Happy Family Day long weekend! 🎉❤️

For the long weekend, we’ve found a mix of sensory-friendly events and some potential "hidden gems" to have a chill and fulfilling weekend. Sensory skate, sensory swim, Paws for Stories and wagon ride, plus free fishing weekend across Ontario (no licence needed!)

If you are looking for everyday spots, we've built a directory of sensory-friendly places for haircuts, dentists, indoor play, camps and more.

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Note: Details can change, confirm on the official link before you go.

When: Sat, Feb 14 & Sun, Feb 15 @ 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington

Model train exhibit running through miniature Niagara Escarpment scenery. Indoor, self-paced, great for train-loving kids. Go early for the quietest experience.

💰 Paid 🔗 More Info

When: Sat, Feb 14 @ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Mountainside Recreation Centre, 2205 Mt Forest Dr, Burlington

A calmer skate time with reduced lighting and noise for a more relaxed environment.

💰 Paid (low cost & registration required) 🔗 More Info

When: Sat, Feb 14 @ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Where: Burlington Public Library (Brant Hills), 2255 Brant St, Burlington

Kids can read to a St. John Ambulance therapy dog! Great for anxious readers and confidence-building. Runs every Saturday through May.

💰 Free (arrive early to secure your spot) 🔗 More Info

When: Saturday, February 14 @ 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Tansley Woods Community Centre (Lap Pool), Burlington

A designated swim time intended to be quieter and more comfortable.

💰 Paid (registration required) 🔗 More Info

When: Friday, Feb 14 - Sun, Feb 16
Where: Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville, Halton Hills

Outdoor wagon rides plus farm animals and winter trails. This is the last weekend of the season, fresh air and a natural setting.

💰 Paid ($6.5) 🔗 More Info

When: Fri, Feb 14 - Mon, Feb 16
Where: Various Ontario locations

No fishing licence needed all long weekend! Totally self-paced, bring your own gear and pick a smaller lake for zero crowds. One of the four fishing annually.

💰 Free 🔗 More Info

When: Monday, February 17 @ 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Where: Milton Public Library (Beaty Branch), Milton

This is the final session in the winter series! A calm, sensory friendly storytime for children 3-5 years old, who benefit from a quieter setting.

💰 Free (registration required) 🔗 More Info

When: Monday, February 16 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Multiple locations, Oakville

Free skating, swimming, yoga, crafts, puppet show, STEAM activities and more spread across River Oaks CC, QE Park CC, and Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. Multiple venues = smaller crowds at each spot.

💡 Tip: Go early (10am) for smallest crowds.

💰 Free (registration required) 🔗 More Info

When: Thursday, February 19 @ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre, 325 Reynolds St, Oakville

A designated sensory-friendly swim time with calm, welcoming environment with low crowd.

💰 Paid (Registration required) 🔗 More Info

When: Thursday, February 19 @ 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Where: Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton

A gentle storytime for families who benefit from a calmer, less crowded setting. Check HPL for the specific branch this month.

💰 Free (registration required) 🔗 More Info

When: Thursday, February 20 @ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: ROCK Oakville, 2125 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville

A relaxed meetup to connect with other caregivers.

💰 Free (registration required) 🔗 More Info

When: Friday, February 20 @ 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Where: Hamilton Public Library (Barton Branch), 571 Barton St E, Hamilton

A relaxed, sensory-friendly environment for school-age kids (ages 6–12) to have fun while families connect. "Drop-in" style.

💰 Free (Drop-in) 🔗 More Info

When: Saturday, February 22 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology, 900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton

Experience the museum at your own pace with hands-on activities and significantly reduced noise. Includes a designated "Chill Out Zone" if a break is needed.

💰 Paid 🔗 More Info

When: Sunday, March 1 @ 1:30 PM
Where: Westdale Cinema, 1014 King St W, Hamilton

Sensory-friendly screening with lights up, sound down, movement welcome. No previews.

💰 Paid ($9.25) 🔗 More Info

Hit reply and let us know! We read every email. :)

See you next week,

Stella

Sensory Scoop Weekly