Theme & Amusement Parks in Newmarket

Russ Bond knows a thing or two about go-karts; after all, he's dedicated his career to them. As own of Canadian Karting League, he offers kids and adults the opportunity to take to the tarmac with race-prepared karts, comprehensive safety training, and a battalion of professional mechanics at their backs. Russ explains to motoringtv.com that through years of training and racing cars professionally, he “always wanted to give back … so kids could get involved in karting,” In addition to boosting adrenalin and making for memorable afternoons, karting can teach kids and tweens how to pass other cars, handle turns, and harmonize by punching their horns. Giving kids the experience of maintaining their own kart “can only help them when they get a licence,” Russ says.

Walking the plank is one of the scariest things you can do as a buccaneer, but not at Mega Fun 4 Kids. On its pirate-ship play structure, the plank is a slide kids can zoom down while their fellow playmates pretend to steer the vessel. Elsewhere in the 2,800-square-foot indoor playground, youngsters aged 8 and younger cook meals in the play kitchen, play dress-up in the costume corner, and ride a mini rollercoaster. Along with daily playtime, Mega Fun 4 Kids hosts frequent events, including family nights with movies and pizza and visits from kids’ celebrated characters such as Tigger and the third guy who voiced Piglet. For birthdays, staff party consultants plan soirees that delight kids with private time on the playground and can include extras such as jumping castles or screening of a favourite movie.

The piercing clang of well-struck drives resonates across the grounds at Golden Ridge Golf, their echoes beckoning to clubbers to come groom their game at the multifaceted complex. Guests can smooth out rough-edged swings with a stint at the 300-yard driving range, where players can hit off of natural grass or faux-turf mats and take cover in sheltered hitting bays during rainstorms or pelican pranks. An 18-hole mini-golf course channels the charm of an old country town with a decorative wagon, general store facade, and putters that double as moustache combs. All of the grounds’ score-shaving resources are utilized to the fullest during Golf Academy clinics and lessons, which are overseen by CPGA-certified pro and former touring professional Gordie Burns.