Top 5 family-friendly things to do
Winter
1. Skating in the Square
The historic Springer Market Square is home to a magical open air skating rink every winter. Lace up your skates with your family for some outdoor winter fun.
Open daily from late November/early December to spring (8 am – 10 pm)
2. Military Communications and Electronics Museum
Have a military and history fan in your family? Check out the exhibits at the Military Communications and Electronics Museum – celebrating military communications and electronics heritage.
Open Monday – Friday (10 am – 3pm)
3. General Brock’s Commissary
Steeped in tradition (it’s named after General Sir Isaac Brock and is located just seconds from the original commissary of Upper Canada from the war of 1812), General Brock’s is known for their specialty foods such as ice cream and fudge.
Open Tuesday – Saturday (10 am – 5 pm), Sunday (noon – 4 pm)
4. The Fun Zone
Have fun at Kingston’s largest entertainment facility with your crew. From laser tag to arcade games to play structures, there is something for everyone – parents and kids alike.
Open Monday (3 – 8 pm), Tuesday – Friday (noon – 8 pm), Saturday – Sunday (10 am – 9 pm)
5. Harper’s Burger Bar
Kids will love creating their own burger combo and choosing a milkshake flavour at Kingston’s local burger joint, Harper’s Burger Bar. Harper’s has 15 kinds of burgers on the menu, with plenty of plant-based options.
Open Monday – Wednesday (11:30 am – 8 pm), Thursday – Saturday (11:30 am – 9 pm)
Summer
1. Mio Gelato
Kids and gelato – the perfect match! If you’re both craving a sweet treat after a day of exploring, stop by Mio Gelato. Sampling is encouraged!
Open Sunday – Thursday (noon – 10 pm), Friday – Saturday (noon – 11 pm)
2. Movies in the Square
Laugh, cry, and enjoy your favourite movies in Kingston at Movies in the Square. In the summer Springer Market Square is transformed into an outdoor theatre at sunset.
Showings on Thursdays from June to September
3. Ahoy Rentals
Explore Kingston’s waterfront together by bike, kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, and sailboat courtesy of Ahoy Rentals. Ask for route suggestions and hidden gems to explore along the shoreline.
Open May to October on Wednesday (7 am – 9 am & 10 am – 5 pm), Friday (10 am – 5 pm), Saturday – Sunday (9 am – 6 pm)
4. Culligan Water Park
Make a splash with the whole family at Kingston’s favourite waterpark. Cool off in the park’s many features including a 25-metre lane pool, leisure pool, lazy river, and 10-metre water slide.
Open daily from July to September (7 am – 7 pm daylight permitting)
5. Lake Ontario Park
Escape the heat of summer in Kingston’s largest urban waterfront park. Jump onto the splash pad and relax on the beach while surrounded by picturesque views.
Washrooms open daily from 8 am to dusk
Spring
1. Fort Henry
Visit Fort Henry to experience 19th-century military and civilian life, musical performances, military demonstrations, and its museum. Fort Henry, with Kingston’s four distinctive Martello Towers, make up the Kingston Fortifications, one of Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Open daily from late May – early October (10 am – 5 pm)
2. The Boiler Room Climbing Gym
Get active as a family at The Boiler Room Climbing Gym. It is a safe and fun atmosphere for climbers of all ages and abilities.
Open Monday – Friday (10 am – 11 pm), Saturday – Sunday (9 am – 9 pm)
3. Great Lakes Museum
From shipwrecks and lighthouses to ecosystems and water quality, discover the maritime heritage of Kingston and the Great Lakes. Explore exhibits, take a guided tour, or test your shipbuilding skills as a family.
Open Tuesday – Saturday (10 am – 4 pm)
4. Harper’s
Who doesn’t love diner comfort food? From tasty burgers to creamy milkshakes, Harper’s has something for everyone in the family.
Open Sunday – Wednesday (11:30 am – 8 pm), Thursday – Saturday (11:30 am – 9 pm)
5. Maple Madness at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
Take a visit to the sugarbush and learn about the process of making maple syrup. The whole family will enjoy a range of activities such as self-guided tours, the Maple Shop, and fresh pancakes with maple syrup.
Maple Madness runs throughout March. The conservation area is open daily (7:30 am – dusk)
Fall
1. Pumpkinferno
Kingston Penitentiary, 560 King St
Prepare to be mesmerized as the Kingston Penitentiary is transformed into a wonderland of glowing pumpkins. Guests of all ages will be delighted as they explore bright displays under the night sky.
Open September 29 – October 29
2. Toast & Jam
Toast & Jam is a family-owned and operated, cozy breakfast and lunch spot. Its menu features classic dishes made with fresh breads, baked goods, and savoury items from their bakery.
Open Wednesday – Sunday (8 am – 3 pm)
3. Solve an escape room at Improbable Escapes or Sherlock’s Escapes
Improbable Escapes
303 Bagot St, Suite 16B & 500 Gardiners Rd, Unit 12A
Immerse yourself in creative escape rooms for all ages. Work to solve challenges, puzzles, and mysteries to complete your mission at Improbable Escapes.
Open (downtown) Monday – Thursday (11:45 am – 9 pm), Friday (12:45 pm – 10:30 pm), Saturday (10 am – 10:30 pm), Sunday (10 am – 9 pm)
Open (west end) Monday – Thursday (1:15 – 7:30 pm), Friday (1:15 – 9:00 pm), Saturday (10:15 am – 9 pm), Sunday (10:15 am – 7:30 pm)
Sherlock’s Escapes
Can you solve baffling cases that have stumped even the most seasoned detectives? Gather your family and put on your detective caps to solve mysterious escape rooms at Sherlock’s Escapes.
Open Monday – Thursday (5:30 – 11 pm), Friday (4 – 11 pm), Saturday – Sunday (9:30 am – 11 pm)
4. PumpHouse Museum
Explore the PumpHouse – home of the original steam pumps that powered Kingston’s first water pumping station. The space is filled with history, toys, and exhibits that encourage the love of science, engineering, art, and math for visitors of all ages.
Open Tuesday – Saturday (10 am – 5 pm)
5. Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Fall colours and wildlife are abundant in Lemoine Point Conservation Area. Bordered by Lake Ontario and Collins Bay, the area is home to 11 km of family-friendly trails that cross woodlands, fields, and marshlands.
Open daily (7:30 am – dusk)
