Things to do in Halifax with kids

If you want a list of things to do in Halifax with kids that goes beyond just the main tourist spots, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

I’ve been to Halifax three times. Once as a child, once on a girls’ trip in the winter, and most recently with my kids and my mom during our East Coast Canada road trip last summer. While our last visit wasn’t long enough to see it all, planning it gave me a chance to put together a great list of things to do with kids in Halifax to help you plan a trip your kids will love.

In this post, I’m sharing the top 12 Halifax attractions for kids, plus other fun activities like kayaking, rock climbing, indoor play centres, surf lessons, and more. I’ve also listed the best Halifax festivals for kids, top family-friendly restaurants, hotels for every budget, and nearby beaches and day trip ideas.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Halifax?

June to September is Halifax’s busiest tourist season, with July and August offering the best weather, top festivals like the Halifax Busker Festival, and the longest attraction hours. But summer is also when you’ll find the biggest crowds and highest hotel prices.

In my opinion, September is the sweet spot. You’ll usually get warmer ocean temperatures, fewer crowds, lower hotel prices, and most seasonal attractions are still open.

Winter can also be a surprisingly great time to visit if you don’t mind the cold. The waterfront is quieter, prices are often lower, and the Evergreen Festival (late November to mid-December) makes it worth visiting in the off-season.

Spring can be more unpredictable, especially in April, with cooler and wetter weather.

May and October are great if you’re a budget-conscious traveller, but still want decent conditions.

I’ve visited both in late August and early December. While the waterfront had a lot more to offer in summer, I had a great time exploring it in winter too. Drinking a spiked hot chocolate around a fire with clear views of the water in December was more relaxing than those August patio cocktails with views of the crowd.

How Many Days Do You Need for Halifax?

If you want to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace without missing the main attractions, plan for three to four days. I’d recommend spending one full day on the waterfront and using another day for downtown sites like the Citadel and the Public Garden. You’ll also want at least one day for a road trip.  Lunenburg is fun to wander around, and Peggy’s Cove is a must-see.

What Is the Best Way to Get Around Halifax?

If you’re flying in and staying downtown, you can easily skip renting a car and just take the express bus from Halifax Stanfield Airport to the city.  Most major attractions, including the Waterfront, Citadel, and Public Gardens, are close enough to walk between. It is on a hill though, so I recommend planning your route from top to bottom.

If you’d rather avoid walking as much, there’s a hop-on, hop-off bus that doubles as a guided tour. You can also take a 15-minute ferry from the Waterfront to Dartmouth for $3 if you want to explore across the harbour.

If Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, or other sights outside the city are on your list, guided tours are the easiest way to visit without a rental car.  But for beaches and some of the other day trips I mention below, you’ll need to rent a car for at least one day.

We had a car for our trip, but still chose to Uber downtown so I didn’t have to deal with parking. Getting dropped off at the Citadel and then making our way downhill toward the waterfront ended up being the easiest sightseeing route.

The Best Things to Do in Halifax with Kids

1. Halifax Waterfront

If you do nothing else while you’re in Halifax, go to the waterfront.

It’s at the top of my list of Halifax kids’ activities because there is so much to do along the Harbourwalk. Not only are there shops, restaurants, and free activities, but several of the other attractions I recommend are located right there. Walking from one end of the 4.4-kilometre boardwalk to the other takes about 30 minutes without stops, but with kids, you can easily spend a full day here.

We spent about four hours just enjoying the free activities, browsing shops, and stopping for a snack and dinner.

