STAYCATION 101
Walk On
Beyond being good for your body and mind, did you know that hiking on your local trail can benefit the local economy and help build a sense of community? Learn more about all the advantages trails offer!
Get Grillin'
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue in your backyard or at the local park, make sure you’re perfectly-prepared by using our Complete Barbecuing Checklist. Sign-up to review this detailed guide that covers all the essentials from grills, cookware, utensils, recipes and more!
Rejuvenate locally
Research suggests that spending more time outdoors can have a positive effect on the body, mind and spirit. In Canada we are fortunate to be surrounded by an abundance of green space, right in our backyards. Grab your shoes, a buddy and a sense of adventure and explore your community, local park or neighbourhood and absorb all the benefits that Mother Nature has to offer.
Be a trail blazer!
Looking for a way to reconnect with nature, enjoy time with your loved ones, get some exercise or simply clear your mind? Find the perfect trail to get out and have fun! Click here for ideas, so you can spend more time on the trails and less time searching for that perfect place to explore.
Bike to better your health
If you’ve ever pedaled up a hill before, you have probably felt the burn indicating that cycling is a great workout for your lower body. Cycling has many health benefits that extend beyond your quads and hamstrings – there are actually many physical and mental benefits to cycling. Not only does it engage your legs, it’s also easy on the joints and ignites your inner kid! Steer your wheels towards one of the many trails the Ontario Parks has to offer and pedal hard!
Hiking for head-to-toe health
It’s probably no surprise that hiking is good for your health, but it might surprise you that the benefits reach from head to toe! Ontario Parks has 1,800 km of trails varying from easy family-friendly trails to challenging trails for the adventurous soul. Check this out for what’s available across the province at various Ontario Parks!
OUTDOOR CRAFTS
Arts and crafts are a great way to spend time with the kids, and in warm weather it’s easy to take the creativity outside! Our Facebook Fans have shared their favourite outdoor-related crafts, so you have a solution on hand next time you hear, “I’m bored!”
Stone Painting Animals
Stones and rocks are plentiful when camping — so why not make use of them? Gather some small stones and paint supplies, and challenge the kids to paint the animals they’ve seen during the trip on their stone. Once the paintings have dried, place them in a jar to preserve the memories of all the wildlife they saw on the trip.
Popsicle Stick Tents
Perfect for a simple backyard or balcony craft, all that is required for this activity is: popsicle sticks, paper, markers, glue and a little imagination. Have children create their own mini tents and build tiny campsites. It might even spark some excitement to set up a life-size tent…
Toilet Paper Binoculars
In the days leading up to your next outdoor excursion, hold on to all your empty toilet paper rolls! With markers or paint, kids can create their own lightweight binoculars to use for wildlife spotting.
Twig Picture Frame
A perfect way to share your favourite photos from a trip is with a handmade twig picture frame. All you need for this craft is glue and some twigs picked up from along the trail.
Glow-in-the-Dark Mason Jars
Whether or not you spot fireflies, these glow-in-the-dark mason jars will help light up your summer night. All that is required for this craft is glow-in-the-dark paint and empty mason jars.
Leaf People
These little friends are so cute and easy to make! Pack your own supplementary decorations like googly eyes, buttons or markers, to pair with natural items like leaves, twigs and stones. The possibilities for unique designs are endless, and your little ones will enjoy creating their own leaf people.
SUMMER OUTDOOR FUN
Last year, we asked our outdoor-loving community for their favourite ways to get outside! Check out the ideas below and maybe add one or more to your summer to-do list!
1) Roasting Marshmallows
Nothing says summer like enjoying an ooey-gooey marshmallow. Start up the fire, grab a stick and a marshmallow and enjoy a beautiful summer night.
2) Local Festivals
Scan your local city or town’s park and recreation department to find a summer schedule of festivals and activities to take enjoy with the whole family. Maybe it’s rib fest, a lantern festival or even an outdoor movie – you never know what might be going on in your own city!
3) Lightening Show
Is Mother Nature threatening to ruin your evening plans with rain showers? Don’t let her! Anytime she decides to put on a show… sit back, relax and enjoy nature’s fireworks!
4) Sparklers
Have some fun with your family and friends and create your very own light show. Spark your inner child and do the dance of the fireflies.
5) Picnics in the Park
Try dining alfresco this summer! Escape the ordinary - grab a blanket and your picnic basket, and enjoy a meal in Mother Nature’s dining room!
6) Fireworks
Who doesn’t love a great firework display? Definitely make sure you check one out this summer, and witness how the professionals light up the night sky.
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