Staying local is trending, with more vacationers choosing their hometowns and areas closer to home as their vacation spots.
Entertainment and activities | August 1, 2024
With the upcoming long weekend, we have a bunch of staycation ideas that are bound to create some of the best summer memories right here in your backyard!
Mississauga is bustling with local adventures, events and activities everyone can enjoy.
To support local tourism and provide entertaining options for all residents, here are a few staycation ideas to include in your summer plans that are perfect for families, couples and single people.
Did you know that Mississauga has more than 500 parks with different amenities and features? There are many activities to dive into, from sports fields and expansive green spaces to playgrounds and serene, natural areas. For starters, try out Jack Darling Memorial Park. This park is perfect for an all-day family outing with spacious picnic areas, stunning waterfront views, a fully fenced off leash-free dog park, an expansive beach and green spaces to unwind.
Who doesn’t love a BBQ at a good cookout? Did you know that in designated park areas or with a park area permit, you can bring your own propane-powered barbecue? Some parks also have a charcoal BBQ ready for you to use. Bring your food, charcoal, a lighter, and your BBQ tools to start cooking! Impress your family with a new recipe from a barbecue cookbook from the library. Remember to dispose of the embers, extinguish the fire, and ensure that the embers are cold. Always review BBQ safety tips if you are grilling for the first time or need a refresher!
For a complete listing of parks in Mississauga, visit mississauga.ca/parks
Want to enjoy a perfect day out with your friends and family? Pack a blanket, throw in some snacks and head to one of Mississauga’s many parks for a picnic. Picnic areas at Community Common Park, Lake Aquitaine Park and J.C. Saddington Park are available for small groups of 25 people or less. You can book hourly time slots at these locations and reserve up to three orange-coloured picnic tables. Each table can comfortably seat six to eight people. To book a picnic space for your large group, visit the online booking for our open-area picnic and sheltered picnic spaces.
Alongside the lush parks and vibrant green spaces, Mississauga also offers beautiful beaches along Lake Ontario. Snag yourself a place to sit and enjoy the waves crashing into the shore, the sailboats sailing and the warm breeze off the water. These beaches are perfect for those days when you want to relax, feel the sand between your toes and soak up the sun (with adequate sun protection on). Don’t miss this perfect mix of sun, sand and lakefront views right in your backyard!
We’ve got loads of options, from playgrounds and parks to spray pads, guaranteed to bring smiles to your kids’ faces! Enjoy free Movie Nights at Celebration Square. Participate in Fresh Air Fitness, stop by a farmers market, enjoy music outdoors or participate in a local community bike ride!
If you’re interested in art and culture, visit the Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM). It’s a hub for eye-opening contemporary art displays featuring works from local talents and celebrated national artists. The AGM promises an enriching experience that’s bound to leave you inspired.
For those craving a bit of outdoor action, Mississauga’s got you covered with its vast network of cycling and walking trails. The Waterfront Trail is popular among cyclists, offering beautiful views along Lake Ontario’s waterfront. Or, if you’re up for something a little different, why not zip around Mississauga on an e-scooter or e-bike? It is a fun way to see different neighbourhoods and discover unique spots and sights.
Why not enjoy one of our tours, which are available for residents and visitors? Take a guided tour at the Benares Historic House and Bradley Museum. Book a fire station tour and learn about Mississauga’s Fire and Emergency Services. Love scavenger hunts? To celebrate the City of Mississauga’s 50th anniversary, the Museums of Mississauga has hidden 50 artifacts across the city, each with their own unique story. Join the scavenger hunt and discover Mississauga’s hidden stories, one artifact at a time.
The City has several courts, pitches and fields perfect for soccer, basketball, cricket, tennis or softball. Feeling adventurous? Give pickleball or disc golf a try. Round up your friends or family for a day filled with activity, laughs and a healthy dose of competition.
The City of Mississauga has pollinator-friendly gardens at Streetsville Pollinator Showcase Garden (Streetsville Village Hall), Dr. Martin L. Dobkin Community Park and at Port Credit Library that have perennial flowers and plants to attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Be sure to stop by these gardens if you’re in the area. Also, don’t forget to visit some of the stunning gardens at Riverwood, Hancock Woodlands, Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens and Kariya Park to see the flowers that are currently in bloom.
The Mississauga Library offers a variety of programs, events and services for all ages. Stay entertained on your staycation with free access to TV shows, movies, video games, audiobooks, music, newspapers, and magazines. Become your own Picasso by creating a customized t-shirt, hat or mug at the library’s makerspaces.
Mississauga’s downtown dining scene is incredibly diverse, with options ranging from authentic South Asian cuisines to Italian classics. The city is home to more than 1,200 restaurants, so there’s no need to travel far to enjoy an outstanding dining experience. From biryani to burgers, there’s a wide variety of cuisines for all tastes.
Walk off the calories and get some retail therapy at one of the City’s many shopping centres or village-style specialty shops. Whether you love shopping or simply enjoy browsing, there’s always something new and exciting close to home in Mississauga.
Consider a stroll, kayak or canoe trip (don’t forget your lifejacket) along the Credit River. This natural escape offers stunning views and a chance to reconnect with nature. If you love to swim, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, towel and water bottle, head to one of Mississauga’s seven outdoor pools, and make a splash. Always remember to stay safe if you plan on swimming in the deep end or if you’re taking children out for some pool time. If you’re interested in expanding your fishing knowledge, you might want to explore the Learn to Fish program. This no-cost initiative is designed to introduce anglers to the basics of fishing in Ontario. This year, Mississauga has the program available at Lake Aquitaine and Lakefront Promenade.
These staycation ideas highlight a few of Mississauga’s many gems. Residents can uncover new experiences in their backyard by exploring locally while supporting the City’s community and local businesses.
So why not explore Mississauga like never before? You’ll be amazed at how much there is to see! Visit mississauga.ca or visitmississauga.ca for more ideas to help you plan your staycation!
In celebration of Mississauga turning 50 this year, visit our 50th anniversary site here.
City of Mississauga Media Relations
media@mississauga.ca
905-615-3200, ext. 5232
TTY: 905-896-5151