As summer fades and the back-toschool hustle begins, I’m emerging with a hefty dose of mom guilt. Despite my best intentions of running “Camp Mom” this summer, reality quickly set in. Late bedtimes, endless snacks, and far too much screen time led my kids into a spiral of dysregulation.

As a mom of three – two of whom are neurodivergent – I understand how daunting it can be to navigate the world of “fun” when inclusive spaces are often out of reach. Finding activities where all children can thrive and be themselves is more than a luxury. It’s a necessity.

In preparation for our next rainy day, I’ve done a deep dive and discovered some fantastic local programs designed with accessibility and inclusivity at their core. The following rec and culture facilities offer enriching experiences that are tailored to children’s unique needs.

Here are some of my favourites:

Triple C Farm
500 Carluke Road West, Ancaster
Triplecfarm.ca

Triple C Farm is a haven for those seeking joy and connection. Founded by Tricia and Pascal in 2013, the farm has grown into a vibrant sanctuary for both animals and people with diverse needs, including their three autistic sons. Home to goats, alpacas, bunnies, and more, Triple C Farm offers interactive experiences such as baby goat yoga and a massive petting zoo. To further foster a sense of community, Tricia and Pascal have established a volunteer program for disabled adults.

We Rock the Spectrum – Oakville
245 Wyecroft Road, Unit #3, Oakville
werockthespectrumoakville.ca

Personally vetted and adored by my very own kids, We Rock the Spectrum offers an extraordinary range of fun for children of all abilities. This sensory-safe gym creates a nurturing environment designed for learning, exploration, and sensory-friendly experiences.

What sets this play centre apart is its unique equipment, including a mini-zipline, play structure, multiple therapy swings, a rock-climbing wall, monkey bars, and a calming room for moments of overstimulation. It’s a space where children can feel at ease and truly be themselves. Whether you’re dropping in for open play, joining one of their engaging classes, or booking a party, We Rock the Spectrum provides a vibrant and inclusive experience for all.

Challenger Baseball
Oakville, Burlington & surrounding cities
Baseball.ca/challenger-baseball

Challenger Baseball is an adaptive baseball program that empowers children, youth, and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The program teaches core life skills inherent to baseball, such as teamwork and determination, in a supportive and inclusive environment. Each player is paired with an able-bodied “buddy” who assists them one-on-one, ensuring they can fully participate. In the true spirit of the game, Challenger Baseball brings joy to every participant.

Westdale Theatre
1014 King Street West, Hamilton
Thewestdale.ca

For many neurodivergent individuals and families, catching a matinee can be more challenging than it seems. Traditional movie theatres are often filled with sensory triggers like flashing lights and loud noises. For parents of children who struggle with staying still or speaking softly, it can be daunting to worry about disrupting others’ experiences.

Once a month, Westdale Theatre offers a sensory-friendly screening designed to address these concerns. Special showings feature open captioning, dimmed lights, reduced sound levels, and the absence of advertisements or trailers. Moviegoers are encouraged to move around and make themselves comfortable. While the program was initially developed for individuals on the autism spectrum, it is open to anyone who benefits from a lower-sensory environment.

The Dance Ability Movement
Milton & Mississauga
Danceabilitymovement.com

If you’re searching for a dance world without limits, the Dance Ability Movement is it! Founded by sisters Mallory and Jade Ryan, this innovative, community-driven initiative unites a dynamic team of occupational therapists, dance instructors, and other skilled professionals to offer an inclusive, exhilarating dance experience. Participants can explore a range of dance styles, from ballet and jazz to hip-hop and tap. Instructors are specially trained by The Dance Ability Movement to adapt their teaching methods and class structure to meet each student’s needs, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment.

These programs are just a glimpse into the fantastic local initiatives designed to support our children and families. While finding the perfect fit can take time, knowing these resources are available makes the journey a lot smoother.

By Annelise Lawton

Although winter days have yet to depart, many parents are already scrambling to plan for summer. As a family of two working parents and three school-aged kids (two of whom “luged” down the stairs on couch cushions yesterday), our summer days have to be carefully calculated. So, come early March, I’m researching summer camps with the intensity of an investigative journalist. To help parents jump start their own sleuthing, I’ve compiled some Look Local favourites that cover a spectrum of kids’ interests and skills.

For Kids into the Arts

KooGle Theatre 
1450 Headon Road, Second Floor, Burlington | Koogletheatre.com
Kids can be a “star” at KooGle’s musical theatre camp where they learn scenes, songs and choreography from popular musicals, including 42nd Street (ages 10 to 18), Annie (ages 7 to 11), Disney (ages 6 to 8), and Mary Poppins (ages 7 to 11). Programming is crafted and run by professional theatre artists – and husband and wife duo – Leslie and Christopher Gray. 

The CBY Academy of Performing Arts 
21 Mill Street North, Waterdown  |  Cbyacademy.com 
Held at an award-winning performing arts academy in Waterdown, CBY offers an inclusive camp experience with different themes throughout the summer. From Broadway Minis to Road Legends, there’s no shortage of fun for children ages 4 to 12. Kids will love writing music and dressing up in costume as they act, sing and dance. 

Canadian Dance Company 
2544 Bristol Circle, Oakville  |  Canadiandancecompany.com 
Whether your child is a tutu-loving toddler or a tween who can shimmy sham across a tap floor – there’s a place for them here. With weekly themes supporting recreational and competitive dancing, campers are encouraged to discover their star potential. Each camp explores different dance styles and music while inspiring creative thinking, socialization and fun. 