Here are the stops I recommend making with kids:

• Watch a cruise ship depart. If your kids haven’t been on a cruise yet, they’ll love seeing the ships up close. If your timing is right, you can watch a tugboat turn a cruise ship around before it heads back out to sea. We joined a crowd watching two ships leave, and watching the tugboats manoeuvre them around was more entertaining than I expected.
• Do the painted obstacle course. Near the Salter Boardwalk, you’ll find a sidewalk-style obstacle course painted right onto the path, with lily pad jumps, hopscotch, jumping jack steps, a plank walk, a tire run, and a skipping line at the finish. During my winter trip, my niece and I stopped to try a few obstacles when it was empty. And of course, when Brie saw it on our summer trip, she joined right in with the other kids playing there.
• Relax in the hammocks. The Salter Boardwalk is lined with bright orange hammocks, plus Adirondack chairs facing the water. In the summer, the hammocks are usually taken, but if you visit in the off-season, you’re more likely to find one free. I tried one on my winter trip, and while it was a little cold, it was still a great spot to sit and take in the view.
• Take a break in the Salt Yard. Open from May through October, this kiosk-style mini village has public washrooms, local food vendors, shops, and plenty of seating. If you haven’t tried a BeaverTail yet, this is the place to do it. Brie also spotted some musical instruments beside the kiosk, another simple but fun free activity for kids.
• Take a play break. There’s a cute yellow submarine-themed playground with a slide, but that’s not the real highlight. The Wave, a giant blue sculpture on the boardwalk, is. The signs saying no climbing are ignored by everyone. Like all the other kids, Brie ran straight to the top when she saw it. She sat for a good ten minutes, taking in the views before sliding back down.
• Dip your toe in the ocean at Queen’s Landing. These massive granite steps lead right down into the water. It’s a beautiful spot, but keep a close eye on little ones since there’s no barrier. On our visit, it was a windy day, so my kids stayed one step above where the waves were hitting to stay safe.
• Climb to the top of Rise Again. Right beside Queen’s Landing in the Queen’s Marque district, this wide staircase leads about two storeys above ground level. It’s a bit of a climb, but the harbour views at the top are well worth it.

I love that the Halifax waterfront has so many free activities for kids. It makes it easy for parents to sightsee and shop without boring the kids. If you’re visiting with a child with sensory needs, or want more details about the boardwalk, check out my “Is the Halifax Waterfront Autism Friendly?” post (coming soon).

• Cost: Free to explore
• How long to plan for: At least 1–2 hours, up to a full day
• Where it is: From the Halifax Seaport to Casino Nova Scotia

2. Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History

If your kids love animals, the Museum of Natural History is a must-do.

With plenty of hands-on exhibits, this is a great indoor activity for younger kids. The real highlight for most families is Gus, the museum’s famous 103-year-old gopher tortoise. If you’re there around 3:00 PM, you can watch him head out for his daily walk and snack.

Beyond Gus, there’s quite a bit to explore. Permanent exhibits include Mammals and Birds, Netukulimk (with more live animals), Science on a Sphere, Pjila’si, Mission to the Gully, Rocky Shore, and Sable Island. Right now, they also have the temporary exhibit Dinosaur Exploration 2, running until September 2026.

Tip for special needs families: The museum offers sensory maps and a social story. On Sensory Friendly Sundays, families can enjoy reduced sound and lighting.

• Cost: $10 (adults), $6 (ages 6–17), Free (5 and under)
  • From June 19 to September 7, 2026, admission is free for children 17 and under, and 50% off for youth 18–24 with the Canada Strong Pass.
• How long to plan for: 1.5–3 hours
• Where it is: 1747 Summer Street, Halifax (near the Citadel)

3. Discovery Centre

Located on the south end of the waterfront, the Discovery Centre is one of the best indoor things to do in Halifax with kids.

With four levels of interactive exhibits, it’s a perfect stop for rainy days or anytime you need a break from the outdoors. The biggest highlight for younger children is RBC Someday Street on the top floor. This mini city lets kids pretend to work at a construction site, farm, supermarket, and more.

I wasn’t sure how much there would be for my teens, but we ended up spending about an hour and a half exploring. With younger kids, you could easily stay longer. Read my full Discovery Centre review (coming soon) for everything you need to know before you go.

