Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, this picturesque region is a family-friendly destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or a fun-filled day out with the family, there are plenty of things to do in Prince Edward County with kids. From sandy beaches to historical museums, quaint shops to delicious eateries, this charming area has a wealth of activities and attractions that will keep kids of all ages entertained.
So, if you’re planning a family trip to Prince Edward County and looking for some inspiration on things to do, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top things in Prince Edward County with kids that will make your family vacation unforgettable.
Here are some things to do in Prince Edward County with kids
Visit Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is a must-visit destination in Prince Edward County. This park is famous for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and crystal-clear water. Kids will love playing in the sand and swimming in the lake. Here are some things you can do at the park with your kids:
- Swimming: The park has three sandy beaches (Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach, and Dunes Beach) where you and your kids can enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, and playing in the water.
- Hiking: Several hiking trails in the park are suitable for families with kids. The Cedar Sands Trail and the Woodland Trail are easy hikes that offer scenic views of the park’s dunes and wetlands.
- Canoeing or kayaking: You can rent canoes or kayaks at the park and explore the park’s marshes and wetlands. It’s a fun way to spot different wildlife species.
- Picnicking: The park has several picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with your family. You can bring your own food or buy snacks at the park’s canteen.
- Biking: The park has several bike trails that are suitable for families. You can rent bikes at the park or bring your own.
- Beach volleyball and soccer: The park has several beach volleyball and soccer nets where you can play with your family.
- Nature programs: The park offers several nature programs for kids, including guided hikes, nature walks, and interpretive programs.
- Fishing: The park’s West Lake is a popular spot for fishing. You can rent fishing equipment at the park or bring your own.
- Stargazing: The park’s clear skies make it a great spot for stargazing. You can bring your own telescope or attend one of the park’s astronomy programs.
Explore Macaulay Heritage Park
Macaulay Heritage Park is a historic site with several 19th-century buildings, including a blacksmith shop, a carriage house, and a schoolhouse. Here are some things you can do at the Macaulay Heritage Park in Prince Edward County with kids:
- Take a guided tour: The park offers guided tours that take you through the historic buildings and gardens. Kids can learn about the park’s history and the daily life of early settlers.
- Visit the museum: The museum at the park features exhibits on the history of Prince Edward County. Kids can see artifacts and learn about the county’s past.
- Participate in heritage activities: The park offers several heritage activities throughout the year, such as butter making, weaving, and candle dipping. Kids can participate in these activities and learn about traditional crafts.
- Explore the gardens: The park’s gardens feature several varieties of flowers, plants, and herbs. Kids can learn about different plants and their uses.
- Attend special events: The park hosts several special events throughout the year, such as the Harvest Festival and the Old-fashioned Christmas. Kids can enjoy live music, games, and activities at these events.
- Play in the park: The park has a playground with swings, slides, and other equipment. Kids can play and burn off some energy while you enjoy a picnic.
- Visit the Blacksmith Shop: The park has a working blacksmith shop where kids can see how metal is heated and shaped into tools and other objects.
Go for Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a sweet treat in Prince Edward County, you’re in luck! Several fantastic ice cream shops in the area are perfect for satisfying your cravings on a hot summer day. Here are some of the best places to go for ice cream in Prince Edward County:
Slickers: Slickers is a local favourite, known for their delicious homemade ice cream made with locally-sourced ingredients. They offer a variety of classic and unique flavours, including Campfire, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Maple Butter Tart.
Black River Cheese Company: In addition to their award-winning cheeses, Black River Cheese Company also offers a selection of premium ice cream. Scooping Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, their ice cream is made with fresh cream and natural ingredients and comes in various flavours such as Blueberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Butter Pecan.
Cones & Shakes Ice Cream: Cones & Shakes Ice Cream is a family-friendly ice cream parlour located in Picton. Scooping Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, they offer a variety of flavours, from classic Vanilla and Chocolate to more unique options like Salted Caramel and Bubblegum. They also offer soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes.
Old Greenhouse Ice Cream Shop: Located in the heart of Wellington, the Old Greenhouse Ice Cream Shop is a charming little shop serving delicious ice cream in various flavours. They also offer vegan and lactose-free options, so there’s something for everyone.
