There are a wide-variety of family-friendly activities available on- and off-campus. Below are a few suggestions to get you started on your visit.
Swimming
The Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre at Brock University is the largest swimming facility in the Niagara Region. The facility includes 1m and 3m diving boards, 5m platform, the Tarzan rope and an abundance of open space. Learn more.
Hiking
The Bruce Trail is a continuous footpath (no bicycles are permitted) which follows the Niagara Escarpment, extending from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Tobermory. A 20-kilometre section with associated side trails winds through St. Catharines and provides access to this truly unique and priceless natural treasure. Points of interest along the route include Short Hills Provincial Park, Morningstar Mill, Brock University and all of the historical Welland Canals.
Youth University Summer Camps
Summer Enrichment Day Camps are available for youth who are just finishing grades 2 – 8. Programs are developed from sound research and theory and help children to develop a desire for life-long learning through exploration and discovery. The programs combine exciting discovery sessions that are taught in university labs and classrooms with adventurous recreation, designed to motivate campers to be active. Learn more.
Quarry Renaturalization Site
Located behind Quarry View Residence, the Renaturalization Site is a spacious park with winding trails that surround a pond. The site is a short walk from main campus.
Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is in the heart of the Niagara Falls tourist district. The family may enjoy dinosaur mini golf; Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum and the Niagara Skywheel. Multiple restaurants, shops and arcades line the street that leads down to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Parks Commission
Offering Adventure Passes for the family or pay-per-use for attractions like the Journey Behind the Falls and the Butterfly Conservatory. The Niagara Parks trail system has great walking and hiking routes that include the Dufferin Island recreation area and the Niagara Parks Recreation Trail. Learn more.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
This exciting boat adventure will take you below the falls. A definite thrill for those visiting for the first time. Learn more.
Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary
Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary is a definite must for families with small children. Bring a picnic lunch, play on the playset and visit the petting zoo. The trail will take you by the pond with birds so bring some old bread to feed the birds. This is a free venue. Learn more.
Niagara Parks Trails
The Niagara Parks trail systems are a wonderful variety of trail systems that can take you through the Dufferin islands or down to the Niagara River. Learn more.
Lock 3 Viewing Complex and Museum
Bring a picnic lunch and watch the boats going through the locks. Learn all about the lock system at the small museum – it offers a break from the heat of the day. Learn more.
Quarry View Renaturalization site
The park behind Quarry View residence has a play set and a nice walk for the summer. There is a boardwalk on the main hike through the park where it is fun to feed the geese and see the carp that in habit the pond. This also connects with the Bruce Trail.
Quarry Renaturalization Site
Located behind Quarry View Residence, the Renaturalization Site is a spacious park with winding trails that surround a pond. The site is a short walk from main campus.
Swimming
There are a number of pools and splash pads that are close in the city of Thorold. Run by the Thorold Activities Group, the Nick Basciano Centre on Richmond Street have a new pool and splash pad for whole family to enjoy.
Top affordable things-to-do
- Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary – All ages, Free
- Niagara Parks Trails – Dufferin Islands (all ages) and the Niagara River Recreation Trail (7+ years old)
- Water Fun – Nick Basciano Pool and splash pad, the Port Dalhousie Beach and Lester B Pearson Park and splash pad – All ages, Free
- Lock 7 Multi-use trail and Museum – All ages, make sure you bring your bike