Boat, Sun and Play: 5 Family Staycations for All Ages

Anyone who has ever travelled with kids will tell you the getting there is sometimes not so much fun. There are only so many times you can hear “Are we there yet?” before you really want to be at your destination.

This is why a staycation is the perfect solution for a family vacation! When you staycation with kids you eliminate the long drive or flight but still get to make awesome family memories you will cherish forever. You will have less roadside bathroom breaks, less complaining about the long drive, and more fun and relaxation for everyone.

For your next family staycation inspiration, read on.

Family-Sized Boating Staycation with Le Boat 

Ideal for: Larger families, young children, teenagers

You don’t need to stay landlocked for your staycation – consider renting from Le Boat and you’ll have the best of both worlds: a floating cottage that you can navigate from dock to dock along the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal. Pro tip: If you have a day or two before or after your boat vacation, the kids will love spending the night in a real caboose at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.  *Please note the staycation tax credit does not apply for Le Boat rentals.

Where to Eat: If you head north on the Rideau Canal you’ll reach Rideau Ferry in a few hours. Here you can dock and dine at CCs on the Rideau, known for their fabulous outdoor patio.
What to Do: When you’re back at home base plan to attend a magic show at Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries at the Station Theatre in Smiths Falls and be amazed as these folks make the seemingly impossible, possible.

Have it All at Ogopogo Resort 

Ideal For: Young children, teenagers, the kid-in-you adults

At Ogopogo Resort the family will love the tidy cottages as well as the wealth of activities to occupy your days. Young children can spend hours building sandcastles in the sand beach on Mountain Lake while older children will thrill at jumping off the dock into deeper water. Canoe, kayak, SUP, or paddleboat to your heart’s content. For the timid swimmers, the heated swimming pool will be just the thing.

Where to Eat: You can eat on-site indoors or on the patio, or make the 10-minute drive to Haliburton for some family fare at McKeck’s Tap & Grill or tacos from Poquito Loco.
What to Do: There’s plenty to do on site but if you feel like stretching your legs a little bit more, Skyline Park in Haliburton has a view that will wow all ages.

Play in Nature at Calabogie Peaks Resort 

Ideal For: Families with young children

Calabogie is a natural paradise that kids will love to explore. Hike or bike the hill at Calabogie Peaks or to nearby Eagle’s Nest Lookout, a short and sweet one-and-a-half kilometre trail. At the end of the day, you can relax poolside at the resort or around the resort’s campfire to roast a few marshmallows.

Where to Eat: Onsite you’ll find Canthooks Restaurant or you can also make the short drive to Redneck Bistro, in the heart of Calabogie.
What to Do: You won’t run out of things to do in Calabogie. If your kids are tired of the pool at the resort you can take them to play at the beach on Calabogie Lake, accessible right from the resort.

Camping Getaway at North Frontenac Parklands 

Ideal For: Teens, adults, young children who are keen campers

Let’s face it, there’s camping, and then there’s backcountry camping, and the two experiences are totally different (other than the tent). At North Frontenac Parklands you can choose from more than 180 backcountry campsites interspersed around 11 pristine lakes, and the getting there will be half the fun of your adventure. This is the perfect experience for all camping skill levels, from novice to experienced.

Where to Eat: Bring your meals with you! Pick up some sweet treats to take with you from Shamrock Bakery in Plevna.
What to Do: When it comes to North Frontenac Parklands, it’s all about nature, and you and your family won’t run out of things to do. Challenge older kids with a few hikes or rent a canoe or kayak from Smarts Marina or Palmerstone Lake Marina for a leisurely paddle.

Bring-the-Whole-Family Retreat in Coe Hill

Ideal For: Larger families, extended families, bring the whole crew with you!

When is a treehouse not a treehouse? At North Lake Treehouse in Coe Hill! This lovely retreat may be called a treehouse but it is built right here on earth. With enough space to accommodate up to eight guests, you can bring the whole family with you and never feel cramped.

Where to Eat: Since you’ll have a full kitchen here you can swing past The Barn Chefs in Coe Hill to pick up all the fixings for an epic charcuterie board or some freshly made pasta.
What to Do: This getaway will scream for a full-on beach day with the family (accessible from the property), or if you’d rather be more active try a hike at the nearby Gut Conservation Area.

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