20+ Things to do in Hamilton with Kids in the Summer whether you are just visiting Hamilton, Ontario or you are a local!
Are you looking for fun things to do in Hamilton with the kids this summer? Look no further than this! We have compiled a list of things your family will enjoy, from experiencing an African safari to cheering on your favourite team.
If you want to get the chance to see animals in their natural habitat, take a trip to African Lion Safari. The animals that live on this conservation roam freely as spectators are “caged” in a car. Don’t forget to take in the Elephant swim, your kids will love the sight of elephants playing in the water.
Dundurn National Historic Site
Looking for things to do in Hamilton? Take a trip to the Dundurn National Historic Site (or Dundurn Castle as locals call it.) You’ll enjoy taking a guided tour through this villa, learning about Canadian history and life above and below the stairs – Downton Abbey style.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
This fun museum is a great place to visit in Hamilton. Your children will enjoy learning about the history behind the warplane, including hands-on activities like a flight simulator. There are some really fantastic planes to be seen at the museum such as the Lancaster – and members are even able to book a short flight over Hamilton on the Avro Lancaster.
If you’re looking to spend a leisurely day in Hamilton, take a trip to Bayfront Park. The entire family will enjoy walking the pathways along the shoreline, finding favourite spots to eat and relax. The park is also host to a variety of summer events and activities.
Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site
Enjoy a beautiful day in Hamilton when you visit the Whitehern Historic House and Garden National Historic Site. This tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide who will be dressed in costume.
Learn about the historic Battle of Stoney Creek when you visit the Battlefield House Museum and Park. If you visit in June you will get the chance to see a realistic re-enactment of the battle, learning about what happened locally during the war of 1812 .
Get in touch with nature when you visit Spencer George / Webster Falls. This conservation area includes beautiful views, giving you a wonderful place to hike or picnic.
History will come alive in Hamilton when you visit Westfield Heritage Village. This destination includes historic buildings and live role-play of a time long gone. What’s not to love?
The Royal Botanical Gardens has it all if you’re looking for something to do in Hamilton. This place is perfect for exploring and learning about nature. You can even sign your child up for educational programs and camps.
Looking for a great place to hike in Hamilton? Take a trip down the Bruce Trail. Your entire family will love exploring the trail this summer, observing the wonders of nature. There are access points across the city so you can go as far along it as you like.
HMCS Haida National Historic Site
Do you want your children to learn more about Canada’s naval history? The HMCS Haida National Historic Site is the perfect place to visit in Hamilton. You’ll learn more about the Royal Canadian Navy, as well as the history behind the HMCS Haida.
Confederation Park: Adventure Village & Lakeland Go-Karts & Wild Waterworks
Confederation Park has a lot to do. First, you can take a trip to Adventure Village, which includes a fun miniature golf course the entire family will love. If you have a racing fanatic in your family, you can also take a trip to Lakeland Go Karts for some driving fun. Wild Waterworks is also a fun thing to do in Hamilton, complete with a Wave Pool, Eazy River, and other water rides. Don’t forget to stop by Hutch’s on the Beach for a fries, a burger or ice cream!
Puddicombe Farms
Take a trip to Puddicombe Farms for an enjoyable day in Hamilton. When you visit this estate, you’ll get to choose from our fun-filled tours, including a guided farm tour or a ride on our train.
Make learning fun when you visit the Hamilton Children’s Museum. No matter what the weather is, you and your kids will enjoy learning and exploring as you visit each exhibit. Your kids will even get the opportunity for some hands-on activities.
Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology
Get your kids interested in learning about steam technology, the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology is the place to be. You’ll get the opportunity to see two 70-ton steam engines and learn about how these engines came to be.
Conservation Areas
Hamilton is the perfect place for some fun in the sun due to all of the conservation areas nearby. You’ll find such places as Christie, Crook’s Hollow, Dundas Valley, Fifty Point, Eramosa Karst, Binbrook and Valens nearby, giving you a wide variety of places to hike, fish, play, and swim.
Devil’s Punchbowl is the perfect thing to do in Hamilton with your kids. Your kids will get to explore around the falls, as well as appreciate the beauty of the water and rock formations. Note that water doesn’t always fall, especially during times of drought.
Cameron Speedway & Amusement has it all. Your older kids will enjoy hours of fun, doing everything from Gokarts to Lazertag.
Does your child love anything spooky? Then they’ll enjoy this unique opportunity in Hamilton. Haunted Hamilton gives ghost tours for older kids, giving your kids a fun taste of the paranormal. If they can’t get enough of it, then you can change things up and send them on a Ghost Walk tour.
The Aviary
Kids that love wildlife will enjoy visiting The Aviary located in Hamilton. This volunteer group is dedicated to educating others on the care of birds.
William J. McCallion Planetarium
Enjoy a day inside when you take a trip to the W.J. McCallion Planetarium. Your kids will get the opportunity to see a cosmic show that educates on space and the solar system.
Show some spirit this summer by visiting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Your kids will love cheering on the Tiger-Cats as they face off against an opponent. Who do you think will win?
Speed up the fun this summer with Flamboro Speedway. This is a unique experience in Hamilton that your kids are sure to enjoy. You might even get to see a demolition derby during your visit!
The Festival of Friends is an annual three-day free summer music festival held on the second weekend of August at the Ancaster Fairgrounds in Hamilton featuring live music, vendors, and a fun midway.
Celebrate Canada Day weekend with a fun festival held at Gage Park yearly featuring world music, vendors, an aboriginal drum circle and more!
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
Wanda Tracey
Saturday 22nd of October 2016
Those are some really beautiful places to visit in Hamilton.I just enjoyed your pictures so much.Thank you for this amazing feature.I really want to visit there too.
Darlene W
Friday 9th of September 2016
As I live in Hamilton, I have seen or participated in everything on your list . Although this might fall under conservation areas I believe that this should have a paragraph on your post as well http://www.waterfalls.hamilton.ca/