Kid-Friendly Halifax: 5 Things To Do This Summer
Fishermans Cove. Photo by Acorn Art Photography c/o Tourism Nova Scotia
In the summer, Halifax comes alive with a vibrant energy that’s hard to resist. This charming coastal city is the perfect summer destination for the whole family, offering an eclectic mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions and exciting events.
What’s there for kids to do in the summer? Read on for five family-friendly suggestions!
Swim, sunbathe and enjoy the sunshine
Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park. Photo by Ryan Williams c/o Tourism Nova Scotia
No summer holiday is complete without a visit to the beach and the Halifax area is ready to deliver. With the ocean at its doorstep, finding a great family-friendly local beach is easy.
Clam Harbour Beach is just 75 minutes outside of Halifax and features a long sandy beach with walking trails and a picnic area. Or try Martinique Beach (about an hour from the city) which has the distinction of being Nova Scotia’s longest sandy beach, with 5 km of white sand in which to play.
If you are looking for something closer to Halifax, you can try Rainbow Haven Beach, which is great for families, and is just 30 min from the city. Lawrencetown Beach is also 30 min away and is very popular for surfing.
Play the day away
Submarine Playground, Halifax. Photo by Dean Casavechia c/o Tourism Nova Scotia
Visiting playgrounds is a vital kid summer activity and playground-hopping is a fun way for children to explore a new city. Halifax has a host of fun and memorable playgrounds to get the kids excited.
Try the Submarine Playground on the Halifax Waterfront, where kids can climb a submarine structure while parents enjoy people-watching along the boardwalk.
Another fun one is the Dingle Playground at Sir Sandford Fleming Park, which was built by Earthscape. This natural playground has a tall log climbing tower and a water spout for hours of muddy, sand-building fun.
Go for a Commons picnic
Halifax Commons. Photo by Antwon Christian, c/o Tourism Nova Scotia
Kids love big open spaces for running and parents love relaxing with a basket of delicious food — and luckily for those visiting Halifax, the city is full of perfect picnic spots.
A popular and centrally located spot is the Halifax Commons, which features large grassy areas that will make kids happy. Grab some fresh food at the local market or pick up take out from a local restaurant and enjoy a beautiful afternoon. The Commons also has a playground and splash pad for post-picnic fun, as well as rollerskating (with rentals) at the on-site Emera Oval.
Sneak in some learning
Exhibit at the Museum of Natural History. Photo by Jami Savage c/o Tourism Nova Scotia
If you find yourself in Halifax on a rainy day or you just want a fun indoor activity to do with your kids, try one of the city’s museums. The kid-friendly Museum of Natural History is always a hit with the kids as it features galleries on aquatic life, geology, mammals and more. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt, explore hands-on exhibits and say hello to Gus, the 100-year-old Gopher Tortoise that lives in the museum.
If pirates and shipwrecks are of interest to your kids, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the place for you. It has an exhibit on the sinking of the Titanic that parents will find fascinating and fun, interactive exhibits for the kids.
Go back 200 years at Fisherman’s Cove
Fisherman’s Cove, Eastern Passage. Photo by Ian Selig c/o Tourism Nova Scotia
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Halifax, Fisherman’s Cove is a restored 200-year-old fishing village at the entrance to Halifax Harbour. There’s a picturesque boardwalk, tons of little shops that sell everything from local crafts and handmade treasures to fun gifts and quirky souvenirs.
Kids will love strolling on the boardwalk with an ice cream and ducking into unique shops to find the perfect memento to bring home.
Ready to build your custom kid-friendly itinerary in Nova Scotia? Reach out to us!
