If you’ve always thought of Hamilton Ontario as all work and no play, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. While this actively industrial port city has earned its nickname of “Steel Town”, there are plenty of fun activities to do in downtown Hamilton and around its city limits. For an exciting experience that kids of all ages will love, try any — or all — of these Hamilton-area attractions.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Here’s a museum that stands out: Exhibits are not tucked away in glass cases but are out in the open for an up-close-and-personal experience. The one and only Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is located next to the Hamilton International airport. Displays include 47 Canadian military planes, from World War II vintage aircraft to the present day. Best of all, you’ll be blown away by the ultimate experience: virtual head-to-head combat at the Air Combat Zone Jet Fighter Simulation Centre or a flight aboard an authentic Douglas C-47 Dakota!
Westfield Heritage Village
Travel back in time to Canada’s early days at Westfield Heritage Village, just northeast of Hamilton. History will come alive for you and your kids as you enjoy the realistic demonstrations and hands-on activities. Be sure to participate in a guided tour of the historic buildings, which are operated as a year-round conservation site.
African Lion Safari
You and your family have likely visited a zoo… but have you ever been on safari? Hamilton’s African Lion Safari® offers a safe, drive-through opportunity to view exotic animals like lions and elephants as they roam in natural-looking habitats. And because kids of almost any age don’t like staying cooped up in the car too long, there are 25-30 walk-through areas where you can stroll, run, and see exhibits related to animal conservation.
Royal Botanical Gardens
It’s blooming lovely. The Royal Botanical Gardens, which straddle the border between Hamilton and Burlington, are a 2700-acre national historical site, officially approved by King George V. Since the Gardens are open all year, you can return again and again to witness the glories of nature in every season. Saunter along the walking trails or sit and contemplate attractions such as the massive collections of spring bulbs, lilacs, and rose bushes in Canada’s largest botanical garden.
Adventure Village
Family-friendly fun is the name of the game at Adventure Village. On the shore of Lake Ontario, this Hamilton attraction could be dubbed “an amusement park plus”: With rides plus laser tag plus miniature golf plus batting cages plus a bungee trampoline plus hands-on gemstone mining (to name just a few of the engaging activities), you and the fam will be happy to spend a day here, topped off by a casual dinner at Big Al’s Cook House, fully licensed by the LLBO.
Treetop Trekking
Hug a tree! Treetop Trekking, just west of Hamilton next to the Binbrook Conservation Area, is a green space devoted to all things forest. Kids from teenies through teens can explore an intriguing network of treehouses at Treewalk Village Adventure Park. At the same time, kids ages 9 and up will delight in the challenge of making their way from treetop to treetop, using walkways, bridges, and even zip lines.
Art Gallery of Hamilton
The Art Gallery of Hamilton, located right in Hamilton’s city centre, hosts over 10,000 works of art, including an International, a Contemporary, and a Canadian collection (perhaps the best collection of pieces by Canadian artists in the country). In addition, you can find activities like Children’s Tours and Family Fun Days for the younger set to help make the world of art come alive. Meanwhile, the Playroom is a place to take a welcome break. PS: Strollers and baby carriers are welcome here!
Wild Water Works
Thrill and chill to the ultimate water park experience at Wild Water Works inside Confederation Park on Hamilton’s waterfront. The water slide names speak for themselves — Blue Demon, Kamikaze, Vertigo. Wow! Which will you dare to try? Little Squirt Works is a super fun wading pool enhanced with pint-sized slides, mists, sprays, and water fountains for the kids.
Dundurn Castle
At Dundurn Castle, you’ll get a glimpse of a typical Hamilton residence of the 1800s… typical for the wealthy and powerful, that is. This national historic site is the former home of Sir Alan MacNab, Premier of Canada pre-Confederation. Costumed tour guides will lead you and your family through 40 rooms of the villa (Sorry! It’s not really a castle), pointing out architectural details and giving you a taste of what life was like back in the day.
Puddicombe Farms
Get back to nature at Puddicombe Farms and Winery, only a short drive east of Hamilton. This farm, run by a local family with a heritage of farming in Ontario since 1797, offers a variety of enjoyable activities for one and all. Try one of the hourly train tours of the site, or pick your own seasonal harvest of deliciously fresh fruits in the summer months.
Bruce Trail
Stunningly lovely, the famous Bruce Trail winds its way through the Hamilton area as part of its nearly 900km length. Spend a day — or five — among the beautiful scenery of amazing Niagara Escarpment Waterfalls on one of the guided walks. The difficulty level of the hiking trails ranges from “a simple stroll in the fresh air” to “an exciting challenge.”
And Then There’s Dr HVAC!
Dr HVAC is another Southern Ontario landmark, serving Hamilton Ontario homeowners since 2008. Rely on us for residential and commercial HVAC service — including tuneup, repair, and installation. New! We now have professional licensed plumbers on our team, as well.
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