Looking for things to do in Halifax for Thanksgiving weekend? Looking for fall ideas of things to do in Halifax?
With COVID-19 social distancing measures, you cannot do a lot of things you usually did in the fall, like gathering with friends and family for big gatherings. You’ll notice a lot of the things to do are outside, which is what most people will be doing to get a break from being stuck inside with family, or alone.
The Discovery Centre
This is one of my kid’s FAVORITE places to go in downtown Halifax.
They have reopened with a new exhibit and different hours so check out their website to make sure of the times. In order to monitor capacity and follow guidelines you now purchase admission ticket online. They have timeslots of 9-12 or 1-4. You can arrive at anytime you want, but have to leave at the end of your timeslot. I suggest you go as early as you can, because there is a lot to see and do. If your kids like tinkering, check out the innovation lab!
Kids 2 & under are free, adults are $15 and kids 3+ are $12. For grandparents (65+) it’ll be $12 and a family of 4 is $48.
Note: all rates are subject to 15% tax added during admission process.
Address: 1215 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3S8
Halifax Farmers Market
Created by Royal Proclamation in June 1750 (one year after Halifax was founded), the Farmers Market has sold meat, produce and more. Although it has operating in several locations across the city it moved to the Seaport in 2010 and boasts being the longest continuously running market in North America, and currently has over 250 vendors. Don’t forget your mask!
Opening Hours: Open Saturday (8-2:00 p.m.) and Sunday (11:00 – 3:00 p.m.) check out their website for other days.
Address: 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 4P8
They also have a cool Instagram & Facebook.
Halifax Citadel
I love Parks Canada, so I couldn’t talk about Halifax, without mentioning the Parks Canada site, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Located on a huge hill overlooking the city, the site is a series of forts, and has stood protecting Halifax harbour from 1749 to 1906. It was rebuilt three times (current one being completed in 1856 and is officially called Fort George), but never once attacked. The distinctive star shape is typical of many 19th century forts built by the British to give soldiers the ability to defend from every angle.
Today, the fort offers a window into the past, with recreated rooms, barracks, tailor shop and school. You can even become a soldier for a day and experience mid-19th century life in the Citadel. Wear the uniform, learn to drill, fire a rile and more. It’s a bit pricey, with individual costing $200 and going up to $300 for a family of four, but the 3 hour experience will be something you will remember.
If you want to be hands off watch the sentry guard change every hour the Citadel is open. They also offer a great self-guided tour.
Open year-round, the fall hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and admission is free for youth and prices vary.
If your family isn’t into the history part of it, you will want to check out the Ghost Tours where you can learn about ghost stories and bizarre legends of Halifax Citadel until October 30th. Tours are $15, last 70 minutes and are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with start times at 8:20, 8:30 and 8:40 p.m. Get your ticket online.
Address: 5425 Sackville St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y3
Peggy’s Cove
Located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay, Peggy’s Cove is around 45 minutes from Halifax. Peggy’s Cove is a small fishing village, with the biggest attraction being the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. Built in 1915, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is one of over 160 historic lighthouses in Nova Scotia. I think it’s the most photographed lighthouse in the province and along with breath taking views, shows beautiful raging ocean waves, working lobster boats and ginormous giant rocks worn smooth by the sea.
If you are going with small children, keep a watchful eye on them. The rocky coastline and ocean water can make those beautiful smooth rocks dangerous when unpredictable rough waves wash over them. Stay off the wet rocks, do not swim and stay #safeonshore.
It’s important to note that Peggy’s Cove has managed to keep a relaxed atmosphere, which means that other than the beautiful scenery, there really isn’t much around there other than the lighthouse and restaurant/shop. However, we keep going back all the time because the drive is beautiful and it really is beautiful to see and it’s like stepping back in time.
Want to check it out before you go? Here is a virtual tour of the lighthouse, lighthouse road and the fishing village.
Address: It’s an area, not a location, so no set address. But don’t worry you can’t get lost. Plug in ‘Peggy’s Cove’ into your GPS and it will lead you.
Point Pleasant Park
Found in the south end of Halifax, this 75-hectare park is crisscrossed trails and wide paths, many of which are wheelchair accessible. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and views with the bonus of washrooms, off-leash dog walking areas and a supervised beach… although it may be too cold to swim.
The park has a long history that can be traced back to the 17th century. For any history buffs you’ll want to see the ruins of several fortifications and the Martello Tower, which was built in 1796 and is the oldest tower on the North American continent.
Opening Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily
Address: 5530 Point Pleasant Drive, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 1B5 Canada
*Parking is FREE!
Hatfield Farms
Hatfield Farms gives you the sense of escaping from the city, but you actually don’t leave Halifax.
You’ll want to check out the ‘Weekend Round up’ for $14 + taxes, that starts Saturday or Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and includes a wagon ride, petting zoo, mini golf, kids zip line and unlimited hot dogs, juice, coffee and tea. They used to include the Rubber Rodeo inflatable games room, but has been closed for COVID. You’ll want to arrive early to sign waivers and if interested take part in the 30-minute Wagon ride at 2:00 p.m. each Sunday. The Wagon ride is an extra $8 for adults & $6 kids, but does include a hot chocolate at the end and time in the petting pen and playground.
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Our indoor pony ride ring is all ready to go for today’s weather forecast!
Variety of prices, some of which includes all you can eat hot dogs ($16-22) and includes 2 hours of activities. You can also opt for a chicken or steak dinner and add on more hours too. Check out their pricing on their website. There are some other add-ons if you buy the regular package, such as the petting zoo open until 5:00 p.m. every day ($5), pony ride ($14-60 depending on time).
Just in time for Thanksgiving or Halloween, they have pumpkins ($2-4$) and straw for sale to decorate your house and keep your kids busy carving.
Opening Hours: Open Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address: 1840 Hammonds Plains Rd, Hammonds Plains NS, B4B 1P4
Follow them on Facebook.
