Things to do with kids in the Durham Region this summer

10 fun (and cheap!) things to do with kids this summer

Summer is in full swing, and the kids are loving being out of school. With nice full days of sunshine and warm weather, it’s the perfect time to create new memories. It’s the perfect time to cut back on spending on things, and instead invest in time together as a family.

Luckily, there’s a ton of free or cheap activities to do with your children in the Durham Region. Your kids will love spending time with you outdoors, and you’ll enjoy having them entertained for hours! A win-win for summer!

Here’s a round-up of our favorite Durham Region activities to try this summer.

1. Explore the Scugog Shores Museum Village (1655 Reach Street, Port Perry)

(Instagram)

Located on Scugog Island, you’ll be able to take your kids for a real adventure to the Village overlooking the picturesque town of Port Perry. With 12 restored buildings, heritage flower gardens, and Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands, you can learn about history while taking in some new sites. See it for yourself on the Scugog Shores museum Instagram and Facebook page.

The Village is open 7 days a week, from 10am – 4pm, with guided tour available daily.

2. Cool off at the Cedar Park Resort water park (6296 Cedar Park Road, Bowmanville, ON)

(Cedar Park Resort Website)

One of the best water parks in the region, the Cedar Park Resort has something for everyone to enjoy. With big waterslides, pools, and splash pads to play in, it’s the perfect way to spend a nice, hot day. Bring a picnic, some sunscreen and towels, and plan to spend a full day at the park!

Open Monday to Thursday from 10am – 6pm and Friday to Saturday, 10am – 7pm.

P.S – Get extra points after a fun day by stopping at the Enniskillen General Store for Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream. They’re just a 5 min drive north of the water park.

3. NEB’s Fun World – Free Bowling for Kids (1300 Wilson Rd N, Oshawa, ON)

(NEB’s World Website)

From July 2 until August 31, Kids age 15 and younger can get two free games of bowling a day all summer if you sign up online for your free pass. With 5 and 10 pin bowling, as well as Cosmic Bowling, NEB’s is a great place to escape the heat or hide away on a rainy day this summer.

Contact NEB’s Fun World for more information here.

4. Relax in a local Park

(Free stock photo)

The best thing about summer is the weather, and what a better way to enjoy it than a blanket, some music, food, and a picnic. Our top pick is Palmer Park in Port Perry (175 Water St, Port Perry, ON). With playgrounds, splash pads, and tons of green space, there’s lots for everyone to see and do for a day.

Also, from August 4-6, Ribfest is in town! Get more details here.

5. Learn how to skateboard (Port Perry, ON)

(Free stock photo)

The township of Scugog has three skateboard parks to choose from: Unity Skateboard Park, Blackstock Skateboard Park, and Ceasarea Skateboard Park. Kids are recommended to bring a helmet, knee and elbow pads, as well as wrist guards to avoid any tears and children under 10 should have an adult with them.

Don’t be shy – ask someone to show you the ropes!

6. Get out on the water at Trent Severn Waterways Locks (Port Perry/Kawartha Lakes, ON)

(Waterways Facebook)

Celebrating Canada’s 150 this year, the locks have waived their fees for everyone to enjoy. Hop on a boat and explore the waterways from the North Durham Region on Lake Scugog on up to the Kawartha Lakes. Make sure to stop and enjoy some lunch at our favorite spots: Fenelon Falls or Bobcaygeon are a must-try.

And, of course, find some of that yummy Kawartha Dairy ice cream!

7. Catch an outdoor movie at the Lindsay Twin Drive-In

(Lindsay Twin Instagram)

Your kids will go wild about getting to watch a movie in the car. Pack some snacks and kick back the seats for a sunset showing or a late night show for that special occasion. You can even pack blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the movie outside on the grass.

See what’s playing here.

8. Take in the beauty of Balsam Provincial Park (2238 Hwy 48 R.R #1, Kirkfield, ON

(Balsam Park Instagram)

One of the best and most beautiful provincial parks is in our area is Balsam Lake Provincial Park on Balsam Lake. With it’s stunning landscape and clean environment, the park makes for the perfect day trip with an hour drive time from Port Perry. Your kids will love taking in the nature of the trails, lake, and wildlife there is to see at Balsam Lake Park.

If you’re up for it, book a campsite and stay the weekend.

9. Check out the Blackstock Fair, August 26-27 (3440 Church St, Blackstock, ON)

(Blackstock Fair Website)

Games, climbing walls, bouncy castles (with a $5 play all day wristband, too!), tractor rides, chainsaw carving, camels, and a demolition derby on Friday, what can get better than the Blackstock Fair? Your kids will LOVE everything at the fair and it’ll be fun for the whole family. Check out the Olympic Joust for an interesting take on a fun game and try out the 55’ climbing wall for an adrenaline rush. Bring ear protection for the young ones, as it can tend to get loud!

More information can be found here.

10. Catch a FREE concerts in the Park at Palmer Park, every Sunday evening (175 Water St, Scugog ON)

(Free stock image)

Bring your lawn chair or blanket to the Gazebo in Palmer Park every Sunday evening from June 18 to September 3. The fun begins at 6:30 pm and it’s absolutely free. If you want to skip making dinner, grab a delicious pizza from Jim’s Pizza across Palmer Park. As you listen to the lovely music, the kids can enjoy playing at the park between bites.

Did we miss your favourite spot for summer fun in Durham Region or Kawartha Lakes? Please let us know so we can check it out!

Have a great and safe summer

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