Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Table of Contents
IN A NUTSHELL
Visit Nova Scotia with Children
Nestled on Canada’s east coast, Nova Scotia is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. From its charming coastal towns to the breathtaking natural beauty, this Canadian gem has something for everyone, especially families with children. Nova Scotia has many family friendly activities including, fun parks and historical sites, outdoor adventures and attractions for all ages. From fossil finding along the Bay of Fundy Coastline to apple picking in the Annapolis Valley Region. Families might also enjoy the Atlantic Splash Adventure Park in Halifax or taking a kid friendly program such as Dress as a Soldier for a day at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site or learn to fly a kite at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site on beautiful Cape Breton Island are just a few to highlight! There is no shortage of activities to keep the family from having a wonderful time! Visiting Nova Scotia with your children guarantees a fantastic family holiday.
This family-friendly travel guide has been curated in collaboration with Nova Scotia Tourism Board.
The Best Time to Visit Nova Scotia with Children
Nova Scotia can be enjoyed all year-round! July and August are the busiest months to visit. You might also enjoy travelling in late spring May/June. Fall is another popular time with the beautiful fall colours taking shape in September/October. Halifax is a great destination for families during March Break.
Must Dos When in Nova Scotia with Children
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse & village
Explore the beautiful dark skies in Nova Scotia
Visit the warm beautiful sandy beaches in Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Bay of Fundy tidal bore rafting experience is a one-of-a-kind activity
How to Get to Nova Scotia with Children
There are many ways to reach beautiful Nova Scotia:
By Plane
Many direct and connecting flights arrive at Halifax Stanfield International Airport throughout Canada, the US and internationally as well.
By Road
Nova Scotia is also connected by land through New Brunswick to Amherst, NS via the Trans Canada 104 Hwy.
By Ferry
Whether it be via the CAT ferry from Bar Harbor, ME into Yarmouth, NS, the Fundy Rose ferry that travels along the Bay of Fundy from Saint John, NB into Digby NS, ferry service from Wood Islands, PEI into Caribou NS or from Argentia or Port aux Basques, NL into North Sydney NS there are many choices for you!
LOCATION
Hotels in Nova Scotia
There are plenty of options for places to stay all over the province, from cozy cabins nestled amongst the trees or a rustic ocean side cottage that families are sure to enjoy.
Our Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Nova Scotia
Comfort Hotel Bayer’s Lake ***
The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites ****
Château Bedford Hotel & Suites ****
Our Top Family-Friendly Resorts in Nova Scotia
Oak Island Resort ****
Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa ****
If you prefer the outdoors, or other types of accommodations, check out the unusual lodging in Nova Scotia.
Discover more places to stay at in Nova Scotia.
PLAY
Activities for children ages 0-5
Tiring our babies and toddlers whilst they absorb all that is around them.
Bayfield Beach Provincial Park
The Discovery Centre in Halifax
Museum of Industry in Stellarton
Visit the various parks in Nova Scotia
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park
Rainbow Haven Beach Provincial Park
Nova Scotia trails and Farm Park Trails
Cosby’s Garden Centre Concrete Creations
The Halifax Waterfront has a wonderful submarine playground
The Museum of Natural History (you’ll want to be sure to stop by and say Hi to Gus the tortoise while there)
PLAY
Activities for older children
Keeping the older kids happy, entertained, and reducing the amount of times they ask for a screen or complain about being bored.
Beach combing at a Nova Scotia beach
Kayaking & Canoeing in Nova Scotia
Learn to surf in Nova Scotia along the Eastern Shore
Discover the warm waters along the Northumberland Strait
Watch the famous Bay of Fundy tides come in and try out tidal bore rafting
If you’re travelling there in Winter, check out the winter activities in Nova Scotia
PLAY
Parks & Playgrounds
Farms & Wildlife Parks in Nova Scotia
Hatfield Farm Cowboy Adventures
Oaklawn Farm Zoo in the Annapolis Valley
Two Rivers Wildlife Park in Cape Breton
Shubenacadie Wildlife Park halfway between Truro and Halifax
Hope For Wildlife along the beautiful Eastern Shore is a local gem for rehabilitation of orphaned and injured animals.
Parks in Nova Scotia
Bayfield Beach Provincial Park
Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park
Discover more parks in Nova Scotia.
Playgrounds in Nova Scotia
Playdium located in Dartmouth
FOOD
Family-friendly cafés & restaurants in Nova Scotia
Our Top Cafés & Restaurants When in Nova Scotia with Children
Stevenson & Son Family Kitchen
Panorama Restaurant at Cabot Cape Breton
Discover more places to eat in Nova Scotia.
TRANSPORTATION
How to Get Around Nova Scotia with Children
If you’re flying in and plan to explore outside Halifax or Sydney, rent a car (book early, especially in summer). In Nova Scotia, public transit is affordable. Community transit is available in various NS communities. For electric vehicle drivers, there are 100+ charging stations. Taxis are available across the province. Shuttle, limo, bus, and train services offer flexibility too.
Discover more about the transport available in Nova Scotia.
TOYS
Toy Shops in Nova Scotia
1533 Birmingham Street, Halifax, 902-423-7626
While the store does carry fun toys (like Folkmanis puppets, 4M science kits and a whole whack of wind-ups), it’s their books (everything from board books to novels for young adults) that keep customers coming back.
Insider Tips
Dress Accordingly
There’s a saying in Nova Scotia – “don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes it will change!”. Be prepared for beautiful hot sunny days, sweaters and long sleeve shirts/pants for cooler evenings and a rain jacket/umbrella/boot for those rainy days and if visiting in the winter a warm winter coat!
Language
Nova Scotia primarily speaks English, but some areas have French speakers. Teach your children basic greetings in both languages to enhance their cultural experience.
Local Events
Check for local events and festivals that might coincide with your visit. They can be a great way to immerse your family in the local culture.
TRAVEL TO NOVA SCOTIA
Book Now
Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
