Learning and fun really can go hand in hand. Trust us.
Get hands-on with history this summer at these 5 kid-friendly heritage destinations in Hamilton.
1. Westfield Heritage Village
Unplug and slow down at this living history museum that brings early Canadian history to life. Costumed interpreters lead live demonstrations on everything from butter churning to blacksmithing across 35 historic buildings.
Don't Miss: Reward the kids with a stop at the general store for some old fashioned candy or a bottle of soda!
2. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The sky's the limit at the Canada's largest flying museum, home to more than 40 military planes and flight simulators. See, touch and even climb aboard aircraft that shaped our history.
Don’t Miss: Experience the adrenaline of an air combat flying mission in an F-18 Hornet flight simulator in the museum's Air Combat Zone Jet Fighter simulator.
3. Dundurn Castle
Visit this iconic Hamilton attraction for a first-hand account of what life was like for a young family member during the 19th Century. Sophia was the daughter of prominent political and business leader, Sir Allan MacNab, and kept a diary about her life. Learn about her pets, hobbies and relationships. The whole family will love touring the estate's many rooms.
Don't Miss: Stop and smell the flowers and taste the many historic veggies growing at Dundurn's stunning two-acre Historic Kitchen Garden.
4. Battlefield House Museum & Park
Young visitors will get a taste of what it was like to grow up on an early 19th century homestead. They'll learn just how many chores even very young family members were expected to do, like fetching water and firewood, spinning wool and even foraging in the forest for food.
5. Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens
This National Historic Site is a must-see. Shaped as 'bowl' this garden oasis has winding paths, gorgeous flowers, and of course - plenty of rocks to climb and jump off. This natural playground is an open-air museum, filled with natural wonders.
Don't Miss: After you've worked up an appetite exploring the gardens, treat the family to something delicious at the Rock Garden Café with a stunning bird's eye view of the garden's lower bowl. The menu even features ingredients picked straight from their gardens. Now that's local!