Black and white line drawing of Santa's Village with a cheerful Santa face in a circular sign above an arched entrance, surrounded by a house with a pitched roof and balcony.
A drawing icon of the logo for the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Black and white line drawing of two kids ziplining in a forested area with trees.
A black and white illustration of a mini golf hole.
A black and white icon image of someone climbing on an indoor climbing wall.
Line drawing of a ship with a large smokestack emitting smoke, a wheel at the front, and a structured deck.
A simple black icon of maple syrup bottle.
Silhouette of a cow standing on a small hill with the word 'Milk' written above it.

Hemlock Lake House offers a kid plenty to do. Splashing around the waterfront, looking for frogs in the lily pads, fishing off the dock and swimming until your heart’s content… cottage life is synonymous with kid-life! That said, we recommend parents use the cottage experience as a great opportunity to learn new skills and reaffirm the importance of general safety. Always wear a life jacket when swimming (if a kid is not yet a strong swimmer) and when in the canoe or on a paddle board (it is the law). Wear shoes when running about to avoid cuts and bruises to the feet and take care when fishing as sharp hooks can pierce skin. That said, cottaging is both great learning and great fun! If you are looking for activities in the area, we recommend some of these spots below that will make any kid happy:

Kids at Hemlock

  • Santa’s Village is a theme park located in Bracebridge that caters to kids. From small-format roller coasters to traditional cottage activities, this is one of Muskoka’s premier children’s attractions and offers a full day of excitement. Food options abound and activities offer varied experiences for a wide range of fun for different age groups.

    DISTANCE: 47 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to Santa’s Village.

    GOOD TO KNOW: The park is busy on holiday weekends, weekdays tend to be less so. A picnic area outside the main gate can be used if you plan to bring your own food.

  • This sanctuary specializes in the rehabilitation of wildlife for release into the wild while also caring for resident animals who are not able to be released. This is not a zoo but rather an active rehabilitation centre that offers periodic tours of the resident animals and its facility. It is a worthwhile spot to spend a morning or afternoon, a great way to introduce children (and others alike) to the local wildlife in Muskoka and a great cause that supports their conservation efforts.

    DISTANCE: 1 hour 14 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

    GOOD TO KNOW: Tours generally book up quick so log on to their website to reserve one of their timed options. Private tours are offered for an additional fee. Pair your visit to North Muskoka with a stop at Abbey’s Bakehouse or a wonderful drive through Port Carling.

  • One of the best ways to experience the beautiful Muskoka forest is near its canopy! Treetop trekking is an aerial course where participants use carabiners and safety ropes to navigate a complex course through the canopy. This is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with adults and kids and offers exciting obstacles, beautiful views and a zipline or two!

    DISTANCE: 1 hour 10 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to Treetop Trekking (Huntsville).

    GOOD TO KNOW: This is a physical activity so participants should be ready to climb, pull and walk between courses. Always great to pair a visit to Huntsville with a stop at Kawartha Dairy to celebrate your accomplishments.

  • Sometimes good, old-fashioned fun is just what is needed. Try your hand at this traditional mini-putt course and grab a Kawartha Dairy cone from their shop while you’re at it!

    DISTANCE: 41 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to Northern Escapades Mini Golf.

    GOOD TO KNOW: This is not far from central Bracebridge and other attractions (Climb Muskoka, Santa’s Village) so it is easily paired with other activities for a day out!

  • The steamships that ply the waters of Muskoka’s big lakes are an institution and can be a fun way to spend the afternoon. The attached museum is interesting with a kid zone too!

    DISTANCE: 35 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to the Muskoka Wharf.

  • If you’re looking for something a little offbeat, try Muskoka Goat Away. You essentially borrow one of their irresistible goats for a forest walk and get a chance to interact with their ‘herd’. Goats are on leads, much like a dog would be, and you stroll through the Muskoka forest with your new  friend.

    DISTANCE: 1 hour 7 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to Muskoka Goat Away.

    GOOD TO KNOW: Advanced booking are required by phone or text. If you’re headed to Huntsville you may want to pair the day with a visit in town!

  • Looking for a little Canadiana? Try one of Sugarbush Hill’s Maple Presentations!

    DISTANCE: 1 hour from Hemlock Lake House to the Sugarbush Hill.

  • For an indoor spot to burn a few calories, the Climb Muskoka facility offers great rock climbing infrastructure for new and experienced climbers.

    DISTANCE: 42 minutes from Hemlock Lake House to Climb Muskoka.