Top 5 Things to Do In Halifax on a Family Vacation

If you were searching the top 5 things to do in Halifax on a family vacation, you have found the right place! There are so many things you can do here, it can seem overwhelming when trying to plan a getaway or just a day trip. You don’t have to spend a lot of money either, there are many things you can do that don’t cost much, or are even free. Unless you like to go shopping, which I do. Great food, great scenery and even some educational sites! Check out our top 5 things to do in Halifax.

If you were searching the top 5 things to do in Halifax on a family vacation, you have found the right place!  There are so many things you can do here, it can seem overwhelming when trying to plan a getaway or just a day trip.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money either, there are many things you can do that don’t cost much, or are even free.  Unless you like to go shopping, which I do.  Great food, great scenery and even some educational sites!  Check out our top 5 things to do in Halifax.

Related: 5 Things To Do In Calgary That Are a Blast for Families

Things to Do in Halifax on a Family Vacation

Public Gardens

This beautiful garden, inspired by the Victorian era, has been open to the public since 1875.  Some might call it more of a park than a garden, but when you go at the right time of year, when everything is in bloom, it is a beautiful way to spend a day with your family.  Pack a picnic lunch and plan to spend the day!  You will get some amazing and beautiful pictures I am sure!  You will find this gem between Spring Garden Road and South Park Street in Halifax. 

Waterfront Boardwalk

Visitors have lots of good things to say about this area!  Lots of action and things to do to keep everyone entertained.  And you are on the water, so the view is always great!  There is a ferry, and museums and street art and shopping, lots of shopping!  Great places to eat as well.  It is more than just the ferry terminal and maritime museum, so keep walking.  It is a very family friendly area, so you can spend the day walking around and enjoying the smells and sights!

Harbour Ferry

 Take the ferry to the other side and explore Dartmouth a little!  It is a little less touristy, so if you are the kind of vacationer that likes to go off the beaten path and more where the locals are, this is a great option.  The ferry runs every 15 minutes, 12 minutes to cross and only costs $2.50 (this might be the least expensive thing you can ever do anywhere!)  Keep in mind, this is not a fun tourist attraction, this is a ferry that is run by the city transit and is a means for people to get back and forth.  It is a nice trip across the water!

Central Library

A library on a list of must sees?  I was skeptical too until I started reading the reviews.  Apparently this is not just a big ole building filled with books. It seems to be a meeting spot for many.  Lots of nice little nooks to sit quietly with a book or sip your coffee.  There are talks that go on and movies as well.  One reviewer called it ‘a centre for cultural events, activities, discussions and more’.  You must head up to the 5th floor and take in the view. This actually makes me want to take a trip to Halifax and check out this library with it’s state-of-the-art technology and all that goes on. 

Discovery Centre

This is Nova Scotia’s only hands-on science centre!  It is a very affordable way to spend the day with your family and you will be learning and discovering new things.  An adult admission is only $10 and if your kids are between the ages of 3 and 18, it will only cost $7.  For those kids who are older, show a student ID and save a couple dollars.  They have many permanent exhibits as well as those that come and go, so be sure to check out the website before you plan your trip to see what is going on.  Stop by the gift shop on the way out, you can’t go wrong with a store filled with educational stuff! 

The truth is, there are so many things to do in Halifax on a family vacation, these are just a few ideas to get you started or to help you plan a day trip.  I personally want to visit so I can spend a day in the Public Gardens!  And then find a quiet spot at the library where I can enjoy some coffee and read a book (something I don’t really get to do much of as a single mom!)

Have you visited Halifax?  What are your must-sees and favorite things to do in Halifax on a family vacation that you can share with us?  Leave them in the comment section below!

17 thoughts on “Top 5 Things to Do In Halifax on a Family Vacation”

  1. I love to visit libraries in different places. I haven’t been to Halifax, but I sure would like to go. :)

  2. I love all the learning opportunities that are presented in the options you listed. I homeschooled my children and always keep an eye out for educational options.

  3. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has such a uniquely appealing decor. I would really enjoy visiting every item you recommended seeing in Halifax, especially the library. I haven’t visited Halifax before, but you’ve made me see I’m missing a wonderful place. I’d love to visit.

  4. Ann Bacciaglia

    The waterfront boardwalk would be a fun way to spend the afternoon. I will have to check it out the next time i am in the area.

  5. I’ve only ever been to Halifax once but I would LOVE to get there again with my family. Great to know there is lots to do with the family!

  6. We have never traveled to Canada but definitely plan on changing that someday. I love knowing there is so many family friendly activities available.

  7. Never visited Halifax, but it’s in my bucket list. Would make such a great family trip! We love the outdoors, so we would definitely visit those gorgeous gardens!

  8. The Discovery Center sounds like so much fun for kids. There is something similar in our area and the kids always loved going to it when they were little.

  9. Catherine Sargent

    These all sound like great things to do in Halifax. I would want to check out the waterfront boardwalk.

  10. Robin Masshole Mommy

    Where exactly is your Halifax? I have a Halifax here in Massachusetts, but I am certain that they are not one in the same :)

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