By Fred Kead
September 27th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
We couldn’t agree more that Burlington is frequently ranked as one of the best cities in Canada for families. But coming here to play doesn’t have to break the bank! There are many activities for kids in Burlington right now.
Some are popular tourist destinations, while others are undiscovered gems that only locals know of. We are bringing you our picks for the best free and inexpensive family activities in Burlington.
Go to Parks
One of the great botanical gardens in North America
The most extensive botanical garden in Canada is the Royal Botanical Gardens. Possibly Burlington’s biggest attraction, the renowned Royal Botanical Gardens, are a must-see for everyone traveling to or through the city. The lovely gardens cover 900 hectares of land and are divided into various areas. It has three restaurants, a friendly gift shop, one greenhouse, four outdoor gardens, and four.
Explore the lovely gardens to discover over 1,000 different plants and flowers, including the most extensive collection of lilacs in the world. Additionally, it is an Important Bird Area.
We know that taking a family vacation is lovely; the best part is spending time together. To complete the fun, parents can exchange activities with the kids in addition to doing them together. One day, mom will have time to unwind and shop while dad has fun in the aquarium.
On the other hand, mom can go to a park, and dad can use the time to visit one of the nearby casinos, for example. Only 11 miles separate the Elements Casino Mohawk, one of Canada’s busiest attractions, from Burlington. He might even play some games online while waiting since Ontario now has laws governing online casinos.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park – Even though the park is less than a mile from the QEW, once you get inside, nature takes control. Enjoy camping and RV amenities for a day or a few nights. Get some exercise on the five hiking trails, see the farm animals at the Children’s Farm and Spruce Lane Farm House, play a game of disc golf, or take a dip in the 1.8-acre outdoor pool during the summer.
Try New Foods
Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park holds on of the biggest Rib Fest events early in September every year
Cottage Country Candies Outlet – Indulge in savory and sweet delicacies from around the world at Cottage Country Candies Outlet. With trail mixes, wrapped candies, sour sweets, and more, you may fill up for the remainder of your journey. Despite being in business since 1910, they keep up with the times by making great vegan delights and less-waste products.
Sunshine Doughnuts – There is a recognizable emblem in the center of Burlington’s downtown. Every morning, The Sunshine Doughnuts creates freshly baked goods stuffed with various delectable delicacies like caramel, cream, mint, toffee, and strawberry. Get there early because they sell out quickly, but they’re the ideal snack to grab before venturing out for a day of adventure in the downtown area.
Spencer Smith Park – From food trucks to fancy restaurants, the flavor is king. Spencer’s on the Waterfront provides upscale lakeside dining. It’s delicious meals with a view, so bring your loved one or the entire family to enjoy freshly grown veggies from their farm and sustainably sourced fish.
Burlington Food Truck Festival – Check out the Burlington Food Truck Festival if you like to sample a variety of foods while relaxing at a picnic table and listening to live music. Dishes on the menu range from tacos and Asian noodles to standard hamburgers and fries. Canada’s Largest Ribfest, which features the greatest BBQ rib producers from the U.S. and Canada, is held annually. Enjoy mouthwatering ribs while singing along to live music.
Shows and Music Festivals
Performing Arts Centre brings world class entertainment to the city
The city’s center for music and theatre arts, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC), offers a wide variety of entertainment, from solo comedic performances to elaborate theatrical plays. The 720-seat Main stage has hosted performances by Burton Cummings, Jim Cuddy, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and other international artists.
In contrast, the 165-seat Community Studio Theatre has hosted several productions that have delighted audiences for decades. Treat yourself to a show at BPAC for an evening of modern entertainment that is more personal.
Brant Street Pier
Controversial when it was built – the Pier is now a favourite for everyone.
The S-shaped Brant Street Pier juts out 137 meters over Lake Ontario. The pier offers stunning views of the lake and the coastline of Burlington. Feel the breeze in your hair as you stroll along the pier while taking in the scenery. Take the elevated deck’s spiral stairway up for the best views.
You can take in the views any time of day because the pier is open from 7 am to 11 pm. Additionally, you can go cycling or fishing from the pier.
