Family Friendly Things to Do in Kawartha Lakes
Ready for interesting experiences and adventures with your family in cottage country? Since we love exploring, in this blog, we are venturing a little outside our beloved Muskoka region to provide you with some great trip ideas in Kawartha Lakes. Adjacent to Muskoka, beautiful Kawartha Lakes offers fantastic options for every kind of fun. Whether you're a family of outdoor enthusiasts or you prefer indoor activities, we've got you covered. From exploring the great outdoors to getting up close and personal with some friendly farm animals, we'll show you how to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones with unique family fun in this beautiful region.
Ballantyne Builds is a premier construction management firm that creates stunning custom cottages in the Muskokas. We understand that lake life is a one-of-a-kind experience, and we’re experts in coming up with creative ways to enhance your experience at your home away from home.
Best Stays and Getaways in Kawartha Lakes
Island Spirit Rice Lake
This unique getaway removes everyone from the hustle and bustle and provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and each other. Offering an array of cabins and camping, this boat-access-only island lets you focus on the brilliant stars, clear water, and charming domesticated animals that roam the island.
Elmhirst’s Resort
Enjoy a luxury stay that offers something for everyone. Stay at Elmhirst’s resort and enjoy farm-to-table dining, cozy rooms, and family-friendly cabins. Recharge any way your heart desires with tennis courts, an escape maze, a hen house, a playground, boat rentals, swimming, golf, aerial tours, motorized water sports, and more.
Viamede Resort
If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in a beautiful natural setting, Viamede Resort is definitely worth considering. Located on Stoney Lake in the Kawartha Lakes region, this resort offers a variety of accommodations, including cozy cottages, suites, and rooms in the main lodge. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports. Additionally, the resort features a farm-to-table restaurant that serves delicious meals made with locally-sourced ingredients. Best of all? Family-friendly means everyone. Pets are welcome!
Dining with a Twist!
The Kawartha Dairy
The Kawartha Dairy is a popular ice cream shop in the area, serving up delicious ice cream and other sweet treats. You can also tour the dairy to learn more about how their ice cream is made and order your own custom ice cream flavour creations for an event or specific sweet tooth.
Kawartha Buttertart Factory
For butter tart lovers, the Kawartha Buttertart Factory is a must-visit destination. This family-owned business has produced delicious, homemade butter tarts for over 20 years, using traditional recipes and locally-sourced ingredients. Visitors can sample a variety of flavours, including classic butter tarts, raisin tarts, and pecan tarts, as well as unique creations, such as chocolate chip and Skor bar tarts. The shop also offers a variety of other baked goods, such as pies, cookies, and muffins, as well as locally made jams and jellies.
Hobart’s
Hobart's offers a dining experience that blends classic cuisine with contemporary twists across two restaurants. The menu features locally-sourced ingredients, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. Start your meal with an appetizer, such as the maple-glazed bacon or the crispy Brussels sprouts, and then move on to the main course, which includes dishes like the pan-seared salmon and the bison meatloaf.
Get Outside!
Trent-Severn Waterway
The Trent-Severn Waterway is a series of canals and waterways joining Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. You can rent a boat or take a tour to explore the waterway and see some of the beautiful scenery.
Hiking
There are many beautiful hiking trails in the Kawartha Lakes area, such as the Fleetwood Creek Natural Area, Ken Reid Conservation Area, and Balsam Lake Provincial Park. These trails offer a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area in every season and get some exercise. Hit the Kawarthas section of the Trans Canada Trail for an accessible and scenic experience. Get lost in the Ganaraska Forest. Your options are excellent.
Fishing
The Kawartha Lakes are known for their excellent fishing, with species such as walleye, bass, and muskie being popular catches. You can hire a guide to take you out on the water or rent a boat and venture out on your own for world-class fishing on Balsam Lake and in the surrounding area.
Bird Watching
The Kawartha Lakes area is home to a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles, loons, and great blue herons. You can go bird-watching on your own, or take a guided tour with a local expert in many of the hiking areas we’ve recommended above.
Unique Experiences for Kids and Families in Kawartha Lakes
Indian River Reptile Zoo and Dinosaur Park
The Reptile and Dinosaur Park features hundreds of reptiles, as well as life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Visitors can see various species of snakes, lizards, and turtles, as well as watch feeding and educational presentations. The park also offers a mini-golf course and gemstone mining experience for kids, as well as a gift shop. The park is open seasonally from May to October and offers both individual and group admission rates.
Kawartha Settlers' Village
The Kawartha Settlers' Village is a living history museum that showcases life in the Kawartha Lakes area in the 19th century. It features restored buildings, demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades, and special events throughout the year.
The Olde Gaol Museum
The Olde Gaol Museum is a historic jail that has been converted into a museum. It offers a glimpse into what life was like for prisoners in the 19th century, as well as exhibits on local history and culture. Though not for tiny children, adolescents often perk up at this macabre offering.
Primrose Donkey Sanctuary
The Primrose Donkey Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating donkeys and mules in need. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the animals and their care, as well as participate in workshops and events. The sanctuary also offers volunteer opportunities and a gift shop. Admission is by donation, and the sanctuary is open seasonally from May to October.
Exhibitions and Events Near Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes Area Festivals
There are many festivals and events that take place throughout the year in the Kawartha Lakes area, such as the Buckhorn Maplefest, the Bobcaygeon Craft Beer and Food Festival, and the Fenelon Fair.
Build Your Home Base For Family Fun!
Ballantyne Builds creates stunning second homes in the Muskoka Lakes area. When you build a custom cottage here, you can explore everything this stunning region offers from your customized home base. We’d love to talk to you about your dreams for your holiday house and illustrate the difference in quality and outcomes a builder specializing in cottages can provide when we work together.
