A city like Halifax is one of the best places for families to visit – the compact size makes it quick, easy and affordable to explore, yet it’s large enough that there are plenty of things to do for any age.
Here are just a few of the fantastic family-friendly attractions available in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
1. Halifax Central Library
5440 Spring Garden Rd, Downtown Halifax
This stunning building only opened a little over 3 years ago, and it’s already one of the most popular attractions in Halifax. The kids will enjoy going up and down the zany staircases, reading a book on one of the bright, comfy couches, or taking selfies with the fantastic view from the 5th floor Living Room.
You may even want to fuel up with some delicious pastries and Italian-style drinks at one of the library’s cafes first!
2. Fisherman’s Cove*
4 Government Wharf Rd, Eastern Passage
Located in Eastern Passage, this 200-year old restored fishing village looks just like a postcard. Grab a water taxi to nearby McNab’s Island, stroll the boardwalk with an ice cream, or browse locally-made souvenirs at one of the many quaint shops.
*Seasonal attraction
3. Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
20 Sky Blvd, Goffs, Halifax Airport Area
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada near the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, The Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum!
This museum is an aerospace museum devoted to telling stories of pilots and aviation heroes, and preserving all aspects of Atlantic Canada's aviation heritage.
4. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
5425 Sackville St, Downtown Halifax
One of the top attractions in the city, this National Historic Site gives you the chance to experience life as a soldier in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The authentic and exciting family activities on offer include solving a 100+ year old mystery using a comic book guide, firing of the noonday cannon and learning to send coded messages.
5. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
1675 Lower Water St, Downtown Halifax
This fascinating museum brings Nova Scotia’s maritime history to life through various exhibits and collections, including thousands of photographs and sailors’ memorabilia, arctic expedition discoveries, and an award-winning Halifax Explosion display.
Make sure the kids visit the CSS Acadia, the Museum’s Canadian Scientific Ship, moored on the Halifax waterfront.
6. Harbour Hopper Tours
5050 Salter St, Downtown Halifax
Hop aboard Atlantic Canada's most popular tour - an amphibious adventure that shows you the best of Halifax by land and sea!
As you travel, view places of interest in this historic, yet vibrant city, such as Citadel Hill National Historic Site, the Victorian Public Gardens, St. Paul’s Church and busy Spring Garden Road.
7. Nearby Planet VR
2093 Gottingen St, North End Halifax
Tucked away in the downtown Nearby Planet VR is one of the top venues in Halifax to hang out with friends and family. Offering Private Virtual Reality gaming rooms that are customizable to offer an unforgettable unique experience for four people per adventure (room). Share smiles while travelling through time or saving the planet.
8. Discovery Centre
1215 Lower Water St, Downtown Halifax
This science centre, located on the waterfront is the perfect place for family fun! The open, colourful space is a curious child’s dream!
The Discovery Centre features 4 floors of interactive, hands-on learning experiences including an Immersive Dome Theatre, Innovation Lab and changing featured exhibits throughout the year!
9. Atlantic Splash Adventure*
1200 Lucasville Rd, Hammonds Plains, Bedford-Sackville Region
Take a family trip to Atlantic Splash Adventure to explore Nova Scotia's beloved waterpark. Slip and splash down one of the eight new water slides, or take a ride on Runaway Mine Train roller coaster, bumper boats, tilt-a-whirl, Ferris wheel, kiddie rides and more!
*Seasonal activity
10. Memory Lane Heritage Village*
5435 Clam Harbour Rd, Lake Charlotte, Eastern Shore
Take a trip through Nova Scotian History with the family and experience life during the 1940's at Memory Lane Heritage Village. An award-winning living history museum depicting coastal rural life in Nova Scotia, including a look at daily activities during the second world war!
*Seasonal activity
11. Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum*
7895 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour, Eastern Shore
Learn the story of Nova Scotia railways at the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum on Route 7. Examine the posters, tickets, maps and photographs in the Canadian Northern Railway station of 1918.
Don't forget to stop for ice cream on the way out!
*Seasonal activity
There are so many more family attractions to enjoy, so next time you're looking for a fun, family-friendly getaway, pack the kids in the car and join us in Halifax!
