Charlotte CampbellA few months back, my brother’s crew came to town, and guess who was suddenly the tour guide for their kids? Yep, yours truly.
Talk about unexpected duties! Anyway, I dove headfirst into the task, brainstorming up a tornado to find the ultimate family-friendly, easy-to-reach spots in Halifax.
And guess what? I nailed it! I crafted a killer list that’s not just kid-friendly but a blast for everyone involved. Oh, and did I mention some of these spots won’t cost you a dime?
So, if you’re on the hunt for the top things to do in Halifax with kids, just call me your Halifax version of Mary Poppins!
- 1. Explore the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
- 2. Enjoy Point Pleasant Park's scenic walking paths.
- 3. Dive into hands-on learning at the Discovery Centre.
- 4. Race around at Kartbahn Racing in Bayers Lake.
- 5. Experience glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Putting Edge.
- 6. Bounce and play at Get Air Nova Scotia in Burnside.
- 7. Discover maritime history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
- 8. Indulge in treats at Dee Dee’s Ice Cream.
- 9. Watch talented buskers at the Busker Festival.
- 10. Take a ferry ride across Halifax Harbour.
- 11. Marvel at the stars at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory.
- 12. Immerse yourselves in aquatic fun at Atlantic Splash Adventure.
- 13. Explore the Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market in Dartmouth.
- 14. Learn about African Nova Scotian history at the Africville Museum.
- 15. Dive into marine research at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.
- 16. Enjoy outdoor adventures at Fisherman’s Cove in Eastern Passage.
- 17. Discover local produce at the Forum Farmers’ Market.
- 18. Relax at Chocolate Lake Beach.
- 19. Ride the Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise.
- 20. Play laser tag at Action Laser Tag.
1. Explore the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
Address: 5425 Sackville St
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM
Home to soldiers and cannons, this fortress is like a real-life castle! Kids can pretend they’re knights guarding the kingdom, and if they’re lucky, they might spot a ghost or two.
| Pro Tip: Attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony for a royal experience—they might even let your little one try on a uniform! |
2. Enjoy Point Pleasant Park’s scenic walking paths.
Media credit: jjhufool
Address: 5530 Point Pleasant Dr
Hours:
- Open daily from 5 AM–10 PM
Want to be the captain of your own adventure? Point Pleasant Park’s trails are like treasure maps waiting to be explored!
With forests, beaches, and secret hideouts, it’s the perfect spot for little explorers.
| Pro Tip: Bring a picnic and have a pirate-themed lunch—don’t forget the eye patches and pirate hats! |
3. Dive into hands-on learning at the Discovery Centre.
Website: http://thediscoverycentre.ca/
Address: 1215 Lower Water St
Contact: +1 902-492-4422
Hours:
- Closed on Tuesday
- Wednesday to Monday: 9 AM–4 PM
Science is like magic, and this place is full of wizardry! Kids can make things fly, build robots, and even touch a real meteorite. It’s a playground for young Einsteins!
| Pro Tip: Check out the live science shows—they’re as entertaining as a circus but with more explosions! |
4. Race around at Kartbahn Racing in Bayers Lake.
Website: https://kartbahn.ca/
Address: 200 Prospect Rd
Phone: +1 902-455-5278
Hours:
- Open daily from 12–5 PM
Get ready to rev your engines and burn some rubber! Kartbahn Racing is like Mario Kart in real life—just watch out for those banana peels! It’s pedal-to-the-metal fun for the whole family.
| Pro Tip: Go on a weekday for shorter lines and more track time—zoom past your competition like a true racer! |
5. Experience glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Putting Edge.
Website: https://www.puttingedge.com/halifax/
Address: 182 Chain Lake Dr
Phone: +1 902-450-0029
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12–10 PM
- Friday: 12 PM–12 AM
- Saturday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
It’s golf but with a neon twist! Putting Edge is like stepping into another universe where the rules are made up, and the points don’t matter.
Just grab a putter and get ready to shine bright like a glowstick!
| Pro Tip: Wear white or neon colors to glow even brighter—your kids will feel like they’re walking on sunshine! |
6. Bounce and play at Get Air Nova Scotia in Burnside.
Website: https://www.getairsports.com/nova-scotia
Address: 612 Windmill Rd
Phone: +1 902-702-8790
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM
Do you want to defy gravity? Get Air Nova Scotia is the place to be!
With trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle courses, it’s a kid’s dream come true. Just don’t forget to stretch—those flips and tricks aren’t for the faint of heart!
| Pro Tip: Go during toddler time for a quieter experience—your little ones can bounce to their heart’s content without the big kids around! |
7. Discover maritime history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Website: https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/
Address: 1675 Lower Water St
Hours:
- Open daily from 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Ahoy, mateys! Let’s dive into the depths of Nova Scotia’s nautical past at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
From real-life pirate ships to underwater treasures, it’s a seafaring adventure like no other!
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the chance to climb aboard a real submarine—it’s like exploring the ocean floor without getting wet! |
8. Indulge in treats at Dee Dee’s Ice Cream.
Website: http://www.deedees.ca/
Address: 5668 Nora Bernard St
Contact: +1 902-407-6614
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12–9 PM
What’s cooler than being cool? Ice cold treats from Dee Dee’s Ice Cream!
With flavors as wild as a rodeo and toppings galore, it’s a sweet tooth’s paradise. Just make sure to save room for seconds!
| Pro Tip: Try the “create your own” option for a personalized sundae experience—your kids can mix and match flavors like mad scientists in the lab! |
9. Watch talented buskers at the Busker Festival.
Website: https://www.buskers.ca/
Address: Lower Water St
Contact: +1 902-229-2628
Just step right up, folks! The Busker Festival is like a circus without the big top—just tons of talented performers showing off their skills.
