If you’re looking for some family fun, plan an easy, family friendly day trip or overnight getaway in Durham Region!

With restaurants featuring tasty kids’ menus, hands-on museums, retro games, candy shops and, of course, ice cream, there are so many family friendly activities to discover in Durham.

Whether you have kids to entertain or are a kid at heart, these three slow travel family trips make adventuring through Durham’s downtowns easy. And, we’ve also included a selection of hotels—some featuring a pool (a sure-fire kid-pleaser) and complimentary breakfasts.

Enjoy the moments that lead to great memories. Happy adventuring!

Click here to read the full blog post on DowntownsOfDurham.ca.

On November 12 and 13, Quidditch Canada will be hosting the Eastern Regional Championship on the outdoor fields at the Civic Recreation Complex (99 Thornton Road South, Oshawa), in partnership with Sport Durham and the City of Oshawa. Based on the game from the Harry Potter series, this full contact, mixed-gender sport involves elements of rugby, dodgeball and tag.

Teams from Quebec and Ontario will be competing November 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and November 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spectators are welcome and there's no cost to attend.

Want to try quidditch for yourself? November 13 at 10:30 a.m., bring your kids to the kidditch try it session, where they can play a simplified version of the game.

Hope to see you there!

Nestled in the centre of the East Duffins Headwaters and Durham Forests network of trails, Trail Hub is a community hub for mountain bikers, hikers, nature lovers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers to access more than 240 kilometres of local trails.



From special lifetime events to everyday casual meals with friends and family, the grand post and beam chalet is the perfect place to enjoy delicious local cuisine inspired by its surroundings, plus an incredible view.

Trail Hub is your access to nature. The view is magical. The trails are epic. The food is delicious. Your adventure awaits.

Learn more at TrailHub.ca.

Join Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue for the third annual Wild Winter Festival of Lights at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park from December 2 to 23 at 5 to 9 p.m., each night.

Soper Creek is excited to, once again, sprinkle holiday cheer throughout Durham Region and invite you to come out and experience the fun!

Start a new holiday tradition with this drive-through experience. Drive along a magical avenue of dazzling holiday light displays that are a feast for your eyes. Local businesses, community organizers, farmers and families pour their hearts into this special event in support of local charities. This year the event is raising funds for Jumpstart Canada and J.A.G. Village.

Visit WildWinterFestivalOfLights.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Durham Region’s organizing committees have been hard at work planning events to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

From tree lighting ceremonies to merry markets, Durham Region municipalities have plenty of memory-making activities for the whole family. Check them out in the listings below.

Bright and Merry Market (City of Oshawa)

Date: November 17 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Location: Memorial Park (110 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa) and City Hall (50 Centre Street South, Oshawa)

Learn more at Oshawa.ca.

Winter Nights, City Lights (City of Pickering)

Dates: November 25, 26 and 27 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: The Esplanade Park (1 The Esplanade, Pickering)

Learn more and reserve your tickets at Pickering.ca.

Brooklin’s Christmas in the Village (Town of Whitby)

Date: November 25 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Grass Park (41 Baldwin Street, Whitby)

Learn more at Whitby.ca.

Whitby Lights the Night and Holiday Festival (Town of Whitby)

Date: November 25 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Location: Whitby Civic Park (575 Rossland Road East, Whitby)

Learn more at Whitby.ca.

Santa’s Spectacle of Lights and Santa Claus Parade (Town of Ajax)

Date: November 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Town Hall (65 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax) and the Ajax Public Library Main Branch (55 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax)

Learn more at Ajax.ca.

Moonlight Magic and Christmas Market (Municipality of Clarington)

Date: December 2 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Location: Historic Downtown Bowmanville (King Street and Temperance Street)

Learn more at Clarington.net.

"Holiday Trail Comes to Life" featuring Holidays Around the World (Township of Uxbridge)

Dates: December 9 and 10 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Brock Street, Uxbridge

Learn more at DiscoverUxbridge.ca.

North Durham Santa Claus Parades:



Port Perry Santa Claus Parade (Township of Scugog)

Date: December 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Port Perry Fairgrounds to Downtown Port Perry

Learn more at ScugogChamber.ca.

Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade (Township of Uxbridge)

Date: November 19 at 11 a.m.

Location: Uxbridge

Learn more at DiscoverUxbridge.ca.

Beaverton Santa Claus Parade and Open House (Township of Brock)

Date: November 18 at 7 p.m.

Location: Downtown Beaverton

Learn more at ChooseBrock.ca.

Cannington Santa Claus Parade (Township of Brock)

Date: November 26 at 11 a.m.

Location: Downtown Cannington

Learn more at ChooseBrock.ca.

Sunderland Santa Claus Parade (Township of Brock)

Date: December 10 at 7 p.m.

Location: Downtown Sunderland

Learn more at ChooseBrock.ca.