Sunflower Fields Ice Cream Shoppe: The Sunflower Fields Ice Cream Shoppe is located on the outskirts of Picton, on the way to Sandbanks Provincial Park. This quaint ice cream and coffee shop offers 36 flavours of Kawartha Dairy Ice cream, soft-serve ice cream, dairy-free locally made gelato, coffee, iced coffee, tarts & more.
Visit the Wellington Farmers Market
Visiting the Wellington Farmers Market is one of the great things to do in Prince Edward County with kids. Here you can find fresh produce, artisanal food, and crafts made by local vendors. Here are some things you can do at the market with your kids:
- Shop for fresh produce: The market has several vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables. Kids can help you pick out their favourite produce and learn about where their food comes from.
- Sample local foods: Many vendors offer samples of their products, such as cheeses, baked goods, and jams. Kids can try new foods and learn about local cuisine.
- Meet local farmers and artisans: The market is a great place to meet local farmers and artisans. Kids can talk to them about their products, learn about their work, and receive an introduction to sustainable agriculture and supporting local businesses.
- Enjoy live music: The market often features live music performances, which can be fun for kids to dance and sing along to.
- Participate in kids’ activities: The market sometimes offers kids’ activities, such as face painting, crafts, and games. It’s an excellent way for kids to have fun while you shop.
Hit the Beach
Prince Edward County is home to several kid-friendly beaches, each with its own unique features and charm. From the calm and shallow waters of Wellington Beach to the stunning views of Sandbanks Beach, there’s something for everyone. For those looking to make the most of their beach vacation in Prince Edward County, it’s worth checking out a local’s guide to the best beaches in Prince Edward County.
Take a Winery Tour
Many wineries in Prince Edward County offer kid-friendly activities such as grape stomping, wagon rides, and grape juice tastings. A winery tour can be a great opportunity to learn about the process of winemaking: Here are some wineries in Prince Edward County that offer kid-friendly tours:
- Sandbanks Winery: Sandbanks Winery offers a kid-friendly tour that includes a walk through the vineyard, a visit to the winery production area, and a tasting of non-alcoholic grape juice for the kids.
- Waupoos Estates Winery: Waupoos Estates Winery offers a family-friendly tour that includes a visit to the vineyard and a tour of the winery’s production facilities. Kids can enjoy the outdoor play area while adults can sample the wines.
- Huff Estates Winery: Huff Estates Winery offers a family-friendly tour that includes a walk through the vineyard, a tour of the winery production area, and a tasting of non-alcoholic grape juice for the kids. They also have an art gallery on-site that can be fun for kids to explore.
- Keint-he Winery and Vineyards: Keint-he Winery and Vineyards offers a family-friendly tour that includes a walk through the vineyard, a tour of the winery production area, and a tasting of non-alcoholic grape juice for the kids.
- Hillier Creek Estates: Hillier Creek Estates offers a family-friendly tour that includes a visit to the vineyard, a tour of the winery production area, and a tasting of non-alcoholic grape juice for the kids. They also have a picnic area that can be fun for families to enjoy.
Go on a Farm Tour
Prince Edward County has many working farms that offer tours and hands-on experiences for kids. Kids can learn about farm animals, see how food is grown, and even have the opportunity to pick their own produce. Here are some farms you can visit on a farm tour in Prince Edward County:
- Honey Wagon Farms: Honey Wagon Farms is a family-owned farm specializing in organic vegetables and pasture-raised pork. They offer farm tours where you can see their vegetable gardens, pig pastures, and bee hives.
- Fiddlehead Farm: Fiddlehead Farm is a certified organic vegetable farm that offers farm tours and workshops on sustainable farming practices. You can see their greenhouses, fields, and composting systems.
- Black River Cheese Company: Black River Cheese Company is a cheese factory that has been making artisanal cheese since 1901. They offer guided factory tours where you can see the cheese-making process and taste some of their delicious cheeses.
- Campbell’s Orchards: Campbell’s Orchards is a family-owned farm specializing in apples and other fruits. They offer wagon rides, apple picking, and tours of their orchards.
- Nyman Farms: Nyman Farms is a fourth-generation family farm that grows a variety of vegetables and fruits. They offer farm tours where you can see their fields and greenhouses, and learn about their farming practices.
