The Ultimate Bucket List for Kids

Try something new with the kids this winter, under $5!

Kids, this one is just for YOU!

It's all about the kids in this Bucket List! This winter, take advantage of some of the indoor and outdoor activities that are all about the kids. Bugs, books, swimming, tobogganing and more!

If you have any additions to the fun list below, I would love to hear from you and send along a picture too!

ENTOMICA

Entomica is a place where you'll discover the fascinating, hidden and often misunderstood world of insects through live interactive exhibits, activities and education. Come freak-out to find-out what awesomely fun, insect science is all about! Entomica is located in the Mill Market building at 35 Canal Drive in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

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Image courtesy of Sheri Minardi Photography

Admission: $2/person

Entomica Public Hours: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Thurs – Fri: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Or check the website for the most up-to-date info at www.millmarket.ca/entomica

WINTER FAMILY FUN AT THE MILL MARKET OUTDOOR SKATING RINK

Mill Market welcomes winter with its new outdoor skating rink, conveniently located to the right of the main parking lot in front of Mill Market at 35 Canal Drive, Sault Ste. Marie Ontario.

The skating rink is FREE and open to the public during Mill Market Winter Hours: Wednesdays 2pm-6pm; Saturdays 10am-3pm; Sundays 11am-3pm. The rink is family oriented and all ages are invited to skate. This rink is not intended for regular hockey games, but keep you eyes and ears open for an announcement about a Mill Market hockey tournament later this winter! Visitors must bring their own equipment including skates and helmets. The area is well lit for late afternoon and evening skates and there are outdoor benches for people to sit on while tying up their skates. Visitors are invited to come indoors before or after their skate to warm up with hot beverages and delicious treats including perogies and cabbage rolls, grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh baking, French crepes and so much more. Mill Market will be the official headquarters for Bon Soo 2015. During Bon Soo Mill Market and the Mill Market outdoor ice rink will be open to the public everyday, weather permitting.

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What is Mill Market?

Mill Market is conveniently located right off the Hub Trail, just steps away from the Ontario locks and the scenic St. Mary's River waterfront. Grown, raised or crafted by Northern Ontario's farmers, ranchers, fishermen, artists and artisans; Mill Market brings the best of our lakes, fields and forests to the heart of the historic Canal District in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. From farm to table, Mill Market connects Northern Ontario farmers to local consumers strengthening the local food economy and nurturing healthy communities. Mill Market is a place to find fresh food, good people, culinary delights and artisan crafts.

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Image courtesy of Sheri Minardi Photography

The reuse of the former Municipal Fish Hatchery building as a Regional Food Hub and Farmers' Market speaks to the resourcefulness and dedication that Mill Market management has to sustainable development. Mill Market is the latest in a multi-dimensional and multi-phased plan to redevelop the former St. Mary's Paper Mill site into a dynamic mixed used space —Mill Square — that invites visitors to learn, to connect with nature, engage in culture, and discover the rich history and beauty of the area. In its current location at 35 Canal Drive, in the Municipal Fish Hatchery building across from the Francis H. Clergue Generating Station and Whitefish Island, Mill Market has 13,000 square feet of indoor space, 15 acres of property for green parks and community gardens, ample vehicle parking, and easy accessibility via public transit, bike or foot.

Mill Market is open Wednesdays 3pm-7pm and Saturdays 8am-2pm year round. In addition to being a healthy food hub and artisan fair, Mill Market will also feature live entertainment weekly and educational programming. More information about The Mill Flea including their opening hours can be found here. If you're looking for something fun and educational to do with the whole family, check out Entomica at Mill Market.

At Mill Market you'll come for the freshly grown produce, locally-raised meats, baking, gourmet prepared foods, plants, flowers and artisan crafts, and family fun but we promise you'll stay for the friendly faces and good conversations.

TOBOGGANING

Take four months of snow, mix with some kids and a nice big hill and you get a whole lot of fun that can't be beat and it's all free! Tobogganing is a traditional fun thing to do in the winter and a good excuse to go for hot chocolate after a few hours of fun in the snow!

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Here are a few fun options in the city!

Finn Hill (largest)

Fill Hill continues to be a local favourite and the largest of the three hills listed. This sliders paradise is located at the bottom of McNabb Street and Black Road. Finn Hill has a reputation of being fast and a bit rugged so slide with caution.

Bellevue Park (smallest)

Bellevue Park is perfect for the younger sliders. This hill is a great size for children to walk back up on their own. You can find the toboggan hill by the band stand in the heart of Bellevue Park located on Queen Street East (bottom of Lake Street). The hill is lit by the band stand lights and hay bails are placed at the foot of the hill for keeping your young sliders from getting hurt.

Garson's Hill by James Eliiot Park (mid size)

Garson's Hill is located at 108 Rossmore Road, Sault Ste. Marie, ON in the West end of the city. This mid-sized hill is perfect for any age.

Don't forget your helmet and have fun!

