Low Cost Family Fun
Getting out with the family this summer shouldn’t have to break the bank.
Angel Panag, June 27, 2022 // Brantford, OntarioKaymin Lebreton serving up tricks at the Rotary Bike Park on a hot June day. Photo credit Angel Panag.
Getting out with the family this summer shouldn’t have to break the bank - luckily, there are tons of activities around Brantford that don’t cost a thing! Here’s a list of some of our favourites.
Rotary Bike Park
Located at 390 Grand River Ave., Brantford’s bike park is the perfect destination for active family fun. The park is open everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. throughout the summer months, weather permitting. Take a ride along the Grand River on the connected SC Johnson Trail when the kids (or you) have had enough of the park!
Geocaching
Geocaching is a high-tech scavenger hunt, where you use your GPS to find ‘caches’ in hidden places all around town. There are over 100 caches around town, usually small containers with a log book inside where successful searchers sign their name. Some caches even have small prizes inside! This is a great accessible outdoor activity which allows for folks of all abilities to join in on the fun. If you have an Android phone, be sure to download the C:Geo app which outlines the activity levels of each cache before heading out.
The Apps’ Mill Nature Centre
Apps' Mill is an excellent hiking trail for the whole family. Arguably the best hiking in the Brantford area, the 266-acre property is located at 308 Robinson Rd near the Brantford Airport. The relatively flat trail takes you through peaceful forests, meadows of wildflowers, next to an old mill and over small creeks. The Nature Centre itself offers educational programming, helping the whole family better appreciate the great outdoors.
Splash Pads
The splash pads at Bridle Path Park, Harmony Square, Mohawk Park and Tutela Park offer kids some good fun and cool relief from the summer heat. Spread around the city, these splash pads are open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day, except for Harmony Square which is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Brantford Red Sox Game
Brantford Red Sox games are the perfect activity for sports inclined families. Playing out of the Arnold Anderson Stadium in Cockshutt Park, the team regularly holds themed '70s, '80s, & '90s nights - offering something for everyone. Adult tickets are $10, children 6-13 pay $7 and kids under 5 get in free.
Time to get back out and enjoy the start of summer!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brantford’s native son, Angel spent much of his life living in the far reaches of Canada. After graduating from Dalhousie University, he began a career as a public servant and later in human rights. Meanwhile, remaining strongly rooted in the arts - DJing, managing musicians, producing films, and performing on Broadway. Angel strongly believes in the power the arts have to inspire, and transform communities and people. He is currently a final year Law student, and is excited to help tell stories from his hometown.