1) Splashifax (840 Hammonds Plains Road).
If that photo was not convincing enough, Splashifax is an absolute blast for kids to enjoy fun in the sun this summer. This floating water park has a playground, obstacle park, bouncing balls to cross (yes.. just like the ones in wipeout), and my particular favorite: The world's largest inflatable unicorn! It is located through Fort Clayton at Hatfield Farm.
View of Splashifax, Halifax’s floating waterpark. Pictured is a boy running through floating life sized red balls. In the background are a group of kids sliding down the obstacle course in the waterpark.
2) Farmers Market (Alderney Landing)
One of the best ways to spend a Saturday is taking a quick ferry to the Alderney Landing farmers market! This is great for parents and kids to get some fresh fruit and veggies, and homestyle baked goods. The ferry is also a blast to take across the water. You can sit on the top deck and recreate the iconic Titanic scene within your 12 minutes of adventure time across the water. Tickets are free up to age 12, $2 ages 13-17, and $2.75 for adults! This runs every half hour on weekends.
There is also live music to enjoy while you explore the market and view the Dartmouth Waterfront!
Captured above is an image of fresh beets, kale, and other greens displayed at the Alderney Landing Farmers Market
3) Emera Oval (5775 Cogswell St)
The Emera Oval has free equipment rentals (roller blades, skateboards, bikes, and more)! Public skating is open each day (different times depending on the day) so make sure to visit their schedule. You do not need to register in advance and it is conveniently located by (Cafe Lara, for parents looking for some post rollerblading coffee, and Dee Dee’s Ice Cream for an incredibly unique ice cream selection and/or a delicious burrito (yes you read that right, they really do it all).
4) The Discovery Centre (1215 Lower Water St, Halifax)
The Discovery Centre has lots of fun interactive galleries for all ages to check out.
The energy gallery explores our province's energy sources today and compares them to the past. You can see science in action while discovering Nova Scotia's forms of energy in the past and present!
The health gallery is all about the brain and body, and how eating and sleeping affects your well-being. There's even a health bot that helps you discover the best you.
The flight gallery lets imaginations take flight! Visitors can design planes, explore real aircraft, enjoy exciting flight simulations, and more.
The Ocean Gallery allows visitors to learn the ways that water moves and changes while diving into some of today's modern technology used by ocean explorers.
Although the Discovery Center galleries are fun for all ages, one specifically catered to younger kids is RBC Someday Street (especially for ages 8 and under).
This gallery is for toddlers and young kids to imagine, discover, and learn through immersive play. Parents can join in or relax in the visitors' lounge while the little ones can explore the Construction Zone, Family Farm, and Bubble Park.
Pictured is the Discovery Center RBC someday street gallery.
5) Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (1675 Lower Water St, Halifax)
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is conveniently located at the waterfront and shows the history of Nova Scotia’s past. It's a great way to spend a day while visiting the boardwalk, and the waterfront park located just outside of the museum (you also can't forget to climb to the top of the wave play structure, (it's a right of passage around here). Visitors coming to the Maritime Museum can learn of the sea events, stories, and people that shaped Nova Scotia's maritime history. Some activities offered are: tiny boat-building projects, massive World War convoys, Different sailing ships to the steam engine age, Titanic's tragic tale, and information on the Halifax Explosion. There is also free entry between 5-8 pm each Tuesday with live music hosted inside!
6) Fort Needham Memorial Park (5515 Stairs Pl, Halifax)
Fort Needham Park is situated at one of the highest points in the North End area. It would make a great visit as the park includes a children's playground, a dog park area, picnic tables, and many stories of the Halifax explosion. The park also has fully serviced washrooms and water refill stations. Fort Needham is also conveniently close to the Hydrostone which is a beautiful neighborhood and Natural Heritage Site with beautiful houses and shops. Some of my personal favorites are Salvatores Pizza with some of the best pizza in town, and Julien's Patisserie Bakery and Cafe with fresh bread, baked goods, and coffee. Fort Needham would also be a great picnic location with an amazing view of the Macdonald Bridge and Harbour.
7) Scavenger Hunt Adventures (Waterfront)
This scavenger hunt lets groups find clues and explore the city for two hours. Whether you're local or visiting Halifax for the first time you can learn of some of the hidden gems of the city and complete photo challenges, riddles, and activities! Questions will be hidden in landmarks around the city and if your team can find the answers you receive points! Another great part of this hunt is you can download the app wherever you are ready to play, and can pause the scavenger hunt at any landmark to take a break.
8) Sir Sandford Fleming Park (260 Dingle Rd, Halifax)
This park is where the Dingle Tower is located! The park was donated to the people of Halifax by Sir Sandford Fleming as he was the inventor of Universal Standard Time and Director of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. The tower is open between 8 a.m. to dusk and there is a beautiful walking trail, ponds, and small beaches nearby. The Dingle Tower was donated in 1908 to Halifax and there's a few sets of stairs to get up to the top, but the beautiful view of the Northwest Arm makes it worth it.
Pictured above is a birds eye view of Sir Sandford Flemming Park and the forestry and water around it. You can also clearly see the dingle tower during the day.
Pictured is the Dingle Playground with kids at play at Sir Sandford Fleming Park.
9) Halifax Central Library (5440 Spring Garden Rd, Downtown Halifax)
Halifax's library is a treasure chest of fun activities for kids! Each floor is unique, with bright and cozy couches to explore. Right now, the library is hosting many fun events like a ghostwriting contest to judge your spookiest stories, craft table walk-ins, coding fun, and Camp Central with games, snacks, and other exciting fun!
There's always something happening at the Halifax Library, and it's also a fantastic place to find out about other events around the city!
10) Harbour Hopper (Halifax Waterfront):
The Harbour Hopper is a must for new visitors and locals from Halifax who haven't already hopped on board this tour. You are taken in a group all around Halifax in a frog-like transportation device that is fun, fast-paced, and narrated the entire trip. You explore the city from the top of Citadel Hill right into the harbor and even in the water (yes.. The frog can swim).
Pictured is the Halifax Harbour Hopper in the water during a tour. The city of Halifax is shown off the the background.
