Halifax Kids' Guide 2022 by Discover Halifax

Halifax

Kids’

GUIDE

@hopebloomshfx

WHERE TO FIND

MUST PLAY PLAYGROUNDS

PG 26

KID-APPROVED RESTAURANTS THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE PG 38

FAMILY-FRIENDLY INDOOR

ACTIVITIES + ATTRACTIONS

PG 16

DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM

@liphefotos

THIS GUIDE BELONGS TO:

NOVALEA ARKET FARMERS’ M eblackns or pl ex @elevateand

About MULGRAVE PARK

THIS GUIDE

This guide was created by locals! The information found in this guide was sourced from a wide collection of local and provincial partners, including Family Fun Halifax, Trip Advisor, Halifax Trails, the Halifax Regional Municipality, Mi’kmaq Online, and more.

GREEN FACT: All the ink used to create this guide is vegetable-based AND the paper is recyclable! We love our planet and hope that you will either hang onto this guide forever or recycle it when you are finished with it.

Created BY LOCALS CONNECT WITH US #DiscoverHalifax | @discoverhalifax /discoverhalifax |

@hfxnovascotia

1809 Barrington St, Suite 1004, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3K8

1-877-422-9334 | 902-422-9334 |

HALIFAX WATERFRONT SUBMARINE PLAYGROUND

DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM

Cover Image: Illustration of the Halifax Harbour

table of

Contents Welcome

Welcome To Halifax .............................. 2 Let’s Learn About Mi’kma’ki................ 3

MAPS

Halifax Region Map .............................. 4 Central Halifax Map ............................. 9 Halifax Waterfront Map........................ 10 Downtown Dartmouth Map ................. 48 Downtown Halifax Map ......................... 52

WHERE TO STAY

Hotels With Pools & Slides................... 12 Campgrounds......................................... 14

THINGS TO DO

Halifax Hikes .......................................... 15 Indoor Activities.................................... 16 Outdoor Activities................................. 22 Beaches & Swimming .......................... 32

icons

legend Keep an eye out for these icons throughout the guide! Here’s what they mean:

There are fun games to play throughout this entire guide!

These experiences won’t cost you a dime.

Some of the awesome activities in this guide are only open for part of the year.

We have some hard-to-say names around here... let us help you sound them out!

Keep your eye out for fun facts about Halifax and share them with your family or group.

WHERE TO EAT

It’s no joke, this guide has jokes galore!

KID-APPROVED SHOPPING

Find out where you can bring your furry friends.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants..................... 38 Ice Cream Shops & More .................... 40 Top-Notch Toy Stores.......................... 42

HALIFAX’s Famous Donair ......... 44 Why is Halifax so Foggy? ......... 46 HALIFAX JOURNAL ............................. 50 SAFETY INFORMATION ...................... 51

Don’t be afraid to make a splash! These places have a pool.

If you like adventure you can’t go wrong with a waterslide. These places have them!

HALIFAX

Welcome to

Halifax P’jilita’q wla

Kjipuktuk P’jilita’q wla Kji’puktuk = Ep-chi-lee-dawq / wu-la / ek-g-book-dook Pjila’si is the Mi’kmaq word for “welcome”. Directly translated, it means “you are welcome”.

HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS

Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia. It is located on the East Coast of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean.

Halifax is closer to Dublin, Ireland than it is to Vancouver, BC!

Land

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Halifax is located on Mi’kmaw territory, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. The people of the Mi’kmaw Nation have lived on this territory for millennia, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land.

What is a land acknowledgement?

Historically, a land acknowledgment is a traditional practice shared amongst Indigenous groups to recognize the Indigenous land & territory they are visiting. Today a land acknowledgement remains a way to express one’s gratitude to the Indigenous people for being stewards of the land that we live and work on.

This is the Mi’kmaq Eight-Point Star. It’s a cultural symbol of the Mi’kmaq people. Many Mi’kmaq artists use the star to decorate drums, blankets, moccasins, baskets, etc. The four colours represent harmony and unity between all people. It also represents directions: White = North Red = East Black = South Yellow = West

Learn more at

mikmaqonline.org

Let’s learn about

Halifax / KJIPUKTUK!

ERFRONT

HALIFAX WAT

Grand Council Flag of the Mi’kmaq Nation

Kjipuktuk is the Mi’kmaq way of saying Halifax.

Kjipuktuk = ek-g-book-dook The region is known formally as the Halifax Regional Municipality (or HRM), but to keep things simple, we just call it Halifax! Here you’ll see a child with beautiful fiddlehead fern designs on their braids. Often found on traditional Mi’kmaq clothing, baskets, and art, it emphasizes the importance of the plant to the people of the Mi’kmaw Nation. The design shows the way that the fiddlehead fern curls just before a person eats it. You split it as you put it in your mouth to enjoy the richness of its flavour.

Mi’kmaq

WORD GUIDE Halifax / Halifax Harbour Kjipuktuk = ek-g-book-dook Hello kwe = Welcome pjila’si =

gway ep-chi-laa-si

Goodbye (translation: I’ll see you) mu’lt’s = nem-ool-des

Did you know that the Mi’kmaq language doesn’t have a word for goodbye? It is always, I’ll see you.

FAMILY ni’kma’q =

nee-gim- ah’q

Mom kiju’ =

gi-juu

Dad ta’ta =

da-daat

Citadel Hill (translation: big pine hill) Kuowaqe’jk = gwo-a-gaech Special thanks to NSITEN for their support in the creation of this content.

Ocean kta’n = Fern ma’susi =

uk-taan maa-su-si

Musquodoboit = Mus-Ka-Dob-It

can you find things to do

in each region? Each region has so many things to see and do. Draw a line to connect each activity with its region!

□ Airport Area

□ Bedford-Sackville

□ Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

□ Downtown Halifax

□ Eastern Shore

□ Musquodoboit Valley

□ North End Halifax

□ Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region

□ West End Halifax

Colour the Fort Colorier le fort Halifax has been home to four Citadels, all constructed on the top of Citadel Hill. The first three forts were built of earth and logs. Construction of a new Citadel made of granite and ironstone began in 1828 and continued until 1856.

Halifax a abrité quatre citadelles, qui ont toutes été bâties au sommet de la même colline. Les trois premiers forts étaient faits de terre et de rondins. Les travaux d’aménagement de la nouvelle citadelle, faite de granite et de roche ferrugineuse, ont commencé en 1828 et se sont terminés en 1856.

The Citadel is tough to attack: it’s on top of a hill and the defenders can see for miles. It’s surrounded by a wide, deep ditch like a moat with no water, that’s hard to cross. Its walls were covered in cannons. The star shape meant those cannons could fire from several directions at once, creating a “cross-fire” with no blind spots.

La citadelle est difficile à attaquer puisqu’elle se trouve au sommet d’une colline, d’où les forces de défense peuvent voir à des miles à la ronde. Elle est entourée d’un fossé large et profond, sorte de douves sans eau, difficile à franchir. Ses murs étaient percés de canons. Sa forme en étoile permettait aux canons de tirer dans plusieurs directions à la fois, créant des tirs croisés sans angle mort.

Though the Citadel was never attacked, it was deemed a success. The fourth and final Citadel still stands today.