Take a Boat Tour
Many boat tour companies in Prince Edward County offer sightseeing and fishing tours. Kids can enjoy seeing the local wildlife, learning about the history of the area, and having the opportunity to catch some fish. Here are some kid-friendly boat tours in Prince Edward County:
- Sandbanks Vacations & Tours: Sandbanks Vacations & Tours offers a variety of boat tours that are suitable for kids, including a 1000 Islands Tour, a Sunset Cruise, and a Waterfront Tour. The tours are conducted on a comfortable and spacious pontoon boat with a licensed captain and knowledgeable guide.
- The County Sailing Adventures: The County Sailing Adventures offers a unique sailing experience for families with kids. They offer private charters on a 36-foot sailboat, where you can sail around Prince Edward County and learn about sailing and the local area.
- Quinte Fishing Charters: Quinte Fishing Charters offers fishing charters suitable for families with kids. The charters are conducted on a comfortable boat, with a licensed captain and all necessary fishing gear provided. Kids can learn about fishing and catch fish such as bass, walleye, and pike.
- Prince Edward County Cruise Lines: Prince Edward County Cruise Lines offers a variety of boat tours that are suitable for kids, including a Picton Harbour Cruise, a Sunset Cruise, and a Millionaire’s Row Cruise. The tours take place on a spacious pontoon boat, with a licensed captain and an expert guide leading the way.
- County Wine Tours: County Wine Tours offers a unique boat and wine tour experience for families with kids. The tour starts with a scenic boat ride around the bay, followed by a visit to two local wineries for wine tastings and a picnic lunch.
Explore Local Art Galleries
Visiting the local art galleries is one of the great things to do in Prince Edward County with kids as the area is home to many art galleries featuring the work of local artists. Families can take a stroll through the galleries and even participate in workshops. Here are some kid-friendly art galleries in Prince Edward County:
- Oeno Gallery: Oeno Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that features a wide range of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. The gallery has a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden that is great for kids to explore.
- The Local Store: The Local Store is a co-operative of local artists and artisans that sell their work in a retail space in downtown Picton. The store features a wide range of art, including paintings, ceramics, and jewelry, and is a great place to find unique souvenirs.
- The Saylor House: The Saylor House is an art gallery and studio that features the work of local artist Robert Tokley. The gallery has a variety of paintings, prints, and cards that are suitable for kids.
- The Sybil Frank Gallery: The Sybil Frank Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that features a variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The gallery has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff enjoy engaging with kids.
Go Birding
Prince Edward County is known for its bird watching opportunities. Families can take guided tours or explore on their own to spot different bird species. Here are some tips for birdwatching with kids in Prince Edward County:
- Visit birding hotspots: There are several birding hotspots in Prince Edward County, including Presqu’ile Provincial Park, Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, and the North Beach Provincial Park. These areas have well-marked trails and observation areas, making it easy to spot birds.
- Bring binoculars: Binoculars are essential for birdwatching, as they allow you to see birds up close and in detail. Kids will enjoy using binoculars to spot birds, which can be a fun way to engage them in the activity.
- Use a field guide: A field guide is an excellent resource for identifying birds, and many guides are specifically geared toward kids. Look for a guide with colourful illustrations and easy-to-read descriptions.
- Join a guided tour: Joining a guided birdwatching tour is a great way to learn more about the local bird species and their habitats. There are several tour operators in Prince Edward County that offer guided birdwatching tours.
- Bring snacks and water: Birdwatching can be tiring, especially for kids. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone fueled and hydrated.
Catch a Movie at the Mustang Drive-In
The Mustang Drive-In is a classic drive-in movie theatre in Prince Edward County, Ontario. It has entertained families and movie-goers since it opened in 1955 and is one of Ontario’s few remaining drive-in theatres. The drive-in features two large screens and can accommodate up to 800 cars, making it a popular spot for families and friends to gather for a movie night under the stars.
The drive-in also has a snack bar that serves classic movie theatre fare like popcorn, candy, soda, hot dogs, burgers, and other tasty treats. Of course, you can also bring your own snacks and beverages, making it a fun and affordable night out for the whole family.
Prince Edward County is a fantastic destination for families with kids, offering many fun and engaging activities. From exploring nature trails and beaches to visiting birding hotspots and indulging in delicious local food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, the county’s charming towns and picturesque landscapes make for an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!
What are your favourite things to do in Prince Edward County with kids? Let us know in the comments below.
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