Exploring Downtown Halifax: Kids Edition
I can’t believe there are only a couple more weeks of Explore Like A Tourist! This summer seems like it slipped by so quickly, filled with adventures with the family and catching up with friends and family. If you’re anything like us, with a toddler in tow, the summer means finding anything you can to tucker your kids out so they can go to bed at a decent time even if ‘it’s not dark yet!’
Thankfully, Downtown Halifax has many options to choose from to:
Explore somewhere new
Tire out the kids!
I’ve talked about exploring Halifax before, but here’s a list of things I love doing specifically for the kids!
Here are some of our favourites that we have explored this summer and some that we haven’t made it to yet but hoping to soon!
Take the Ferry to the Boardwalk
As we live in Dartmouth our first adventure is taking the ferry over to Halifax! This provides something exciting to kick the day off with.
Once we arrive to the Halifax boardwalk, I like to take a trip over to ‘The Wave.’ Who doesn’t love to climb it? And with the submarine playground next door, this makes a perfect first stop to burn off some energy! It’s seriously one of the cutest playgrounds and oh so fun for kids of all ages.
While you are on the Halifax Waterfront make sure to save room for a delicious treat because summer is all about treats right? Our favourites are ice cream at COWS or Sugah or to have a Beavertail (or really why not have both? Summer is short, afterall!)
Once you have your snacks, you can head over to the hammocks or beach area close to the middle of the boardwalk to get a taste of relaxing on the beach without the drive.
Need a coffee to pick you up after all that walking or a place to use the washroom? Just up from the waterfront you can find one of my favourite coffee spots—Cabin Coffee! It’s one of the oldest family-owned cafes in Halifax and has the cutest atmosphere. Check out this delicious pairing of latte and Apple Pie Cinnamon Bun!
The Discovery Centre
For a special treat, I love to surprise my family with a trip to The Discovery Centre in downtown Halifax!
Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization whose mission is to stimulate interest, enjoyment and understanding of science and technology through innovative, exciting, hands-on experiences for all Nova Scotians.
The Seaport Market
Hitting Downtown on a Saturday? Make sure to add The Seaport Market to your agenda! There is something for everyone and it’s always fun to walk around and buy some treats and gifts!
Make sure to follow them on Instagram to see what vendors have on offer!
The Halifax Citadel
Discover what makes Halifax Citadel a unique place to visit. Plan a minimum of two hours to explore, or spend the day taking in all that the Halifax Citadel has to offer!
The Citadel’s Living history program brings to life the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade, Royal Artillery, with activities such as sentry changes, the noon gun, performances of the pipes and drums and rifle and cannon firing demonstrations.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (Free admission)
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the oldest and largest Maritime Museum in Canada. The original concept of the Museum can be credited to a group of Royal Canadian Navy officers who envisioned a maritime museum where relics of Canada’s naval past could be conserved.
Museum of Natural History (Free admission)
The Museum of Natural History, as it’s known now, is responsible for the collecting and recording of artifacts of cultural significance to Nova Scotia as well as promoting Nova Scotia’s natural landscape. Here at the Museum we house collections on Archeology, Ethnology, Mammals, Marine life and more.
J Farwell Family Sail
If you are looking to experience Halifax from the water this summer, look no further than the folks at J Farwell Sailing Tours, they are professional, fun, well informed, and the boat is simply gorgeous!
The J Farwell offers many different tour options to meet everyone’s needs. From Family Fun cruises to the J Farwell Signature Afternoon Sail, to the Sunset Wine and Cheese Sail, and our Moonlit Cruise.
Harbour Hopper
If you’ve never tried the Harbour Hopper, you should definitely check it out with your family!
This is Atlantic Canada’s most popular tour – a fun, fast-paced adventure that introduces you to the best of Halifax by land and sea! Sitting 10 feet high, you’ll have an exclusive view of our historic, vibrant city’s famous sights, such as the Halifax Public Gardens, Citadel Hill National Historic Site, St. Paul’s Church and bustling Spring Garden Road.
The real adventure begins when you make your big SPLASH into the Halifax harbour! Your driver is now your Captain, and it’s time to explore. Prepare your camera for unique photos of Georges Island, Cable Wharf, the waterfront boardwalk, and the Historic Properties.
This fully narrated amphibious tour shares stories of the Halifax Explosion, Halifax’s connection to the Titanic tragedy, and the rich history of the Canadian Naval dockyards.
Dinner options
Now that you have played your little heart out you need to feed these kids because hello, meltdown if you don’t! Thankfully Downtown Halifax has so many options to eat! You can find a spot that suits your taste before heading downtown by using this list here!
Until next time,
Kerra