Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park, 169 Harbour Rd., Oshawa
• Bowmanville Concerts In The Park: Thursdays, June 18  toAugust 20, 2026 | 7 p.m.@ Rotary Park, Bowmanville
• Newtonville Music in the Park: Sundays, June 21  to September 6, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. @ Ina Brown Parkette, Newtonville

Celebrate Canada Day

Celebrate Canada Day with fireworks and grand celebrations across Durham Region.

Whitby Markets

Whitby brings summer shopping outdoors with two lively events. On June 20, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Market fills Celebration Square with local vendors, handmade goods, food, summer favourites and live music from 3 to 8 p.m. Then on June 26, Downtown Whitby hosts free Ladies Night Shopping with snacks, drinks, music, promotions, giveaways and a photobooth from 5 to 8 p.m.

Ghost Hunting!

Participate in the Waterfront Ghost Walk, where ghost ships, true crime stories, and supernatural encounters await. Led by expert guides, this eerie tour will leave you with goosebumps and perhaps a fear of the dark.

Thursdays, July 2 to  October 22, 2026 at 9:15 pm @ Pickering Waterfront

Bike Fest

Bike Fest at Trail Hub brings a full day of racing, riding and cycling culture to Durham Forest. Mountain bikers, gravel riders, brands and local cycling fans can take part in the Enduro, ride the Gravel Fondo, explore nearby routes or simply enjoy the festival atmosphere built around the joy of the ride.

July 5, 2026  @ 722 Chalk Lake Rd,  Uxbridge

Rockstalgia Music Festival

ROCKSTALGIA is a multi-day rock music festival celebrating the songs that raised us — from ’70s classic rock to ’80s anthems and ’90s alternative — brought to life by legendary artists, iconic tributes, and an unforgettable festival atmosphere.

July 11 to 12, 2026 @ Orono Fairgrounds, 2 Princess St, Orono

Summer Noise Fest

Summer Noise Fest makes its debut at the Biltmore Theatre with a packed lineup built for loud, high-energy music fans. The inaugural edition features The Wild High, Excuses Excuses, The Jailbirds, Double Experience, Army Of One and ZAFTIG, bringing a fresh wave of live sound to the venue.

July 11, 2026  @Biltmore Theatre,  Oshawa

Theatre on the Ridge

Theatre on the Ridge fills summer 2026 with stories under the performance tent at Scugog Shores Museum. Four Canadian plays explore love, loss, humour, imagination and deception, moving from Shakespearean romance to an imaginary Ontario town, an outcast mosquito and a 1960s tale of greed. It’s theatre built around one simple idea that everyone loves a good story.

The Take Your Pick 2026 Summer Music Series – Saturdays July 11, 18, 25 @ 7pm
Romeo and Juliet – June 17th – July 5th, 2026
The Incredible Adventure of Mary Jane Mosquito – July 9th – 25th, 2026
Sketches of Leacock – August 5th – 23rd, 2026
Piggyland – September 9th – 20th, 2026
@ Scugog Shores Museum Village, 16210 Island Rd., Port Perry

Whitby RibFest

This year, the Whitby Ribfest by the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise is back in full swing and features awesome entertainment. You can enjoy savour the best ribs, laugh while taking advantage of a full midway experience, and shop at the many marketplace vendors.

July 10 to 12, 2026 @ Whitby Victoria Fields, 203-269 Victoria St W, Whitby

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Pow Wow

Enjoy the celebration of Indigenous culture. The powwow features a variety of traditional ceremonies, dances, and songs.

July 18 & 19, 2026  @ 22521 Island Rd, Port Perry

Kite Day

Kite Day returns to the Uxbridge Historical Centre on July 18, inviting families to fill the sky above Quaker Hill. Bring a kite, buy one on site or make your own, then enjoy a breezy summer outing with one of the best views of Uxbridge as the backdrop.

July 18, 2026  @ Uxbridge Historical Centre, 7239 Concession 6, Uxbridge

Downtown Whitby Food Tours!

Downtown Whitby Food Tours invite guests on a tasty Saturday stroll through the town’s local food scene. Along the guided route, participants can sample signature bites from favourite spots, hidden gems and vibrant eateries while learning the stories and history behind the historic Four Corners and surrounding downtown community.

Select Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout July & August  @ Downtown Whitby

Prosecco and Pilates – Wellness Social

Prosecco & Pilates offers an elevated wellness social built around movement, music and connection. Take part in a guided all-levels Pilates class led by Rachel Jorge from Modo Yoga Brooklin, making it approachable for beginners while still engaging for experienced participants looking for a relaxed, social evening on the mat.

