Stay, Play & Explore Windsor Essex & Chatham Kent . . . A Summer Full Of Family Favourites
Rising gas prices and the soaring cost of — well, everything — has families rethinking summer plans, but staying close to home doesn’t mean settling for boring. This year’s staycation season is all about rediscovering what’s right in front of us — in our own backyard of Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent. Turns out the best “vacation” is the one where no one asks: “Are we there yet?”
From quick day trips to overnight escapes, we’ve rounded up just a small sample of familyfriendly ideas that prove adventure doesn’t require a long drive or a big budget!
We also include a handful of local picks just for kids, including lessons, classes, and easy outdoor options.
Float, Paddle, Paint, Splash & Smile . . . Together
If your family is all about trying something new, and spending quality time together, then Urban Surf Co. at 55 East Pike Creek in Tecumseh is where you need to be!
They offer stand-up paddleboard, kayak, and pedal kayak rentals on Lake St. Clair and Pike Creek. Families can enjoy exploring the canals, spending time on the lake swimming, or relaxing on their beach patio.
Plus, their shop carries a mix of beach and lake lifestyle products, including paddleboarding accessories, apparel, hats, sunglasses, stuffies, jewellery, and more.
This summer, they also launched FlowState Nordic Spa, an outdoor sauna and cold plunge experience. Mom or dad can come alone for a relaxing time or invite a few friends for a quick break from a hectic
family life!
For families who are more artsy, Sketch Pottery & Painting Studio offers an enjoyable and creative hands-on option for all ages . . . with a waterfront view!
Guests choose a piece of pottery — such as a mug, bowl, planter, or figurine — and paint it however they like. It’s then glazed and kiln-fired, making it food-safe and ready for pickup a few weeks later!
There are also pottery wheel classes. No experience is needed, making it a great activity for families, friends and visitors looking for something unique to try.
“Whether you’re paddling on the water, painting pottery, enjoying a drink around the fire with live music, or relaxing with a smoothie on the patio, we aim to create a fun, welcoming space where families and
friends can make lasting summer memories,” indicates Dani Chevalier, Co-Owner of Urban Surf Co. “Our staff is incredible; they are hard-working and excited to help you feel comfortable on a paddleboard,
make yummy smoothie bowls, or take family photos for you here in our space.”
Paddleboard, single kayak, pedal kayak, and canoe rentals are $25 per hour, and double kayaks are $35 per hour. Pottery painting pieces typically range from $25 to $40, depending on what you choose to paint. FlowState Nordic Spa sessions start at $40 to $50 per person. For more ways to drift into a good time and their hours of operation, paddle on over to: UrbanSurf.ca.
For an easy, no-cost day by the water, head to any of Essex and Kent counties’ many gorgeous beaches, such as Colchester Beach in Essex, Cedar Island Beach in Kingsville, Holiday Beach Conservation Area in
Amherstburg, Erieau Beach in Blenheim, or Mitchell’s Bay in Dover Centre.
There’s free swimming available on certain days at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre in Leamington, Kingsville Recreation Complex, and Atlas Tube Recreation Centre. Be sure to review websites
and municipal calendars for specific info.
As well the City of Windsor has multiple splash pads, outdoor swimming pools and Adventure Bay Family Water Park to help stay cool and beat the heat.
Splash pads are also available in area towns at Seacliff Park, AKO Park, Farrow Riverside Miracle Park, Fontainebleau Park, St. Mary’s Park, Vollmer Complex, Lakeview Park Splash Pad, River Ridge Splash Pad,
Austin “Toddy” Jones Park, Kingston Park, Talbot Trail Place, Tilbury Splash Pad, and more!
