OT-Activities to do with ACTIVE 8&10 year olds in the GTA

[alohamom]

Whelp, I am unexpectedly taking care of my cousins VERY active 8 and 10 year olds this weekend and I want them to have some fun without it breaking the bank.
Any thoughts on some fun but inexpensive things to do with them? They are not ones to sit for too long so crafts might last 7 minutes LOL.
I am thinking about teaching them how to bake bread, going for a hike and maybe magnet fishing but after that I am at a loss and it's been a while since my kids were that small.
Any suggestion is a good suggestion because this is not the world I live in anymore!

 

[mkmommy]

Whelp, I am unexpectedly taking care of my cousins VERY active 8 and 10 year olds this weekend and I want them to have some fun without it breaking the bank.
Any thoughts on some fun but inexpensive things to do with them? They are not ones to sit for too long so crafts might last 7 minutes LOL.
I am thinking about teaching them how to bake bread, going for a hike and maybe magnet fishing but after that I am at a loss and it's been a while since my kids were that small.
Any suggestion is a good suggestion because this is not the world I live in anymore!

If you live near the airport go take them to watch planes land. Depending on the landing runway , if planes are coming in from the East there is a CIBC on Airport road , from the West a Tim Hortons on Dixie , both right near the end of the runways so the planes are coming in very low and loud!

 

[bababear_50]

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
https://www.familyfuncanada.com/toronto/royal-agricultural-winter-fair/

Have a look here

https://www.familyfuncanada.com/toronto/weekend-guide/


Apple Picking:
When my kids were younger we spent time at
Springridge Farm
Andrews scenic acres
Apple Factory
and Chudleigh's apple farm


As a last resort




https://batashoemuseum.ca/visit-us/

Who doesn't love LEGO
https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/toronto/


Hugs Mel

 

[Griffin11]

Where approximately are you located and how far are you willing to go?

I always tire my kids out with a good walk - hikes are good, but we prefer city walks because there is a lot of interesting things to do en-route and easy access to food/bathrooms/indoor breaks if needed.

 

[alohamom]

Thanks so much everone, lots of great ideas!
@Griffin11 we are in the west. I was looking at this cool corn maze out in Dundas area but its pretty pricey so we may just hike

 

[bababear_50]

Fall Scavenger Hunt (Using a phone to take photos)
Have a Challenge Adults vs kids .
There can be a treat at the end of this. (Hot chocolate at Tim's)

High Park is a great place to do this.
Have Fun
Hugs Mel

 

[Griffin11]

Hmm, I don't know the west end as well, but I know there are lots of good hikes.

My kids also really enjoy escape rooms, I'm sure there are some near you. They are usually not super pricey, and generally have at least one room that is an appropriate difficulty level for kids. It's not super active, but they are going back and forth to the different puzzles so it's pretty engaging and not sedentary at least!

 

[Travel60]

Suggestion if the weather turns on you or for evenings - my grands love "strategy type" games - Sushi Go, Go Nuts for Donuts, Abduction, and the latest favorite Qwerkle. Most are not expensive and they are fun enough for you to also play with adult friends. And 1000 piece puzzles.

 

[alohamom]

Suggestion if the weather turns on you or for evenings - my grands love "strategy type" games - Sushi Go, Go Nuts for Donuts, Abduction, and the latest favorite Qwerkle. Most are not expensive and they are fun enough for you to also play with adult friends. And 1000 piece puzzles.

Oh great idea! We have the bolded ones and we love them too!Thanks

 

[alohamom]

Hmm, I don't know the west end as well, but I know there are lots of good hikes.

My kids also really enjoy escape rooms, I'm sure there are some near you. They are usually not super pricey, and generally have at least one room that is an appropriate difficulty level for kids. It's not super active, but they are going back and forth to the different puzzles so it's pretty engaging and not sedentary at least!

Putting it on the list, thanks! I am not sure how long they will be with me so I need all the suggestions I can get LOL

 

[alohamom]

Fall Scavenger Hunt (Using a phone to take photos)
Have a Challenge Adults vs kids .
There can be a treat at the end of this. (Hot chocolate at Tim's)
View attachment 909053
High Park is a great place to do this.
Have Fun
Hugs Mel

THANK YOU!!!
This is fabulous, going to print it off and leave it on the beds they are sleeping in to prime them for tomorrow!