All You Need to Know: Sandspit and Shining Waters, PEI
All You Need to Know: Sandspit and Shining Waters Family Fun Park, PEI
Disclosure: Our family received a family pass for both Sandspit and Shining Waters Family Fun Park in Cavendish in exchange for this blog post. It was our goal to research the best tips for visiting these locations with your family. This is the result of our quest. All opinions are our own or those we interviewed.
It was on our son’s top list of things to do this summer – go to PEI’s Sandspit and Shining Waters Family Fun Park. We decided at the last minute to make it happen, so it was a bit tricky finding a place to stay.
Our first tip is to book early if you are coming for a summer-time adventure in PEI!
Maritime Fun owns both attractions (as well as Magic Mountain in New Brunswick). We have included these two great parks together in one post with a tip section for each park, and a section for both.
For a great overview of both, check out Daniel’s newest YouTube Video!
Sandspit
This was our first time to go to Sandspit. The way the boys described it was
Sandspit is like a traveling fair but permanent and better.
Sandspit has lots of activities for all ages, making it fun for the whole family.
It is a small park, which means parents can stand just about anywhere and watch the kids, or easily pick a meeting point for older kids to go off on their own for a bit. It’s manageable and not overwhelming.
We had so much fun going on the rides together, and I have to say, there is nothing better for family therapy than bumper cars and bumper boats!
1. Arrive first thing in the morning: The park opened at 10am when we were there, and we were right there at the door. It is less hot in the morning, and fewer people were in the park. This meant the line ups were much shorter. The most we had to wait for a ride was about 5 minutes.
2. Head for the roller coaster first: As it is a popular ride, the line ups can get longer throughout the day. If you start your day at the roller coaster, the line ups are shorter.
3. Go and come back: Because you get an all-day bracelet, it allows you to come and go as you please. We left the park after about 2.5 hours when it started to get really hot. Then, we went to the beach and came back after supper.
4. Return in the evening: In August, the nights are dark again, and so we came back to Sandspit when it was dark for another hour of rides. It was so beautiful to be there in the evening with all the rides lit up!
5. Sunblock! There is little shade, especially if you are in line for the rides, so don’t forget to reapply!
Shining Waters Family Fun Park
We were last at Shining Waters about 5 years ago when the boys were quite small and couldn’t go on all the rides. Since we have been, there are new additions, including a roller coaster and submarine ride we used to enjoy at Crystal Palace.
I also love Shining Waters because many of the pieces came from Rainbow Valley, one of our favourite places to visit in Cavendish when we were kids. Oh, the memories!
There are many activities for kids of all ages at Shining Waters. We spent about 2 hours in the main park before heading to the water park.
There is a lot to enjoy in the water park from roller coasters to the witches’ cave, swinging bridges, a petting farm and the topsy turvy house!
Children under 8 would get the most enjoyment out of the main park, while the water park is a great place for older kids (and younger, too!) to hang out.
1. Head straight for the water park: The water park is busiest during the peak of the day. If you head to the water park between 10 -12 or 4 – 6 when the line ups are shorter.
2. Go for single tubes: There are two waterslides that require tubes and you can either use a single one or a double tube. The line up to get the double tubes is much longer, so go for the single tubes when you can.
3. Cannon Bowl Slide: The boys discovered that this ride was a lot more fun when they went on a double tube down the ride because they had the extra weight to go faster.
4. Life jackets: kids who can’t swim need to wear life jackets in the pool (which they supply several of) and puddle jumpers/arm floaties are not allowed.
5. Lockers are available in the waterpark section of the park on a pay per use basis. The cost per use is $1.
6. Stake out a deck chair and leave your towels there.
7. Bring extra towels as ours quickly become soaked.
Both Shining Waters and Sandspit
1. Pack a picnic lunch. There are a few places to get food on site, but it’s a lot cheaper and healthier to pack your own lunch. We left our lunch in the car and went back to get it at lunch time. There are lots of tables near the parking lot.
Younger Kids
When we visited, our boys were 9 and 11. If you are going to these parks with younger children, check out this blog post by Itsy Bitsy Haligonians with lots of great tips for visiting with youngsters.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed at Sandspit.
At Shining Waters, you can take your dog in the “community park ” area before the ticket booth. Otherwise, pets are not permitted in the park. Four kennels are available to rent at the front entrance on a first come, first serve basis, for a $10 refundable deposit and can be arranged through the front entrance booth.
Tickets
Tickets are available online through Maritime Fun or at the gate. CAA members receive a discount.
If you’re going with a family for any amount of time it is worth it to buy the family weekly pass called the a special package called the Slide & Ride XL.
It allows you unlimited admittance to all amusements: Sandspit, Shining Waters, Ripleys Believe it or Not and the others owned by the Maritime Fun Group. The weekly pass for a family of four was $385 for a week taxes in unlimited visits (STC).
Ticket prices drop after 4pm!