• Cost: $17.50 (adults), $14.50 (children)
• How long to plan for: 2–3 hours
• Where it is: 1215 Lower Water St, Halifax (close to the Harbourwalk)

4. Back to the Sea Centre (Dartmouth)

If you take the ferry across to Dartmouth, the Back to the Sea Centre offers a more unique experience for kids.

This seasonal marine interpretive centre is open from May through Labour Day. It started in 2017 as a small touch tank hut and has grown into an indoor facility that opened in 2023. It’s not a huge attraction, but it’s a fun stop for younger kids who enjoy hands-on animal experiences.

The touch tank is the highlight, giving kids the chance to interact with local marine life up close. Inside, there’s also a small play area with marine-themed toys and a craft space for younger children. If you happen to visit in September, their free Animal Release Party is a fun bonus.

• Cost: $6 (adults), $5 (ages 3–7), Free (under 3)
• How long to plan for: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Where it is: 140 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth (about an 8-minute walk from the Alderney Ferry Terminal)

5. Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity

Another great newer Halifax kids’ activity for animal lovers is the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, open Wednesday through Sunday.

This small two-floor aquarium opened in December 2025. It’s not a large-scale aquarium like Ripley’s, but it’s still worth a stop if your kids enjoy marine life. On the first floor, you’ll find several aquariums, including one with a pop-up viewing area that lets kids get a fun inside-the-tank perspective. Upstairs, there are interactive exhibits, large educational video screens, and a great view of the whale skeleton hanging above.

• Cost: $14 (adult), $12 (students over 18), $10 (ages 4–17), Free (3 and under)
• How long to plan for: About 1 hour
• Where it is: 6375 Edzell Castle Cir, Halifax (inside Dalhousie University’s Steele Ocean Sciences Building)

6. Public Gardens

When you need a break from museums and exhibits, head to the Halifax Public Gardens.

This historic Victorian garden is a beautiful change of pace, with picturesque bridges, large ponds, winding paths, and plenty of open space for kids to run. In Griffin’s Pond, you’ll even find a model of the Titanic. It’s a great place to slow down mid-itinerary, especially if you’re looking for a picnic lunch spot or a nice place for photos.

I first visited during a winter trip, and while it was beautiful then, seeing it again in summer with everything in full bloom was a completely different experience. I loved the peaceful walk through the park. For Brie, the real highlight was the ducks.

• Cost: Free
• How long to plan for: 1–2 hours
• Where it is: Spring Garden Rd. & Summer St., Halifax (close to the Citadel)

7. HMCS Sackville tour

For kids interested in ships, military history, or anything they can physically explore, HMCS Sackville is worth adding to your list.

This 205-foot ship is a National Historic Site docked on the Halifax waterfront, making it an easy stop on the Harbourwalk. You can tour it on your own using audio portals throughout the ship, or visit in July and August for a guided tour offered seven days a week from 10 AM to 4 PM.

As you move through the ship, you’ll explore the main gun deck, wheelhouse, open bridge, engine and boiler rooms, Captain’s Cabin, and more. It’s one of those attractions that feels much more interesting once you’re actually walking through it, and kids usually find the engine rooms and the bridge pretty cool. Because it’s fairly quick to see, it’s an easy add-on to your waterfront day without taking up too much time.

• Cost: $10 (adults), $6 (ages 6–16), Free (5 and under)
• How long to plan for: About 30 minutes
• Where it is: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax (at Sackville Landing, on the waterfront, July through November)

8. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Another attraction right on the waterfront is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits covering the Titanic, the Halifax Explosion of 1917, the Royal Canadian Navy, and World War II convoys. There’s sailors’ memorabilia, arctic expedition discoveries, and everything from scale ship models to life-size small craft. In the warmer months, you can walk through the CSS Acadia, a historic scientific vessel docked outside.