Bien que la citadelle n’ait jamais été attaquée, sa construction a été considérée comme une réussite. La quatrième et dernière citadelle tient toujours debout aujourd’hui.

Kuowaqe’jk is the Mi’kmaq place name for Citadel Hill.

Faits intéressants sur Halifax Le nom de lieu mi’kmaq désignant la colline de la Citadelle est Kuowaqe’jk.

Enjoy playing hide and seek, experience life as a solider, become an official Halifax Citadel Xplorer and receive a special limited-edition souvenir. Plan your visit today!

pc.gc.ca/halifaxcitadel

Amusez-vous à jouer à cache-cache, découvrez la vie des soldats, devenez un Xplorateur officiel de la citadelle d’Halifax et recevez un souvenir spécial. Planifiez votre visite dès aujourd’hui!

pc.gc.ca/citadellehalifax

things to do in

Halifax

SPRING THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO

Catch a Halifax Wanderers FC soccer game. May-November

V isit the ducks! Sullivan’s Pond, Shubie Park and the Public Gardens are all great places to see ducks in the Halifax region.

GAME WANDERS FC

EVENTS

Go sledding! T op tobogganing hills in the Halifax region include: • Citadel Hill

November – December

•M erv Sullivan Park (aka ‘The Pit’)

et tickets to a Halifax G Mooseheads hockey game

• Dartmouth Common

Catch a Halifax Thunderbirds box lacrosse game at the Scotiabank Centre.

Downtown Halifax

North End Halifax

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

Skate on the Emera Oval

S coop up an ice cream. Go to page 40 for a list of Halifax’s coolest cones.

EVENTS Take in a live outdoor performance from Shakespeare by the Sea in Point Pleasant Park. July-September

Experience music, comedy, acrobatics, and more waterfront magic at the Halifax Busker Festival.

July-August

Fly a kite on Citadel Hill at the East Coast Kite Festival. August

FALL

WINTER THINGS TO DO

Head to the beach! See page 32 for great beaches and lakes for families. isit Fisherman’s Cove, a V 200-year-old working fishing village with shops along the boardwalk.

H ave a picnic! Check out some picnicperfect parks on page 30.

LLEY

OIT VA MUSQUODOB

SUMMER EVENTS

Visit the Halifax Public Gardens to see the spring blooms.

NOCTURNE

IVAL

BUSKER FEST

ander the Halifax Waterfront W under the twinkling lights of the annual Evergreen Festival!

October – March

December – April

test your

Halifax knowledge! Can you guess the answers to these questions about Halifax? Next, test your grown-ups to see if they know all of these cool Hali-facts!

THINGS TO DO

EVENTS

ee the changing leaves on S a crisp fall hike. S ome of the best places to see fall colour include: • Shubie Park in Dartmouth •F rog Pond Trail & Sir Sandford Fleming Park • Musquodoboit Valley

Wander the city streets during Nocturne, Halifax’s nighttime outdoor art festival.

B rave the Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour... if you dare!

October

Get geeky with friends. Sci-fi and fantasy lovers will love Hal-Con, the biggest sci-fi convention in Atlantic Canada! October

1. HOW BIG IS HALIFAX? The Halifax Regional Municipality occupies 5,490 square kilometres, which is about the same size as all of Prince Edward Island! 2. HOW MANY COMMUNITIES ARE THERE IN THE HALIFAX REGION? Halifax is made up of more than 200 unique communities and 9 regions ranging from Hubbards in the Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region all the way up to Ecum Secum on the Eastern Shore. 3. HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN HALIFAX? More than 460,000 people live in the Halifax Regional Municipality! 4. HOW MANY LAKES & RIVERS ARE THERE IN THE HALIFAX REGION? There are more than 1,000 lakes and rivers in Halifax... not to mention 23 major coastal shorelines! Now you know why we’re known as “Canada’s Ocean Playground”! 5. HOW MANY PARKS ARE IN HALIFAX? There are more than 900 parks in the Halifax region!

@hopebloomshfx

NORTH PARK STREET

In 2013, children-run North End Halifax business, Hope Blooms pitched their salad dressing business on Dragon's Den and made a deal for $40,000! You can buy their tasty local dressing online at hopeblooms.ca.

HOPE BLOOMS

HALIFAX COMMON

@hopebloomshfx

NOVALEA FARMERS’ MARKET

@elevateandexploreblackns EMERA OVAL

@julie_cscott HALIFAX COMMON

EMERA OVAL

Nurtured Products for Parenting

Fortune Doughnut

Cafe Lara

Vandal Doughnuts Nearby Planet VR Monster Comic Lounge Dee Dee’s Seven Bays Ice Cream Waffle Bouldering Love

Halifax Armoury

Tony’s Famous Donair Halifax Common

Emera Oval Off-leash Dog Area

Halifax Cricket Ground

Sweet Hereafter Cheesecakery

Skate Park

Atlantica Hotel

Police Station

Scotia Square

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Tennis Courts

Playground

Atlantic Superstore Quinpool

Centennial Pool

Scotiabank Centre Halifax Convention Centre

Citadel High School

Dilly Dally Coffee Cafe Woozles Childrens Bookstore Halifax Infirmary

Kite Festival Grounds

Museum of Natural History

Chung Chun Rice Dog

Wanderer Grounds

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane Camp Hill Cemetery Viola Desmond's Gravesite

Halifax Public Gardens

Park Lane Mall McDonald’s

Halifax Central Library

Bookmark Stillwell Beergarden & The Dairy Bar Victoria Park Sweet Jane’s

Noggins on Coburg University of King’s College

Coburg Social Bar & Café

Dalhousie University

Dickson Building @ QEII Health Sciences Centre IWK Health Centre Children’s Hospital

check out these kid-friendly places in

Central HalifaX

Hollis St

Termin al Rd

The Waterfront will always top the list of places to love in Halifax. Surrounded by sparkling ocean, a working port, local artisans, seasonal vendors and year-round businesses, there’s an amazing energy on the boardwalk that is truly unique to Halifax.

Barrington St

Morris St

South St

Halifax waterfront Rediscover the Halifax Waterfront - you’ll find that while things have changed, it’s still the same Marginal Rd waterfront you’ve always known.

Bishop’s Landing

Waterfront Attractions ‘DRUNKEN LAMPPOSTS’ AT BISHOP’S LANDING

SALT YARD SHOPS

MARITIME MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC

WATERFRONT HAMMOCKS

THE WAVE

DISCOVERY CENTRE

HALIFAX SEAPORT FARMERS’ MARKET HALIFAX BREWERY FARMERS’ MARKET

ART MURAL WALL

SUBMARINE PLAYGROUND

Spring Garde n Rd

Discover the

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

PIZZA CORNER

GEORGES ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Future Arts District

(under constructio

Sackville St

Blowers St

@developns @mywaterfrontns #MyWaterfrontNS

Lower Water St

George S t

Granville St

Prince St Bedford Row

Historic Properties Queen’s Marque

Salt Yard

W oo ds ide

Fe rry

to D

ow nto wn

Da rtm out h

Ald ern ey L andi ng

Fe r

on)

Salter St

This content was produced in partnership with Develop Nova Scotia.

