School's Out for Summer! - Tourism Simcoe County

School’s Out for Summer!

Here are a few things to add to your bucket list to keep the kids entertained (and yourself sane) this summer.

Located just an hour north of Toronto, Simcoe County offers a wide range of activities for kids and families during the summer:

TAKE THE KIDS TO THE BEACH

Simcoe County has stunning beaches along Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay. Popular beaches include Wasaga Beach, Innisfil Beach Park, and Centennial Beach in Barrie. Kids can build sandcastles, swim in the refreshing water, and enjoy beach activities.

VISIT THE ELMVALE JUNGLE ZOO

The Elmvale Jungle Zoo is a great place for kids who love animals. It features a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and reptiles. Admire the beauty of rare and exotic birds, primates, zebras, giraffes and more in the natural surroundings of the zoo’s 30 acres. Kids can learn about different species and enjoy educational presentations, too.

GO MINI-PUTTING

There are several miniature golf courses in Simcoe County, such as Bayview Wildwood Resort Mini-Golf in Severn and Wasaga 500 Go-Karts Mini Golf in Wasaga Beach. Mini-putting is a fun and family-friendly activity that everyone in the family can enjoy!

HAVE FUN AT THE FARM

There are plenty farms in Simcoe County that offer tractor rides, corn mazes, and berry picking for children. Chappell Farms, Hewitt’s, Rounds Ranch, The Blueberry Place, Barrie Hill Farms are a few that you should include on your summer bucket list.

ENJOY A DELICIOUS ICE CREAM

Summer is the perfect excuse for an ice cream date. Take the children to Icebreaker Sweet Shoppe in Severn, Mr. Norm’s Nephew (yes, that’s a place!) in Wasaga Beach, Scoopy Newfie in Elmvale, Lickity Split in Beeton, or Frozen Bites in Alliston to name a few. We all scream for ice cream!

EXPLORE NATURE

Take your children to visit Scales Nature Park or The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Learn about the birds and reptiles, walk the trails, or feed the chickadees. The kids will love it!

ATTEND LOCAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Simcoe County hosts various festivals and events during the summer. Some family friendly events include: Festival Du Loup on July 15, All Things Canadian Festival on July 29, Midland Rib Fest & Tug Boat Festival and Bradford’s Carrot Fest on Aug 18-20, and The Barrie Fair & Dragon Boat Festival Aug 24-27 to name a few. Check the event section on our website for a full list of events like farmers’ markets, music festivals, parades, and community celebrations.