5 Adventures Near Toronto to Squeeze in Before Summer Ends

Wondering where the summer went? You’re not alone. Every July, the summer seems to stretch before us. But by August? I’m scrambling and wondering what happened to all of that time. I’m happy to send the kids back to school and get into a routine again, and I want to send the season off with a bang. Or, at least with something fun that ends these dog days on a positive and active note.

If you’re looking for a fun and memorable experience to do with the kids before September hits, here are five adventures near Toronto my nine and seven-year-olds have adored doing this summer…

5 Fun Adventures Near Toronto

Centre Island

If you haven’t made it to Centre Island yet this summer, there’s still time to squeeze in one of Toronto’s quintessential family adventures. Even getting there is part of the fun: hop on the ferry from downtown and, a short ride later, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city behind. Once you arrive, spend the day at Centreville Amusement Park, visit the animals at Far Enough Farm, get lost in the William Meany Maze, explore Franklin Children’s Garden, cool off at a splash pad, or hit Centre Island’s beach. Families can also pack a picnic, rent a canoe or kayak, or simply wander the car-free paths and take in some of the best skyline views in Toronto.

Treetop Trekking

If your kids are like mine, getting them to go on a hike can be difficult. They love obstacle courses though, so Treetop Trekking is a great way to get them active and outside. There are several parks across Ontario with activities for kids and adults of all ages. Go on a tree walk, zipline, check out the discovery courses, or get your littles in touch with nature via forest bathing, led by a Forest Therapy Guide. The adventures are designed to build confidence and spark curiosity, and who doesn’t want that for their kids before they head back to school?

J&H Ranch

Kawartha Lakes may be known for cottages and small town vibes, but hidden within the beautiful trails is J&H Ranch, a fifth-generation horse farm with more than 30 horses. They offer reasonably priced, hour-long rides led by experienced and passionate guides. Kids get to wear helmets shaped like cowboy hats, and the trail itself is shaded and relatively flat, which makes it great for beginners.

Kelso Cove Waterpark

Kelso Conservation Area is a long-time family favourite for an easy beach day, but now it’s even more exciting for the kids thanks to its waterpark. The giant inflatable island includes more than 25 obstacles, slides, and bounces, all supervised by certified lifeguards. Timeslots are an hour long but you can also swim, hike, rent a boat, play disc golf, or enjoy a picnic on site. Kids are required to pass a simple swim test before playing, so ensure your child is comfortable in the water while wearing a lifejacket before purchasing your tickets.

Volt Raceway

Looking for something cool to do on a rainy or sweltering day? In Bowmanville, Volt Raceway offers all kinds of fun activities for kids. Make your kids’ Mario Kart dreams come true on the indoor racing tracks, which are surprisingly quiet and gas-free. Older riders can enjoy the Thrill Track, while those aged 7 to 13 can ride the Fun Track. There’s also a bowling alley, pool tables, axe throwing, an arcade, and something called Volt Blasters, which is a glow-in-the-dark and mess-free “paintball meets laser tag” experience for kids five and up. Hungry? There’s also a restaurant that offers regular and gourmet pizzas, wings, appetizers, and salads.