Looking for an amazing Ontario road trip for kids? Many of the most popular road trip ideas are geared towards adults. Creating a successful road trip itinerary for kids is a very different ball game. Any parent knows that a road trip with kids can be challenging. Kids have needs and interests that are different from adults – like, more frequent breaks to use the bathroom and run off some steam! So, we’ve chosen road trip stops that are particularly fun and engaging for kids.
Prince Edward County is possibly best known for its wineries. But, we think it also has a lot to offer for Ontario families looking for a kid-friendly destination. SO, here’s our suggested stops for an Ontario road trip for kids from Toronto to Prince Edward County. And scroll down to see our suggestions for where to stay in Prince Edward County. Enjoy!
Road Trip Stop # 1: The Big Apple
The iconic roadside Big Apple is well known to anyone who drives east of Toronto on the 401. Located about 140 kilometres east of downtown Toronto, it takes about 1.5 hours (depending on traffic) to reach this first stop. And while The Big Apple is fun to view from the highway, it’s even more fun to actually visit it. After a short 1 minute drive off highway 401 in Colborne, you’ll arrive at The Big Apple and find tons of fun activities for kids.
Outside, you’ll find a small petting zoo, a mini-putt course and even a few small rides including a miniature train and carousel. Head inside the famous Big Apple and climb to the top for 360 degree views from the rooftop lookout. Inside the building next to the big apple, you’ll find a fun candy shop and the opportunity to watch the bakers in the pie factory in action.
This is also a great spot to grab a bite to eat at either the restaurant or the food trucks outside! We absolutely loved the fish and chip truck and would definitely recommend it.
Location: 262 Orchard Rd, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
Road Trip Stop # 2: Wellington Adventure Playground
From the Big Apple in Colborne, you’ll drive another 55 kilometres (or about 45-50 minutes) to reach the town of Wellington on County Road 33 in Prince Edward County. This playground is a huge wooden castle-like structure with some very unique obstacle course features. It also has a toddler area, swings and flush toilets located right next to the playground (which makes it perfect for a roadside bathroom break). BUT, by far, the best feature of this playground is that it is located right on Lake Ontario and has gorgeous views of the bright blue water.
Location: 243 Main St, Wellington, ON K0K 3L0
Road Trip Stop # 3: Outlet Beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park
Another 22 kilometres, or about a 23 minute scenic drive further into Prince Edward County will bring you to Sandbanks Provincial Park, which is home to some of the must gorgeous beaches in Ontario. Sandbanks Provincial Park is best known for its beautiful white sand dune beaches and clear, shallow water. It is a very popular spot and for good reason. This is definitely one of the best beaches for kids in Ontario.
Small kids can wade far out into the lake before the water begins to get deep. There are occasionally some windy days when the waves can get a bit rough, but typically the water is calm and clear and perfect for swimming with little kids. This is one of our favourite beaches in all of Ontario and I would highly recommend planning to spend at least a few hours here.
Note that you will need to purchase a day-use permit for the park, which can be done using the online Ontario Parks Reservation site.
Location: 3004 County Rd 12, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
Road Trip Stop # 4: Picton Playground and Splash Pad
After spending a few hours at the beach in Sandbanks Provincial Park, we recommend driving into the town of Picton for some dinner and a play at the Picton playground and splash pad, which is located at the Picton Fairgrounds. The playground is lovely, but we particularly loved the splash pad. There are tons of interactive features that children can spin and spray at each other. Alongside the playground and splash pad, there is also a skate park, small canteen and public washroom.
Location: 385-375 Picton Main St, Prince Edward, ON K0K 2T0
Road Trip Stop # 5: Slickers County Ice Cream
After a long day of driving and fun, an ice cream treat is definitely in order! We highly recommend checking out Slickers County Ice Cream in Picton. Slickers makes homemade ice cream daily in small batches, using Ontario cream and local ingredients. They also bake all of their own cookies, pies and brownies in their onsite bakery. We absolutely love that the ice cream is fresh, local and free from artificial colours and flavours. We also love that they offer dairy free options, so everyone can enjoy a delicious treat!
Location: 232 Picton Main St, Prince Edward, ON K0K 2T0
Where to Stay in Prince Edward County
Camping in Prince Edward County
If you’re looking to stay overnight in the county, camping at Sandbanks is a great option. There are even some waterfront sites located in the park. A few sites are available for walk-ins, but due to its popularity, to guarantee a site you will need to book several months in advance on the Ontario Parks Reservations site.
Hotels in Prince Edward County
If camping is not your thing, some hotel options include the iconic Drake Devonshire hotel or the Isaiah Tubbs Resort. Both are lovely waterfront accommodations located right on the beautiful Lake Ontario shore.
Other Kid-Friendly Activities in Prince Edward County
Below are a few more Prince Edward County activities for kids. These are some stops that we have not personally had a chance to try but that we have on our list of places to visit on a future trip.
- Kids Goat Yoga at Yoga with Mikenze
4. Alpaca Experience at Noble Beast Farm
5. Oeno Gallery Sculpture Garden
And there you have it… our suggestions for a super fun Ontario road trip for kids, from Toronto to Prince Edward County! Have you been to Prince Edward County with kids?! Do you know of any other fun spots for kids in the county that you would recommend? We would love your feedback!