This is one of the better educational things to do in Halifax with kids, especially for older children interested in ships or maritime history. Younger kids may move through more quickly, but for the right child, this could easily be a highlight.

• Cost:
  • May to October: $11 (adults), $6.50 (ages 6–17), Free (5 and under)
  • November to April: $5.15 (adults), $3 (ages 6–17), Free (5 and under)
  • From June 19 to September 7, 2026, admission is free for children aged 17 and under, and 50% off for youth aged 18 to 24 with the Canada Strong Pass.
• How long to plan for: 2–3 hours
• Where it is: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax (by Sackville Landing, on the waterfront)

9. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Another Harbourwalk stop that may surprise you with how much there is for kids is the Canadian Museum of Immigration.

Often compared to Ellis Island, Pier 21 is where nearly one million immigrants arrived in Canada between 1928 and 1971. Today, it’s Canada’s sixth national museum, sharing the story of immigration from past to present.

There are three permanent exhibits: The Canadian Immigration Story covers more than 400 years of immigration history. The Pier 21 Story offers a more immersive experience with replica ship cabins and exhibits that help you picture what the journey looked like. And the Wheel of Conscience is a powerful memorial honouring Jewish refugees denied entry to Canada in 1939.

There are currently two special exhibits as well: Resilience on the Move: Roma People in Canada (until June 2026) and Welcome to Turtle Island (until December 2027).

For younger kids, hands-on activities and dress-up opportunities in period costumes keep the experience engaging. Older kids and teens may especially enjoy the Scotiabank Family History Centre, where staff can help them trace family roots.

• Cost: $19 (adults), $13 (ages 6–16), Free (children 5 and under)
  • From June 19 to September 7, 2026, admission is free for children aged 17 and under, and 50% off for youth aged 18 to 24 with the Canada Strong Pass.
• How long to plan for: 1–2 hours
• Where it is: 1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax (south side of the waterfront)

10. Citadel

No trip to Halifax is complete without a visit to the Citadel.

Even if you’re not especially into history (I wasn’t), this is one Halifax stop that’s hard to skip. The iconic star-shaped fort sits high above downtown Halifax and offers some of the best views in the city. Inside, you’ll find exhibits like the Army Museum and Explore the Fortress Halifax, but what makes the Citadel memorable are the live experiences. Throughout the day, you can watch the 78th Highlanders in full traditional uniform performing marching drills and band demonstrations. If your timing is right, you’ll also catch the famous noon gun—a Halifax tradition since 1856.

I love that they’ve put thought into making this more engaging for kids. Children ages 9–15 can pick up a spy kit and a comic book from the Information Centre for the Citadel Adventures mystery game. Kids of all ages can download a Citadel paper doll soldier and soldier’s wife before visiting, bring it along to explore the period rooms, and share their photos on Facebook by tagging @ParksCanadaHalifax or using #HFXPaperSoldier.

Before you leave, stop by the Old Town Clock overlooking Brunswick Street. It’s one of Halifax’s best-known landmarks and an easy stop while you’re already there.

My first Citadel visit was during winter. It was beautiful, peaceful, and far less crowded. But I had no idea how much more was available during peak season. Going back in the summer was an entirely different experience.

Note: From November to May, the Information Centre and Period Rooms are closed, but you can still visit the Parade Square, and accessible washrooms remain open.

• Cost: $22 (adult), Free (17 and under, and free for all visitors November to May)
  • From June 19 to September 7, 2026, admission is free with the Canada Strong Pass.
• How long to plan for: 1–2 hours
• Where it is: 5425 Sackville St, Halifax (about a 15-minute walk from the waterfront)

11. Georges Island National Historic Site

If the Citadel is a hit with your kids, Georges Island is another Halifax attraction they may really enjoy.

Located right in the middle of Halifax Harbour, the island has a long history. It was shaped by glaciers, used by the Mi’kmaq as a hunting and fishing ground, and later played an important role in harbour defence for roughly 200 years. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1965, but only opened to visitors in 2020.

