Top 10 Things To Do on Georgian Bay with Kids
Georgian Bay is one of Canada's most spectacular family vacation destinations, and Honey Harbour is the perfect base for exploring it. Between the crystal-clear freshwater, the granite islands, the wildlife, and the wide-open skies, there's no shortage of things to keep children of all ages happy, active, and unplugged.
Here's our definitive list of kid-friendly activities near Hall's Cottages — drawn from decades of watching families make memories on the Bay.
1. Swimming Off Your Cottage Dock
Nothing beats jumping off a private dock into warm, clear Georgian Bay water. Our waterfront cottages have safe, shallow entry points perfect for little ones, and deeper areas for strong swimmers. The Bay warms up nicely by late June and stays comfortable through August — some guests swim right into September.
Best age: All ages (always supervise young children near water)
Tip: Bring water shoes — Georgian Bay has rocky shores in some spots
2. Fishing with the Kids
Georgian Bay fishing is a perfect family activity. Even beginners catch fish here. Perch, Bass, and small Pike are plentiful close to shore and from the dock. Kids who catch their first fish on Georgian Bay tend to remember it for life. Hall's Cottages offers 16-foot Lund boats for weekly rental so you can explore further.
Best age: 4 and up
Tip: Start with simple bobber-and-worm setups at the dock — young anglers get quick action and stay engaged
3. Kayaking Through the 30,000 Islands
The sheltered waters between the islands near Honey Harbour are ideal for family kayaking and canoeing. The channels are calm, the scenery is spectacular, and every paddle turn reveals something new — a heron fishing on a rock, a family of loons, or a dramatic pink granite cliff. Bring your own or rent locally.
Best age: 6 and up (tandem kayaks work well for younger kids with a parent)
Tip: Paddle early morning before wind picks up; always wear life jackets
4. Beausoleil Island National Park Day Trip
Beausoleil Island, part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park, is about a 20-minute boat ride from Honey Harbour. The island has hiking trails through Carolinian forest, sandy beaches on its southern tip, and excellent wildlife viewing. The Parks Canada water taxi runs regularly in summer and is easy to arrange.
Best age: 5 and up
Tip: Pack a picnic and spend a full day — the Cedar Spring area has excellent swimming beaches and short family-friendly hiking loops
5. Midland Day Trip — Martyrs' Shrine and Discovery Harbour
Midland is a 30-minute drive from Honey Harbour and offers two genuinely fascinating family attractions. Discovery Harbour is a reconstructed 19th-century naval base where kids can board replica tall ships and explore period buildings. Martyrs' Shrine nearby has beautiful grounds and panoramic views over Georgian Bay.
Best age: 6 and up
Tip: Combine both into a single day trip; Discovery Harbour has hands-on activities that keep kids engaged for 2–3 hours
6. Racquet Sports on the Hall's Cottages Court
Hall's Cottages has an on-site sports court — one of the most popular activity spots among guests of all ages. Racquet sports and paddle games are easy for kids to pick up quickly and create genuinely competitive games between families. Equipment is available at the property.
Best age: 6 and up
Tip: Evening games are especially fun when the heat of the day breaks — challenge another family staying at the resort
7. Wildlife Watching
Georgian Bay is teeming with wildlife. From the cottage dock you're likely to spot loons (common on nearly every bay), Great Blue Herons, Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and countless shorebirds. Deer regularly appear at dusk. Black bears are present in the area and occasionally spotted by guests driving the back roads — a genuine thrill for kids (safely from the car).
Best age: All ages
Tip: Bring binoculars and a simple field guide to Ontario birds and mammals — kids who can identify species get more out of wildlife encounters
8. Campfires and Marshmallow Roasting
A cottage vacation isn't complete without a campfire. There's something primal and perfect about gathering around a fire at dusk on Georgian Bay — the sky turns shades of orange and pink over the water, the loons call, and life gets very simple, very fast. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, stargaze.
Best age: All ages
Tip: Our cottages have fire pits ready to go; pick up firewood locally and kindling at the hardware store in Port Severn
9. Stargazing
Honey Harbour is far enough from major urban light pollution that on clear nights you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. This is a genuinely awe-inspiring experience for children who have grown up in cities. July and August are ideal — find a dock or open area, let eyes adjust for 15–20 minutes, and look up.
Best age: 5 and up
Tip: Download a free stargazing app (Sky Map, StarWalk) and let kids find constellations and planets themselves
10. Geocaching Through the Islands
Geocaching — the real-world treasure hunting game using GPS coordinates — has a dedicated following on Georgian Bay. There are caches hidden on islands, shorelines, and hiking trails throughout the area. The free Geocaching app makes it easy to find them, and kids treat each find like a real adventure.
Best age: 7 and up
Tip: Create an account at geocaching.com before you arrive and download the offline maps for the Honey Harbour area — some caches are in spots with no cell coverage
Tips for Parents
- Book early: Summer weeks at Hall's Cottages fill up fast, especially July and August. Book 6–12 months in advance for peak season.
- Bring life jackets that fit: We recommend bringing your own fitted PFDs for children rather than relying on rental gear.
- Pack sunscreen and bug spray: Georgian Bay sun is intense on the water; black flies are active in May–June and mosquitoes in July.
- Plan rainy day alternatives: Midland, Penetanguishene, and Barrie all have indoor attractions worth knowing about.
Looking for the perfect base for your family Georgian Bay adventure? Book your cottage at Hall's Cottages — we offer accommodations for families of all sizes, from May through October.