Family-friendly Activities in the Durham Region

More families are choosing to move to the Durham Region not only because the real estate can be more affordable than nearby Toronto, but also because the area offers a myriad of fun things to do with the whole family.

The Durham Region is renowned for its parks, entertainment venues, and friendly communities where there are always interesting events taking place. Families will find plenty of activities that both kids and adults will enjoy.

From adrenaline-pumping sports to animal encounters, unique museums and more, these are some of the best family-friendly activities in the Durham Region.

Get Up Close and Personal with Animals at the Oshawa Zoo

Animal lovers won’t want to miss a trip to the Oshawa Zoo & Fun Farm. The zoo has more than 40 species of tame animals and birds including goats, pot bellied pigs and miniature horses. It’s also home to exotic animals like llamas, lemurs, camels and wallabies. 

Spend the day feeding and petting the animals through the interactive enclosures. Kids can go on pony rides and learn about animals from far-off places. If you get hungry, there is a food stand with snacks for sale and picnic tables where you can eat and relax.

Fly High Above the Forest at the Treetop Eco-Adventure Park

Test your courage and agility at the exhilarating Treetop Eco-Adventure Park in Oshawa. The park features a series of aerial obstacle courses set high above the treetops in the beautiful Oakridges Moraine. Courses include a combination of ziplines, suspension bridges and log swings.

There are obstacle courses for children as young as three years old, as well as adult and youth courses. Each course is self-guided, although the park staff can offer help when needed. The staff will also give you a full safety briefing to ensure you’re strapped in properly and know how it all works.

Hit the Slopes at Durham Region’s Ski Resorts

When the snow starts to pile up, skiers and snowboarders have a number of places to make fresh tracks. Dagmar Ski Resort is small, but a great spot for beginners to learn the ropes. Lakeridge Ski Resort has a little bit more for novices with mogul runs and terrain parks.

Many people consider Brimacombe the best ski resort in the Durham Region because it offers a good variety of slopes from easy greens to black diamond runs. You can take group and private lessons to learn the basics or upgrade your skills on the trails or in the terrain park.

Learn About Cool Cars at the Canadian Automotive Museum

The Durham Region was once known as the epicentre of the auto industry in Canada, so it’s fitting that this is the home of the Canadian Automotive Museum. Car fanatics can peruse classic and rare cars that date from the early 1900s to recent times.

The Automotive Museum also has educational displays that offer fascinating facts about Canadian cars and car manufacturing in Canada. You can also explore the rotating exhibits that feature unique cars from different eras.

Practice Your Swing at Durham Region’s Golf Courses 

What better way to spend quality time with the family than a day on the greens at one of Durham Region’s fabulous golf courses? Many golf courses in the region are open to the public and offer club rentals and golf lessons for all ages.

Some of the most popular public golf courses in the Durham region include the Harmony Creek Golf Centre, Pickering Golf Club, and the Riverside Golf Course. If you don’t mind paying for a membership, the Royal Ashburn Golf Club is pretty spectacular.

Immerse Yourself in Nature on Durham Region’s Hiking Trails

One of the best things about living in Durham Region is that you’re never far from a hiking trail. In fact, the region is home to over 300 kilometres of outdoor trails that wind their way through mature forests and wetlands.

The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is a great place to spot local birds and animals along the 11 hiking trails. The Long Sault Conservation area features untouched forest and 18 kilometres of trails for hikers of all skill levels. Dog owners can take their furry family members on the trails at the Heber Down Conservation Area as long as they're on a leash.

If you're interested in learning more about communities in the Durham Region, please contact us online or call us at 905-668-1511 today!

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