What makes Georges Island especially appealing for families is that it feels less crowded and touristy than the Citadel. It’s smaller, which can make it easier with kids, but there’s still plenty to explore. For many children, the underground tunnel tour is the biggest highlight. For parents, it’s the views of the Halifax skyline.

Getting there is part of the fun. You board a ferry at Cable Wharf and get a scenic boat tour around the island before docking. Once you arrive, you have unlimited time to explore Fort Charlotte, walk the grounds, and take in the harbour at your own pace.

• Cost: Ferry Tickets with Admission (regular price): $32.58 (adults), $18.36 (ages 6–17), $4.99 (5 and under)
  • Ferry Tickets with Admission from June 19 to September 7, 2026 (Canada Strong Pass): $22.57 (adults), $18.36 (ages 6–17), $4.99 (5 and under) with the Canada Strong Pass.
• How long to plan for: 1–2 hours
• Where it is: Board the ferry at Cable Wharf (1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax)

12. Steele Wheels Motor Museum

If you have a car-obsessed kid (or adult) in your group, the Steele Wheels Motor Museum is a fun detour.

This museum goes far beyond what you’d find at a car show. Along with impressive classic and exotic vehicles, you’ll find familiar favourites like Herbie the Love Bug, the Mystery Machine, and a pink 1969 Barbie Corvette displayed inside a giant box. There’s playful theming throughout, including an Airstream café trailer, plus a few car-themed arcade games kids can enjoy while adults explore.

This won’t be a must-do for every family, but for the right kid (or adult), it could easily be the highlight of the trip.

• Cost: $12 (adults), $10 (ages 13–17), Free (12 and under with an adult)
• How long to plan for: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Where it is: 66 Otter Lake Ct, Halifax (about a 20-minute drive from the waterfront)

Other Things to Do with Kids in Halifax

These attractions won’t be a hit for every family, but they may be a great fit for older kids or teens with specific interests:

• Shearwater Aviation Museum
• Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame
• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour
• The Martello Tower/Prince of Wales Tower at Point Pleasant Park
• Government House of Nova Scotia 
• Titanic Grave Sites at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery
• Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market 

Other Fun Things to Do in Halifax with Kids

Halifax’s museums, historic sites, and amazing waterfront can easily fill a three-day trip on their own. But if you’ve travelled with kids before, you know museums and sightseeing alone won’t sustain them. At some point, most kids need to move, play, and burn off energy.

Even now that mine are teens, they still love a playground stop, arcade break, or an hour at a trampoline park. These active breaks make a real difference. Luckily, Halifax has plenty of options for exactly that.

Adventure and Recreational Activities in Halifax

• Go rock climbing at East Peak Climbing in Halifax or Seven Bays in Dartmouth.
• Rappel 11 floors down the Westin Nova Scotian.
• Skate on the Emera Oval
• Rent canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards for free from June to September at the St. Mary’s Boat Club

Halifax Parks and Indoor Play Centres

• Swim or play on the playground at Halifax Commons.
• Visit Sir Sandford Fleming Park to walk the trails, relax on the sandy beach, climb Dingle Tower, or let the kids loose at the natural playground.
• Go to Get Air Nova Scotia in Dartmouth, an indoor trampoline park with a ninja course and foam pit.
• Play at Jils World of Fun, an out-of-this-world-themed indoor playground.
• Visit Hop! Skip! Jump!,an indoor playground with a ball pit, climbing wall, toddler section, and large play structure for kids up to 12.
• Grab a coffee and browse the bookstore while the kids play at Wonder World’s indoor playground.
• Check out the Fun Factory in Dartmouth, an indoor play centre with a 9D Virtual Reality Egg Simulator and digital scavenger hunt.

