11 amazing activities worth day tripping to Hamilton for

Playtime isn’t just for kids.

Hamilton is home to fun venues for people of all ages.

Here are 11 activities in Hamilton for the young and young-at-heart, whether you’re planning a family outing, special event, or are just in the mood for a road-trip to Hamilton (who wouldn’t be?). Don’t get stuck in the adult rut – make some time for these experiences just an hour from Toronto.

Arcade

Located in Hess Village, Arcade provides a retro experience for 19+ nightlife seekers. A mix of arcade, nightclub, and live music venue, you’ll find classic arcade games and craft beer in this laid-back alternative to the bars and clubs that line the street. Plus, the arcade games are free so you can play “just one more time” all night long.

Address: 107 George Street, Hamilton
Instagram: @arcadehamilton

Zacada Circus School

Founded by former Cirque du Soleil performers, Zacada Circus School offers circus training for professionals – but beginners can enjoy a recreational class or exciting event experience too. From acrobatics to ninja warrior to aerial silk classes, both kids and adults can experience the health and fitness benefits of circus activities while enjoying a unique and thrilling activity.

Address: 687 Barton St. Hamilton (Stoney Creek)
Instagram: @zacadacircus

Flying Squirrel

Get ready to defy gravity: Flying Squirrel is the ultimate trampoline party place. This indoor fun park boasts a wall-to-wall trampoline dodgeball court, freestyle court, slam dunk hoops, rock climbing wall, arcade area, tightrope, laser maze, and more. They offer cardio fitness classes for an extra work-out and trampoline neon dance parties on weekends. If you want to practice aerial acrobatics, have fun with the family, or host a birthday party or corporate event, this is the place.

Address: 1550 Upper James Street, Hamilton
Instagram: @flyingsquirrelhamilton

Serve Ping Pong

Enjoy a round of ping pong between snacks at Serve Ping Pong bar and lounge – a unique social venue for a night out with friends or post-work drink. Besides organizing tournaments, casual players can partake in a game of friendly competition to accompany their cocktail, flatbread, or other menu items in this 10,000 square foot space in the downtown core.

Address: 107 King Street East, Hamilton
Instagram: @servepingpong

Academy of All Things Awesome

The Academy of All Things Awesome lives by the motto “do cool stuff” – and that’s exactly what the brand offers. From dance classes (ever wanted to master the routines of Queen B? Cue Beyography) to cocktail mixing classes to capture the flag, affordable events at different venues around the city pop up throughout the year. Check the website to see what’s next.

Address: Venues across Hamilton
Instagram: @awesomehamont

Hamilton Waterfront

Pier 8 has an ice skating rink in the winter which turns into a roller blading rink in the spring and summer. Grab yourself a hot chocolate or ice cream cone and enjoy a skate and stroll in the outdoors. Hamilton’s waterfront is also home to many festivals and the famous Hutch’s on the Beach, known for their fish and chips. In the summertime, head to Van Wagners Beach for Wild Waterworks, a water park with a wave pool, lazy river, and exciting water slides.

See also

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• This Ontario town an hour from Toronto is your next winter road trip destination

Board Game Cafes

From Monopoly to Scrabble, there’s nothing like reliving childhood traditions to pass the time. Mancala Monk Board Game Cafe and Gameopolis are two board game cafes in Hamilton where singles or groups can choose from hundreds of classics and modern favourites. Local bars such as The Brain and One Duke also have board games to play.

Address: Mancala Monk, 1229 Cannon Street East, Hamilton; Gameopolis, 223 King Street East, Hamilton
Instagram: @mancalamonk1 and @gameopolis

Trivia

See how you measure up to your friends with a friendly game of trivia. Test your knowledge at venues like Baltimore House, The Brassie, Anchor Bar, Black Sheep Snack Bar, and The Honest Lawyer. Check for trivia days and themes.

Address: Various locations

Escape Rooms

Escape rooms offer invigorating team building at its finest. A group of 2-6 players are locked in a uniquely themed-room, tasked with uncovering the puzzles to escape within a time frame. Escape Canada, Alcatraz Escape Rooms, and The Crux Escape Room are all located in Hamilton and offer creative minds the opportunity to band together and solve a mission.

Address: Escape Canada, 151 York Street Boulevard, Unit 101, Hamilton; Alcatraz Escape Rooms, 576 Concession Street, Hamilton; The Crux, 847 Upper James Street, Hamilton
Instagram: @escape_canada; @alcatrazescaperooms; @thecruxescape

Museums

Take a trip to one of Hamilton’s galleries and museums, including the many art galleries that line James Street North, the Carnegie Gallery, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, or the Museum of Steam and Technology. History lovers will enjoy the Dundurn National Historic Site and Battlefield House.

Address:  Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, 9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope

Art

From the popular Paint Nites to classes at Hamilton’s art galleries and studios, visitors to Hamilton can spend an afternoon discovering their inner artist. The Art Gallery of Hamilton offers classes as well as local galleries and studios like Center 3 and Stoney Creek School of Art.

Address: Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King Street West, Hamilton
Instagram: @at_theagh

Written for Daily Hive by Amanda Stancati of People of Hamilton in partnership with Hamilton Economic Development.