10 York Region Day Trips to Make Outdoor Family Memories — All Year Long

Some of the best family memories happen just outside your front door — catching snowflakes mid-laugh, hearing the crunch of leaves under little boots, or wandering a quiet forest trail with nowhere else to be. In York Region, these simple, joyful moments are always in season.

From sugar bush strolls and splash pads to snowy skate trails and even dog sledding just beyond the northern edge, this collection of outdoor day trips is designed to help families press pause and reconnect. Because no matter the season, the best memories are the ones we make together — out in the fresh air, far from the screens and schedules.

Kortright Centre for Conservation

Part outdoor classroom, part forest escape, Kortright is one of York Region’s most beloved year-round destinations. It’s especially magical in spring, when the sugar bush starts flowing and the trails smell like pine and syrup.

• Location: Vaughan
• Best For: Nature-loving families and curious kids
• What You’ll See: Forest trails, wetlands, sugar bush, interactive exhibits
• Memorable Spots: Outdoor play zones and maple syrup season activities
• Insider Tip: Visit in early spring for the Maple Syrup Festival — weekends fill up fast!

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Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area

This wooded park in Stouffville offers something new every season: maple syrup in spring, tree-covered trails in summer and fall, and peaceful snowy walks come winter. Adventurous families can even try the Treetop Trekking course high in the canopy.

• Location: Whitchurch-Stouffville
• Best For: Families who love variety and active kids
• What You’ll See: Sugar bush, hiking trails, high ropes course
• Memorable Spots: Treetop bridges and platforms for big kids (and brave parents)
• Insider Tip: Maple syrup season and summer weekends draw crowds — arrive early or visit midweek.

Toogood Pond Park

This Unionville gem offers a peaceful pond-side loop that’s perfect for strollers, scooters, and unhurried walks. Combine your outing with a treat in historic Unionville and you’ve got a gentle day trip with old-fashioned charm.

• Location: Unionville
• Best For: Young families or low-key afternoons
• What You’ll See: Central pond, ducks, boardwalks, nearby cafés
• Memorable Spots: Watching ducks glide under the willow trees
• Insider Tip: Spring and fall are quieter — and the village is extra pretty in bloom or changing leaves.

Lake Wilcox Park

Right on the shores of Oak Ridges’ largest lake, this redeveloped waterfront park offers splash pads, play structures, and a stunning boardwalk — making it a summer favorite for kids and parents alike.

• Location: Richmond Hill
• Best For: Play-focused summer outings
• What You’ll See: Lake views, art installations, water features
• Memorable Spots: The long curved boardwalk at sunset
• Insider Tip: Bring water shoes for the splash pad. Morning visits are calmer before the playground crowds arrive.

Brooks Farms

From strawberries in June to pumpkins in October, Brooks Farms is a working farm turned seasonal playground. Families love the barnyard animals, wagon rides, corn mazes, and hands-on fun that shifts with the calendar.

• Location: Mount Albert
• Best For: Toddlers to tweens (and anyone who loves fall!)
• What You’ll See: Farm animals, crop fields, seasonal play zones
• Memorable Spots: Barnyard Playland and the pumpkin patch in autumn
• Insider Tip: Buy tickets in advance on weekends. Bring rain boots in spring — the farm stays muddy!

Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve

Tucked into the southern edge of the Moraine, this expansive trail network lets families explore rolling hills, forests, and wildflower-filled meadows. It’s a beautiful place to stretch little legs and big imaginations.

• Location: Richmond Hill
• Best For: Families with hiking experience or kids aged 6+
• What You’ll See: Forested ridges, open views, seasonal wildflowers
• Memorable Spots: Sweeping lookouts and quiet trail intersections
• Insider Tip: Trails are not always well-marked — bring a downloaded map or use a GPS app.

York Regional Forest – Hollidge Tract

One of the most accessible and family-friendly sections of York’s forest network, Hollidge offers flat, wide trails perfect for beginner hikers, strollers, and anyone needing a nature break close to home.

• Location: East Gwillimbury
• Best For: Families with little ones or less trail experience
• What You’ll See: Towering pines, quiet loops, trail signs
• Memorable Spots: Benches along the path for snack breaks under the trees
• Insider Tip: Visit just after a fresh snowfall — it’s beautifully quiet and easy to navigate.

Uplands Ski Centre

This small but mighty hill in Thornhill is one of the easiest places in the GTA to learn to ski. With short runs, on-site rentals, and no need to book a chalet weekend, it’s an ideal first ski experience for kids.

• Location: Thornhill (Markham/Vaughan border)
• Best For: Beginner skiers and short winter outings
• What You’ll See: Gentle slopes, chairlift, smiling instructors
• Memorable Spots: Watching your child’s first solo glide down the hill
• Insider Tip: Visit midweek or early mornings for quieter lift lines. Lessons fill early in the season.

Richmond Green Skate Trail

This charming skating trail winds through a grove of trees and twinkling lights — a beautiful winter alternative to a standard rink. It’s free, family-friendly, and unforgettable on snowy evenings.

• Location: Richmond Hill
• Best For: Skaters of all ages
• What You’ll See: A lit ice trail, benches, and winter scenery
• Memorable Spots: Evening skates when the lights glow and snowflakes fall
• Insider Tip: Bring your own skates and thermos. Midweek visits offer the most serene experience.

Bonus: Dog Sledding at Windrift Kennels

A short drive north of York Region, this unforgettable winter adventure lets families mush behind a team of eager huskies through snow-covered forests. It’s more than a day trip — it’s a memory that will stay with you for years.

• Location: Hawkestone (north of Barrie)
• Best For: Families with kids 6+ looking for a winter thrill
• What You’ll See: Snowy woods, happy sled dogs, open sky
• Memorable Spots: That magical moment when the dogs take off and the world goes quiet
• Insider Tip: Dress for cold winds and book early. Half-day options are ideal for beginners.

Final Thoughts

York Region is a place of quiet wonder — maple trees that drip with sweetness, frozen trails lit by stars, and forest paths that unfurl like pages of a childhood storybook. These 10 destinations invite you to slow down and reconnect through the seasons, one small adventure at a time.

Because in the end, it’s not the distance you travel — it’s the memories you carry home.

Related Posts You’ll Love:

• Best Day Trips from Toronto for Nature-Loving Families
• 10 Hikes Near Toronto That Create Big Memories for Little Feet
• Wild Wonders: Where to Spot Frogs and Salamanders in Southern Ontario

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