Posted : October 15, 2025
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
It’s no secret that our summers are getting warmer, meaning it’s becoming more important to find ways to dodge the hot temperatures. Since the UV is strongest from noon until 2:00 pm, it’s advised to take precautions to get out of the sun between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm as this is the hottest period of the day. While shade and plenty of water certainly help, we think these attractions in York Durham Headwaters are the best way to hide from the sun’s rays!
First, test your problem solving skills alongside a few of your closest friends (or family!) at Durham Escape Rooms in Whitby. They have nine different rooms to choose from, with all games being 100% original creations! Whether you try to find Adam who went missing during a paranormal investigation on Doll Island or see if you can sniff out the secret stash of the world’s best candy, you’ll have a blast deciphering codes and solving puzzles to complete whatever escape room you may choose!
Did you know that Reptilia’s Reptile Kingdoms are said to be the largest indoor reptile facilities in the country? That’s just one of the many reasons why you should visit this summer! Immerse yourself in the world of reptiles as you traverse jungles and deserts to you encounter over 250 animals during your visit. With locations in both Vaughan and Whitby, this is a great way to stay cool this summer while learning more about these incredible creatures.
After experiencing the critters that roam these lands alongside us, it’s time to expand our horizons. Look to the stars with the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill! Ponder the mysteries of the cosmos as you learn about the discoveries that have been made with Canada’s largest optical telescope! Join a guided tour, participate in one of their many workshops (like a stargazing party) or explore at your own pace. The possibilities are endless!
Now it’s time to take a step back in time with a visit to Canada’s finest and final grand estate. Located in Oshawa, the Parkwood National Historic Site was once home to R.S. McLaughlin, the founder of General Motors of Canada. Inside you’ll find the original art and furnishings at this carefully preserved 55-room mansion. Learn more in-depth about the history of the space with one of their guided tours and don’t forget to explore the beautifully-manicured gardens during your visit!
Speaking of learning, another incredible way to beat the heat is with a visit to the Museum of Dufferin. Listen to the stories of those who built Dufferin County into what it is today. Every aspect of the museum is a nod to this history from the displays inside to its iconic green bank-barn that reflects the agricultural history of the region. Be sure to ask about their driving tours which will have you wandering the gorgeous country roads in Amaranth, East Luther and Mulmur Townships!
What better way to follow up a day exploring around the town of Mulmur than with some hearty laughs at Theatre Orangeville? Head to Orangeville’s Town Hall to see what this family of artists has in store for you. From the stage to the boardroom, you will feel the passion of these talented folks that bring Orangeville to life! There are plenty of shows to choose from throughout the summer so settle in for some incredible Canadian entertainment. And make sure to have their Summer Arts Fest on your radar!
Continue celebrating the flourishing Canadian arts scene with a visit to the McMichael Art Gallery in Kleinburg. Admire the stunning works from up and coming creatives to talented Indigenous artists and of course, paintings from the iconic Group of Seven. Join a guided tour to dive deeper into the meanings behind the creations on display or enjoy the gallery at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour. For our readers looking for a fantastic family outing, the McMichael Art Gallery offers free admission on the 3rd Sunday of the month!
This next stop will pique the interest of the adrenaline junkies reading this article. Head to Markham where you’ll find the indoor biking mecca known as Joyride 150. Feel the rush as you tackle jump lines, pump tracks, and more along with their outdoor dirt jumps! Whether you’re just beginning your BMX adventure or a seasoned biker with mad skillz, there are plenty of options so choose your own adventure.
For those who love catching some air, heading to one of YDH’s trampoline parks is a must do this summer! Head to Sky Zone in either Whitby or Vaughan where you can challenge friends to a jousting battle, tackle the SkyLadder or just jump around until your heart’s content. Head to Whitby’s Flying Squirrel to see how fast you can complete the inflatable park or if you can complete their climbing wall. The Bubble in Vaughan features not just an inflatable park but offers an arcade, laser tag and net course for endless fun. Let’s not forget the Canadian-owned Air Riderz in Vaughan with 15,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines, ninja warrior course and climb zone!
Who doesn’t love some friendly competition? Grab your crew and test your aim with some friendly competition at BATL Axe Throwing! Make a night of it with some snacks and beverages at either the Vaughan or Pickering locations as you see who will be crowned champion. Plus you can even try your hand at archery at both locations as well! Maybe add a friendly bet of whoever loses at axe throwing gets the round of archery to spice it up a bit?
Of course, axe throwing isn’t the only way to test your aim! Indoor mini putt is a classic way to enjoy some indoor fun this summer – especially when it’s glow in the dark! See who scores highest at Putting Edge in Vaughan and then head to Stouffville for a re-match at Glow Town Putt & Play! There are plenty of great spots to mini putt in York Durham Headwaters so click here to check out our guide and give them all a try!
If you’d like to splash around without having to worry about feeling the wrath of the sun’s UV rays, head to York Region’s only indoor wave pool! Located inside the Lois Hancey Aquatic Centre in Richmond Hill, you’ll have a blast zipping down their 100 foot water slide. Once you’re done splashing around in the waves, enjoy a calming rest in their large on-deck sauna.
Of course, summer is a great time to be outside – you just have to be smart about it! Make sure to bring along plenty of water to stay hydrated. For those still wanting to enjoy the fresh air despite the warmer temperatures, we recommend splashing around at these fantastic outdoor attractions across YDH!
Now this last one is not for the faint of heart but there is no way you’ll be hot after braving a cold plunge! It may be a shock to the system at first but it will wash away in no time as the practice’s calming effects take over. Take on one or all four of Thermea Spa Whitby’s plunge pools or opt for a cold plunge and infrared sauna session at R.E.S.T Whitby. Combine your cold plunge with a visit to the float tanks at Float Valley in Markham or go for a more natural experience with a river cold plunge at Clarington’s Rising Spirits B&B!
As you can see, this article is not just for kids as there are plenty of spots for adults to cool down as well! Which of these fantastic attractions will you be visiting to beat the heat this summer?
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