Arcades and Other Activities in Halifax

• Play retro arcade games at the Chocolate Lake Arcade inside the Best Western Plus
• Check out the arcade games at Playdium in Dartmouth.
• Go bowling at Bowlarama.
• See how many challenges you can complete at Activate.
• Play laser tag at Action Laser Tag in Bedford
• Try axe throwing, archery, or the paint room at HaliMac.
• Mini golf at Putting Edge. 
• Race laps at Kartbahn Racing.
• Try one of the six escape rooms at Captured Escape Rooms.
• Play board games at the Board Room Game Café.
• Make or paint pottery at Thinking Ceramic & Espresso Bar.

Best Halifax Festivals for Families

Halifax has a strong festival scene, and a lot of it is genuinely family-friendly. If your travel dates are flexible, it’s worth checking to see if you can line your trip up with one of these.

• Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (late June/early July)
• TD Halifax Jazz Festival (mid-July)
• East Coast Kite Festival (mid-July)  
• Halifax International Busker Festival (late July/early August)
• Natal Day Festival (first Monday in August long weekend)
• Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition (mid-to-late August, about an hour from Halifax)
• Nocturne: Art at Night (October)
• Evergreen Festival (late-November to mid-December)

I visited during the Evergreen Festival on my winter trip, and it made off-season Halifax feel far livelier than I expected. This four-week outdoor festival transforms the waterfront with holiday lights, local food and craft vendors, the Evergreen Express Train, free winter sports and games, live music, and other entertainment. While summer offers more overall, an off-season visit to Evergreen iswell worth considering.

Daytrips from Halifax for Families

@mamasonvacation

PEGGY’S COVE, NOVA SCOTIA 📌 Save this if you’re planning an East Coast Canada trip! If you’re staying in Halifax and looking for day trip ideas, Peggy’s Cove is a must. 🌊 What it is A small fishing village known for its lighthouse, massive rocks, and coastal views. It’s one of Nova Scotia’s most famous spots, and exactly the kind of scenery most people picture when planning an East Coast trip. 📍 Where it’s located About 45 minutes from downtown Halifax ⏱ How long to plan for You can do a quick stop in under an hour, but it’s worth giving yourself extra time if you want to explore the shops and surrounding area too. 👨‍👩‍👧 Good to know It can get very busy, especially in summer Parking is free, but limited during peak hours Stay off the black rocks near the water. Waves here can be dangerous, even when they look calm. peggyscove thingstodoinhalifax visitnovascotia novascotia easterncanada atlanticcanada explorecanada eastcoastroadtrip canadianroadtrip roadtrip

♬ Coastline – Hollow Coves

While looking into things to do in Halifax with kids, I found lots of fun activities just outside the city. On our last trip, the kids and I focused on downtown and the waterfront, and I also visited a couple of nearby spots on my own. Next time, I’m planning a few of these day trips for all of us.

Here’s a short list of nearby attractions worth a day trip, or even just a few hours:

• Hatfield Farm and Splashifax (30 minutes): Farm animals, wagon or sleigh rides, playgrounds, and Splashifax, the inflatable waterpark with the world’s largest inflatable unicorn.
• Atlantic Splash Adventure (30 minutes): Water slides, the Runaway Mine Train roller coaster, bumper boats, a Ferris wheel, and more.
• OnTree Park (1 hour): High ropes courses and over 65 ziplines for kids 7 and up.
• Shubenacadie Wildlife Park (45 minutes): Stroller-friendly trails, wetland exhibits, wildlife displays, and a playground.
• Ataraxy Farm (40 minutes): A therapy farm centered around animal interactions, open Friday through Sunday, 10 AM–2 PM.
• Ross Farm Museum (1 hour): A living history farm with historic buildings, animals, and hands-on agricultural experiences.
• RiverBreeze Farm (1 hour): Popular for its massive corn maze, petting zoo, wagon rides, and seasonal family events.
• Hope for Wildlife (50 minutes): A wildlife rehabilitation centre where families can learn about rescued wild animals up close.
• Fisherman’s Cove (30 minutes): A restored 200-year-old working fishing village with a colourful boardwalk, shallow sandy MacCormack’s Beach, and water taxi access to McNabs Island.
• Peggy’s Cove (45 minutes): One of Nova Scotia’s most iconic destinations, home to one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses. A must-do.
• Lunenburg (1 hour 15 minutes): A colourful UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic buildings, waterfront views, and the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. It’s an easy add-on after Peggy’s Cove, since you’re already heading in that direction.

