Things To Do In Muskoka With Kids: 21 Screen-Free Activities

If you’re searching for things to do in Muskoka with kids, chances are that you are not just looking for some “cute ideas”, but a plan that would actually work. Probably something like — activities that burn energy, create memories, and don’t require screens (finally!) or a full day of driving around. 

Don’t worry! You’re in the right place. This list is built around what families can do at Bayview Wildwood Resort on Sparrow Lake, with clear labels for what’s year-round and what’s seasonal.

But hey, if you do not have time to read for now, here’s a quick winner that resolves all of your issues (choose what suits your needs). 

Photo by @saramonikaphoto on Instagram

Year-round activities to do in Muskoka

These are some of the weather-proof, on-site activities that you can rely on, all-year round:

1. Hike Old Joe’s Trail or Beaver Lake Trail

Old Joe’s Trail and Beaver Lake Trail are two year-round hiking options on-site, so you can always count on going outside with the kids (or without) no matter the season. They’re easy, family-friendly nature walks that let kids explore the woods, spot little details along the way, and burn energy without needing any gear or heavy planning.

2. Indoor Pool

Indoor pool time is a guaranteed win for Muskoka with kids because it works in any weather. From quick morning swims to an afternoon warm-up after being outside, it’s an easy way for kids to burn energy while parents get a break, and it’s the kind of activity that fits into almost any day without needing planning or perfect conditions.

3. The Bayview Treehouse Indoor Playground

You and the kids do not have to spend the whole day outside to have fun. Our indoor playground is the easy backup you need when it's too cold or hot outside. The kids can run, play, and burn every ounce of their energy that's left from the day.

4. Games Room

The Games Room is another perfect spot if you just need to relax and have some quality family time together. From table tennis, foosball, to billiards, we have got everything covered for you.

5. Escape Room

This place is for all the puzzle lovers who want to create a memorable family moment. It’s basically a team challenge where everyone naturally takes on a role. One person ends up spotting clues, another keeps track of patterns and details, and someone else watches the clock. You won’t know who does what until you’re in it.

Screen-free ideas families can do during their stay

6. Muskoka Scavenger Hunt

While we arrange scavenger hunt activities, it's also something that you do on your own. Because it works anywhere, and that's why they're so useful. So, here's an idea— walk around the resort and ask your kids to find something. Something that smells like the forest, something shaped like a heart, something tiny, or something “loud." It turns the property into a game board.

7. Bingo

Building off something we arrange but you can make your own, we have bingo on the menu. Simply ask for paper cards and call out bingo items as you go. Pinecones, feathers, animal tracks, interesting clouds, and “something red” are enough to keep them engaged.

8. Stories For The Walk

While you’re walking around the resort, start a story and keep it moving one sentence at a time. One person sets the scene, the next adds a twist, and it keeps building as you go.

9. Family Olympics

Mini Olympics at Bayview is just a fun way to turn what we already offer into a little competition: start with an indoor pool round (simple lap challenge), then let the kids do a timed “Treehouse circuit” where they climb, crawl, and finish with a games-room bracket using table tennis, foosball, and billiards.

10. Cycling 

One of the simplest things to do in Muskoka with kids because it turns the outdoors into an activity without needing perfect weather or a packed itinerary. At Bayview, you can grab bikes (yes, it’s included) and do an easy family ride around the resort or the nearby Muskoka roads.

Seasonal things to do in Muskoka with kids

11. Ice Skating

Winter is a big part of kid-friendly things to do in Muskoka. When the weather cooperates, skating becomes a trip highlight.

12. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is the easiest way to make winter feel like Muskoka. When there’s fresh snow, you just strap in and head out for a quiet walk where kids can stomp around, spot tracks, and actually burn energy without needing any skill.

13. Tobogganing

This one is simple, obvious, and something that always delivers. It’s high energy, high laughter, and it’s easy for parents too.

14. Inflatable Water Park

If you want an activity that ensures the kids burn through their energy fast, the inflatable water park is the move. Set right off our private beach on Sparrow Lake, so kids can climb, bounce, and slide for as long as they’ve got energy, while parents watch from shore.

15. Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddle Boards

Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats are the calm side of Muskoka with kids. Instead of rushing through an “activity,” you’re just out on Sparrow Lake together, moving at your own pace, taking in the view, and letting the day feel like a real getaway.

16. Boat rentals and pontoon boat cruise

If you want the classic Muskoka lake-day vibe, boat rentals and pontoon boat cruises on Sparrow Lake make it easy to get out on the water without planning a full itinerary and have the time of your life.

17. Fishing on Sparrow Lake

Here’s another calm, low-key activity you can do in Muskoka with kids: fishing on Sparrow Lake. It’s simple and slow where you settle in by the water, watch the line, and let the lake do what it does, while the kids stay surprisingly focused waiting for that first bite.

18. Tennis

Tennis is a great “middle-of-the-day” activity because you can just drop in, start playing, and keep it as casual or competitive as you want.

19. Basketball, badminton, baseball diamond, and lawn games

If you want more “fill the day” options without leaving the resort, the summer amenities make it easy to keep things flexible. Basketball, badminton, the baseball diamond, and classic lawn games are the kind of activities you can jump into for 20 minutes or turn into a full afternoon, depending on the vibe and the age of the kids.

20. Kids Camp

While we’d position Kids Camp as a summer for your kids, it’s actually a vacation for the parents (if you think about it). You can drop the kids off with our team, know they’re busy and looked after, and finally take a couple hours to do your own thing without hovering or scheduling every minute.

21. Evening Entertainment

Evening entertainment is the opposite vibe of everything that we discussed till now. After a full day outside, this is where you slow down, sit back, and let the night take care of itself.

Photo by @saramonikaphoto on Instagram

At the end of the day, Muskoka doesn’t need a big plan. You just need a handful of options that actually work, so you’re not scrambling every time the weather changes or the kids switch moods. Save this list, pick whatever fits your day, and we will take care of the rest. 

So, you can actually enjoy the best parts of Muskoka with your family.