TOURS & RENTALS

Legend

AMBASSATOURS EXPERIENCES

WASHROOM

THE HARBOUR WATERCRAFT TOURS & ADVENTURES

PARKING

J FARWELL SAILING CO.

SHOPPING HALIFAX HARBOUR WALK

I HEART BIKES

SEGWAY NOVA SCOTIA

HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OFFERS FREE PUBLIC WIFI ACROSS THE WATERFRONT!

family-friendly

PLACES TO STAY

There are plenty of reasons to choose a hotel, and Halifax has plenty of fantastic accommodations, no matter what you’re looking for. From a hotel that’s pet-friendly or offers kid-friendly amenities, staying in a hotel with a pool may just be the best part about vacations. THE BARRINGTON HOTEL

More Pet-Friendly Hotels

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Alt Hotel Halifax Airport Airport Area

Atlantica Hotel Halifax West End Halifax

Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel West End Halifax

Chateau Bedford Hotel & Suites Bedford-Sackville

Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites Downtown Halifax

Downtown Halifax

ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Tempo Food + Drink CLOSE TO: Halifax Waterfront, Scotia Square,

Scotiabank Centre

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BEST WESTERN PLUS DARTMOUTH HOTEL & SUITES Dartmouth-Cole Harbour ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Trendz Gastropub CLOSE TO: Spectacle Lake Park, Dartmouth Crossing, Shubie Park

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CAMBRIDGE SUITES HOTEL HALIFAX Downtown Halifax CLOSE TO: Scotiabank Centre, Citadel Hill •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT HALIFAX DARTMOUTH Dartmouth-Cole Harbour ON-SITE RESTAURANT: The Bistro CLOSE TO: Dartmouth Crossing, Shubie Park

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DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT DARTMOUTH

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Pitch & Pivot CLOSE TO: Spectacle Lake Park, Dartmouth Crossing, Shubie Park •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HALIFAX DARTMOUTH

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour ON-SITE RESTAURANT: The Narrows Bistro CLOSE TO: Alderney Ferry Terminal, Downtown Dartmouth, Zatzman Sportsplex

THE PRINCE GEORGE HOTEL

CAMBRIDGE SUITES HOTEL HALIFAX

@untamedbrightlyplaces

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON HALIFAX THE WESTIN NOVA SCOTIAN

Downtown Halifax CLOSE TO: Halifax Waterfront •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

HALIFAX MARRIOTT HARBOURFRONT HOTEL Downtown Halifax

ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Harbourstone Pour House CLOSE TO: Halifax Waterfront, Halifax Ferry

Terminal

HOTEL HALIFAX Downtown Halifax

ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Harbour City Bar & Grill CLOSE TO: Scotiabank Centre, Halifax Waterfront

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THE PRINCE GEORGE HOTEL HALIFAX

HAMPTON INN & SUITES BY HILTON HALIFAX – DARTMOUTH

Downtown Halifax

ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Gio CLOSE TO: Scotiabank Centre, Halifax

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour CLOSE TO: Dartmouth Crossing, Shubie Park

Waterfront, Citadel Hill

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HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES HALIFAX – BEDFORD

THE WESTIN NOVA SCOTIAN

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Farmers’ Market, The Discovery Centre

Bedford-Sackville CLOSE TO: Hemlock Ravine Park, Bayers Lake

Downtown Halifax

ON-SITE RESTAURANT: Seaport Social CLOSE TO: Halifax Waterfront, Halifax Seaport

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES HALIFAX – DARTMOUTH

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour CLOSE TO: Spectacle Lake Park, Dartmouth Crossing, Movie Theatre, Shubie Park

Camping Around the

Halifax Region

TRIVIA TIME: What is the oldest building in Halifax? a) Province House b) Halifax Town Clock c) St. Paul’s Anglican Church d) Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Find the answers at the bottom of the page

PITCH A TENT OR BRING YOUR CAMPER AND SLEEP UNDER THE STARS! DOLLAR LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

Musquodoboit Valley Features a family friendly beach with a canteen. ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES | BEACH ACCESS | BOAT LAUNCH | HIKING TRAILS | SHOWERS

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LAURIE PROVINCIAL PARK

Airport Area Features a dishwashing station, beach access, look-off point, hiking trails, and showers. ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES | BEACH ACCESS | HIKING TRAILS | LOOK OFF | SHOWERS

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MURPHY’S CAMPING ON THE OCEAN

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PORTERS LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

Eastern Shore Explore one of 5 short hiking trails! ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES | BEACH ACCESS | BOAT LAUNCH | HIKING TRAILS | SHOWERS

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SHUBIE CAMPGROUND

ANSWER: St. Paul’s Anglican Church is the oldest building in Halifax! The church opened in September 1750, which means that in 2022, it’s 272 years old! Province House opened in 1819 (203 years old in 2022) The Halifax Town Clock was completed in 1803 (219 years old in 2022) The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia was completed in 1868 (154 years old in 2022)

SUSIES LAKE

5 Halifax Hikes

Under 5km

Because kids’ legs are shorter than adults’!

SHUBIE PARK

SS ATLANTIC HERITAGE PARK TRAIL

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region PARKING: Parking is available at the official trailhead at St. Paul’s Church, off Sandy Cove Road. LENGTH: 1 KM TYPE: Ocean-front boardwalk DIFFICULTY: Easy FEATURES: Historic shipwreck site, ocean views, interpretive panels

HEMLOCK RAVINE PARK TRAILS

Bedford-Sackville PARKING: Parking lot at Kent Ave or street parking on Julies Walk. LENGTH: 4 KM TYPE: Crusher dust loop trail DIFFICULTY: Easy FEATURES: Heart-shaped pond, 300-year-old Hemlock trees, off-leash trail (Governor’s Loop)

SHUBIE PARK LOOP TRAIL

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour PARKING: Paved parking off Locks Road at the south end of the trail. LENGTH: 2 KM TYPE: Gravel loop trail DIFFICULTY: Easy FEATURES: Wildlife, lake views, public washrooms (weekdays only)

MCDONALD SPORTS PARK LOOP TRAIL

Airport Area PARKING: Parking is available in a large lot beside the baseball field and volleyball courts. LENGTH: 5 KM TYPE: Loop DIFFICULTY: Easy-Moderate FEATURES: Long wooden bridge, wooded trails, baseball field, picnic area

POLLY COVE TRAIL

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region PARKING: Two small roadside lots are available off Prospect Road. The trail begins directly in front of each lot. LENGTH: 4 KM TYPE: Natural coastal loop trail DIFFICULTY: Moderate FEATURES: Ocean views, abandoned war bunkers, views of Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse HEMLOCK RAVINE PARK POLLY’S COVE

Kid-Approved

Indoor Activities & Attractions IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A RAINY OR SNOWY DAY TO CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME INDOOR ATTRACTIONS! AFRICVILLE MUSEUM

North End Halifax Visit the land where the people of Africville lived, worked, and raised their families for over a hundred years before being forcibly relocated to make way for industrial development in the 1960s. The Seaview United Baptist Church was rebuilt and opened in 2012 as the Africville Museum, a place where locals and visitors can learn the story of Africville and recognize the contribution of the community to Canadian, and African diasporic history. *FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER

AFRICVILLE MUSE

LERY OF

ART GAL

OTIA NOVA SC

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ART GALLERY OF NOVA SCOTIA

Downtown Halifax Atlantic Canada’s largest art museum features a permanent collection containing more than 18,000 pieces. Kids will love seeing the famous painted house of Nova Scotian artist Maud Lewis, and the whimsical clay pieces in the Folk/Funk exhibition. *FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER

ART GALLERY OF NOVA SCOTIA

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CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

Downtown Halifax This national museum was once the gateway to Canada for over one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. Kids will love exploring the replica ship’s cabin, playing dress-up in period costumes, and seeing the luggage that immigrating children would have carried with them to Canada. *FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER

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SEUM OF CANADIAN MU AT PIER 21 N IO AT IMMIGR

DISCOVERY CENTRE

Downtown Halifax With four floors of interactive hands-on learning experiences, the Discovery Centre brings science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to life for kids of all ages. Young kids will love the RBC Someday Street immersive play area and older kids will love diving into the Innovation Lab on the lower level. *FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 2 AND UNDER

DISCOVERY CENTRE

The Museum of Natural History is home to a friendly tortoise named Gus who is 99 YEARS OLD! Show your elders some respect and head over to say hello! GET AIR TRAMPO

LINE PARK

GET AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour A kid’s dream come true, this indoor trampoline park has wall-to-wall trampolines, a kiddie-court for smaller children, a dodge-ball section, foam pit, and many more fun activities.

HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY

MARITIME MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC

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HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY

Downtown Halifax The Halifax Central Library offers a variety of kid-friendly spaces. Aside from a vast children’s book collection, there are LEGO® tables, puppet theatres, board games, dollhouses, and many more great ways to keep kids entertained for hours.

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MARITIME MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC Downtown Halifax Visit the oldest and largest maritime museum in Canada to explore Nova Scotia’s rich seafaring history, from piracy to shipwrecks, small crafts, and naval history. *FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 5 AND UNDER

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MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

MUSEUM OF NA TURAL HISTOR Y

Downtown Halifax This kid-friendly museum features galleries on archeology, geology, mammals, aquatic life, as well as an exhibit with numerous live specimens native to Nova Scotia. And don’t forget to meet Gus, the Museum of Natural History’s 99-year-old Gopher Tortoise. *ADMISSION BY DONATION IFAX

DGE HAL

E PUTTING

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PUTTING EDGE HALIFAX

Bedford-Sackville This is a black-light lit 18-hole mini-golf course (make sure to wear white so you glow!) with themes like the ocean, jungle, and outer space.

Can you help the kids go down the slide at hop! skip! jump! ? START

Awesome Indoor

Playgrounds & Play Places

RUN WILD AT ONE OF THESE AWESOME INDOOR PLAY PLACES!

BEYOND! INDOOR PLAY

Musquodoboit Valley For kids up to 12 years old SLIDES | TUNNELS | SOFT PLAY AREA FOR BABIES & TODDLERS

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GET AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK

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HOP! SKIP! JUMP! INDOOR PLAY SPACE

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ICE PATCH HOLLOW INDOOR PLAYGROUND

Bedford-Sackville For kids up to 12 years old JUNGLE GYM | SLIDES | BALL SHOOTERS | ARCADE GAMES | TODDLER SECTION

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THE KIDS FUN FACTORY

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Nova Scotia’s Largest Indoor Play Space. Where kids come to play!

Bayers Lake 150 Susie Lake Crescent T: 902.406.4406 hopskipjump.ca

PLAYDIUM

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour ARCADE GAMES | VIRTUAL REALITY | BOWLING | EATING AREA

ICE PATCH HOLLOW INDOOR PLAYGROUND

GET AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK

THE KIDS FUN FACTORY

GET AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK

ICE PATCH HOLLOW INDOOR PLAYGROUND

HOP SKIP JUMP

GET AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK

ICE PATCH HOLLOW INDOOR PLAYGROUND

HOP SKIP JUMP

HALIFAX

Y L LIBRAR

CENTRA

Halifax’s Most Kid-Friendly

Public Libraries Aside from extensive children’s book selections, you’ll find these libraries feature plenty of fun, interactive activities for kids of all ages.

ALDERNEY GATE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour YOUTH SPACE ON THE SECOND FLOOR | EVENTS & ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY

Downtown Halifax MEDIA STUDIOS | X-BOX & PS4 GAMES | LEGO TABLES | BOARD GAMES | CAFE & ROOFTOP PATIO

KESHEN GOODMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY Bedford-Sackville COZY CAFE WITH A FIREPLACE | IPADS, CHROMEBOOKS, PS4 | LEGO TABLES | CRAFTS

SACKVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Bedford-Sackville DEDICATED AREA FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES | IPADS, CHROMEBOOKS, GAMING CONSOLES

WOODLAWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour DEDICATED SPACE FOR KIDS & TEENS | IPADS, CHROMEBOOKS, GAMING CONSOLES

HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY

F GAME CA RD ROOM THE BOA

THE BOARD RO

OM GAME CAFE THE DECK BOX

Must-Play

Board Game Cafes & Stores THE BOARD ROOM GAME CAFÉ

Downtown Halifax 500+ GAMES | BOARD GAME & PUZZLE STORE | FOOD & DRINKS

PRESS PLAY CAFÉ

Bedford-Sackville BOARD GAMES | CAFE WITH KIDS’ MENU | KID’S PLAY SPACE WITH SLIDES

THE DECK BO X

THE DECK BOX

Downtown Halifax BOARD & VIDEO GAMES | EVENTS & TOURNAMENTS

Movie Theatres

Once you’re all tired out from activities, head to the movies for your afternoon entertainment!

CINEPLEX CINEMAS DARTMOUTH CROSSING* Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

CINEPLEX CINEMAS LOWER SACKVILLE Bedford-Sackville

CINEPLEX CINEMAS BAYERS LAKE* Bedford-Sackville

CINEPLEX CINEMAS PARK LANE Downtown Halifax *These theatres also offer stars & strollers showtimes, which includes lowered volume, dimmed lighting, change tables, bottle warmers, and stroller parking.

SCOTIABANK THEATRE HALIFAX* Bedford-Sackville

* These theatres also offer Stars & Strollers Showtimes, which includes lowered volume, dimmed lighting, change tables, bottle warmers, and stroller parking.

Outdoor Activities & Attractions

Things to Do Outside Getting outside means fun for everyone!

ATLANTIC SPLASH ADVENTURE

Bedford-Sackville With eight waterslides, a kiddie splash pool, a Ferris wheel, gokarts, and more, just 20 minutes from Downtown Halifax, this water park is a go-to for familyfriendly summer fun.

COLE HARBOUR HERITAGE FARM

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Dedicated to preserving Cole Harbour’s agricultural past, the museum is home to a wonderful selection of animals, a garden, and tearoom.

The Emera Oval is the largest outdoor, artificially refrigerated ice surface east of Quebec City. The Oval is the size of 3 NHL hockey rinks!

EMERA OVAL

@julie_cscott

Downtown Halifax The Emera Oval is an outdoor skating surface available year-round. Skaters can borrow inline and roller skates, bikes, and scooters during the summer months, and ice skates throughout the winter. Helmets and protective gear are available to borrow year-round. Note: Helmets are mandatory when using the Emera Oval.