July 16, 2026  @ BOND|ST Event Centre, 44 Bond St E, Oshawa

Cemetery Tours

Take a guided tour of Oshawa’s oldest cemetery at Port Oshawa Pioneer Cemetery or Oshawa’s largest cemetery, Union Cemetery, and discover more about those who are laid to rest within.

Port Oshawa Pioneer Cemetery on June 27/Union Cemetery Tour on August 8 @ Oshawa Museum

Whitby’s Annual Home Sweet Home Festival

Downtown Whitby invites you to “make yourself at home” with a lively celebration of community, culture, and local charm during the inaugural festival. Enjoy sidewalk sales, live entertainment, cultural performances, kids’ activities, artisan markets, trolley rides, and more! With food, art, music, and more, it’s a vibrant day for all to explore and enjoy.

Saturday July 25, 2026  from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm @ Downtown Whitby (Brock & Dundas)

Uxbridge Scottish Festival

The Uxbridge Scottish Festival marks 30 years of celebrating Scottish culture in Elgin Park with two days of heritage, music and community. Visitors can watch Highland dancers, cheer on the Heavy Games, hear pipe bands fill the park and enjoy Scottish entertainers, traditional music and classic food favourites throughout the day.

July 24 & 25, 2026  @ Elgin Park, 180 Main Street South, Uxbridge

See Tanks in Action

Visit the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum in Oshawa and join for Tank Saturday. This museum is the only place in Canada where you can have an up-close unique Armour Experience. Enjoy a live vehicle demonstration with Tanks and Armoured vehicles!

August 8, 2026 @ The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum, 1000 Stevenson Road North, Oshawa

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Do not miss any of the exciting events at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, including the VARAC Vintage Grand Prix on Father’s Day Weekend, the Chevrolet Grand Prix on Canada Day Weekend, the Superbike Double Header in August or CTMP Labour Day Weekend Sprints.

Kars on King

Downtown turns into a rolling museum as hundreds of classic vehicles take over the streets. Wander past vintage rides, meet passionate car lovers, catch live music, keep kids entertained with activities, and grab local eats along the way. It’s a nostalgic outdoor festival built for every generation.

August 21, 2026 @ King St. and Simcoe St. to Memorial Park, Downtown Oshawa

Racing Fun at Ajax Downs

Visit Ajax Downs, and enjoy a day of free fun. Admission is always free & all ages are welcome on Wednesday Racing Days.

Various Dates @ Ajax Downs, 50 Alexander’s Crossing Ajax

Autofest Nationals

Enjoy a high-octane weekend at Autofest Nationals, where automotive passion meets family fun. Explore an impressive lineup of classic and custom cars, street rods, rat rods, hot rods, and trucks. Beyond the chrome and engines, enjoy a lively kids zone, a thrilling poker run, food trucks, vendors, and exciting prizes and giveaways.

August 29 & 30, 2026@ Elgin Park in Uxbridge.

Pickering Food Truck Festival

Enjoy some delicious local farm-fresh food from more than 40 Food Trucks at one of Canada’s premier Food Truck Festivals. Join in on an eating challenge or just point and laugh. There’s something for everyone!

August 7 to 9, 2026  @ The Esplanade Park, The Esplanade, Pickering

Bowmanville Sidewalk Sale

Shop to your heart’s content at the annual shopping extravaganza.

August 14 @ Historic Downtown Bowmanville.

Durham Summer Fest

Durham Summer Fest celebrates the region’s diversity with music, food, and cultural performances, including international headliners Mustafa Zahid  and Ali Azmat, alongside talented local performers.

August 22 to 23 @ Ajax Downs, 50 Alexander’s Crossing, Ajax

Pickering Cultural Fusion

Celebrate Pickering’s diversity with unique tastes from local food vendors, interactive activities, live entertainment, roaming performances, and a vendor market.

September 12 @ Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, 2365 Concession Road 6, Pickering

Food Truck Corral

Oshawa’s first multi-food truck location, the Food Truck Corral, is a family-friendly spot offering various delicious options. Enjoy favourites from Sonya’s Street Meat, Watt a Fry, Lowlands Fire Food, Masala Box, Bourbon Street Chicken, Pierogie Bros, the Ice Cream Truck, and Yorkilicious.

Address: 2867 Bridle Rd, Oshawa.

