My calendar just alerted me that somehow, it is almost the Civic long weekend.  I'm not sure how this happened because just yesterday I was trading in my snow boots for flip-flops and writing about what to do with an extra day thanks to Easter Monday.  Alas, August is here and I for one plan to make the most of this last full month of summer including this coming long weekend.  If you are with me, and don't want to spend most of your weekend in the car - keep reading!

While throwing around ideas for this blog - we started talking about the millennial mamas and dads who are tasked with finding a million and one things for their kids to do over the summer.  Our last long weekend post highlighted the best places to staycation in Newmarket with a focus on the adults (think brewery's and tapas). And so, parents of busy children, this post is just for you! After 6 weeks of finding things to do with your munchkins- sit back and relax because we've got this covered.

1) Splashing around at Riverwalk.  This has got to be my favourite place in Newmarket. It's such an amazing feature year round.  In the wintertime this is the best place to skate and even has a bit of a romantic glow with the beautiful ice lounge lights.  In the summer- it's a kid's dream.  The Tim Horton's Ice Rink and Water Feature (as it's formally known) is basically an urban beach, with barrier-free entry (so those learning to walk, with limited mobility and those needing to ease into the water can join in the fun), a beautiful fountain feature for playing in and lounge chairs, electric charging stations for your devices and great access to restaurants and after-the-fun ice cream.  

2) The Play Lounge on Journey's End Circle in Newmarket.  This comes at the recommendation of a mommy-friend of mine.  Especially since, if the weather is too hot, or too rainy or too meh- it can be tough to find things to do with kids.  The Play Lounge gives kids access to an indoor, air conditioned playground so you can beat the heat (or stay out of the rain) and still have tons of fun.  The best part is that there is a little cafe for adults to sit and watch the little ones so it's a great coffee-date option for parents to catch up with friends.

3) Newmarket Public Library.  I spent many-a-summer as a kid at the library, checking out new books and holing up in a corner with the latest Harry Potter. However, if your littles aren't bookworms like me, there is still a ton of stuff to do at the library!  There is everything from Kid's Music Programs on Fridays, to Minecraft on Thursday evenings! I'm not a mom but my nephews are Minecraft crazy!  The Minecraft event is for older kids (9+)..I wonder if there is a top age limit?  

4) Newmarket's awesome parks!  With over 45 active parks and 800 acres of parkland - taking the kids for a picnic, finding new friends on the jungle gym or heading out for a safe, street-free bike ride is super accessible.  Parents can even work out while the kids  do a dinosaur dig at All Our Kids Play Park! 

So whether the weather is nice or not this long weekend- there are a ton of amazing things to do and see in Newmarket on the long weekend.  Add to this, Newmarket's amazing restaurant scene and the great entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and you've got yourself a pretty epic long-weekend!