GEORGES ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Halifax Harbour | Downtown Halifax Travel by ferry from the Halifax Waterfront to explore this historic harbour island. Explore the underground tunnels and find the massive cannons that were once used to protect the harbour.

FISHERMAN’S COVE

Eastern Shore This 200-year-old restored fishing village looks like an East Coast postcard. Stroll the boardwalk with an ice cream, visit nearby McCormacks Beach Provincial Park, or catch a ferry to McNabs Island for a day of exploration.

HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS

Downtown Halifax This 16-acre urban oasis is a perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family. With trails to explore, fairytale bridges, stunning flower beds, and ducks paddling in ponds, there is something new to discover around every corner.

even more

Things to Do Outside HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Downtown Halifax The Halifax Citadel gives visitors the chance to experience life as a soldier in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are plenty of fun family activities on offer, including solving a 100+ year old mystery using a comic book guide, and learning to send coded messages.

HARBOUR HOPPER TOURS

Downtown Halifax This top-rated tour travels through historic Halifax before making a splash as the amphibious Harbour Hopper dives into the Halifax Harbour! You’ll learn fun Hali-facts and see the city’s highlights.

The Halifax waterfront is Nova Scotia’s #1-most-visited attraction!

HALIFAX WATERFRONT BOARDWALK

Downtown Halifax Filled with things to do for families of all ages, kids can enjoy playing on the Submarine Playground, trying different foods from the Salt Yard vendors, seeing all the ships passing in the harbour, hanging out on the waterfront hammocks, and more. For a full list of things for kids to do on the Halifax waterfront, see PAGE 10.

Splashifax is home to the WORLD’S LARGEST unicorn floatie!

PEGGY’S COVE

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Perched atop an expanse of rocks and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is an iconic Canadian landmark you’ll want to experience. Kids have so much fun running along the vast rock formation... just make sure to stay off the black (aka wet) rocks.

SPLASHIFAX

Halifax Splashifax is a giant outdoor waterpark and obstacle course. This larger-than-life waterpark is home to the largest unicorn floatie in the world!

HATFIELD FARM

Bedford-Sackville Hatfield Farm offers trail rides, riding lessons, wagon rides, and even sleigh rides in the wintertime! There is a petting zoo, playground, and restaurant onsite.

MEMORY LANE HERITAGE VILLAGE

Eastern Shore This living history museum depicts coastal rural life in Nova Scotia during the 1940s, complete with a working general store, schoolhouse, cookhouse, and workshop. With smaller crowds, your family can take your time exploring, playing, and handling all the memorabilia.

Every day at noon in Downtown Halifax you can hear the BOOM of a cannon firing at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This daily ritual is known as the Noon Gun and has been happening since 1857!

Top 10

HALIFAX PLAYGROUNDS

DINGLE PLAYGROUND AT SIR SANDFORD FLEMING PARK

DEWOLF PARK PLAYGROUND ON THE BEDFORD WATERFRONT Bedford-Sackville FEATURES: PADDED FLOOR | SHIP DESIGN | WATERFRONT LOCATION NEARBY: BOARDWALK | PICNIC AREA | PUBLIC WASHROOMS

KIWANIS PLAYGROUND AT FERRY TERMINAL PARK

FORT NEEDHAM MEMORIAL PARK PLAYGROUND

HALIFAX COMMONS PLAYGROUND

ISLEVILLE PLAYGROUND

HALIFAX COMMONS

PLAYGROUND

UPPER MUSQUODOBOIT WOODEN PLAYGROUND

Musquodoboit Valley FEATURES: CASTLE DESIGN | WOODEN TOWER | ROPE CLIMBER | PUPPET THEATRE NEARBY: MUSQUODOBOIT TRAILWAY | MUSQUODOBOIT RIVER

SUBMARINE PLAYGROUND ON THE HALIFAX WATERFRONT

UND

SUBMARINE PLAYGRO SUBMARINE PLAYGRO

UND

WESTMOUNT INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND PARK

UND

LAYGRO

The Upper Musquodoboit Wooden Playground is Nova Scotia’s largest wooden playground!

DINGLE P

MISSION TO

SPACE

Answers: 1.Gravity 2. Big Bang 3. Heliocentric 4. Universe 5. Astronomy 6. Geocentric 7. Solar System 8. Milkyway 9. Galaxy

Test your knowledge

ACROSS 4. 5. 6. 7. 9.

Total of all things that exist The study of space and matter Earth at the centre A collection of planets Large group of stars and dust held together by gravity

DOWN 1. Force that pulls an object toward earth 2. How the universe began 3. Sun at the centre 8. A huge spiral galaxy

Explore the wonders of space and beyond at Atlantic Canada’s Premier Science Centre Discover more: thediscoverycentre.ca

1215 Lower Water St. | Halifax, Nova Scotia

Spot the Difference This is a picture of Halifax’s very own Harbour Hopper. A refurbished military vehicle that can take you on a tour of the city’s historic sites such as Grand Parade, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and even the Halifax Harbour. Can you circle the differences between the two images? There are 10 differences. When you’re done you can colour the picture too.

Ribbit Ribbit! All aboard Atlantic Canada’s most popular boat tour – a fun, fast-paced adventure that introduces you to the best of Halifax by land & sea!

Salter Street Parking Lot T: 902-420-1015 harbourhopper.com

Picnic-Perfect

Parks & Gardens

HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS

The best places to get some fresh air. HALIFAX COMMON

HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS

Downtown Halifax OPEN TRAILS | ACCESSIBLE | PUBLIC WASHROOMS | FAMILY LAWN AT THE SPRING GARDEN & SUMMER STREETS AREA

JERRY LAWRENCE PROVINCIAL PARK

POINT PLEASANT PARK

Downtown Halifax OCEAN VIEWS | WATERFRONT & WOODED TRAILS | RUINS OF MILITARY FORTIFICATIONS | OFF-LEASH AREA | PUBLIC WASHROOMS

HALIFAX COMMONS

PLAYGROUND

HALIFAX COMMONS SKATE PARK

SIR SANDFORD FLEMING PARK

West End Halifax OCEAN VIEWS | WATERFRONT & WOODED TRAILS | PLAYGROUND | PUBLIC WASHROOMS

DARTMOUTH COMMONS

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour GREEN SPACE | LOOP TRAIL | COMMUNITY PIZZA OVEN | PLAYGROUND

Which flower likes to kiss the most? 30

NT PARK

POINT PLEASA

Colour the Sullivan’s Pond Geese

SULLIVAN’S POND

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour This little park is well known for its famous geese that live here during the warmer months. With a playground nearby and lots to explore, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. GREEN SPACE | LOOP TRAIL | PLAYGROUNDS LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET | SULLIVAN’S POND GEESE!

Best Saltwater Beaches

for Families

That’s why we’re known as Canada’s Ocean Playground!

