Fun activities for the whole family
An all-season oasis in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Bruce County offers endless possibilities for family activities and adventure for the young, and young at heart.
An Adventure Your Family Will Never Forget
There are some feelings that can’t be explained, they have to be lived to be appreciated. Bruce County is known for its adventurous family activities and ability to encourage kids to look under rocks and use their active, inquiring minds. With epic hiking trails, amazing scenic lookouts, miles of sandy beach and great rainy day options, your crew will be creating memories from sunrise till sunset. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your getaway from the everyday.
Discover our beaches
Time moves slower at the water’s edge. Waves are an invitation for jumping and splashing. Shells and smooth stones from the sand are treasures waiting to be discovered by tiny hands. With the Lake Huron shoreline running up one side of the peninsula and the sparkling waters of Georgian Bay running along the other, there are plenty of amazing beaches to enjoy in Bruce County. If you’re looking for family friendly swimming along sandy shores, head to the main beach in Sauble Beach. Take a swim, stroll the main strip and let the kids blow their allowance at Giggles Arcade.
Hike the legendary Bruce Trail
It’s no surprise that the legendary Bruce Trail runs right through Bruce County, to its ultimate finish in Tobermory. This is a family-friendly destination that offers a chance to immerse your family in the beauty of Bruce County nature. Underneath every rock is a new creature waiting to be revealed and around every bend is a new story to tell. The curiosity of what the next scenic secret will be will have your children racing through the trees, excited for each new finding. Hidden caves tucked deep in the rocks are ready for young explorers to use as nature’s ultimate playground.
There are some amazing family hikes along the trail. Buy yourself a Bruce Trail Guidebook or download the Bruce Trail app to choose your route. While the hikes in The Bruce Peninsula National Park are very popular (the hike to The Grotto is perhaps best known), there are many other opportunities to get your family on the trail in quieter spots like Lion’s Head, McNeill’s Mansion near Wiarton, The Bruce Caves and Purple Valley. Wear sturdy shoes, pack snacks, water, a camera, a phone and the guidebook or app to help you find your way.
Cool off in Wiarton
Visit the home of Wiarton Willie and spend a few hours at the Bluewater Park Splashpad. Wiarton is a beautiful town on the shore of Georgian Bay with great downtown shopping and restaurants, a beautiful waterfront park and family friendly Bruce Trail hikes nearby. Bluewater Park in Wiarton is the perfect location to keep your children entertained for hours. With a refreshing splash pad that features a variety of ground nozzles, this makes for the perfect family day-trip.
Challenge yourself on the ropes…
Just off the beaten path in Tobermory, you’ll find Little Cove Adventures-home to a high ropes and low ropes course that will challenge your family and test your limits. You’ll be climbing from tree to tree, swinging from tire to tire and zipping from rope to rope with the help of your guides and safety equipment. There are even camping cabin accommodations for those who’d like to use Little Cove as their home base. The high ropes course is suitable for those age 10 and up while the low ropes course is geared to ages 6 and up. Find out more here.
Experience the history of Bruce County
After taking the time to unveil all Bruce County has to offer outdoors, plan a visit to our Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre to learn about the history behind all of your family’s favourite spots. The interactive exhibits and family friendly information will heighten your experience and expand your knowledge on our beautiful land. With a great lineup of children’s programming and summer exhibits, the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton is a great family destination. Packed with local and marine heritage, the museum offers hands on children’s experiences that will leave your kids asking to come back on your next vacation. Check out their website at www.brucemuseum.ca for a full schedule of events and exhibits. This interactive experience, will leave your kids asking when they can visit again!
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Learn all about visiting Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties here.
