All libraries and library programs have been cancelled as a result of the current strike by Library Union CUPE 1989, until further notice. The library has always been an excellent place to bring children, whether it’s for checking out some books, sitting in and reading, or taking part in activities arranged from within the facility. Given the current unfortunate circumstances, here are six alternative things to do with kids now that libraries are closed and library programs have been cancelled.

River Grove Aquatics

River Grove Aquatics is the perfect place to cool down and have fun amidst the heat of the summer. The pool is a 25 metre, 5-lane lap facility and is equipped with a triple loop red slide landing in the shallow end of the pool and a blue slide in the deeper end of the pool. Most of the pool is shallow, making it ideal and convenient for young children. Life jackets, balls, and floaters are all provided. There’s also a 30 person whirlpool to complete the experience.

Playdium

Playdium is a multi-experience family oriented place to be. The building itself is 40,000 sq. ft. and includes more than 200 high tech rides, attractions, and simulations. Not to mention, it’s one of the best arcades in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Now that the summer is in full swing, the bumper cars, batting cages and Go Karting are open and ready for use! Some of the simulator games physically available to ride include: biking, sea-dooing, surfing, flight simulator, soccer, basketball, baseball, and bowling. An all inclusive play card (including all video games and redemptions zone) ranges from $15-$30, depending on how many credits you would like to purchase. To purchase a video playing card, depending on the time and day of your visit, pricing will range from $22.00-$25.00. See http://www.playdium.com/pricing_indoor.php for more details on pricing. With so much to do and see at Playdium, it makes for the perfect place to be with family and young children.

Air Riderz Trampoline Park

Located at 3600 Ridgeway Drive, Air Riderz Trampoline Park is the perfect place to have fun and stay active simultaneously. Various options for what to do within the building include dodge ball, three slam dunk basketball lanes, a four lane foam pit, climb and slide, and of course open jump with professionally designed trampolines. The Air Riderz climb zone is the first of its kind in the GTA and consists of various rock climbing walls and a unique side area. There is also an Air Riderz lounge with free Wi-Fi, big screen TVs, and comfortable seating, making it the perfect place for parents to relax. Pricing varies depending on the kind of experience and activities you would like to partake in at the trampoline park. For an Air Riderz jump and climb zone experience, the price is $17 per hour or $24 for two hours. For an Air Riderz jump on its own, the price is $8 per 30 minutes, $14 per hour, or $21 for two hours. See https://www.airriderz.com/hours-pricing/ for more pricing details.

Bradley Museum

The Bradley Museum is located on 1620 Orr Road and consists of four different buildings. The first is The Anchorage, an Ontario Regency style cottage that was originally built in the 1820s. The second building is The Bradley House which was built in 1830 as a small saltbox style farmhouse. Bradley House opened to the public in 1967 and was originally restored by the Mississauga Heritage Foundation. The third building is the Leslie Log House, originally built in the mid-19th century. The final building is a barn from the turn of the last century. This historical museum provides the opportunity to be educated on the deeply rooted history embedded in the community of Mississauga.

Laser Quest Mississauga

Located at 9-1224 Dundas St E, Laser Quest provides a thrilling and exhilarating experience for kids of all ages to enjoy. With a combination of hide-and-seek and tag, Laser Quest also adds different spins and twists on the game to make it that much more enjoyable and fun. There is swirling fog, high energy music, and a surprise at every corner. Pricing for a regular game (30 minutes) is a total of $9.00 per person, an Ironman Game (45min-1hr, swirling fog, music) is $12.00 per person, and those who become players club members can save an extra $2 on each regular game throughout the year and save $1 on every Ironman mission.

Brunswick Zones Mississauga Lanes

The Brunswick Zones Mississauga bowling alley is located on 2561 Stanfield Rd. This upbeat and vibrant bowling alley is filled with great food, good times, and exceptional memories. This location is perfect for family, friends, and kids to enjoy and have fun. Pricing at Brunswick Zones Mississauga Lanes ranges from $3.99-$5.89 per person, depending on the day you choose to let loose. See https://www.bowlbrunswick.com/location/brunswick-zone-mississauga-bowl/rates for more details on pricing.

Enjoy the summer to the fullest at these unique locations. Hopefully these recommendations have shed some light on all the family and child friendly options in and around Mississauga.