Events at Pickering Casino Resort

The arena at Pickering Casino Resort will host various bands during the summer, including Rhythm of 70’s, Cooper Alan, among others.

Various Dates at @ The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort,  888 Durham Live Avenue, Pickering

Eat out at Port of Newcastle Marina

Eat out at the patio of The Brig Restaurant located at Port of Newcastle Marina, the site of the annual Wooden Boat Festival.

Visit Courtice Flea Market

Explore this indoor and outdoor market that provides shoppers with a great selection of new and vintage collectibles and farm-fresh produce. Stop by the food court to refuel as you visit over 100 vendors.

Outdoor Farmers Market: Every weekend from May to the end of November

Farm Fun – U-Picks, Flower Farms and Corn Mazes

Gardens of Uxbridge Tour

The Gardens of Uxbridge Annual Garden Tour marks 30 years as a favourite Ontario garden outing. Held on the third Saturday in June, the self-guided tour opens up to eight local gardens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, supporting the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society and the Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site.

June 20, 2026 at 9:15 pm @ Various Gardens in Uxbridge

Strawberries, Sunflowers and Corn maze

Pick your own strawberries, get lost in a corn maze, or take pictures of sunny sunflowers and get fresh produce and treats at Pingle’s Farm Market.

Various Activities – Various Hours @ Pingle’s Farm Market, 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton

Lavender Blu

Lavender-Blu is a small family business comprised of a hobby farm, a lavender garden and a lavender artisan studio that creates unique handmade artisan products. July is Lavender Blossom time, and Lavender-Blu eco-garden is open to the public.

Late June – August @ Lavender-Blu, 2375 Bank Rd, Seagrave

Christel Lake Lavender

This lavender farm rambling along the spring-fed lake is also a great place to visit with kids. Take kids with you on your trip as there is a swing, trampoline and a 50-foot play set onsite.

Weekends for the 2026  season until the Labour Day weekend in September. @ 1381 Scugog Line 12, Greenbank (30 km north of Whitby)

LEASKDALE LOOP

Take a self-guided tour through the picturesque countryside and explore a variety of unique destinations. From studios and farm markets to orchards and historical sites, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in farm-fresh produce, delectable baked goods, and local delights like maple syrup and cider. Immerse yourself in art, pottery, hiking trails, and photo ops. Interact with local artisans and farmers, and feel a sense of connection as you bring home their exceptional products.

June to October, 2026

Bloom Field Gardens  Party

At Bloom Field Gardens’ Party, adults can explore exclusive garden areas while enjoying wine, beer, garden cocktails, and gourmet food from Encore Catering. The $10 entry fee supports the Clarington East Food Bank. T Bloom Field Gardens, a year-round boutique destination, showcases a unique selection of plants and outdoor living items.

July 4, 2026, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm  @ 3745 Durham Regional Hwy 2, Newcastle

Linton’s Farm Market

Linton’s Farm Market sells a wide variety of homegrown vegetables and fruit, cheese, honey, maple syrup, jams, preserves, fall decorations and many more. The farm’s 2025 U-Pick Strawberry Season is scheduled to begin by late June and there is no better time to visit the original North Oshawa farmer’s market. They also have a kids’ area.

Pick-Your-Own Strawberries Opens Late June @ 571 Raglan Rd. E. Oshawa

Silver Heron Farm

Silver Heron Farm offers a peaceful farm escape, with hands-on tours for families and animal lovers. You can meet, feed and learn about alpacas, mini and Highland cows, pigs and chickens, then browse handmade alpaca goods, local gifts, fresh eggs and pasture-raised poultry from the farm shop. — 324 Wagg Rd, Uxbridge

Shop at Farmer’s Markets

Support local producers and artisans:

• Pickering: Tuesdays from Tuesdays from June 16 until October 6 | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm @ North East parking lot, 1867 Valley Farm Road.
• Orono: Fridays, TBA, from 2-6pm. @ Centreview Street, Orono, Clarington
• North Oshawa: Saturdays,  9:00 am to 2:00 pm @ Delmark Homes Center, 1661 Harmony Road North
• Port Perry: Saturdays,  May  to Thanksgiving, 8 am -3 pm @ 121 Queen Street, Port Perry
• Whitby: Wednesdays, @ Celebration Square, 405 Dundas St. West, Whitby
• Brooklin: Saturdays, June 13 onwards @ Municipal Lot 9, 3 Vipond Road, Whitby
• Uxbridge: Sundays from May to October,  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Second Wedge Brewing Co. (14 Victoria St.).