The Best Beaches near Halifax

Nova Scotia is called Canada’s Ocean Playground for a reason, and if you’re visiting Halifax with kids, it’s hard to imagine not fitting in at least one beach day. Some of the best beaches in the province are within an hour of downtown. Yes, the Atlantic water is cold, but that rarely stops anyone. Whether your family wants calm water, big waves, scenic trails, or full amenities, there’s a beach nearby that fits.

• Rainbow Haven Beach Provincial Park (40 minutes): One of the most popular beaches in the province. It has a long boardwalk over the dunes, picnic areas, changing rooms, showers, and seasonal lifeguards. The beach is a mix of cobbles and sand, and it has everything you need for a full day out.
• Conrad’s Beach (45 minutes): The water stays shallow and drops away slowly, making it a great choice for families with young kids. Kite surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular here too. Parking is limited, so roadside parking may be necessary.
• Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park (45 minutes): Better suited for older kids. It’s a world-class surf beach (one of the best on the East Coast) but the conditions that make it great for surfing make it less ideal for little ones in the water. East Coast Surf School offers lessons and equipment rentals on-site.
• Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park (40 minutes): Three white sand beaches with clear blue water and views of the Sambro Island Lighthouse offshore. There’s also a 10-kilometre coastal loop trail if your family likes to hike. No lifeguards on site, so keep that in mind with younger kids.
• Queensland Beach (40 minutes): Located in St. Margaret’s Bay with golden sand and a rocky shoreline. It has lifeguards, washrooms, and changerooms. The drive along the Lighthouse Route is worth it on its own, with charming homes, shops, and restaurants lining the coast the whole way.
• Martinique Beach (1 hour): The longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, at five kilometres. Wide dunes run along the length of it, and the stretch of light bronze-coloured sand feels almost endless. Halifax Surf School runs lessons and rentals here. It’s the furthest drive on this list, but if you want a big, dramatic beach day, this is it.

Our Time in Halifax

We only spent two days in Halifax on our East Coast Canada road trip last summer. One day was spent exploring the city, and I spent the other at Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg with my aunt while the kids and Grandma had a much-needed break day.

On our Halifax day, we started at the Citadel. Brie wasn’t overly interested, but Zen loved exploring the fort. After lunch, we headed to the Public Gardens, which were stunning in full bloom and such a peaceful break from the busier sightseeing spots. Then we made our way through town to the Discovery Centre. (Full review coming soon—follow me on Facebook so you don’t miss it). After that, we spent the rest of the day on the waterfront, which ended up being one of our favourite parts of the whole trip.

We stopped for a snack at Crème, where I finally tried one of those viral fruit pastries. I had the peach, and they really are as good as they look. It’s a beautiful café with vintage décor and a princess tea party vibe. After that, we browsed some shops, stopped for the kids to play on The Wave both times we passed it, relaxed at the Salt Yard, and ended the day with dinner at Darya.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Halifax with Kids

We had a great time in Halifax, but two days definitely weren’t enough. We crossed a few things off my top 12 list of things to do with kids in Halifax, but there’s still a lot we want to go back for. I’ve already got a to-do list for next time.

Now that you have a full list of Halifax kids’ activities (beyond just the usual tourist attractions), planning your Halifax family vacation should be easy.

Are there any fun things to do in Halifax with kids that I missed? Drop a comment on my Facebook post to let me know, and follow me on Facebook or TikTok for more family travel inspiration!

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