QUEENSLAND BEACH

Queensland Beach

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Drive from Downtown Halifax: 40 min Features: SANDY BEACH | SUPERVISED SWIMMING (July-August) | PICNIC AREA | CHANGE ROOMS | TOILETS Great for: Families

RAINBOW HAVEN BEACH

Rainbow Haven Beach

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Drive from Downtown Halifax: 30 min Features: SANDY BEACH | SUPERVISED SWIMMING (July-August) | PICNIC AREA | CHANGE ROOMS | FLUSH TOILETS Great for: Families

CLAM HARBOUR BEACH @jakesescapes

LAWRENCETOWN BEACH

CRYSTAL CRESCENT BEACH

clam Harbour Beach

Crystal Crescent Martinique Beach

Eastern Shore Drive from Downtown Halifax: 75 min Features LONG SANDY BEACH | WALKING TRAILS | PICNIC AREA | VAULT TOILETS | SUPERVISED SWIMMING (July-August, weekends only) Great for: Building sandcastles

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Drive from Downtown Halifax: 35-40 min Features: 3 WHITE SAND BEACHES | WALKING TRAILS | VAULT TOILETS Great for: Bird watching

Conrad’s

Lawrencetown

Eastern Shore Drive from Downtown Halifax: 35 min Features: SANDY/ROCKY BEACH | PARKING AMAZING VIEWS | NO BATHROOMS Great for: Surfing | Older Kids

Beach

Beach

MARTINIQUE BEACH

With 5 KM of white sand, Martinique Beach is Nova Scotia’s longest sandy beach!

CONRAD’S BEACH

CHOCOLATE LAKE

BIRCH COVE

Family-Friendly

Freshwater Beaches

DOLLAR LAKE

SAFETY NOTE: Always swim with a buddy in supervised areas, and adults should never leave children unsupervised in the water. Sometimes our lakes get yucky when the weather is really hot so the city regularly tests the water quality for bacteria levels. Check out this website for algae-related closures and other useful info.

halifax.ca/parks-recreation/programs-activities/swimming/ supervised-beaches-outdoor-pools-splash-pads

Live Your Best LAKE LIFE

Birch Cove Beach on Lake Banook

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Features: SUPERVISED SWIMMING (July-August) | CHANGE ROOMS | PUBLIC WASHROOMS | ACCESSIBLE FEATURES

Penhorn Lake

Kidston Lake

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Features: SUPERVISED SWIMMING (July-August) | PUBLIC WASHROOMS | ACCESSIBLE FEATURES

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region Features: SUPERVISED SWIMMING (July-August) | WALKING TRAILS

Beach

Sandy Lake

dollar lake

Beach

Chocolate Lake Beach

West End Halifax Features SUPERVISED SWIMMING (July-August) | CHANGE ROOMS & SHOWERS | PUBLIC WASHROOMS | ACCESSIBLE FEATURES

Chocolate Lake is a human-made lake that was formed as a result of quarrying, which is the extraction of rock or stone from the earth.

LONG LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

COMMONS OUTDOO

R POOL

PAD SHIRLEY’S SPLASH

BEDFORD

OUTDOOR

POOL

Summer

Awesome

Sizzling summer days call for splash and spray play!

The Halifax Region has 3 outdoor pools available to the public!

SPLASH PADS

outdoor pools BEDFORD OUTDOOR POOL

COLE HARBOUR SPLASH PAD Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

GEORGE DIXON CENTRE SPLASH PAD North End Halifax

HALIFAX COMMON SPLASH PAD* Downtown Halifax *Expected to reopen in 2022

COLE HARBOUR OUTDOOR POOL

ISLEVILLE SPLASH PAD North End Halifax

SACKVILLE SPLASH PAD Bedford-Sackville

SHIRLEY’S SPLASH PAD (NEW! OPEN JUNE 2022) Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

WESTMOUNT SCHOOL SPLASH PAD West End Halifax

*Before your swim, call 902-490-6666 or visit halifax.ca/myrec to see if advance booking is required.

What would it be like to immigrate? Immigrants are people who come to live permanently in a new country. What would you pack in your heart and in your suitcase if you had to leave your home for another country? Circle the things you would take. You can draw other things in the suitcase that you might want to take that represent your home, culture or traditions.

Comment ça serait, immigrer? Les immigrants sont des personnes qui viennent vivre de manière permanente dans un nouveau pays. Que mettriez-vous dans votre cœur et dans votre valise si vous deviez quitter votre demeure pour un autre pays? Encerclez les choses que vous emporteriez. Vous pouvez dessiner d’autres objets dans la valise que vous voudriez emporter et qui représentent votre maison, votre culture ou vos traditions.

There’s always something new to learn and explore at the Museum. Enjoy many interactive activities like these and more. Il y a toujours plus à apprendre et à explorer au Musée. Profitez de nombreuses activités interactives comme celles-ci et d’autres encore.

1-855-526-4721 |

pier21.ca | quai21.ca

Indoor

Pools

SLIDES, DIVING BOARDS, AND KIDDIE POOLS AWAIT!

CANADA GAMES CENTRE

Bedford-Sackville SHALLOW TOTS POOL | SPRINKLERS | DIVING BOARDS | WATER SLIDES | HOT TUB

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CAPTAIN WILLIAM SPRY COMMUNITY CENTRE

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region WAVE POOL | SLIDE | CLIMBING WALL

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COLE HARBOUR PLACE

SACKVILLE SPORTS STADIUM

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour SLIDE | PADS FOR BABIES & TODDLERS

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ZATZMAN SPORTSPLEX

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour SHALLOW TOTS POOL | WATERSLIDE | SPLASH PAD | TARZAN ROPE

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CAPTAIN WILLIAM SPR Y COMMUNITY CENTR E

EAST HANTS AQUATIC CENTRE

Musquodoboit Valley SHALLOW TOTS POOL | WATERSLIDE | CLIMBING WALL

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SACKVILLE SPORTS STADIUM Bedford-Sackville SHALLOW TOTS POOL | SMALL SLIDE | MUSHROOM SHOWER | ROPE SWING

The Chickenburger is Canada’s OLDEST drive-in restaurant, having opened in 1940!

Kid-Friendly

REstaurants What makes a restaurant kid-friendly? A kids’ menu! Big booths! Activity sheets! All this and more can be found at the following Halifax restaurants.

ARDMORE TEA ROOM

West End Halifax TRADITIONAL COMFORT FOOD | OLD-SCHOOL DINER FOR KIDS: Big cozy booths, all-day breakfast FOR GROWN-UPS: Great prices, comfort foods

RGER

THE CHICKENBU

THE ARMVIEW RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

West End Halifax COZY | OLD-SCHOOL DINER FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu (everything is $8), booths, views of the boats in the Northwest Arm FOR GROWN-UPS: Nostalgic old-school diner décor, spiked milkshakes

BLUENOSE II RESTAURANT

RGER

THE CHICKENBU

CHEEKY NEIGHBOUR DINER

Downtown Halifax HOMESTYLE FAMILY DINER FOR KIDS: : Kids’ meals, booths (the chocolate turtle brownie is a must-have!) FOR GROWN-UPS: Local history (the restaurant opened in 1964!), convenient downtown location, space to park a stroller

CHEEKY NEIGHBOUR DINER

West End Halifax MODERN DINER FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu (must-try: Belgian waffle & whip!) FOR GROWN-UPS: Local ingredients, vegan options, brunch

THE CHICKENBURGER

Bedford-Sackville 1950’s FAMILY DINER FOR KIDS: Kids’ combos, milkshakes, retro diner décor, Chicken Little ice cream parlour around back FOR GROWN-UPS: Delicious diner classics

DARRELL’S RESTAURANT

Downtown Halifax BURGER JOINT | LOCAL-FAVOURITE FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, award-winning milkshakes FOR GROWN-UPS: Cozy setting, quality ingredients (the Peanut Butter Burger is a must-try!)