Archibald’s Orchard and Winery

Pick your own apples and get great-tasting ciders from Archibald’s Orchard and Winery located at 6275 Liberty St N, Bowmanville

Wilmont Blueberries

Head to Wilmot Orchards to pick blueberries. They offer high-bush blueberries in August. Don’t forget to visit AppleBerries Cafe to enjoy one of their delicious blueberry desserts and a refreshing drink on the terrace. — 3337 Concession Rd, 3 R,R, #8, Newcastle

Forsythe Family Farms

Explore nature and walk the Fairy Tale lane, go on wagon rides, enjoy barnyard adventure playground, feed farm animals, have a farm learning experience during special summer guided tours and pick your own fruits and vegetables.

The Sunflower Farm

Visit this 10-acre Sunflower farm at Beaverton. Stroll and grab that perfect picture on the tractor along the sunflower trail.

Late July 30 @ B24430 Sideroad 17, Beaverton

Willowtree Farm Market

Willowtree Farm Market ensures your tradition of picking your own strawberries will remain a cherished experience for years to come through their sustainable, good-natured farming practices. You can also get fabulous-tasting food at the market. There is also a petting zoo at the farm – 975 Durham Rd. 21 Port Perry.

 

Welcome Fall on A Country Path

Meet a Pumpkin Farmer, Organic Beef Farmer, Country Herbalist, Local Potter, Miller by the pond, Cider Maker or wine Maker as you drive or cycle across Clarington.

Nature Spaces, Outdoor Adventures, Camping and more!

Visit Darlington Provincial Park for free

Spend the weekend camping, hiking on nature trails and lounging by the beach at this provincial park in Bowmanville.

If you are a member of some of the Durham region libraries, you can borrow a free Ontario Parks permit and visit Ontario provincial parks for free. Free admission is also offered on July 17, when Ontario Parks celebrates Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
You can also book a visitor pass up to 5 days in advance.

Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park

 Visitors can enjoy hiking, walking, biking, and exercising pets on a leash at Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park .  Parking at Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is limited, with only six spaces at 565 Old Stouffville Road and 4 at 579 Old Stouffville Road.  Admission is free.

Frenchman’s Bay

Enjoy the stunning lake views as you watch the sun set. It’s also a great place to walk, and you may even try food from the chip truck. While here, enjoy a nice dinner at the Port Restaurant Patio.

You can enjoy free concerts at Millennium Square located at the Beach Front Park. If you continue your walk east along the waterfront trail via the giant windmill (OPG Nuclear Generating Station), you can reach Alex Robertson Park and see fabulous artworks.

If you enjoy canoeing and kayaking, consider renting a canoe or kayak from Kayak Pickering (591 Liverpool Rd, Pickering).

You can join canoe classes by the Pickering Rouge Canoe Club at Frenchman’s Bay West Park. You can not access it from Frenchman’s Bay Marina.

You can enjoy free shuttles on weekends to the waterfront.

Treetop Eco-Adventure Park

Want to try something new? Spend the day zip-lining, outdoor trampoline net park, axe throwing and trying out combat archery at this adventure park.

Gold Point Marsh

Check out this coastal wetland for unique views, and don’t forget your camera.

Explore Durham’s Trails

Spend the summer hiking through beautiful trails and nature spots throughout the Durham region.

Beaches

Spend the day at a beach dipping your toes in Lake Ontario, enjoying a picnic and a walk along the water.

Water Park

Splash around at water slides, splash pads, pools and water playgrounds for refreshing fun all day long.

Cedar Park Resort, 6296 Cedar Park Rd, Bowmanville

Go Hang Gliding

Fly high like a bird with an instructor or learn how to fly with Fly High. Experience the freedom of flight by the side of a certified professional and enjoy views of Lake Ontario, Lake Scugog and even Lake Simcoe.

Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue

The WILDlife Experience at Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue offers a one-hour guided tour for up to four people to meet five permanent Animal Ambassadors, such as foxes, porcupines, or skunks. Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and how non-releasable animals join the team.

Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue Wilderness Villas

Camp outdoors and reconnect with nature at Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue’s Wilderness Villas in Bowmanville. Set on 12 serene acres of the Oak Ridges Moraine, each solar-powered villa offers a unique theme and modern comforts like lighting, fans, and device chargers. Enjoy private fire pits, hammocks, scenic views, hiking trails, birdwatching, and wellness stations—all part of a peaceful, eco-friendly luxury camping experience.

