Ski hills remain open and other Ontario Kids family events north of Toronto

Ontario Kids winter joy

Who knew Ontario would have so many mild days in the beginning of January. The weather may be odd, but it hasn’t gotten in the way of keeping busy with fun family activities and getaways.

Luckily, there has been little disruption in the ski industry. We recommend you double check if you’re heading out to crosscountry ski and snowshoe on the trails, but as far as downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing go, it’s pretty much business as usual. Open times and some runs might be affected, but your family will have no issues in finding some fun on the area ski hills and trails listed here:

Blue Mountain | Hardwood Ski and Bike | Horseshoe Resort | Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike | Scenic Caves Nordic Centre | Ski Snow Valley Resort Barrie | Wye Marsh

The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland offers kids and families a beautiful forest and marsh setting for walking adventures. Kids of all ages love to feed the chickadees that land right in your hand! It is a delight for the little ones and enjoyed by everyone.

Winter Carnival Fun is filling the weekend calendars. If you’re a native Ontarian or visiting the province, you can get the full winter experience at any festivals. Toboggan races, ice sculptures, snowman contests, dog sledding and so many traditional and new winter and uber-Canadian events will keep your family busy and active all weekend long.

Family and kids events north of Toronto this weekend

Let your kids be creative with winter artwork

Barrie
Family Art Workshop: (Sunday) Regional artists lead the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre. 

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Blue Mountain/Collingwood

All-Girls Roxy Ride Day: The Roxy Ride Days at the Blue Mountain Resort are a one-day all-girls snowboard coaching tour where female riders can practice their park and all-mountain skills with guest coaches and Roxy team riders.

Winter weekends: Make every weekend a long weekend at Blue Mountain Village! Start with the 10:30 a.m. Guided Columbia Snowshoe Tour on Friday and take part in fun runs through to Sunday evening. There will be live music on every night of the week.

Southern Georgian Bay Winterfest: Ten days of jam-packed fun, dining, live entertainment and outdoor winter activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Haliburton
SBX Competition: Come watch and cheer on the participants at Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike.

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Come watch the race excitement!

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Midland

Farmers’ Market: Midland’s Indoor Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.

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Orillia

Winter Active: Activities include cardboard tobaggan races, skate party and snow volleyball tournament.

Winter activities for kids

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Peterborough

Snofest Winter Carnival: Some exciting new events planned for this year include: pony rides, a Curling Bonspiel, Sno Jamming Family Day at Armour Hill, a Youth Art Show and Sale and a Library Story time, plus even more family fun.

Sauble Beach

Annual Winterfest: Winterfest is a special off-season event for year-round residents and winter enthusiasts, reminding everyone that Sauble Beach doesn’t shut down after Thanksgiving!

Family-friendly accommodations are also offering some fantastically fun getaway packages combined with many unique experiences such as horseback riding, dog sledding and winter bonfires.

Check out our featured 15 family winter getaways.

Family Day 2013 (February 18) is approaching fast. The next long weekend in Ontario is all about family fun. See our website for day trips, event and getaways ideas.

Have a fun and safe weekend! 

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