For Families

Beyond the beach, there's a splash pad on the historic fairgrounds in Picton, for when you've had it with sand in swimsuits. Built with a nautical theme – ships and water cannons firing water around the pad – it has the latest in high-tech to manage water runoff.

To get up close and personal with farm animals, stop by Carsons Garden + Market to commune with their small herd of highly entertaining goats. The petting zoo at Waupoos Estates Winery also fits the bill, with pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, mini-mules and chickens. (Remember that other farms are working farms - please refrain from feeding those cute cows or fancy strutting chickens and keep the safety of you and the animals in mind by staying off fences and out of fields.)

Spend some time at Struisvogel Ranch which offers an exciting and unique way to learn about these fascinating creatures.

Visitors are welcome at Macaulay Heritage Park, Mariners, Ameliasburgh Heritage Village, Wellington Heritage - each presenting a slice of life in Prince Edward County by different people at different times.  Take a walking tour where History Takes Flight, featuring the highlights of both Macaulay Heritage Park and Birdhouse City. Escape Camp Picton takes inspiration from its location at Base31 - a decommissioned WWII air base – blending heritage, history and unforgettable experiences. 

When you need a break from sun and surf, try the historic Regent Theatre for blockbusters, art films and documentaries. The famous Mustang Drive-in is a memorable experience for any kid! Check out their Sunday trunk sales in July and August.

The Sculpture Garden at Oeno Gallery is a great way for kids to experience art in the great outdoors, and it's open year-round for your enjoyment. Contemporary and abstract sculptures of vibrant colours and head-scratching construction pair beautifully with the perennials around them. The garden was designed to make use of the limestone, sand dune and grass paths that shape the garden's acres acres, with the art nestled perfectly among groves of maples and poplars, a grapevine arbour, an herb garden, a quarry and a rose garden.

Caddy Shack is a mini-putt place right outside the entrance to Sandbanks where the 18-holes have been professionally designed with water hazards and sand traps, enough to challenge any golfer.

The state-of-the-art skate park, also on the Picton fairgrounds, caters to beginner and intermediate skaters, and features bowls, hips, spines, a clam shell, flat banks, rails, hubbas, manual pads, ledges, curbs and gaps. (If you know what any of that means, then you know where to go!)

Hit the trail and go for a nature walk in Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area. The walking trails are suitable for bigger kids and it's a great place to squeeze some forest bathing into your day. Sometimes it can be a little muddy though, so bring your wellies! While there be sure to check out Birdhouse City to see some of The County's most iconic buildings and attractions in miniature.

Go for a family-friendly cycle on The Millennium Trail. We love the stretch between Talbot Street and County Road 49 near Picton for a family ride. When you hit the end of the trail at County Road 49 you'll come out right across the road from kid-friendly Parsons Brewing. 

Yes, it is possible to enjoy terroir tastings even with the little ones tagging along. After all, grown-ups deserve some fun too, right? It’s hard to keep everyone happy on vacation but we think playgrounds and ping-pong tables pair well with flights of craft beer.

Into every life, a little rain must fall. Even - gasp! - during a Prince Edward County getaway. If it's raining in The County, here are some suggestions for where to find the silver lining in those unwelcome grey clouds. 

Campbell's Orchards is the go-to in The County for pick-your-own family fun on a farm. Whether you're after apples or pumpkins (or a variety of other produce and baked goods at their farm stand, it's the perfect destination for an idyllic fall day complete with wagon rides and a corn maze. Their farm shop is open through the winter as well

Beach season may be over but Sandbanks remains open until October 31st and their Dunes Trail is just as fun to explore in Fall. Be sure to book a day use permit up to 5 days in advance to guarantee entry to the park.

The Department of Illumination hosts a number of magical public art events throughout the year that are perfect for the whole family. Bring light to darker nights with the Firelight Lantern Festival in November.

While many farms close their doors in the late fall and through the winter, some allow appointments for groups if the weather allows. Call ahead to find out!

Parsons Brewing offers skating rink fun but be sure to check if their skating rink is open and operational. You usually need to book a slot in advance, but when you do you'll also get to visit their brewery, enjoy their fire pits and have some s'mores, making for a perfect winter day.