The 2026 edition of the Halifax Kids' Guide has hit the virtual shelf and is coming soon to print
Research shows that families with young children see the Halifax Regional Municipality as a great vacation destination, and that when they visit, they tend to fill their days with multiple activities. Families, particularly those unfamiliar with Halifax, can be overwhelmed by the daunting task of making the most of their precious vacation time.
To help families make those decisions on what will fill their days, we’re pleased to share that the fifth annual Halifax Kids’ Guide is now available for digital download online, and for bulk and individual print ordering.
While relatively new to our roster of materials, the Halifax Kids’ Guide has quickly become a perennial favourite among visitors and members. Last year alone saw 60,000 copies printed and distributed, and over 50,000 digital reads.
And yes, it is adorable, but it's also strategic. The creation of the Kids’ Guide starts in the spring each year, and includes discussions with front-line industry staff, key partners, and a significant review of available data.
There are key components that carry over from previous editions, such as hikes under 5km, beaches, indoor play activities, and hotels that have pools and/or allow dogs. But we love to include new features, and a few of those for this year are:
- Artwork created by local artist Molly Margaret, including colouring sheets;
- An outline of the Ko’jua dance, with support from Sunshine Paul-Martin, Aaron Googoo, and the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITE’N); and
- Fun ways to explore family-friendly farms and wildlife centres.
The Kids' Guide is designed to serve families in multiple ways and features inclusive resources, including dedicated sections on sensory-accessible and accessible fun activities in Halifax. Even advertisements in the Kids’ Guide are interactive games and activity sheets that kids can use when they may need a distraction.
The Kids’ Guide is available for any member organization that would like to carry it (click here to access the order form), as a digital download, and on our website at www.halifaxkids.ca. Print copies will begin shipping at the end of February.
We have the support for families when they make the decision to come to Halifax, so now, we need to invite them!
Two campaigns focusing on families are running over the next two months. The first invites Atlantic Canadian families to spend their March Breaks here, which span from March 2 through April 10, depending on your province.
The second campaign invites families from the Greater Toronto Area to spend their summer vacation here, and promotes activities throughout HRM from rural adventures, like beaches and hiking, to our urban offerings.