BY: AMY ALLEN-MUNCEY
The BBQ’s are in full swing and the sunscreen is out! My favourite time of year is officially here – summer in Waterloo Region at its finest. This season brings the best of outdoor activities and fun… also the freedom of carting the kids around without the fear of lost mittens would bring a smile to anyone’s face!
African Lion Safari
May 6 – October 9, 2017
1386 Cooper Road, Cambridge, Ontario
www.lionsafari.com
Summer Rates: Adult $35.95, Senior $33.95, Child (3-12 years) $26.95, 2 and under FREE
A real gem in our region, African Lion Safari hosts guests of all ages for a family friendly and very exciting day out. If you’re looking for something different for your clan to experience, this is the place to go – just a short drive outside of Cambridge.
Our family got an inside look at the attraction and loved every minute – from the leisurely walk through the Tusker Trail with our favourites (flamingos and elephants!), to the splash pad and climbing area, to the tours, and finally to the main event, the safari! The drive-through game reserve delighted all of us as we snaked our way through the immense 5-50 acre animal reserves. With lots of room to play, the animals roamed around our vehicle as we carefully drove through their territories (windows up, of course!). It’s hard to believe that there are giraffes, zebras, lions and elephants living within our region, but we are incredibly lucky to have them!
Bingemans Big Splash
Mid June – September 4, 2017
425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
www.bingemans.com/bigsplash
Day Passes: Over 48” tall $27.95, Under 48” tall $19.95, Senior $19.95, 2 and under FREE
After 4pm $16.95
We had a chance to explore both the indoor climbing structure on a rainy morning and when the sun came out, we ventured into the Big Splash section of the park. What a great day out for our family! My kids are quite young but still enjoyed climbing all over the well maintained playground. Lots of kids could be seen laughing, chasing and smiling as they scouted their way through the indoor jungle.
Outdoors in the Big Splash area, there is even more fun to be had. The water slides look like too much fun for the older kids and my little one loved the splash pad area – just beware of the huge bucket of water that drops periodically! It packs a cold shower!
Chicopee Tube Park
Opened June 18, 2017
1600 River Road East, Kitchener, Ontario
www.chicopeetubepark.com
Lots of rate options, visit their website for more information
The name says ‘tube park’ but you’ll never guess the other amazing family-friendly adventures that you’ll find here. From Zip Lining to a form of trampoline Bungee Jumping, there is a whole entire day waiting for you when visiting this location. Check out the Spider web climbing tower or the lower-to-the-ground horizontal ropes for those of us who aren’t as excited about heights. The grand finale has to be the unique way that the tube park has been ‘summer-ized’ to allow visitors to enjoy tube sliding without snow or water.
Canoeing the Grand
Freeport Bridge, 3734 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario
www.getonthegrand.com
Lots of rate options, visit their website for more information
For families with children 3 and up, canoeing on the grand is the ultimate Canadian experience this summer of Canada’s 150th birthday. The tranquil water and plentiful wildlife are sure to relax as well as stimulate the minds of your entire family! With a few different trip options to choose from, your family could play it safe on a shorter run or put yourselves to the test on a long distance paddle. This adventure isn’t limited to just a canoe either – take a kayak or tube if you’d prefer. All of the required equipment is provided (life jackets, safety equipment and paddles), so no need to pack those items when you visit. No experience necessary!
Conestogo River Horseback Adventures
535 Northfield Dr. E, Waterloo, Ontario
www.horsebackadventures.ca
Lots of rate options, visit their website for more information
With Conestogo River Horseback Adventures, your family will find another adventurous outdoor experience. Apart from the many summer camps, there are lots of options for a day trip. There are trail rides, pony rides, sleigh or wagon rides and lots more to see and do at this exciting location. Don’t forget that the different riding options have specific age requirements, so please check their website or phone for information to accommodate the ages in your family.
Learn more about what’s happening in Waterloo Region this summer by visiting our Events Calendar!