One of my favourite memories is visiting the Scenic Caves in Collingwood with my mom, brother and sister when I was about 14. I loved everything about it, so much to do and explore it truly was a memorable time. I enjoyed it so much that I knew I had to take my boys to experience it also and thanks to Amanda (Multi-Testing Mommy) I was able to do that.
So for those of you who don’t know, The Scenic Caves are located in Collingwood about 1.5 hours away from Toronto. It is a “self-guided” tour through 13 various caves along a trail. Basically, you are free to explore them at your own pace. On average it takes about 2 hours to do it, start to finish.
I went with my hubby, 8 year old and 20 month old. It was a little hard at times because it is not stroller friendly, but they do offer baby carriers for you to use during your visit. Of course, my toddler was having no part of the baby carrier and wanted to walk, run and climb everything. I did have to pay a lot of attention as I needed to make sure he was safe.
My oldest son LOVED going in and out of the various caves and learning about them. He looked at me when we were walking and said “Mommy this is like History we are learning, but without a teacher”. I smiled because that is what it is all about. He was actively engaged and wanting more as we were out exploring and having fun as a family.
After we did the caves we were lucky to be able to play some mini-golf, take a train ride, mine for gems, walk the suspension bridge, and of course check out the adventure playground. My toddler could not contain himself with excitement as we rode the train around the park, learning about the different wood pieces along the way. But his all time favourite part was riding the tractor down to the suspension bridge, we must have rode it at least six times, Frank the driver was super nice and even let Steven get a picture on the tractor.
The suspension bridge was SCARY! I am so not a fan of heights and the fact that it is 420 feet and it MOVES when on it, I was clinging for dear life at certain times. But the boys loved running and swaying it as their mother who looked like she as going to cry. I am happy to say I walked all the way across and then back, but I don’t know if I would ever do it again.
We are already planning our next trip as my 8 year old would love to ride the zip lines. He still is not old enough, so we weren’t able to try them this time around. I am hoping Daddy will go with him when he is able, as I don’t know if my heart would be able to take it.
The Scenic Caves in Collingwood are a great family outing. There is so much to do, with lots of things geared to all different ages and levels, it is sure to please all. But, remember if you are going the one mandatory thing is you MUST wear sneakers that have closed toes. If you show up and don’t have this they will refuse you access to the caves. Safety is most important and with rocky and slippery surfaces it is better to be safe than sorry.
So cool!! awesome family fun! cant believe my in laws live in Collingwood and I had no idea this existed! so happy i know about it now so i can take my family there next time we go to visit 🙂 the bridge does look a bit scary since i am afraid of heights but thats the fun of it 🙂
That’s what I figured being a little uncomfortable added to the whole bridge experience.
My boys would love this place. It looks like so much fun.
My boss enjoyed it so much. Climbing, playing and exploring
Ive heard of this and wanted to try it! Looks fun
So much fun with something for all ages:)
I would love to explore caves with my kids. It sounds like such a cool experience!
When you’re said cool I chuckled as they have an ice cave:)
This looks like a blast! Would love to do the ziplining!
I am thinking I should try it and get over my fear
Good luck, Tiffany!!!
I grew up in Collingwood and have never been to scenic caves…oops!
Never? Toy need to make some time and check it out!
I think it sounds like a “must do” experience, are you near by still?
This looks like a wonderful adventure, we ski in Collingwood but never there in the summer time
I’ve had a few people tell me about this place…impressed that they offer carriers for their visitors. Lots to do and see for sure. Great photos!
Looks like so much fun! Would love to do the ziplining
We went to some caves in TN in the US and walking through them scared me to death haha! It looks like you had fun!
I’ve never heard of this place before.It looks like a great place to visit! I wouldn’t be able to handle that suspension bridge, though! I don’t even like walking across regular bridges!
I wouldn’t be able to handle it either – I froze about 5 steps onto a suspension bridge in BC once!
Well you did better than I could have! Lol 🙂
LOL there may have been some pretty heavy handed University buddy pressure going on to get me to that point – it was when I dropped to my knees and froze with tears in my eyes that they realized I was really serious that I couldn’t do it.
Your blog reminds me of the importance of “making memories” with our children and grandchildren. Here you are a parent yourself, yet you recall the moments spent together with your biological family and bring them to the present. Awesome.
Cole – you are so kind – yes, I love to capture the idea of making memories with your little ones! They grow up SO fast.
I love the photo with the statue of the bear in the back,this must have been a fun day
Looks like great fun, when we go I will make sure everyone has closed toed shoes
Oh something I’ve always wanted to do and never have!! Looks like a fabulous way to spend a day!
Have always been to Collingwood for skiing would be nice to take a summer trip there
This looks like a really fun place to visit.
Every time I go through your blog I have to stop and read this post and view the pictures, nicely done