EASY STREET DINER

Bedford-Sackville RETRO-STYLE FAMILY DINER FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, all-day breakfast, retro diner décor FOR GROWN-UPS: Dietary restriction/allergy-friendly, quality ingredients, environmentally friendly

FREEMAN’S LITTLE NEW YORK

West End Halifax, Bedford-Sackville, Downtown Halifax NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu, colouring & activities, booths FOR GROWN-UPS: Drink specials, lunch specials, plenty of options

GOOD DAY KITCHEN & CAFÉ

Airport Area SMALL FAMILY-RUN CAFE FOR KIDS: “Babycinos” (steamed milk with sprinkles in a cute little mug) FOR GROWN-UPS: Delicious coffee, breakfasts, and baked goods

MIC MAC BAR & GRILL

EASY STREET DINER

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour TAVERN-STYLE FAMILY RESTAURANT FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu (features a AAA bacon-wrapped kids’ steak!), delicious desserts FOR GROWN-UPS: Bustling, noisy atmosphere, which means there’s no need to worry about fussy kids disrupting other diners!

PICKFORD & BLACK

Downtown Halifax WATERFRONT SEAFOOD & CRAFT BEER FOR KIDS: Kids’ menu (drink, main, side & dessert for $10), crayons & colouring, big booths, Harbour views FOR GROWN-UPS: Boardwalk patio, fresh seafood, craft beer

T DINER

REE EASY ST

RISTORANTE A MANO

Downtown Halifax NEIGHBOURHOOD ITALIAN TRATTORIA FOR KIDS: “Bambino menu”, delicious homemade gelato and sorbet FOR GROWN-UPS: Waterfront location, authentic Italian home cooking

VERNON’S THUNDERBIRD DINER

Bedford-Sackville RETRO-STYLE FAMILY DINER FOR KIDS: Classic treats like sundaes and banana splits, download the walking trail map to explore after your meal FOR GROWN-UPS: Family Bundle Menu, all-day breakfast

GOOD DAY KITCHEN & CAFE

Halifax’s Coolest

Ice Cream Shops

Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?

@dairybarhfx

Nothing screams summer more than scooping up a delicious cone!

BLACK BEAR ICE CREAM

Downtown Halifax TAKE OUT ONLY | WATERFRONT LOCATION | DAIRYFREE/VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE

THE LITTLE ICE CREAM SHOP

Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region TAKE OUT ONLY | DAIRY-FREE/VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE | VEGAN SOFT-SERVE!

CHICKEN LITTLE CAFÉ

Bedford-Sackville DINE IN & TAKE OUT | KIDS’ SIZES | TONS OF FLAVOURS!

THE DAIRY BAR

@liphefotos

COWS HALIFAX

Downtown Halifax TAKE OUT ONLY | DAIRY-FREE/VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE | LARGE COW STATUE!

THE DAIRY BAR

Downtown Halifax TAKE OUT ONLY | DAIRY-FREE/VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE

DEE DEE’S ICE CREAM

North End Halifax TAKE OUT ONLY | SMALL BATCH | LOCAL INGREDIENTS | DAIRY-FREE/VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE

SUGAH CONFECTIONERY & ICE CREAM EMPORIUM

Downtown Halifax TAKE OUT ONLY | HAND-PADDLED ICE CREAM | LOCAL INGREDIENTS | WATERFRONT LOCATION

HALIFAX WATERFRONT

DEE DEE’S ICECREAM

the sweetest

VANDAL DOUGHNUTS

candy, Chocolate & doughnut Shops Stock up on goodies to keep with you on your trip so you always have a tasty treat!

FLYNN’S DAIRY BAR & CONVENIENCE

Downtown Halifax | North End Halifax CANDY | CHOCOLATE | SNACKS

FREAK LUNCHBOX

SUGAH CONFECTIONERY & ICE CREAM EMPORIUM

Downtown Halifax CHOCOLATE | ICE CREAM | SALTWATER TAFFY

Downtown Halifax | West End Halifax | Bedford-Sackville CANDY | MILKSHAKES | TOYS & NOVELTY

UNDERGROUND SNAX

FORTUNE DOUGHNUT

VANDAL DOUGHNUTS

North End Halifax DOUGHNUTS | DESSERTS & BAKED GOODS

PEACE BY CHOCOLATE

Downtown Halifax CANDY | CHOCOLATE | SNACKS

North End Halifax DOUGHNUTS | DESSERTS & BAKED GOODS

Downtown Halifax CHOCOLATE | DESSERTS & BAKED GOODS

ROUSSEAU CHOCOLATIER Downtown Halifax CHOCOLATE

SWEET JANE’S

Downtown Halifax CANDY | GIFTS | TOYS & NOVELTY

OCOLATE

PEACE BY CH

UGHNUT

DO FORTUNE

ROUSSEAU CHOCOLATIER

RE WOOZLES CHILDRENS BOOKSTO

kid-approved

shopping

Toys, Games, Books, and Comics.

BRAIN CANDY TOYS Bedford-Sackville

CAPE AND COWL COMICS AND COLLECTIBLES Bedford-Sackville

DISCOVERY SHOP (DISCOVERY CENTRE) Downtown Halifax

MASTERMIND TOYS

malls & Shopping Centres BISHOP’S LANDING Downtown Halifax

DARTMOUTH CROSSING Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

HALIFAX SHOPPING CENTRE West End Halifax

Bedford-Sackville | Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

HISTORIC PROPERTIES

STRANGE ADVENTURES COMICS & CURIOSITIES

HYDROSTONE MARKET

Downtown Halifax

North End Halifax

Downtown Halifax | Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

MIC MAC MALL

WOOZLES CHILDRENS BOOKSTORE

SUNNYSIDE MALL

West End Halifax

essential Halifax

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

Bedford-Sackville

STRANGE ADVENTURES

MichelleDoucettePhotography

more family-friendly HALIFAX BREWERY MARKET

Shopping

Baby boutiques and clothing shops to check out while you explore the region.

FLOWER CHILD Downtown Halifax

FLUFFY BOTTOM BABIES Bedford-Sackville

NURTURED PRODUCTS FOR PARENTING North End Halifax

TWIGGZ TWIGGZ

ODUCTS FOR NURTURED PR PARENTING

Dartmouth-Cole Harbour | West End Halifax (Open Aug 2022)

FLUFFY BOTTOM

BABIES

everything you need to know about Halifax’s official food

the donair

Did you know that Halifax has its own official food? Well, now you do! This tasty, meaty meal is a Halifax staple and is a must-try during your time in the city!

WHAT IS A DONAIR? A proper donair is a tasty dish made up of four main ingredients: donair meat, toppings, donair sauce and pita bread.

TOPPINGS A classic donair is topped with chopped onion and tomato, but you can always ask to have something left off if you don’t love those foods. (And let’s be honest, the meat and sauce are the real magic anyways!)

