It’s summertime and you have been granted time off work to finally pack up your bathing suit, a new book, and your entire family for a cottage getaway. There is nothing better than enjoying the precious Canadian sun lakeside, but it’s not long before your kids are getting restless to explore what else Canadian cottage country has to offer, and believe me, you will want to too. If you’re in the Muskoka region this summer make sure to check out these 7 family-friendly activities.

 

Summer Water Sports Waterski Shows

Source: summerwatersports.com

This show isn’t just entertainment for you and your kids, it also sets the scene for a perfect Muskoka evening: relaxing dockside and watching the sunset dip below the horizon (while people perform death-defying stunts just several feet away). The Waterski show is a performance that started in the 70’s and has grown into a weekly cottage tradition. The performance is executed by both members of the Canadian National Ski Show Team and Team SWS (Summer Water Sports). The shows have thrilling tricks, comedy for kids, and a beautiful waterfront scene that will ensure you and your family start your own tradition by attending every summer.

MORE INFORMATION

Monday: Clevelands House Resort, Minett
Tuesday: Windsor Park, Bala
Wednesday: Boston Pizza, Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Thursday: Bayview Wildwood Resort, Sparrow Lake
Show time: 7:30-8:30
For more information, call 1-888-I-SKI-SWS or (705) 706-3828 or email [email protected]
See the schedule here.

 

Noah’s Ark Adventure Cruise

Source: realmuskoka.com/muskoka-steamships

This cruise brings the traditional zoo offshore, and allows you to interact with 5 to 6 mammals and reptiles while aboard the Wenonah II on Lake Muskoka. The animals are brought in from Speaking of Wildlife, which is Canada’s largest live animal outreach company that delivers hands-on wildlife education. You can’t go wrong with adorable animals, family time, and cruising (unless you get easily sea sick and have a deathly fear of snakes). Luckily, Muskoka Steamships offers a variety of snake-free cruises including: sightseeing cruises, the sunset dinner, and the Millionaire’s Row cruise. Check out all the cruises at their website here.

MORE INFORMATION

Fridays: July 22, 29 and August 5, 12, 19 – 10:30am to 11:30am
Muskoka Steamships
185 Cherokee Lane
Gravenhurst
For more information, call 705-687-6667 or 1-866-687-6667
Check out Speaking of Wildlife’s website.

 

Bala Bay Inn Ghost Tour

Source: muskokablog.com

If you are feeling especially brave, you will definitely want to check out the historical Bala Bay Inn. The Inn was opened in 1910 and has a rich history, which sparks the origin of its spooky ghost stories. Join the anxious tour group to hear the tale of “The Three Knocks”, a story that has been shared on CBC television and radio and featured in Terry Boyle’s “Haunted Ontario”. Not recommended for easily frightened kids. If you do arrive and chicken out, the Bala Bay Inn also has a fantastic restaurant and patio where you can unwind ghost-free.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, contact Bala Bay Inn
3063 Muskoka District Road 169
705-762-3313

 

Cinema Under the Stars

Source: parentmap.com

Every week Gull Lake Rotary Park in Gravenhurst hosts a free full length feature film. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, your friends, family and lots of snacks to completely unwind and enjoy the choice of the week film. The park has both activities and music prior to the film, which starts rolling at dusk. Head to the park on August 11th to watch Zootopia, or check the schedule here to see more weekly movies.

 

SplasH2O

Source: edgeofthetheatre.com

Stop by the Chaffey Studio Theatre in Huntsville to enjoy a hilarious sketch comedy performance called SplasH20. The comedic show features 10 short visual and comic sketches that include a clown, mime, slapstick physical comedy and more. The show has had sold out performances across Canada, France, and the United States and is a perfect pit stop for families. Enjoy laughing with your kids, while taking a break from all the sun you’ve been soaking in at the cottage with a little refreshing H20.

MORE INFORMATION

Tickets: $20 Regular | $50 Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children) Showtime: 7:00pm
PERFORMANCE LOCATION Chaffey Studio Theatre
24 Chaffey Township Road, Huntsville
Algonquin Theatre
37 Main Street East,
Huntsville, ON P1H 1A1
705-789-4975 or 1-888-696-4255

 

The Urban Slide

Source: facebook.com/theurbanslide

For the especially adventurous…take yourself, your bathing suit, and your entire family to the longest slip n’ slide you have yet to lay your eyes (or body) on. The Urban Slide is a 1,000 ft. slip n’ slide and makes only 6 stops in Ontario. The Urban Slide is not just a slide, but travels with an entire festival including: a beer garden, food trucks, activities, games, and a day of upbeat music. The slide is stopping in Huntsville on August 27th.

MORE INFORMATION

Watch a video of the slide in action here.
Register Here
The Urban Slide
[email protected] 

 

Treetop Trekking

Source: treetoptrekking.com

Maybe interacting with animals on the Noah’s Ark Adventure Cruise reunited you with your wild side. The Treetop Trekking park allows you to embrace this adventurous compulsion as you fly through the trees like a modern Tarzan. The most popular attraction at the park is the Zip Line Aerial Game Treks, which consists of suspended bridges, Tarzan swings, swinging logs, cable traverses and of course zip lines. The park is located in Huntsville and participants must be 9 years old or older (over 4’7 ft tall).

MORE INFORMATION

For rates click here.
Street Address:1180 Highway 60, Huntsville, ON
Call to make a reservation:
Toll Free :1-855-788-9009
Phone :705-788-9000
Fax: 705-788-9708
Email: [email protected]

 

Enjoy Muskoka This Summer!

Whether you are new to Muskoka or a cottage country regular, there are always new shows, festivals, and gorgeous sightseeing opportunities to explore. You may decide to take a soothing sunset cruise, eat dinner in a haunted hotel, or even slide 1,000 ft on a water tube, but I guarantee no matter where you and your family end up, you are sure to enjoy your holiday in this stunning slice of Canadian cottage country.