After a long winter, many of us are thinking about our spring and summer plans. For some families, this means road trips, international travel, outdoor concerts, or other exciting ventures—activities that some older family members may not be able to safely participate in. While you’re busy mapping out the months ahead, consider making some senior-friendly weekend plans as well. We’ve got a few ideas to help you get started!
Here are some day trip suggestions in and around the greater Toronto area that are accessible and fun for the whole family. Be sure to look into any specifics related to your aging loved one’s needs (does the restaurant you’ve chosen have an accessible washroom, for example) and consider the length of time they can sit comfortably in a car before choosing a destination. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
St. Jacobs
St. Jacobs is a charming village in the township of Woolrich with plenty of interesting things to do. There are excellent antique markets, restaurants, shops and galleries as well as a great farmer’s market (open weekends) and a small local brewery. St. Jacobs also has charming bakeries and cafes plus several theatres where you can catch a play or other live show. Learn more about the village here and consider planning a visit. It’s great any time of year, but especially in the warmer months!
Cambridge
Cambridge is a quiet suburb that often gets overlooked, but there are a few attractions that make it appealing to seniors. Cambridge has a lovely butterfly conservatory that’s fully accessible—a great spot for kids and adults of all ages. There are some fantastic restaurants and cafes in the area as well as green spaces and walking trails. The nearby towns of Galt and Hespeler have some beautiful areas to drive or walk through, and there are charming historic buildings throughout the region including popular Langdon Hall. This guide has some great ideas, if you’re interested.
Port Perry
Located on the shores of Lake Scugog, Port Perry has a lovely downtown area with great shops and restaurants. It’s a quiet, pleasant place to visit with a variety of things to do while you’re there. Consider checking out the Scugog Shores Museum Village if you’re bringing kids along (or even without kids in tow, if you like historic villages). You may also want to visit the local winery or take a walk around the marina, weather permitting. The views are beautiful, especially if you go on a clear day!
Erin
This charming village has some great restaurants and shops along its main street, and the drive there is scenic and relaxing. It’s a very small town, but the rural setting and pleasant downtown area make it ideal for a short visit with seniors. Check out their website to learn more about where to eat and what to do during your visit. We recommend stopping by at least one bakery as well as the local chocolate shop!
Alliston
Not far from Toronto is the town of Alliston with its lovely residential areas downtown (look for some great heritage homes—there are many!) and more modern shopping areas on the outskirts of town. Plan to walk or drive down the main street, go out for lunch and check out some of the local attractions. You may want to plan your visit to Alliston around a ride on the nearby South Simcoe steam train. Thanks for reading and no matter where you end up, we hope you have a safe and pleasant day trip!