Halifax is often referred to as a "university town" but it's also a great place for children of all ages. Check out the list below for some ideas of great "kid friendly" places to take the whole family during your trip to Halifax.


Visit the Discovery Centre

Show your kids that not all scientists are evil like in cartoons. Science comes to life at the Discovery Centre, located at 1593 Barrington Street in downtown Halifax. The "hands on" science centre has three floors filled with interactive displays, exhibits and demonstrations about science and technology, where the emphasis is on learning through fun.

Kids will especially love the Bubble Room, where you can wrap yourself inside a giant bubble, and the rotating chair, where you can see if you have what it takes to be an astronaut. The Discovery Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00. Admission is $6.00 for children and $8.50 for adults.

Take a trip to the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park


The Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park is located just 30 minutes outside the city and contains 40 hectares of native and exotic wildlife. The zoo has over 33 species of mammals and 65 species of birds, all housed in expansive enclosures that allow the critters to live in their natural surroundings. You'll find everything from black bears, cougars, and wolves to reindeer, moose, and peacocks.

Shubenacadie is also the only place you can see the famous Sable Island horses. The park recently added new interpretive signs at every exhibit, telling you and your little zoologists everything you need to know about the animals. There's also a picnic area and the largest outdoor playground in Nova Scotia. The park is open 9:00 to 7:00 and admission is $4.25 for adults, $1.75 for youth, and free for children 5 and under.

Get creative at the Clay Cafe

The Clay Cafe is a "paint-your-own-pottery" studio designed for all age groups. Great for kids (and for adults to feel like kids again), the cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and colourful environment, perfect for channeling those creative talents.

The cafe boasts over 300 kinds of pottery to paint (bowls, mugs, vases, plates, etc) and lots of books, stencils, and stamps to help with the designing process.

Prices range from $10-$50, with most pieces costing less than $15. The total amount includes your pottery, paint, design materials, glaze, and firing. It usually takes 2 to 3 days for the finished artwork to be ready, but the friendly staff will put a rush on it if you are on a tight schedule. Open 12:00-9:00 Monday to Friday, and then 10:00-9:00 on Saturday, with live music starting at 6:30.

Explore the Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History was always the best place to go on school trips when I was younger and kids still love it today. The galleries focus on the animals, sea life, geology, plants, and people that make up Nova Scotia's diverse natural history.

The museum features interactive exhibits, the popular Nature Centre, and a series of changing displays that aim to both educate and entertain. Learn about fossils and dinosaurs, whales and sharks, insects and wildlife, and the Mi'kmaq Indians who first settled Nova Scotia.

Be sure to stop and visit Gus the Tortoise, one of Halifax's most beloved citizens for the past 83 years. Kids and adults will especially love the Butterfly House, where you are instantly surrounded by beautiful butterflies—just make sure to brush them off you before exiting the exhibit, I’ve heard that they like to hide on your back and try to make an escape.

Admission is $5.75 for adults, $3.75 for youth, and free for children 5 and under.

Ride Theodore Tugboat

Take the little ones on a ride in the "Big Harbour" aboard the popular children's television show character, Theodore Tugboat.

The famous little tug provides an hour long informative and entertaining tour of the Halifax Harbour. Theodore brings the elements of a busy working harbour to life, with help from Lilly the Lighthouse, Benjamin the Bridge, and the Harbour Master. Tour prices are $19.99 for adults and $14.99 for children.

Main Photo: Paul Jerry