Family Fun in Stratford
Stratford is a place for the whole family. If I didn’t have a family of my own, I never would have realized this. Now it’s one of our favourite day trips.
Park the car and spend the whole day walking to activities and the theatre.
Naturally we always plan our trip around a show. Our son saw his first Stratford Festival performance, Peter Pan, at age three. Last year, at age four, he saw Camelot with his friends who were six and nine years old.
Don’t worry about the little ones getting bored, the shows are so lively, and well produced, the kids will sit still. We also make time for a picnic, fun by the beautiful Avon River and some toy shopping.
First we pick up food for a picnic. We have three favourite spots.
1) County Food Co. Chef Janet Ashworth studied at the CIA in New York and has a great selection of foods ready to go. Plus, the staff is really helpful for folks like me with food allergies. 
County Food Co. will pack all your food in an ice bucket and provide you with a handy map of the best picnic spots in town.
2) York St. Kitchen is conveniently located just down the street from County Food Co. making it easy to compare. Many of the actors at the Festival frequent York St. Kitchen, for their excellent sandwiches, so keep your camera handy.
3) Boomers Fries, was featured on The Food Newtork’s “You Gotta Eat Here.” Boomers has the best fries, burgers and more. The teens will love the “Jersey Shore” burger.
Next it’s toy shopping. Our favourite toy store is Family and Company, a old fashioned shop, with wood floors, and shelves overstocked with every type of toy you can imagine! 
If you can’t find something, just ask the staff will, they’re really helpful.
Now that you`ve walked around and built up an appetite, head to the lazy curves of the Avon river for a picnic. You’ll find plenty of picnic benches by the river and lots of shade.
Stratford is known for the majestic swans that swim the Avon. The kids are always fascinated by them. 
But be careful, the swans will love your picnic more than you do.
If you have the time, the adventurous ones can rent a paddle boat, canoe or Kayak from Avon Boat Rentals.
Half day bike rentals are available at my favourite local bike shop, Totally Spoked. It’s just around the corner from York St. Kitchen.
Now it’s time for a show.
This season “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Pirates of Penzance” are perfect for the whole family. Be sure to check my Deals and Discounts archive for Stratford Festival Promo codes that can save you money.
Check the Festival`s Family Experience page for money saving coupons and more, including details on an offer for up to four $36 youth tickets with each regularly priced adult ticket to any performance.
The Stratford Festival offers a few cool activities, including a behind the scenes tour of the costume and props warehouse, which runs one hour and costs $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for kids.
What kid doesn`t think of ‘Justin Bieber’ when they think of Stratford?
When he was twelve years old Bieber played guitar on the stairs of the Avon Theatre. He opened his guitar case, and soon his busking earned him enough money to take his mom on a trip to Disneyland. It was their first ever holiday.
In June 2012 Bieber did a secret performance on the steps of the Avon Theatre. He surprised people on the street by busking and quickly dashed away in his SUV before the crowds got too big. Check HERE for video of the impromptu performance.
Check out this cool map of Justin Bieber’s favourite places in Stratford. His favourite restaurant for breakfast is Features, a classic, old fashioned diner renoun for it’s over-sized ‘Paul Bunyan’ breakfast.
Thanks to The Local-Come-Lately blog, and The Stratford Shakespeare Festival for photos.
