Family-Friendly Things to Do Near East Gwillimbury This Summer
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Living in East Gwillimbury means you're perfectly positioned in York Region — close enough to the city for big-day adventures, but surrounded by the kind of small-town charm and outdoor spaces that make every weekend feel like a getaway. If you're looking for things to do with the kids this season, I've got you covered.
Here are seven family-friendly bucket list spots within easy reach of EG that we absolutely love.
Treetop Trekking — Stouffville
If your crew loves a little adventure, Treetop Trekking Stouffville is a must. Located inside Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, it's one of Ontario's most unique outdoor adventure destinations and an easy drive from East Gwillimbury.
The Treewalk Village is an immersive treehouse experience filled with slides, tunnels, rope bridges, and suspended pathways designed specifically for young kids. No minimum age, so truly the whole family can join in. We went when my kids were 2.5 and 4.5 and they had an absolute ball.
As your kids get older, there's so much more to grow into. The Discovery Courses for ages 5–8, introduces wooden bridges, tightropes, and mini ziplines, while the Aerial Game Trek (ages 9+) takes things up a notch with full canopy zip lines and platform jumps.
There's also uplå, billed as the largest suspended trampoline park in North America, where kids 7 and up can climb, jump, and slide high above the forest floor.
It's the kind of place you'll come back to year after year. Book ahead — weekends fill up fast!
👉 Learn more and book here
The Flower Farm at Laura's Farm Stand — Cookstown
Laura's Farm Stand is so much more than a farm market. There are wildflower fields, pick-your-own flowers, farm animals, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and fresh produce all in one spot. We always end up staying way longer than planned.
The flower fields alone are worth the trip. You wander through rows of gorgeous blooms, pick your own bouquet, and honestly it's one of the prettiest spots in the area. There are some really lovely photo setups throughout, so bring your camera. The kids will also love feeding the animals while you're there.
Flower season opens July 23rd, so now is a great time to start planning. T hey do a beautiful Fall at the Farm experience too if you want to come back in September or October to grab your pumpkins!
👉 Find out more here
Splash Pad at Riverwalk Commons — Newmarket
Hot summer days call for the splash pad, and Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket is one of our favourites. What I love most about this one is that the water is only a few inches deep and warmed by the sun, so it's not the kind of freezing cold splash pad that sends kids running after two minutes. Babies, toddlers, big kids, and honestly even the adults can cool off comfortably here.
Admission is completely free, which is always a bonus on a summer outing. Beyond the splash pad, there's lots of open green space for picnicking and walking paths along the river. It's right next to Main Street Newmarket too, so if you want to grab lunch or an ice cream after, everything is within walking distance.
The Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning from May through October, so if you time your visit right you can browse local vendors, grab some fresh food, and then let the kids loose on the splash pad. Makes for a really full and fun morning.
And here's a bonus: Riverwalk Commons hosts the TD Newmarket Music Series through the summer, with free outdoor concerts — so keep an eye on what's on when you're planning your visit. There's almost always something happening.
Magic Pow Indoor Ski Centre- Aurora
Yes, you read that right — indoor skiing! Magic Pow is a year-round ski and snowboard training centre located right in Aurora. No long drive to cottage country, no waiting for snow, no checking the forecast. You just show up and ski.
What I love most is that my kids can pack in a ski lesson any time of year, on their schedule. The facility uses state-of-the-art dryski machines, so the technique is the real dea, not just a novelty. Whether your child is a complete beginner or already comfortable on the slopes and looking to level up, they have programs for all skill levels. They even have a ski racing program for kids ages 5 to 11, which is such a cool introduction to a sport that can grow with them.
For the more adventurous kids (and adults!), there's also an indoor airbag jump where you can practice freestyle tricks in a safe, controlled environment. They also run summer ski camps for kids ages 7 to 14, so if you're looking for something a little different to fill a week this summer, it's worth checking out.
Strawberry Picking at Strawberry Creek Farms — Newmarket
There's something so special about picking your own strawberries straight from the field, and Strawberry Creek Farms in Newmarket is my favourite spot for it. It's only minutes from home, which means we can actually make it a casual after-school or after-camp stop rather than a whole planned production. We show up, fill a basket, and head home with enough fresh berries for snacks and lunches for the week.
You don't need an appointment and there's no admission fee — you just pay for what you pick. They'll get you set up with a basket when you arrive (or bring your own) and point you to whichever field is open that day. It's a really low-pressure, relaxed experience, which I appreciate with little ones in tow.
They're also open for pick-your-own strawberries, peas, and raspberries depending on the season, so there's more than one reason to make the trip out. The farm market itself is a great stop too — the kind of place locals keep coming back to for fresh, seasonal produce.
Feeding the Animals at Carma Farms- Stouffville
If you've never been to Carma Farms, add it to the list right now. For just $2 per person and a $5 feed bucket with a $5 refundable deposit, it is one of the best value family outings in the area. You get your deposit back when you return the bucket, so really it's a very affordable morning or afternoon out.
The farm is home to cows, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, geese, and lots of pigs, so there is plenty to see and do. The kids can get right up close and feed the animals, which is genuinely one of those experiences that lights kids up every single time.
We have made this a two-season tradition in our family. We visit in the summer to feed the animals, and then come back every fall after Halloween to drop off our carved pumpkins. Carma Farms has a collection bin in the parking lot where you can leave your pumpkins so the animals can enjoy them
Copland Park- Aurora
Sometimes the best days are the simplest ones. Copland Park in Aurora is a wonderful spot to let the kids run, play, and just happens to be one of my kids’ favourite play spots. The playground features an amazing multi-storey play structure with slides and tunnels that keep them exploring (and busy) for hours. They also love the merry-go-round and the saucer swing. Right beside the playground you’ll find baseball diamonds and tons of open green space for running around. There’s also a big hill that turns into a perfect tobogganing spot in the winter.
As a bonus, Your Conveniently — a corner store and café right beside the park — is the perfect stop for a treat or drink after a good play session.
One of the questions I get most often from people considering a move to York Region is "What's it actually like to live there?" And honestly? This list is part of my answer. East Gwillimbury puts you close to all of this — the farms, the parks, the adventures, the community — while still giving you the space and lifestyle that's hard to find anywhere else. If you're thinking about buying or selling in East Gwillimbury, I'd love to help. Reach out here.
Meet Jessica Nakamura — East Gwillimbury realtor, girl mom x3 (twins included), audiobook addict, and the person who accidentally went viral for killing weeds with baking soda. She believes buying or selling your home should feel less overwhelming and a lot more human. She brings a no-nonsense, get-it-done energy to every client she works with.