From fire breathers to acrobats, it’s a show you won’t want to miss!
| Pro Tip: Bring some spare change to tip your favorite acts—supporting local artists has never been so entertaining! |
10. Take a ferry ride across Halifax Harbour.
Media credit: rbloomfield66
Website: https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit/ferry-service
Contact: +1 800-835-6428
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 6:30 AM–10:50 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM–10:50 PM
All aboard the fun ferry! It’s not just a ride—it’s a mini cruise with breathtaking views of the harbor.
You can watch seagulls soar and waves dance as you journey from one side to the other.
| Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the upper deck—it’s like dining with the dolphins! |
11. Marvel at the stars at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory.
Website: http://www.ap.smu.ca/bgo
Address: 5865 Gorsebrook Ave
Contact: +1 902-496-8257
Hours:
- Dependent on available guided tours
Hey, look up, way up! The Burke-Gaffney Observatory is where dreams of space exploration come true.
From twinkling stars to distant galaxies, it’s a celestial wonderland for aspiring astronauts.
| Pro Tip: Attend a stargazing event for a chance to see planets up close—your kids will be over the moon with excitement! |
12. Immerse yourselves in aquatic fun at Atlantic Splash Adventure.
Website: http://www.splashadventure.ca/
Address: 1200 Lucasville Rd
Contact: +1 902-865-1025
Hours:
- Open daily from 10 AM–6 PM
Just take a deep breath and prepare to make a splash at Atlantic Splash Adventure! With thrilling water slides, bumper boats, and water balloon fights, it’s a watery wonderland for little waterbugs.
| Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag the best spot by the wave pool—your kids will thank you for it! |
13. Explore the Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market in Dartmouth.
Website: https://www.alderneylanding.com/market/
Address: 2 Octerloney St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Friday
- Saturday: 8 AM–1 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–3 PM
Calling all foodies and treasure hunters! Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market is like a culinary carnival with fresh produce, homemade treats, and unique finds around every corner.
| Pro Tip: Bring a reusable shopping bag and stock up on locally made goodies—supporting small businesses has never tasted so good! |
14. Learn about African Nova Scotian history at the Africville Museum.
Media credit: frankievonschnitzel
Website: https://africvillemuseum.org/
Address: 5795 Africville Rd
Contact: +1 902-422-1116
Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
You can take a step back in time and discover the vibrant history of Africville, a once-thriving African Nova Scotian community. With interactive exhibits and touching stories, it’s a journey through resilience and strength.
| Pro Tip: Attend one of the museum’s cultural events for a deeper dive into Africville’s rich heritage—your kids will leave with a newfound appreciation for history! |
15. Dive into marine research at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.
Media credit: dogfishwalker
Website: https://www.bio.gc.ca/index-en.php
Address: 1 Challenger Dr
Contact: +1 902-426-2373
Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
Ever thought about going into the depths of the ocean at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography? With fascinating exhibits on marine life, oceanography, and conservation, it’s a journey beneath the waves without getting wet.
| Pro Tip: Check out the interactive displays and hands-on activities for a deeper understanding of our ocean’s wonders—your little marine biologists will be hooked! |
16. Enjoy outdoor adventures at Fisherman’s Cove in Eastern Passage.
Website: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/fishermans-cove/1416
Fisherman’s Cove is like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With charming shops, scenic views, and salty sea air, it’s a maritime playground for young buccaneers.
| Pro Tip: Rent a kayak and explore the cove from a different perspective—it’s a paddling adventure your kids won’t soon forget! |
17. Discover local produce at the Forum Farmers’ Market.
Website: http://www.forumfarmersmarket.ca/
Address: 6205 Almon St
Contact: +1 902-490-4614
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Friday
- Saturday: 8 AM–1 PM
From farm-fresh fruits to artisanal cheeses, the Forum Farmers’ Market is a foodie’s paradise! Here, you can just stroll through rows of stalls, sampling goodies and chatting with local vendors—it’s a tasty way to support your community.
| Pro Tip: Visit early for the best selection and stay late for live music and entertainment—your kids will love the festive atmosphere! |
18. Relax at Chocolate Lake Beach.
Media credit: shireengheba
Address: 14 Purcells Cove Rd
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–11 PM
You’ll love to sink your toes into sugary sand and soak up the sun at Chocolate Lake Beach! With calm waters and sandy shores, it’s the perfect spot for a family beach day.
| Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under the shade of a beach umbrella—it’s a delicious way to refuel after a day of swimming and sandcastle building! |
19. Ride the Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise.
Media credit: thegregmitchellband
Website: http://www.ambassatours.com/
Address: 1751 Lower Water St
Contact: +1 902-420-1015
Just go ahead and set sail on a swashbuckling adventure aboard the Tall Ship Silva! With billowing sails and salty sea breezes, it’s a voyage fit for young pirates and mermaids alike.
| Pro Tip: Bring a camera to capture breathtaking views of the coastline and snap a selfie with the ship’s crew—it’s a seafaring memory you’ll treasure forever! |
20. Play laser tag at Action Laser Tag.
Website: http://www.actionlasertag.ca/
Address: 217 Bluewater Rd
Contact: +1 902-835-9300
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday: 4:30–9 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 2:30–9 PM
- Friday: 1–10:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM
You better gear up and get ready for laser warfare at Action Laser Tag! With state-of-the-art equipment and heart-pounding missions, it’s an adrenaline-fueled battle for supremacy.
| Pro Tip: Team up with your kids for a family showdown against other players—it’s a bonding experience like no other, and bragging rights are up for grabs! |