JOHN RHODES COMMUNITY CENTRE - PUBLIC SWIM

The John Rhodes Community Centre Pool offers public swims that are open to all ages. All of the pools are available including the 8 lane 25m competition pool, jet pool, lap pool, water slides and beachfront pool.

There are some special features that might appeal to the younger swimmer. They can splash in the sprinklers, duck under the water spraying umbrella, jump off the diving board, swing from the Tarzan rope or just relax in the beachfront pool with some water toys that can be found on the pool deck for your enjoyment!

The pool offers full changing facilities and a canteen!

Public Swims

Friday: 7:30 - 9:00pm
Saturday: 1:00 - 3:00pm
Saturday: 6:00 - 8:00pm
Sunday: 1:00 - 3:00pm

Child (18 under) $2.75
Adult $4.70

Located at 260 Elizabeth Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6J3

Phone:(705) 759-5419

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www.oocities.org

SAULT STE. MARIE MUSEUM

Located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the museum welcomes visitors year-round to explore the three floors of exhibit galleries that depict the heritage of Sault Ste. Marie. Displays include traveling and locally curated exhibits.

The museum is situated in a fine heritage building which first served as the city's Post Office. The work was built by local craftsmen, using sandstone from the excavation of the canal. The distinctive clock was installed in the tower in 1912. Its early Ontario eclectic architecture is a combination of styles with Romanesque arched windows, magnificent oak staircase, and an exquisite three-story skylight.

Exhibit Galleries include:

Discovery Gallery -  Kids, this is especially for you!

Children are free to explore and learn! The Discovery Gallery is a children's area which contains artifacts and features nature species, photographs and a dress-up area.

Education Room - This area is adjacent to the Discovery Gallery. This area is used for children's workshops, birthday parties and arts & crafts.

Building, Clock Tower
Marine History
Russell H. Ramsay Sports Hall of Fame
Francis Hector Clergue
Post Office to Museum
Skylight Gallery
Walter Wallace Military Gallery
Durham Gallery

Operating Hours

June to September
Monday to Saturday
9:30am - 5:00pm

October to May
Tuesday to Saturday
9:30am - 5:00pm

Museum Admission Fees
Adults (19 & over) - $6.00

Seniors (55 & over) & Children - $4.00
Children 5 & under - free admission

Museum members - free admission

Sault Ste. Marie Museum
690 Queen St. E.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6A 2A4
Phone: 705-759-7278
Fax: 705-759-3058
e-mail: saultmuseum@gmail.com

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Photo credit: www.sootoday.com

SAULT STE. MARIE PUBLIC LIBRARY

There are three different locations throughout the city to visit all with exciting things for kids to see and do including; story-time, finger-plays, rhymes, crafts and more! Free admission and only $3 for a membership if you would like to borrow a book.

Visit the full Calendar of Events and find out more!

Locations

Centennial Library
50 East St.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
P6A 3C3
705-759-5230

Churchill Branch
301 Lake Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
P6A 4B5
705-759-5248

Korah Branch
556 Goulais Avenue
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
P6C 5A7
705-759-5249

CANADIAN BUSHPLANE HERITAGE CENTRE

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is located in the historic waterfront hangar that was once home to the Ontario Provincial Air Service. Explore the Centre at your leisure; we boast over 30 aircraft displays, two theatres, flight simulators, and interactive children's activities! Guided group tours are available on request. The Gift Shop offers unique aviation memorabilia including crested t-shirts, sweatshirts and pants, hats, pins, and books.

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Hours of Operation

Spring & Summer Hours: Open daily 9am to 6pm from mid-May to mid-October
Fall & Winter Hours: Open daily from 10am to 4pm mid-October to mid May
Closed Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day

50 Pim Street
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Canada P6A 3G4

Admission Fees:
Adult: $12.00
Senior: $11.00
Student:$7.00
Child: $3.00

10% discount for groups of 10 or more Children under 5 are free if accompanied by an adult. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars.

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SNOWSHOE AT HIAWATHA HIGHLANDS

Kids 12 and under ski Free and snowshoe pass, $5!

Hiawatha Highlands offers some of the most amazing snowshoe experiences and it's only minutes from uptown Sault Ste. Marie. This recreational park offers some of the most diverse terrain in the city. Creeks, waterfalls, bridges, maturing and towering pines and rock formations will leave you in awe of what Mother Nature has created in this location. The park is managed by the local Kinsmen Club, in collaboration with The Soo Finnish Ski Club making this a top cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination.

If you don't own cross-country ski's or snowshoes, it's no problem here. Hiawatha Highlands is fully equipped with ski and snowshoe rentals, indoor facilities with hot and cold beverages and snacks. Washroom facilities, warm club house, repair services and individual and group rates are also available.

Visit www.hiawathahighlands.com

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About Dionne Elgie

Dionne Elgie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and has a deep personal love for this city, and like many Saultites, a real passion for the great outdoors. Along with her team at DIG (Digital Intelligence Group)—she works with Tourism Sault Ste. Marie to curate compelling travel stories and collect truly useful tour tips that appeal to both local residents and out-of-town visitors. You can contact Dionne at dionne@digdeep.ca—she’d love to hear from you!

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