The Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Guelph
With 20+ years of experience in the Guelph real estate market, our team of experts know a thing or two about this beautiful city that we call home. Whether you’re born and raised in Guelph or you’ve simply just moved to the area, chances are you might be looking for things to do with your busy family. Lucky for you, we have all of your needs covered!
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best family-friendly things to do in Guelph and surrounding areas, 365 days a year!
Spring
Gardening
What better way to spend time with your family in the spring, than with a little gardening?
Whether your garden is home to award-winning flowers or it’s time to give your outdoor space a complete overhaul, it can be very beneficial to include your family. They can help with planning, shopping for supplies, planting flowers, watering plants, and more!
To help bring your garden to life, visit one of the many reputable and trusted garden centres in Guelph:
Which flowers will you be adding to your garden this spring?
Rockwood Conservation Area
Also known as Rockwood Park, we can think of no better place to create memories with your family this spring than Rockwood Conservation Area.
From fishing and canoeing, to hiking, swimming and exploring, this park is sure to impress. Please note that Rockwood Conservation Area is open to the public from May until September.
So, load up your paddleboard, pack a picnic and enjoy a beautiful spring day at Rockwood Conservation Area!
Guelph Civic Museum
Immerse your family in culture and history at the Guelph Civic Museum. Perfect for a cool or rainy day, the Guelph Civic Museum showcases the rich local history through permanent exhibits, seasonal galleries, special events, and family-friendly activities.
Better yet, did you know that the Guelph Civic Museum is home to 30,000+ artifacts? From Canadian history and sports, to art, what makes Guelph so unique and more, visit the Guelph Civic Museum this spring for a day of exploration!
Summer
Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Your family doesn’t have to go far to be immersed in Scottish culture! The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is an annual three-day event that celebrates local Scottish heritage and brings families together.
From competitions and Highland dancers, to musicians, international vendors and more, the Fergus Festival & Highland Games has something for everyone.
Swimming
Does your family enjoy swimming together? The great news is, Guelph has no shortage of beaches, lakes, splash pads, and public swimming pools!
Bring your family for a day of water fun at one of the following local spots:
Enjoy quality time as a family, all while strengthening your swimming skills and engaging in well-rounded physical activity!
Fall
Guelph Jazz Festival
Celebrate all that jazz music has to offer at the annual Guelph Jazz Music Festival!
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, explore a new genre of music, introduce yourself and your family to new musicians, indulge in delicious food, and so much more! Founded in 1994, this annual event has shown its commitment to Canadian musicians and the City of Guelph.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Who doesn’t love a wholesome fall activity?
As the warm summer days are behind us, it’s time to embrace the crisp air, changing leaves and transition to the fall season. Bring your family to a local pumpkin patch and/or corn maze for hours of fun and entertainment.
Find the perfect pumpkin to carve, gather seeds and then place on your front porch. Then, take a trip through the corn maze to challenge your family and build teamwork skills. Guelph has many pumpkin patches and corn mazes to offer, making it easy for you to find the perfect place to make cherished memories together.
Here are some of our favourite pumpkin patches, corn mazes and farms to visit in the fall:
Parkinson's U-Pick Pumpkin Patch
The hours and availability of certain pumpkin patches and corn mazes in Guelph may vary. Be sure to check online, browse their social media or give them a call before you plan a visit with your family!
Apple Picking
Right alongside visiting a pumpkin patch or corn maze, apple picking is another great activity for your family in the fall! Together, your family can embark on an adventure throughout the apple orchard, baskets in hand to collect apples!
Whether you’re planning to make an apple pie, pack your children’s lunches with healthy snacks, support a local farm, or simply enjoy quality time with the family, here are some apple orchards in Guelph and surrounding areas:
Choose your favourite fall outfit, pick a day with the perfect weather and stop by your local apple orchard in Guelph and surrounding areas for a fun adventure to pick the perfect apples!
Hiking
In Guelph, there are no shortages of trails and paths! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely walk with the kids or challenge yourselves to an adventurous hike, there are plenty of green spaces to visit. Especially in the fall, when the leaves are changing colour and the crisp air surrounds you, we can think of no better outdoor activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Planning an outdoor adventure? Here are some of the best paths and hiking trails in Guelph:
Guelph Radial Line Trail
Preservation Park
Speed River Trail
Kissing Bridge Trailway
Hanlon Creek Trail
Before embarking on a walk, jog or hike along a trail, it’s important to arrive prepared. We suggest using sunscreen (yes, even in the fall) and dressing appropriately for the weather. Long pants and a long sleeved shirt can help to protect you from insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, while proper footwear can help you navigate areas that aren’t paved, inclines and declines.
Be sure to bring plenty of water to hydrate, snacks for extra energy and a camera to capture the beauty of nature!
Winter
Guelph Santa Claus Parade
The annual Guelph Santa Claus Parade is truly a joyful experience!
While the date and location must be confirmed each year, the magic of the parade can always be expected. Bring chairs, a blanket and warm drinks to keep you comfortable as the parade marches on, complete with local vendors and a few magical guests!
Your family can enjoy the quality time spent together, all while enjoying musical acts, entertainment and the magic of the holiday season.
Sledding
The perfect combination of family fun and whole-body exercise. Guelph is home to many hills and outdoor spaces that make sledding an absolute breeze!
Whether you’re looking to hop on a sled or simply go for a winter walk, here are some of the best local hills to visit:
Mole Hill
Hanlon Creek Park
Pine Ridge Park
For those with a flare for adventure, why not consider tubing? Chicopee Tube Park and Glen Eden offer a safe and controlled approach to fun winter activities such as tubing, but also skiing and snowboarding as well!
Shopping
It wouldn’t quite be the winter season without a little shopping, now would it? Perfect for the entire family, escape the cold and get your body moving indoors with a little retail therapy! Whether you’re visiting a local mall or supporting a small business, shopping is one activity that the entire family can enjoy.
Some of the top shopping centres in Guelph include Stone Road Mall, Old Quebec Street Shoppes, SmartCentres Guelph, and Willow West Mall. For those who don’t mind going for a drive, shopping centres in nearby cities and communities include Mapleview Mall in Burlington, Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills and RioCan Centre Burloak in Oakville.
The Benefits of Quality Family Time
Spending quality time with your family is so important. It can help to establish healthy family values, boost communication skills, build valuable teamwork skills, and expose everyone to new adventures - together.
If you’re looking for the best family-friendly activities for your entire family in Guelph and surrounding areas, our list is a wonderful starting point! Once you have become familiar and immersed in the local community, chances are you will find even more magical places to visit and things to do.
