A Kids Guide To Durham Region
Left: Station Gallery | Right: Volt Raceway
Keeping children entertained is no small feat, but in Durham Region there is no end to the activities that will leave the kids saying “best day ever”. From meeting local farm animals to the thrills of an indoor playground, or making their mark on the world in an art class, there are tons of ways for the youngsters in your life to create life-long memories in Durham.
Kid Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Left: The Sweet Spot | Middle: The Plae House | Right: Pizza Pino by sellyfooddiary
Dining out with little ones can be challenging, but choosing the right restaurant can take the stress out of a family outing. Many restauranteurs have put extra thought into how to cater to even the youngest of clientele.
Indoor Attractions & Entertainment For All Ages
Left & Right: Volt Raceway | Middle: NEB's Fun World
These weather-proof activities are a great way to get out of your house or hotel, but still stay indoors. No matter the temperature, the fun doesn’t stop at these kid-friendly places. Visit Durham’s indoor playgrounds, independently owned cinemas, and catch performances tailored to even the littlest of audiences, like Disney On Ice and The Wiggles.
Indoor Family Attractions Art Galleries & Museums Movies & Entertainment Explore Kid-Friendly Events
Kid-Approved Adventures & Birthday Party Ideas
Left: Porsche Experience Centre Toronto | Middle: Glama Gal Kids Spa | Right: Roxy Theatre
Head out for a day of fun and endless adventures in Durham Region, and invite all your friends and family! Many of these kid-friendly spots make for a great day out and also specialize in hosting parties. Keep it classic with afternoon at the bowling alley or movie theatre, or try something new like a spa day or the Porsche Sim Lab.
Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm (closed for the season)
Cedar Park Resort (closed for the season)
Jungle Cat World (weather permitting)
Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue (weather permitting - by appointment only)
Battle City Tactical Laser Tag
Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm (closed for the season)
Treetop Eco-Adventure Park (closed for the season)
Sandbaggerz (closed for the season)
Outdoor Winter Sports & Activities For Kids
Left: Brimacombe | Right: Snow tubing at Ski Lakeridge | Right: Skating on Lake Scugog
Unlike bears, kids don’t have the natural inclination to hibernate over winter. Fully embrace the Great White North by bundling up and getting outside! Durham Region has plenty of activities that will get you moving so much that the cold won’t bother you anyway.
Snow Tubing, Skiing & Snowboarding Insider Tips For A Day At The Slopes Skating Rinks Trails & Conservation Areas More Outdoor Winter Activities
Animal Experiences & Adventures
Left: Reptilia | Middle: The Little Farm | Right: Pathways on Pleasure Valley
Enjoy educational encounters with furry friends and get up-close and personal with reptiles and amphibians at Canada's largest indoor reptile facility. From horseback riding through snow-covered valleys to winter walks with alpacas, there are plenty of fun animal experiences to enjoy in Durham Region this season.
Jungle Cat World - Orono (weather permitting)
Mini Cows Canada - Newtonville (by appointment only)
Pathways on Pleasure Valley - Uxbridge (by appointment only)
Reptilia - Whitby
Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue - Bowmanville (by appointment only)
The Little Farm - Hampton (by appointment only)
Wild Hearts Farmstead - Newtonville (by appointment only)
Family-Friendly Events
Left: Oshawa Generals Game | Middle: Winter Festival | Right: Live Theatre Performance
There is no end to the events in Durham Region and many of them welcome the whole family to join in on the celebration. Whether it’s catching some live music or joining in on a holiday tradition, there’s always something happening to take the kids to.
Durham Tourism Events Calendar Sesame Street Live! on January 22 Harlem Globetrotters on January 30 Ajax Winterfest on February 15 Brimfest in February Oshawa Generals Hockey Schedule Oshawa FireWolves Lacrosse Schedule Live theatre performances
Arts & Crafts For Creative Kids
Left: Whitby Arts Studio (4Cats) | Middle: Visual Arts Centre of Clarington | Right: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
Give your little Picassos the room to fully express themselves by signing them up for a class or art camp at one of Durham's art galleries. With a wide range of disciplines offered for a variety of ages, there are lots of crafty opportunities to get those creative juices flowing.
Arts Unleashed - Pickering
Julie Claude’s Art Space - Pickering
Kids Art Talks - Port Perry
Living Room Community Art Studio
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery - Oshawa
Station Gallery - Whitby
Visual Arts Centre of Clarington - Bowmanville
Whitby Arts Studio (4Cats) - Whitby
Inclusive Spaces For Children
Left: Aspire Climbing | Middle: Melly's Market and Cafe | Right: Abilities Centre
All children benefit from inclusive environments. These local operators have taken steps to remove barriers to play, and considered all abilities when designing their programming. You are encouraged to reach out to the business or organization directly to discuss your child’s individual needs.
Abilities Centre's Sensory Room - Whitby
Aspire Climbing - Whitby
Christine's Cafe at Abilities Centre - Whitby
Melly's Market and Cafe - Whitby
Nova's Ark - Brooklin
Precious Minds - Uxbridge
Snooze Room - Pickering
WindReach Farm - Ashburn
While you’re out exploring Durham Region, we’d love to hear what new experiences you and your kiddos tried and loved the most. Tag @DurhamTourism in your social posts so we can follow along!