Fun wow for kids this summer in Hamilton, Halton and Brant

   One-Tank Trip for June 16/18

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Kids preparing their summer fun lists should check out the attractions in the Hamilton, Halton and Brant Tourism Region.

   In this “family friendly” area, fun is literally around every corner, tourism officials say.

   “Choose from animal-filled excitement, wet-and-wild water fun, time-travel adventures, outdoor exploring and so much more,” they add.

Can you hear me now? Bell Homestead’s Sarah Hamilton demonstrates a 1930s’ switchboard. (Jim Fox photo)

   And now, here are region’s “Top 10 tourism attractions for kids” in “the Heart of Ontario.”

   Wild Waterworks

   Cool off and splash the day away in one of Canada’s largest wave pools at Hamilton’s Confederation Park.

   Zoom down four tube slides, float the Easy River and brave the six-storey body slides.

   Little Squirt Works, filled with wading pools, small slides, sprays, mists and fountains, is the place for the youngest visitors.

 

Go wild at the African Lion Safari, called “Canada’s original safari adventure.”

   African Lion Safari

   Have a roaring good time at this Canadian original in Hamilton that’s the place for exotic animal adventures.

   View the wild animals and birds on a drive through the 16-hectare reserve, watch elephants take an afternoon bath and ride the Nature Boy railway.

   Pack swim gear for a splash at the wet play area.

   There’s also a behind-the-scenes experience called “Wake up the Wild” in an open-air truck to hand feed giraffes and watch lions devour their breakfasts.

   Puddicombe Farm

   Talk to the animals in Winona and hop on board a train to ride through the fruit fields.

   There are horses, cows, goats, chickens, emus and pigs that call this home.

   Visitors can pick fruit, including sweet and sour cherries, blueberries, apples, pears and pumpkins. Linger longer with an overnight stay in the farm’s caboose.

   Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

   This indoor flight-themed museum in Mount Hope has more than 40 aircraft on exhibit.

   Visitors can navigate the legendary Lancaster bomber or supersonic CF-101 Voodoo jet on a flight simulator and climb into the cockpit of a fighter jet.

   iFly Toronto

   Step into the wind tunnel at iFly, an indoor skydiving experience, in Oakville.

   This creates the sensation of experiencing a jump from an airplane.

    Children four and older can get a thrill out of experiencing wind speeds of 300 km/h and the sensation of free falling.

   Bell Homestead National Historic Site

 

The Bell Homestead National Historic Site in Brantford is where the telephone was invented. (Jim Fox photo)

   If Alexander Graham Bell could only see where his little invention – the telephone – has led us.

   Visitors can learn the ancient history of what has become today’s smartphone s at Bell’s childhood home/museum in Brantford.

   Perhaps these days, the inventor of the telephone would have summoned his assistant Mr. Watson with a text message.

   Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology

   Anyone interested in trains can find out all about steam engines at this National Historic Site housed in a 150-year-old waterworks building.

Ride the rails at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology.

   There are exhibits on Canada’s industrial revolution including two steam pump engines.

   Dundurn Castle

   Guided tours at this Hamilton estate reveal stories about the affluent family and servants that once lived within its walls.

   After touring the 40-room castle, check out the Hamilton Military Museum on the site with original uniforms from the War of 1812.

   Westfield Heritage Village

   There are more than 30 restored heritage buildings here near Rockton, costumed interpreters and fun events throughout the summer.

   This is the place for children to learn what life was like for pioneers with back-in-time demonstrations.

   Royal Botanical Gardens

   Canada’s largest botanical garden in Burlington has 1,100 hectares filled with trails and exhibits for a fun day of exploring.

   Kids will enjoy the rock and Mediterranean gardens and the new model train display.

   To plan a getaway, go to: theheartofontario.com

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

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