Rouge National Urban Park

This urban park has great trails and forest areas filled with wildflowers and other plants. You can spot great wildlife, including birds like hawks and swans. The scenic landscapes also provide great photo opportunities.

Ajax Waterfront

This scenic waterfront, which borders the shores of Lake Ontario, is great for walking or cycling. There are also great spaces for picnics to take in the beautiful views.

Birchwood Luxury Camping

Birchwood Luxury Camping in Scugog offers a peaceful forest escape in geodesic domes near Port Perry. Each private dome sleeps two and includes heating, cooling, a kitchenette, and unique touches. Enjoy forest views, stargazing through a moonroof, and a cozy, nature-immersed retreat with modern comforts.

Beaver River Wetlands Conservation Area

This conservation area is great for cycling and wildlife. Along the trail you could see a variety of bird species and perhaps even beavers.

Jungle Cat World

Check out this wildlife park for unique experiences and an incredible look at species from all around the world. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about the environment and wildlife.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Spend the morning cycling or running the waterfront trail, spend the afternoon by the pool, have a picnic, and end the day enjoying views of Lake Ontario and various wildlife.

Historic Downtown Port Perry

Visit this beautiful area for shopping, great food and drinks, golf clubs and much more. Don’t forget to check out Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area, a great place for fishing, canoeing and of course, seeing wildlife.

Bohemian Bliss Yoga

Bohemian Bliss Yoga holds outdoor yoga classes across the Durham region, including Frenchman’s Bay, lavender fields of Lavender-Blu, Ocala Winery, Heber Down Conservation Area, Ajax waterfront, and more!

Various dates @ Various Venues

Oshawa Zoo

Spend the day with all kinds of animals, from exotic creatures like lemurs to farm animals like sheep and cows.

Greenwood Conservation Area

Explore the forest by hiking the trails in this conservation area. Don’t forget your fishing gear, as it’s also an amazing place for fishing.

Picnic in Whitby

Order delicious food from Butchie’s in Whitby and head to one of the parks in Whitby, like Brooklin Kinsmen Park, for a day full of fun.

Address: 939 Dundas Street West, Whitby

Durham Cycle Tours

Love cycling? Check out some awesome areas throughout the Durham region in this guide of 14 cycling routes.

Splash pads

Cool off at one of the many splash pads in Whitby, like Darren Park or Willow Park. Check out the full list.

Leash-free dog parks

Spend the afternoon letting your dog run free in any of the leash-free areas around the Durham region.

Grand Valley Park

Harmony Valley Dog Park

Bowmanville Off-Leash Dog Park

Newcastle Leash-Free Dog Park
Greenwood Conservation Area: Located north of Westney Road, north of Taunton Road
Westney Road South & Clements Road: Located on the west side of Westney Road South, north of Clements Road

Nebs Fun World

Spend the day in the arcade, on go-karts, rock climbing, in the play centre or any of their other activities.

Check out their website for all the fun things you could do this summer.

Ajax Skateboard Parks

Check out over 70 playgrounds and skateboard parks in various neighbourhoods around Ajax, such as Cedar Park, Terry Fox Park, and Mullen Park.

Whitby Marina

Enjoy a day at Port Whitby Marina and go paddling, fishing, enjoying a sunset, walking the Waterfront Trail or picnicking at Kiwanis Heydenshore Park.

Learn horse riding

Learn to horseback ride this summer at Belle Wood Equestrian. They offer camps and lessons based on different riding capabilities.

Go Horseback Riding

Enjoy over 225 acres of breathtaking, tranquil forest trails on a horseback trail ride at Pathways on Pleasure Valley located at 2499 Brock Rd, Uxbridge.

Geocaching

Try out this treasure hunt-like experience for a day full of family fun. Chances are there are some geocaches near you. Create a free account to get started. Visit their website for more details.

Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens

This network of parks encompasses amazing gardens, pathways, scenery, architectural features, and natural surroundings in the Oshawa Valley.

• 20 of the Best Gardens You Should Visit in the Greater Toronto Area

Throughout summer @ The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, 155 Arena St, Oshawa

Explore Sculptures of the Durham Region

Go on a sculpture hunt this summer and find some or all of the 90+ fabulous sculptures in the Durham Region.

 

Trans Canada Trail

Check out the longest recreational trail in the world that offers a variety of different activities through various landscapes. Why not start with exploring the Durham Region Trans Canada Trail.

McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve

This is a great place for hiking, with some easy trails, and there are also great opportunities to spot wildlife. Time will fly when you are bird-watching and enjoying the sunset.