For Kids Who Love the Outdoors

Ways of the Woods by Conservation Halton 
Multiple locations | Conservationhalton.ca
Ways of the Woods summer camp offers a one-of-a-kind summer experience for kids. Hosted by Conservation Halton, the camp takes place at its locations across Halton, including Kelso, Mountsberg and Crawford Lake, and offers unique and diverse programming, such as Mountain Bike Camp, Waterfront Camp, Farm Camp, Construction Camp, Athletic Camp, Girls Camp and Adventure Camp. 

Camp Kandalore 
1143 Kandalore Road, Algonquin Highlands |. Kandalore.com 
For adventures and new outdoor experiences – and maybe a first time away from home? For more than 75 years, Camp Kandalore has created magical summer experiences steeped in tradition, but always fresh for kids ages 6 to 16. With more than 30 in-camp activities, campers take part in daily swim and canoe lessons as well as other fun activities of choice, from waterskiing to high ropes to archery. 

Bronte Harbour Yacht Club
2514 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville  |  Bhyc.on.ca
Ease out the sails and spend a summer on the water with Bronte Harbour Yacht Club. Its Learn-to-Sail program is for kids ages 7 to 17, and features Sail Canada certified instructors in a safe, fun and active learning environment. Sailors can achieve Sail Canada levels as they spend two to four hours on the water, and have the rest of the day open for activities, such as paddleboarding, exploring the creek, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, soccer and more.

For Kids Who Love Science

Oak Learning 
483 Dundas Street West, Oakville. |. Oaklearningcenter.com 
Oak Learning has summer fun down to a science with their hands-on STEM and Robotic camps for kids ages 6 to 13. During each week-long camp, campers learn to build and program a fully functioning robot alongside smaller science projects. The balanced day includes daily team activities, science projects, outdoor recreation, a nutritious hot lunch and snacks. 

Code Ninjas
3410 Mainway, Burlington |. 2333 Taunton Road, Oakville. |. Codeninjas.com
Technology-loving kids, ages 5 to 14, get hands-on experience in learning how to code as they create video games, and more. They also gain important skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and acquire STEM know-how in a supportive, fun environment. 

For All Interests

Town of Oakville
Various locations throughout Oakville  |  camps.oakville.ca 
The Town of Oakville offers fun and affordable summer camp options for children aged four to 12. Their HIGH FIVE® trained staff, high safety standards, and engaging summer programming set them apart. Explore a variety of safe and diverse summer camp programs to suit any interest, including arts, adventure, athletics, and more.

A “Super Playgrounds” half-day camp membership allows campers to enjoy supervised activities without the commitment of a week-long camp. Offered weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at select park locations. One fee lets you play all summer.

Oakville Museum
8 Navy Street, Oakville  |  oakville.ca/museum
Looking for a curated summer camp experience for curious minds? Oakville Museum camps blend learning and hands-on fun with arts and crafts activities, outdoor games and nature exploration in a picturesque lakeside setting. Cultivate creativity in the garden, unravel museum mysteries, enter the enchanting world of fairy tales, and more. Full-week day camps available for ages 6-9. Half-day mini programs available for little ones aged 4-5.

Appleby College
540 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville  |  Appleby.on.ca
Kids can choose from more than 50 indoor and outdoor programs and over 220 weekly sessions that cross a variety of interests and activities. All camps have a low camper-to-instructor ratio, and include nutritious lunches and swim time. The Early Discovery program for ages 4 to 7 offers full and half-day camps and weekly themes. Campers ages 7 to 14 can choose from programs in sports and adventure, arts and media, and science and success. Leadership camps are available for participants ages 12 to 17. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with activities from trimming the tree to visiting Santa to wrapping gifts. However, all that holiday cheer comes with a price tag: according to the 2023 Holiday Outlook, Canadians plan to spend $1,347 over the holidays. 

With high inflation and ballooning food costs, families may feel the pinch this holiday season. However, you can still make it a magical time for your family without racking up additional debt. “This is a good opportunity to reflect on what your values are and what’s most important to you,” says personal finance writer, Sandy Yong. 

Make a holiday budget 

Managing spending over the holidays starts with creating a budget – ideally ahead of time. “This way it allows you to save money, so you don’t feel as much financial strain during this time of year,’’ Yong explains. “It also means you’ll be less tempted to rack up your credit card or to put your purchases on a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plan.”  

Creating a detailed budget will help you be mindful of your spending habits. If you’ve got kids, the bulk of your holiday budget will likely be allocated towards gifts. “However, don’t forget to include other categories such as decorations, photos with Santa, entertainment and festivities, meals, travel, and holiday attire – ugly Christmas sweaters, anyone?” says Yong.  

Spend wisely 

Creating a budget is the first step to managing finances, but the real test is following it. Whether it’s a notebook or a spreadsheet, keep track of what you are spending. 

“Having a spending limit and comparison shopping will also help to ensure that you don’t go over budget,” says Yong. “Before heading to the stores, check to see what you already own. You may find some holiday arts and crafts or attire that you stored away that you can reuse.” 

There are also plenty of free apps to help you find the best deals, whether it’s Flipp for shopping for holiday groceries, or save.ca for gifts and electronics. Yong also suggests looking for deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Or if you’re someone who is a last-minute shopper, you may score a great deal on early Boxing Day sales.  

If you have a large extended family, consider swapping individual gifts for a Secret Santa. Alternatively, buy a gift the whole family can enjoy – like a board game. 

Immerse yourself in the magic 

It’s tempting to want to spoil your kids over the holidays, but it’s the time you spend together that will probably matter most to your family. And those activities don’t have to break the bank. 

“Consider more affordable activities and holiday traditions such as baking cookies or going ice skating,” says Yong. Attending a carol service, hosting a holiday movie night, or packing a thermos of hot chocolate and checking out the Christmas lights in your neighbourhood are all free activities. “Ultimately, spending quality time with your loved ones and taking photos and videos of these special moments will help you create everlasting memories.”