WINTER WITH KIDS IN EAST GWILLIMBURY
- jessicanakamura
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
Winter with kids can feel long. The days are colder, the gear is endless, and figuring out how to keep everyone busy (and sane) isn’t always easy. When the weather makes outdoor plans tricky, having a few go-to spots in your back pocket can make all the difference.
These are some of my favourite places in and around East Gwillimbury to get out of the house during the colder months.
EarlyON Child and Family Centres
EarlyON Child and Family Centres are free, publicly funded programs in Ontario that support children from birth to age six and the adults who care for them. They offer play-based activities, helpful resources, and opportunities to connect with other families, all while giving parents and caregivers access to guidance from trained professionals in a welcoming, inclusive space.
The Family Place – Mount Albert
Similar to EarlyON, The Family Place is a not-for-profit community hub dedicated to supporting and enriching the lives of families with children ages 0–6. It offers a variety of programs, including drop-in play sessions, educational classes and fitness activities in a welcoming and friendly environment. Affordable monthly and annual memberships are available as well as pay-as-you-go options, making it easy for every family to join and create lasting memories.
Funvilla – Aurora
I’ve been to many indoor playgrounds across York Region, and Funvilla is hands down my favourite. The multi-storey indoor playground is absolutely massive and packed with slides, ninja courses, climbing walls, a trampoline park, a soft play area for toddlers, and an arcade.
Pro tip: Sign the waiver before you arrive to save time at check-in, and don’t forget your grip socks.
PlayLab at Toys“R”Us- Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket
PlayLab is an indoor playground and activity centre located inside select Canadian Toys“R”Us stores. It’s designed for kids up to age 10 and features multi-level play structures, slides, climbing areas, creative play zones, and party spaces.
PlayLab is a great option when you want something quick and affordable. Admission is $8 per child, and you receive a coupon toward your next Toys“R”Us purchase — which is a nice bonus.
Indoor Playground at the Health & Active Living Plaza Queensville
One of my favourite spots in the community is the indoor playground at the new Health and Active Living Plaza in Queensville. It’s Ontario’s largest indoor wooden playground and features two play areas — one for 18 months–5 years and another for 5–12 years. The building also includes a library, gym, and swimming pool, so one visit can easily fill a morning or afternoon. The best part? Admission is free! The playground is open daily, weekdays from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with a few afternoon hours reserved for scheduled birthday parties.
Skating at Riverwalk Commons- Newmarket
One of my favourite winter outings is the outdoor skating rink at Riverwalk Commons, right in the heart of Main Street Newmarket. It’s the perfect spot to pair skating with a stop for a snack at your favourite café or dinner afterward.
The rink is temperature-controlled, so you don’t need to worry if temperatures rise above freezing. There’s no admission fee, and it’s open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. — making it an easy way to get fresh air and exercise during the winter months.
Winter with kids is easier when you have supportive community spaces nearby and a home that fits your family’s needs. That balance is a big reason many families are happy to call East Gwillimbury home.