Long Sault Conservation Area

The largest conservation area in the Durham region, Long Sault is tucked into the Oak Ridges Moraine and offers more than 18 kilometres of trails ranging in difficulty. Well-marked trails bring hikers past  wetlands, mature forests, and wildlife.

Address: 9293 Woodley Rd, Bowmanville

 

Historic Sites, Museums & Indoor Attractions

Experience a summer full of fun at Pickering Museum Village

Whether you want to do something with the kids or enjoy a date night, Pickering Museum Village has planned an entire season of events for you. Join for themed tours, workshops, themed picnics  and more at this living history museum.

Throughout Summer @ Pickering Museum Village, 2365 Concession Road 6, Greenwood

Explore the Thomas Foster Memorial

Visit Durham Region’s Taj Mahal. Explore the building built in 1936 by the former mayor of Toronto, inspired by the Taj Mahal mixed with Byzantine Architecture, with solid bronze doors and stained glass windows hand-painted and fired.

You can enjoy outdoor concerts too on Fridays. Admission is by donation at the Door.

Concerts, Fridays,  June to Sept, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Open for tours Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm (except 3rd Sun. of July, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m ). Open July 1st, Canada Day & Civic Day Monday@ Thomas Foster Memorial, Uxbridge

Tyrone Mills

Travel back in time as you visit Tyrone Mills, Clarington’s traditional water-powered mill built in 1846. Don’t forget to sample their famous apple cider doughnuts.

Historical Walking Tour of Uxbridge

37 destinations await you as you pass through residential neighbourhoods and the historic downtown core. You’ll see where merchants, doctors, beekeepers, carriage makers, shoemakers, masons, and politicians lived. Take a break to shop and dine, and soak up the architecture that holds the stories of years gone by.

Visit Parkwood Estate

Take a house and garden tour of this stunning national historic site. Learn more about the design, construction and the social and family history. The site was part of the movie set for films like X-Men, Amelia, and T.V series like Anne of Green Gables and Murdoc Mysteries.

Special events this summer include Picnic Nights, the Teddy Bear Picnic, Vendor Markets, and more!

Yoga in the Garden

Breathe deep, take a moment and do a sun salutation in the summer sun with the Oshawa Museum’s Yoga in the Garden. Visit Henry House Heritage Gardens and enjoy a morning of Yoga in the Garden in partnership with Durham Yogi Community.

Friday mornings, June  through to August at 9AM @ Oshawa Museum, 1450 Simcoe St. S Oshawa

Art Gallery/Museum

Spend the day exploring one of the many art galleries, viewing contemporary and traditional art around the Durham region.

Clarington Historic Tours

Take a self-guided tour into Tyrone, Bowmanville, Orono, Newtonville, Newcastle, Jury Lands, or Solina.

Downtown Brooklin

Explore the village of Brooklin. Downtown Brooklin is a designated heritage conservation district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.

Canadian Automotive Museum

Take your toddler to see lightning McQueen. Visit the Canadian Automotive Museum and discover unique Canadian cars! Learn about the automotive pioneers, success stories and scandals.

Sky Zone

Spend the day jumping around at this trampoline park. Try the foam zone, freestyle jump, dodge ball, sky slam and much more.

Escape Room

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.

Enniskillen Country Store

Check out one of the Oldest General Stores in Canada that showcases local home décor items, cottage décor, unique drinks, candies and more.

Old Flame Brewing Company

Go on a free brewery tour of the award-winning Brewery in Port Perry. Old Flame Brewing Company won a Gold Medal for their Brunette Munich Dunkel in the North American Amber to Dark Lager category and a Silver Medal for Raven the Black Lager in the European Amber to Dark Lager category at the 2019 Canadian Brewing Awards.

Porsche Experience Centre Toronto

Porsche Experience Centre is now open in Pickering, offering a premium driving experience with a purpose-built 2 km circuit and four dynamic modules for skill development. Guests can enjoy personalized coaching, a luxury Carrera Café, and a Porsche Lifestyle Shop. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it also features a state-of-the-art Simulator Lab, blending performance, design, and culture in one immersive destination.

356 Porsche Drive, Pickering

Rainy Summer?

Is it raining cats and dogs? No worries, from Reptilia to Playdium and awesome arcades, the Durham region has plenty of fun indoor attractions.

Indoor Attractions in Oshawa

Indoor Attractions in Whitby

For Events & Activities From September 21st: See 25 Things to Do During Fall in the Durham Region