Top Kid Friendly Activities in Prince Edward County
We meet lots of families in the Bloomfield shop looking for great t-shirts, and for recommendations for restaurants and other family-friendly activities. As parents of young kids, we have been exploring the County for great things to do together, so we thought we would write them down and share them with everyone! So here it is, our list of favourite kid-friendly must-dos in The County:
Beaches
Sandbanks Provincial Park: Sandbanks is an amazing and unique ecosystem that has been attracting visitors for decades, and is often ranked amongst the best beaches in Canada. With wonderful beaches, spectacular dunes, great camping, and lots of room to explore, Sandbanks is an amazing place to play. (3004 County Rd. 12 T: (613) 393-3319)
North Beach: Just north of Wellington is North Beach, with its 1 km sand beach, and smaller dune system. The local secret for families is the inland beach over the dunes (take the road all the way to the end). With a sandy shore, and much warmer and calmer water, it's perfect perfect for younger swimmers, and waders of all ages. (440 North Beach Rd T:613-399-2030)
Wellington Beach: If you drive too quickly you might not notice that there is a fine beach right in Wellington. A great spot for digging in the sand, playing frisbee, walking the dog, or for an after dinner run around. (Beach Street, Wellington)
Little Bluff: Not all the beaches in the County are sandy. On the east side of the island you will find Little Bluff, a rugged cobblestone beach overlooking Prince Edward Bay. Stop for a tranquil stroll, or use the millions of stones to create your own waterfront sculpture. (County Road 13)
Food
The County is known for its locally focused cuisine, but the five-course prix fixe menu is not going to cut it after a day at the beach, we need some grub now! Fortunately there are some amazing eats available to suit the traveling family. Here are some of our favourites:
Drake Devonshire Inn: Wellington's newly famous inn is a great place to eat, with fantastic views, and à la carte options that makes kid-ordering simple. The kids will be wolfing down their pancakes and hitting the ping pong table, while parents can enjoy stylish dining in an upscale environment. (24 Wharf Street, Wellington T: 613-399-3338)
Tall Poppy: A really great coffee and lunch spot that has straightforward options for kids. The real bonus is the toy filled front window. Grab a latte and read the paper, while the kids play. (298 Main Street, Wellington T: 613-399-2233)
Williams Family Diner: This might be our family's overall favourite (RIP Buddha Dog) for it's simple layout, easygoing but awesome cuisine, and it's overall commitment to kids. Kid's menu (with dessert) & play area. Parents will enjoy the classy and fresh diner fare, giant portions, and great value. (19 Elizabeth Street, Picton T: 613-476-6565)
Schroedter's Farm Market: Who wants pie? I know, right! There are not many places you can stop in for a slice of fresh home-made pie anymore, but Schroedter's is the tops in the County. They also have excellent simple lunches like grilled cheese on freshly baked bread, and a selection of soups. The market has a range of products, including frozen meats (great for campers). Don't leave without a bag of their famous donuts. (1492 Hwy 62 S, Bloomfield T: 613-393-2823)
Slickers Ice Cream: Slickers serves up amazing locally produced ice-cream in flavours to suit kids of all ages. While they have a range of fresh choices like rhubarb-ginger, two all-time summer favs are their "campfire," a yummy s'more on a cone, and "apple pie," which has a whole pie broken up in each batch! (271 Main Street, Bloomfield T: 613-393-5433)
Slow Taco: It's hard to imagine a more delicious treat than Andrea Brown's gourmet tacos from her taco cart. Fresh choices, handmade tortillas, and scrumptious recipes for taco standards chicken, pork, and black beans. Slow Taco parks in various locations throughout the county all summer long. Track her down, get there early, and enjoy watching your kids gobble down beautifully prepared lunch fare that will have you back for more. (Various locations see website)
Wineries
Filed under the "have your cake and eat it too" category for parents, are those County wineries that kids will enjoy too...You're welcome!
Norman Hardie Winery: Wide open spaces and wood-fired pizza. In fact, the best pizza you will find anywhere near PEC. Enjoy the vineyard scene while the kids enjoy the 'za. They also serve wine. (1152 Greer Rd Wellington, T: 613-399-5297)
Sugarbush Vineyards: The first time I went to Sugarbush with my son they pointed him towards a large bin of dinosaur toys. The owners have kids themselves, and so they understand that eight minute wine tasting break you are getting. They also have terrific hiking trails out to their working sugar bush. (1286 Wilson Road, T: 613-399-9000)
County Cider Company: While some prefer cider over wine, the kids will adore the view and the patio dining. A nice selection of kid food, including pizza. (657 Bongards X Road T: 613-476-1022)
Huff Estates Winery: This centrally located winery is home to Oeno Gallery’s Sculpture Garden that kids adore. A great outdoor art adventure. (2274 County Rd.1, Bloomfield)
Playgrounds & Hikes
Somewhere between ice-cream and bedtime those kids are going to have to burn off some energy. Here are our suggestions for a bit of outdoor fun:
County Youth Park: At the Picton Fairgrounds just off the main drag is the County Youth Park. With an amazing Skatepark feature, this is the perfect spot for your teen, and the adjacent playground apparatus is great for the younger kids. (375 Main Street, Picton)
Wellington Park: Situated right on Lake Ontario, Wellington Park has a boat themed play area, swings overlooking the water, and steps that lead down to the rocky shore. A great place to relax with a view, while the kids play. (Main Street, Wellington)
Mariner's Park: Down in South Bay there is a playground connected to the Mariner's Park Museum, which features a lighthouse. The museum is also worth a visit. (Junction of County Roads 10 and 13)
Campbell's Orchard's This family run orchard, farm market, and general store has various activities and events through the year including corn maze and wagon rides. The farm animal pen is a favourite for the kids, with ducks, geese, and even a pig named Wilbur! Play on hay, dig in sand, get your picture taken in the large cut-out scene, and pet Sophie the dog. They also serve ice-cream! (633 Cty Rd 3 Rednersville Rd T: 613-962-3751)
Amusements
Caddy Shack Mini Golf: Our family are huge fans of mini golf, and Caddy Shack does it in style. With a well groomed course, water hazards (our boy love to dunk the ball to fish it out), music, and lights for night-play, it is a great diversion when nature just won't do. The facility has food, ice-cream, and is licensed for Mom & Dad. Located right outside of Sandbanks Park it is an easy walk or bike ride from park campsites.
West Lake Water Park: A quiet paddle in the kayak not going to do it? Are the kids looking for speed, splashes, climbing and jumping? This is the place for them. Day and weekly camps are available as well. (191 Winns Drive, off County Road 12, T: 613-393-1095)
Mustang Drive-In Theatre: Nothing says summer like playing at the drive-in playground until dark, and then snuggling under blankets watching movies in the night air, and hopefully not fall asleep too early! Double-bills, all nighters, and pyjama night are some of the fun events throughout the summer. (1521 County Rd 1, T: 613-393-2006)
Take it home!
Prince Edward County T-shirt Company: Hey you've seen it all, you've hit the beaches, and the restaurants, and the orchards, now get the t-shirt! A variety of styles and designs for every age. High quality shirts to make a lasting memory of your trip to PEC. (287 Main Street "down the lane" Bloomfield, 613-847-5524)