Family Activities
photo: Victoria Yeh
There are plenty of fun, affordable and unique things to do in Peterborough with your family! Check out some of our favourite highlights below:
Riverview Park & Zoo
Conveniently located in the city and accessible by cycling trail, car and city bus, this is Canada’s only free CAZA Accredited Zoo. Featuring 55 acres of urban forest, parks and trails, 25 animal habitats, a family-friendly train, Peterborough’s largest playground, a coffee shop and more!The grounds are open 365 a year, but be sure to check seasonal operating hours if you want to check out the visitor centre, coffee shop and other amenities.
1300 Water Street N, Peterborough
Peterborough Lift Lock
The Peterborough Lift Lock is an engineering marvel and a National Historic Site as the world’s tallest hydraulic lift lock.
Access the canal by foot from the Rusticators Inn (272 Armour Road), or park along Ashburnham Road, or at the Visitor Centre (353 Hunter Street) and walk from there. The Lift Lock operates seasonally Thanksgiving (second weekend of October) to Victoria Day (third weekend of May).
Paddle or Cruise the canal, the Otonabee river and Little Like:
Canadian Canoe Museum – boat rentals
Liftlock Paddle Co. – boat rentals (launch from Beavermead Park)
Liftlock Cruises (launch from downtown marina)
Paddle or Cruise
Explore Little Lake, the Otonabee River and the Trent-Severn Canal by boat! Rent a kayak or canoe from two places in the East City neighbourhood: the Canadian Canoe Museum, or Beavermead Park. And if you’d rather sit back and relax, hop on a cruise boat at the downtown Marina for a guided tour, rain or shine!
Hike or Bike the Rotary Greenway Trail
This reclaimed rail corridor is a flat paved trail that makes for a leisurely walk or ride along the Otonabee River.
In town, it connects downtown Peterborough to Trent University and the East City neighbourhood. Many sections of the trail are shaded by mature trees.
Pack a picnic lunch, or stop at a restaurant or café downtown or along the East City business district.
Hint: In the summertime, use this trail to access the Peterborough Folk Festival (Nicholls Oval Park) or MusicFest (Del Creary Park) and skip the parking woes.
Travel Back In Time - Hutchison House
This downtown museum offers a glimpse into life in Ontario in the 1800s. Enjoy Scottish Teas in July and August, monthly heritage lunches during the winter months, and many other activities for all age groups.The museum is wheelchair accessible to the terrace, the historic 1840s open-hearth kitchen, bookshop and an accessible washroom.
Visit the Canoe Museum
Newly opened in 2024, the Canadian Canoe Museum boasts an impressive collection of canoes, complete with original Canadian art inspired by canoes, kids crafting stations, special workshops, guided tours and more.
The beautiful lobby is open to the public with a giftshop and the Silver Bean Café, which serves breakfast, lunch, coffee and ice cream.