Family Camping in Ontario
Campgrounds with Activities and Attractions for Kids Over Seven
Mar 27, 2009
Camping with older kids can be a unique bonding experience for a family if there are activities and features that are of interest to kids over seven. Camping in Ontario’s provincial and national parks, conservation areas and private campgrounds allows families to study birds, native plants, historical landmarks, and enjoy water activities.
Ontario Provincial and National Parks
From snorkeling and birding to understanding part of Ontario’s history, camping at provincial parks and national parks, offers family fun and learning opportunities in a relaxing way. Here are a few Ontario campgrounds offering environment and heritage focused activities.
- Algonquin Provincial Park features eight campgrounds off Highway 60 between Whitney and Huntsville and has two museums, an outdoor theatre, several hiking trails, and offers wolf howl excursions throughout August.
- Bon Echo Provincial Park, north of Napanee, is well known for Mazinaw Rock which features over 260 native pictographs, visible by boat from one of the deepest lakes in Ontario.
- Marten River Provincial Park, 56 kilometres north of North Bay, features a replica of a 19th century logging camp, as well as excellent fishing and boating.
- Cyprus Lake Campground, part of Bruce Peninsula National Park near Tobermory, is popular with snorkellers, scuba divers and hikers because of the close proximity to shipwrecks, Bruce Trail hiking, and rock formations including caves accessible by land and water.
Booking campsites for summer holidays at provincial and national parks begins in the spring and long weekends are reserved very quickly.
Camping in Conservation Areas
Camping in conservation areas allows families to camp close to home providing convenience and minimizing travel time. Two of Ontario's conservation areas offer unique activities for the whole family:
- Backus Heritage Conservation Area near Port Rowan contains a Heritage Village Museum with special events planned throughout the year and also hosts week long summer day camp programs.
- Elora Gorge Conservation Area is popular with older kids for its whitewater kayaking and tubing between the steep cliffs of Elora.
If camping is not possible, conservation areas have day use areas that are accessible throughout the summer.
Private Campgrounds Catering to Kids
Private campgrounds are usually able to boast newer amenities than other campgrounds, many of them investing in the experience of the young camper. Here are some private campgrounds in Ontario that cater to kids over seven.
- Bingeman’s Camping Resort in Kitchener is popular with families because of its waterslides, wave pool, bumper boats, mini golf, go-karts, golfing, and indoor children’s playground for kids of all ages.
- Sturgeon Woods Campground and Marina in Leamington features a waterslide, interactive spray pool, recreation centre with arcade, pool tables and big screen TVs for family movie nights.
- Splash Canyon Waterpark and Resort is a new campground in Barrie that has wave pools, water slides, and themed playgrounds that are included with the price of overnight camping.
- Emerald Lake Trailer Resort and Waterpark in Puslinch contains a waterslide, splash pad, beach volleyball, and a children’s playground which are included in camping fees.
It is important to check the rules and regulations of private campgrounds that have water parks before booking a camping vacation to see if the kids meet the height restrictions of the water rides.
Finding a campground that has attractions and features that appeal to kids over seven is important in planning a family vacation. Several Ontario provincial and national parks, conservation areas and private campgrounds have facilities and activities for older kids making the camping experience more memorable for them.
Related articles:
Kid-Friendly Campgrounds in Ontario
 |