If you are looking for a great way to spend a fun day with your family, head to Shining Waters Family Fun Park and Sandspit in Cavendish, PEI!
Everything you need to know: Off the Wallz Splash Park PEI
Everything you need to know: Off the Wallz Splash Park PEI
Disclosure: Our family received a pass to try out the new Off the Wallz Splash Park in Summerside in exchange for this blog post. All opinions are our own.
“It’s a Spiderman training area!”
“It was really fun! Once I completed something, I felt proud of myself for doing it!”
“This is what I’m most looking forward to in PEI!”
When I saw pictures on Facebook of this new water park in Summerside, I knew we had to check it out!
What is Off the Wallz?
Come together with family and friends where you can run, swim, climb, jump and slide your way through an inflatable structure and have a whole lot of fun!
In our words… it’s like an inflatable bouncy castle meet obstacle course in the water!
Watch Daniel’s latest YouTube Video to see of yourself!
Top Tips for Off the Wallz Splash Park
1. Sign the waivers ahead of time online. This will save you a lot of time in the lineup.
2. Arrive earlier than your allotted time. The time you sign up for is the time you are on the water. However, you still need to pay, sign waivers (see #1) and get your life jackets on. This eats up your time, so arrive early and be ready to hit the water at your allotted time.
3. Wear water shoes! I knew this, but we forgot to pack them. They will help you grip on the slippery plastic much better than your bare feet.
4. Bring a waterproof camera. You will need both hands free, but you are allowed to bring a camera at your own risk. I tied the strap to my bathing suit so we could get some action shots.
5. Bring a change of clothes. There are changing rooms and porta-potties on site.
6. Just go for it. Everyone is in the same boat (literally) and there is no graceful or elegant way to complete the course. You will look like a beached whale. You will fall off. You will need help getting back on. You are no different than anyone else.
7. Know your limitations. You will fall in the water off the structures, but don’t worry because the water is warm and you will be wearing a life jacket. However, you will need to get yourself back onto the structure. There are lifeguards stationed everywhere to help you back up, but there are no ladders or footholds.
My husband and I found that at our age and health, we no longer had the upper body strength required to pull ourselves back up. I’m not sure that I ever would have been strong enough. So, after a few attempts, he and I jumped ship and had a fabulous time watching the boys from the stands, and cheering everyone else on.
What you Will Learn
By watching, it was obvious to see how much participants learned from the experience.
Problem Solving: You have to plan out a route of how you will get around the structure. What is the best way to go? How will you make it? What is your strategy for getting there?
Team work: There was an incredible sense of team work on the structure. Not only were the lifeguards helping participants up, but people were helping each other up, whether they knew them or not. Strangers of all ages worked together to complete obstacles, problem solving together. It was really touching to watch.
Sense of Accomplishment: The course is not easy, and there are some parts that are really challenging. On one section, we watched our son, determined to get across, attempt no less than 10 times without giving up. When he finally did, he was so proud of himself, and just beamed.
I’m sure I would have given up and cried much sooner. In fact, I did give up, so I am extra proud of them for working so hard for an hour on the course. They definitely came out stronger and more confident than before.
Hours and Cost
The Wallz Splash Park is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm for online bookings and walk-ins.
Admission prices are $20 per person (HST included) which includes the rental of a life jacket. Every participant is required to wear a life jacket while in the park (bringing your own life jacket is acceptable). Participants must be over 48″ tall. There is also a 250 lb weight restriction. (subject to change)
Directions
Off The Wallz Splash Park
Holman’s Wharf on Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside, PEI
Overall
Off the Wallz is an incredibly fun and challenging place for an adventure, especially on a hot day. Challenge yourself, but also know your limitations, and if you would make a better photographer and cheering squad than a participant!
If you are looking for a great thing to do with older kids and teens and adventure-seeking adults, this is a MUST hit place to visit on your next trip to PEI.
Everything you need to know: Rise and Climb Adventure Course, PEI
Best Tips for Rise and Climb Adventure Course, PEI
This is not a sponsored post by Rise and Climb Adventure Course, but our family did receive a discount on tickets for our participation. All opinions are our own.
We had heard so much about the Rise and Climb Adventure Park in PEI that we had to go check it out.
When we arrived, we decided that just the boys (9,11) would participate.
The Adventure
Before climbing, you will need to fill out waiver forms and then have a mini training session to understand how the rope course works and how to safely clip yourself on and off the ropes.
There is a smaller course for children, but because our boys were all enough, they were allowed to go on the main course.
The main course consists of three levels, each one higher than the next. Off the second level there is a zip line and bungee jump that all participants can enjoy.
Thomas, 9, was just tall enough, so he found the rope course quite challenging. His legs weren’t quite long enough to reach the platforms from the ropes. He was able to make it safely, but he felt had he been a bit taller, it would have been easier. Thomas was happy to stay on the first level of the course.
