The Christmas Holiday season is pretty much here! While some businesses will wait to turn on the holiday music in stores until December 1st, there is no escaping the holiday spirit, even if your name is Grinch. If you have kids, this not a bad thing. Parents gain bargaining power when it comes to behaviour and have a long list of events and activities to choose from when it comes weekend family entertainment. Family fun weekend events are listed below this blog.

412 Ontario Kids Family Play List - Parents Canada

Most areas north of Toronto have been getting a varying amounts of snow this week. It's not quite time to break out the skates and skis yet, but it is time to plan for that! Many ski operators have turned on the snow guns and are working around the clock to put enough white stuff on the hills and trails to get people moving and winter grooving! Parents can get all the links to ski and snowboard related members' information here:

Skiing And Snowboarding North Of Toronto - Parents Canada

*This page lists ski operators north of Toronto with direct links to snow and trail conditions, web cams, rates and pass information, ski school info and more! This page is definitely deserving of a bookmark! Get to know it now and this page will be your best friend. 

Christmas Holiday Tradition includes a Santa Clausparade (or more than one!). This weekend offers several parades and tree lightings. Parades usually have a theme and are a great family event to attend. Some parades coincide with annual holiday tree lightings, complete with caroles and hot chocolate! You can also visit our website if you're more in the mood for shopping. Craft shows and holiday bazaars also begin to appear in the calendar this weekend. Festivals of Lights and Festivals of Trees have also begun. These are good events to do on a family's schedule at your own pace. The whole family can enjoy a nice evening stroll before bedtime and then fall asleep dreaming of all those twinking lights, that's holiday magic.

This weekend you can find SC Parades and Tree Lightings in –

Nov. 15 PORT ELGIN Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 16 BALA Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 16 OWEN SOUND Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 16 NEWMARKET
Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 16 SUDBURY Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 16 BARRIE Santa Claus Parade & Tree Lighting
Nov. 16 BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY
Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 17 LAKEFIELD
Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 17 LINDSAY
Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 17 THUNDER BAY
Santa Claus Parade

Santa Claus Parade  - Parents Canada

 This weekend's ‘PLAY LIST'…

KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:

These events are within 1-3 hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip, or stay at any family friendly accommodation and extend the fun. These events would also be within proximity or close to many of Ontario's ‘cottage country'.

~BARRIE~

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP
Every Sunday is Family Sunday at the MacLaren. Regional artist Annie Aspden and guest artists will lead creative projects that families can complete together. Sign up in person at 1:00 pm on the day of the workshop, as space is limited.

HORSESHOE RESORT & ADVENTURE PARK
Fun for the family with the Zip Lining and Treetop Trekking course; build your golf skills and challenge the family to a round of Mini Putt, or explore the Copeland Forest on Segway. Families can also have fun mountain biking on forest trails.

HARDWOOD SKI & BIKE
Hit the day trails or play disc golf. Rent a bike or bring your own. Great trials for all ages and skill levels. Go now and take advantage of their ski sales!

MACLAREN ART CENTRE
Enrich your childrens' days with art. Every child has the potential and needs the inspiration! Kids are never too young to learn art appreciation and be inspired themselves.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS

~THE BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

VILLAGE ACTIVITIES AT BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
Scavenger hunts and other kids and family fun happening daily in Blue Mountain Village.

ATTRACTION PARK BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Take the exciting Ridge Runner ride or visit the now-open summer attraction park that includes fun activities like Mountaintop Segway touring, Open-air gondola rides, Mini-putt, Climbing wall and more! Whileyou're there, check out the progress of the apple orchard! For teens and parents: Ski Movie Night for CGMH: Don't miss the premier of Tetron Gravity's Way of Life at the annual ski movie night in support of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available at Kamakazi bike shop.

Stay in COLLINGWOOD HOTELS

~HALIBURTON~

SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE

Take out the bikes and have some outdoor adventure. Ride the chair lift and see the fall colours forrest.

Browse Haliburton Attractions & Accommodations


~MIDLAND | PENETANGUISHENE~

DOWNTOWN SHOPS AND DOCKS
Check out the shops and docks in beautiful Midland! Walk about and strolling fun for kids and check out one of the largest outdoor mural collections in North America.

GUIDED CANOE OR KAYAK TOURS | GUIDED WALKS | REPTILE SHOW | BIRDS OF PREY SHOW
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Check their website for details and times.


MIDLAND CULTURAL CENTRE

Drop in to see what's going on or visit our website for the latest programs. Cafe Roxy is open for hot chocolate, coffee and refreshments, light meals and snacks, wine and beer. The Atrium is available for small group meetings or a get together with family or friends.


MIDLAND FARMERS' MARKET
Meet farmers and artisans and have a taste of Ontario, even in winter! Saturday morning 9-1 at the North Simcoe Sport and Recreation Centre.

HURONIA FOOD TRAIL
You will find a list of the farmers, producers, restaurants, retailers and accommodations that have identified themselves as advocates of local taste and local products, within the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene & Townships of Tay and Tiny, Ontario through the Huronia Food Trail.

Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region

~ORILLIA~

STREETS ALIVE LETTERS OF ORILLIA OUTDOOR ART CELEBRATION
City streets are alive with 6 foot high metal letter sculptures, transformed into exciting works of art by area artists! This is a great free exhibit for kids. Bring a camera and take their picture by their name letter!

Browse Orillia Accommodations & Attractions

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Plan ahead for HOLIDAY GETAWAYS and WINTER GETAWAYS!

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Have a fun and weekend.