Hi there! We’re the moms of kids who live in Collingwood and Blue Mountain. As grownups, we think it’s the perfect place, with all the luxury spas, spectacular ski hills and romantic getaways. But the children seem to love it here even more than we do!
There is so much to do and see and enjoy that it’s not surprising that Collingwood is sometimes called the “four-season playground.” Winter, summer, fall or spring, there’s always something exciting going on that keeps the kids active and engaged, which makes us very happy.
Collingwood Is A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Outdoor play is great for kids on all levels, physically, mentally and emotionally. Playing in nature expands creativity and helps develop gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Children get to laugh, play and run around with their friends, helping them stay fit and healthy. Sometimes, we’ll even join in on the fun. It beats formal exercise any day of the week.
Best of all, being surrounded by nature promotes curiosity and keeps their sense of wonder alive. Think of it – don’t your fondest childhood memories come from playing outside?
There are more playgrounds in Collingwood than we can count, and the kids will have a blast at every single one. There’s even a skateboard and BMX park for teenagers and older kids where they can learn some really cool stunts.
Let us tell you more about a few of Collingwood’s natural treasures that our little ones just can’t get enough of.
Harbourview Park
Collingwood is famous for its amazing parks and beautiful greenery. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but Harbourview would definitely be near the top of the list. The flowers and the plants in the botanical gardens are pretty, and some of us grownups like the peace and quiet for birdwatching.
But the kids love to run around or ride their bikes on the paved trails that even those with training wheels can enjoy. If they ever get tired from all the playing, it’s nice to take a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk through the forest and wetlands. There are even benches around where we can all rest and restore our energy.
If you’re thinking about buying in Collingwood, Keleher + Co.’s step-by-step guide will help. You can find out more right here.
Millennium Overlook Park
The adults will enjoy spending time at Millenium Park because it’s a nice place for a walk with lots of scenic beauty. But do you know what the kids love best? They can have cannonball contests off the pier to see who can make the biggest splash! Ladders are scattered about to make it easy to get in and out of the water, and you can hear the delighted laughs and screams all day long.
We can bribe them to behave by offering to take them out later for ice cream or treats to enjoy at some of the nearby picnic tables. Not that the kids care, but we parents really appreciate the free parking, which you never see in the city. Take that, Toronto!
Georgian Trail
Family hikes and bike rides along the Georgian Trail will become a memory our families will treasure for the rest of our lives. The forested path is 34 km long, but to us, it seems to go on forever. In the winter, children beg to return because it’s just as much fun when the trail is covered in snow, especially when we’re pulling them around in a sled.
The highlight of every trip is the spot where you get a view of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains. Sure, the kids will try to act nonchalant, especially if their friends are around. But the truth is they are seriously impressed at the sight!
What To Do When It’s Minus 22
Even though Collingwood and Blue Mountain are incredible all year round, it’s especially fun in the winter. The kids are so happy that we get to live here all the time, especially knowing that people come from all over to enjoy our ski hills.
Skiing isn’t the only winter activity to enjoy. There’s also snowshoeing, skating on the outdoor rinks, tobogganing and snow tubing.
In February, children’s eyes light up at the mention of “Blumination” at Blue Mountain. Mill Pond is breathtaking, lit up with a million twinkling lights, and you get to play in the snow after dark.
Kidding Around Indoor Playground
For kids, the weather seldom gets too cold to play outside. But if it does, they’ll generously offer to let us take them to Kidding Around Indoor Playground. Or to take them when it rains. Who are we kidding? They will beg you to go anytime because it’s so much fun, with giant slides, ball pits and obstacle courses to tear around in.
Parents can sit with a coffee and enjoy brunch while the kids run around and play. Perhaps they’ll burn off all their energy and sleep at night, or at least we can dream!
This indoor playground has been the talk of Collingwood ever since it opened in 2016. If you watch their Facebook page, you might even be able to score free admission.
Free Movies With Keleher + Co
Did you know that your friendly Realtor® hosts a movie morning every spring? That means the kids get to watch one of the year’s biggest hits, and we don’t even have to pay for it! We seem to have missed it this year, but there’s still time to get on the waiting list for next time.
Do you want to know more about Collingwood? Check out a few of these other posts by Keleher + Co.
- 5 More Reasons To Move To Collingwood
- The Best Fall Activities In Collingwood
- Buying In Collingwood? What You Need To Know Before You Switch To Small Town Living
Highly-Rated Schools
The kids may hate it when you mention the “S” word in their presence. They may groan in despair and roll their eyes at you. But since they have to go anyway, at least we know the schools here are of the highest quality. Collingwood is served by the Simcoe County District School Board, and French Immersion options begin in Grade 1, continuing throughout secondary school.
There are also several private and Catholic schools in and near the area.
The kids may hate talking about school, but parents can be happy to know that they are doing a good job of preparing the youngest generation for the future.
- Want to know more about schools in Collingwood? All elementary and secondary schools are served by the Simcoe County District School Board, which you can learn more about here.
- If you’re looking for schools in Blue Mountain, you can learn more about the Blue Water District School Board right here.
Have we managed to talk you into moving to Collingwood yet? Say “yes,” and maybe the kids won’t bug you to buy a house with a pool! You can start by checking out some of the newest listings available right here.
