Travel Canada's capital cities: Halifax, N.S.

Whether you're planning a family road trip or a weekend staycation, check out our list of things to do in Canada's capital cities.

Favourite indoor activity: With hands-on interactive exhibits, a planetarium and live demonstrations, the Discovery Centre in downtown Halifax is both fun and educational. The bubble room is a favourite with kids. discoverycentre.ns.ca

Favourite outdoor activity: Take a tour of the Halifax Harbour on Theodore Tugboat, or board the Harbour Hopper, an amphibious vehicle that travels in and out of the water and drives on downtown streets. mtcw.ca/theodoretugboat; mtcw.ca/harbourhopper

Best-kept secret: The new Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market on the waterfront is especially bustling on Saturdays. Escape to its green roof with a picnic lunch, and enjoy the view of the harbour and George’s Island. halifaxfarmersmarket.com

Great place to eat: There are lots of tasty food kiosks along the waterfront in the Historic Properties district. Try The Battered Fish for delicious fish and chips. thebatteredfish.ca

Great place to stay: The Cambridge Suites Hotel is conveniently located downtown near the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. It offers a continental breakfast, a rooftop patio and will even welcome your pet! cambridgesuiteshalifax.com

Worth the drive: Peggy’s Cove is always a favourite, regardless of age. It’s picturesque, you’re close to the ocean, the kids can climb the rocks, and the drive is beautiful. peggyscove.ca

Diana Ballon is a Toronto-based freelance writer who loves to travel with her husband and two kid

Originally published in ParentsCanada, July 2012