DONAIR SAUCE Donair sauce is a sweet, white sauce made from sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic powder. Sound strange? Trust us, it’s delicious.

PITA A soft white pita wraps all that deliciousness together into the perfect package.

WHERE DID THE DONAIR COME FROM? As far as our diligent donair historians can tell, the earliest donair was served in Nova Scotia in the early 1970s. Many claim to have been the first to bring the donair to Canada, including a pair of brothers who tried to replicate the döner kebabs from their home in Greece using lamb and a yogurt-based sauce called tzatziki. Nova Scotians in the early ‘70s were not fans of the lamb and yogurt, and it wasn’t selling well, so the brothers began to experiment with the recipe. They added ground beef, and sweetened the sauce to something closer to the delicous donair sauce we know today.

KING OF DONAIR

JOHNNY K’S

WHERE CAN YOU GET A DONAIR IN HALIFAX? You can enjoy a donair at dozens of locations in Halifax, and across Nova Scotia at almost any pizza place. We’ve made a list of a few local favourites to get you started on your donair-tasting tour. Enjoy!

MEZZA LEBANESE KITCHEN

TONY’S DONAIR North End Halifax

RANDY’S PIZZA North End Halifax

JESSY’S PIZZA Multiple locations

JOHNNY K’S

Downtown Halifax

KING OF DONAIR Multiple locations

MEZZA LEBANESE KITCHEN Multiple locations

I asked the waiter, “Will my pizza be long?”? 45

why is Halifax

So Foggy?

Did you know that Halifax averages 121 foggy days per year? That’s a third of the year where the city is covered in a thick blanket of fog.

I tried playing baseball in the fog today.

During the summer months, southern winds bring warm and moist air to the Halifax region. Our chilly Atlantic waters cool the warm moist air, producing fog. WHAT IS FOG? Fog forms when cold air moves over warm water. When the cool air mixes with the warm moist air over the water, the moist air cools until its humidity reaches 100% and fog forms. ADVENTURE IDEA: Take a boat ride on the ferry! The ferry runs every day of the year, except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Children under 12 ride for free! Youths cost $2, and adults $2.75.* Grab a transfer so you can come back for a round trip, or explore the other side of the harbour. The Alderney Ferry connects Halifax to Downtown Dartmouth, where you can discover a library, playground, and cool shops and restaurants!

What did one cloud of fog say to the other?

* Note: You can pay for the ferry with cash (exact change is required), or use a ticket. Visit halifax.ca to find a list of locations to buy tickets.

I Spoke to some scientists who were studying the odder aspects of fog.

I tried to catch the fog.

SHIRLEY’S SPLASH PAD

LAKE BANOOK

THE CANTEEN

Punamu’kwati’jk is the Mi’kmaq name for the area we know as Dartmouth. It means, ‘at the tomcod place’ (a tomcod is a type of fish!).

DARTMOUTH FERRY

Did you know that there are 13 word murals with positive and uplifting messages placed around Downtown Dartmouth? Next time you’re in Dartmouth, look up! You might see something that makes you smile.

PORTLAND STREET

check out these kid-friendly places in

Downtown Dartmouth

This content was produced in partnership with Downtown Dartmouth Business Comission.

#downtowndartmouth DT_Dartmouth DowntownDartmouthBusinessCommission downtowndartmouth.ca

Halifax Journal

My adventures in halifax

Relive the highlights from your trip to Halifax so you’ll never forget!

What was your favourite thing about your trip to Halifax and why?

Where did you stay in Halifax? Did you like it there?

What was the best place you visited while you were in Halifax?

What was the most delicious thing you ate in Halifax? What about the weirdest thing you ate?

If you could do one thing in Halifax again, what would it be and why?

Stay safe and healthy in

Halifax

Safety first! Your grown-ups will probably want to have a look at this page. Fill in the information before heading out to explore.

Important numbers:

HOSPITALS

Halifax is home to a wonderful children’s hospital called the IWK Health Centre located on University Avenue. They have an emergency department and a wide range of other departments to help your sick or injured child.

POLICE STATION

The Halifax Regional Police Headquarters is located on Gottingen Street between Downtown Halifax and the North End. If you have any issues or require in-person assistance, visit this location. In an emergency, call 911.

PHARMACIES

If you require a prescription or medication, there are many pharmacies across the region, including Lawtons Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sobeys Pharmacy, and more.

WALK-INS

Emergency Phone: 911 Kids Help Phone: 1 800-668-6868 Halifax Police (non-emergency): 902-490-5020 Health Information (non-emergency): 811 Halifax Transit: 311

Fill this out in case you get lost Your Name: ___________________________________________ Guardian’s Name: ___________________________________________ Guardian’s Phone Number:

If you need a walk-in doctor immediately, visit this website: ns.skipthewaitingroom.com/city/halifax

___________________________________________ Location your group/family is staying: ___________________________________________

When visiting the Halifax region, be aware of travel restrictions and follow all public health and safety guidelines to help keep everyone safe. We encourage you to check ahead with any business you intend to visit to ensure they are open and familiarize yourself with their safety protocols. A little planning can help you get the best experience possible and avoid disappointment.

Find the latest information on COVID-19 restrictions at novascotia.ca/coronavirus/restriction-updates

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Salt Yard

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Queen’s Marque

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Ferry to Alderney Landing, Downtown Dartmouth

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Ferry to Woodside

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DARTMOUTH

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Purdy’s Wharf

Historic Properties

Halifax Seaport District

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23 Future Arts District (under construction)

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City Hall

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Scotia Square

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VICTORIA RD GREEN ST

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BLOWERS ST

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Bishop’s Landing

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Alexander Keith’s Brewery Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Casino Nova Scotia Centennial Pool Dalhousie University and University of King’s College Discovery Centre ‘Drunken’ Lampposts Emera Oval Georges Island National Historic Site Grand Parade Granville Mall Area Halifax Brewery Farmers’ Market Halifax Central Library Halifax Citadel National Historic Site & Army Museum Halifax Common Halifax Commons Playground Halifax Convention Centre Halifax Ferry Terminal

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Halifax Entertainment District

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Peace and Friendship Park

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VIA Rail Halifax Station

Government House

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Pizza Corner

Police Station

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Old Burying Ground

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Park Lane & Cinemas

Royal Artillery Park

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Spring Garden Area Shopping District Spring Garden Place

Garrison Grounds

BIRMINGHAM ST

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Holy Cross Cemetery

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TOWER TERR

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Victoria Park

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VG Hospital

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QEII Health Sciences Centre

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Camp Hill Cemetery

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This content was produced in partnership with Downtown Halifax Business Comission.

#downtownhalifax

Halifax Public Gardens Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market Halifax Skatepark Harbour Hopper Tours Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Museum of Natural History Neptune Theatre Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) Old Town Clock Peace and Friendship Park & Playground Pizza Corner Point Pleasant Park Saint Mary’s University Scotiabank Centre Submarine Playground Wanderers Grounds Waterfront Hammocks The Wave

downtownhalifax

downtownhalifax downtownhalifax.ca

Halifax Harbourwalk Shopping Districts North End Halifax Visitor Information Centre Free Public WiFi

DISCOVERHALIFAXNS.COM

Halifax Kids' Guide 2022

Articles inside

Why is Halifax So Foggy?