Daniel, 11, is very tall and had no problems and no fears on the course. He covered all 3 levels of the rope course. It was still very challenging for him, and he didn’t attempt all the obstacles, but enough he felt happy with.
Best Tips
1. With younger children only purchase the package for the first level. We made the mistake of buying “all levels” for Thomas, who, once up on the course, realized that is all he wanted to do. At that point, there was not an option to “downgrade” the package. Still with the lower level to make sure they are comfortable.
2. Wear sneakers. You will need good shoes for this activity. No sandals.
3. Just go for it. The rope course is meant to be challenging. There were plenty of adults who were having trouble as well. Be confident, push yourself, and you will be amazed at what you can do! The boys were pretty proud of what they could accomplish!
Getting There
Rise and Climb Adventure Course is located in Cornwall, PEI, right outside Charlottetown.
Head to:
Terry Fox Sports Complex
85 Hilltop Drive
Cornwall, PE C0A1H0
If you are looking for a place to go in PEI with older youth, teens and adventure-seeking adults, check out Rise and Climb in Cornwall!
Make a Backyard Bug Hotel
Make a Backyard Bug Hotel
When we traveled in the UK, almost every park we visited had a bug hotel! They were all constructed a bit differently, but the concept was the same. It was a great place any bug would want to move in to.
They all involved tubes, bricks, and lots of natural elements like sticks, leaves and straw.
We loved the idea so much we decided to make one of our own.
At one of the parks, we found an instruction sheet on how to make our own.
OR
Really, this was a great way to clear out a lot of things from our shed and detritus that was around the edge of our property.
We started with an old palate that our neighbour had. I’ve seen these on the side of the road on garbage day, or sometimes can be picked up at your local hardware store. If not, planks of wood work just as fine.
My husband cut it into quarters and stacked them up. Once it was filled, he screwed each layer together so it wouldn’t topple over.
We then filled each layer with straw, dead leaves and sticks, and filled it in with other items like strawberry boxes, clay plant pots, plastic tubes and egg cartons. Whatever we could find around the yard.
It took us about 30 minutes to construct this hotel.
In the UK, all the roofs were made from slate, but we happened to have some old shingles.
Then, Daniel added the final touches for our hotel.
Now, we just wait for our guests to move in.
In the UK, they say to expect ladybirds, toads and hedgehogs. We’ll be happy with some ants, spiders, ladybugs and sow bugs! I did see a few ants scoping it out the next morning!
Now we wait and we’ll check back often!
Have a great stay!
Eating out with Friends and Family: Cocoa Pesto, Windsor
Eating out with Friends and Family: Cocoa Pesto, Windsor
Valley Family Fun is starting a series of posts to feature great local restaurants and cafes to check out to encourage everyone to get out and explore and support our local businesses! #supportlocal
One of our most favourite things to do as a family to treat ourselves is to head to Cocoa Pesto at the Woodshire Inn, Windsor on Tuesday nights for their all-you-can-eat fish and chips!
The kids normally have activities on Tuesday nights, so when we have a night off, this is where we head in celebration.
The fish and chips are to die for!
They are pan-fried and breaded with an incredible seasoning and home made tartar sauce. Makes my mouth water just looking at the picture!
And the kids can’t wait to dive in!
There are lots of other great things on the menu besides the fish and chips, too. I love the pulled pork and they make a mean burger!
Because it’s in Windsor, it’s a great “half-way” place to meet friends coming from Halifax.
We love Cocoa Pesto because the prices are great, and although it’s a nice restaurant, it’s not too fancy that we feel badly taking the kids!
Head to Cocoa Pest in Windsor for your next eating adventure!
Eating Out with Friends and Family: Applewoods Restaurant, New Minas
Eating Out with Friends and Family: Applewoods Restaurant, New Minas
Valley Family Fun is creating a series of posts to feature great local restaurants and cafes to check out to encourage everyone to get out and explore and support our local businesses!
I never need an excuse to go out and try a new restaurant, so when one of my friends returned from her vacation, we headed to Applewoods to give it a try. I had been there a few times before, but this was her first experience.
The owners of the restaurant were the ones serving us this lunch time and assured us that what we ordered was one of their most popular items!
I love eating at local restaurants where the owners are local and they can greet you by name when you enter! Your money stays right in the Valley!
Can't wait to eat out at Applewoods Restaurant in New Minas! Share on XYou can’t eat at a restaurant called Applewoods and not have anything with apples in it! So, we were both unoriginal and ordered the same thing… the apple brie sandwich.
After one bite, we both knew we had made the right choice! It was delicious down the very last drop!
We will definitely be going back again. I’m not one to go “outside my box” to order something different each time I am at a restaurant, so I would probably order this sandwich again.
But, every time I have eaten at Applewoods, it has been delicious, no matter what I order, and the service is always warm and friendly!
Although I ate here with my girlfriend, this is definitely a family-friendly restaurant and I would definitely bring my kids here!
Find Applewoods
