10 Best Family-Friendly Day Trips in Ontario for Outdoor Fun

When you’re craving fresh air, big skies, and a break from the usual weekend routine, a family-friendly day trip is the perfect solution. Ontario is packed with outdoor adventures — from sandy beaches and towering cliffs to wild animal safaris and treehouse villages. Whether your kids love splashing, paddling, climbing, or just exploring new places, there’s a perfect destination just a short drive away.

Here are 10 of the best family day trips in Ontario to make memories outside — because the best family memories really are made outdoors.

African Lion Safari (Cambridge, Ontario)

Drive through open-range habitats where lions, giraffes, elephants, and rhinos roam free. Families can also enjoy the water park, animal shows, and boat tours.

• Why Families Love It: Up-close animal encounters from the safety of your car + bonus water play area.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Boat cruise around the park, “Birds of Prey” flying demonstrations.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Gentle splash pad play, elephant viewing, small train rides.

Toronto Zoo (Toronto, Ontario)

Explore one of the largest zoos in the world, home to over 5,000 animals across naturalistic habitats. The KidZoo area and splash pad are family favorites.

• Why Families Love It: Endless exhibits, interactive zones, and the chance to see animals from every continent.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Gorilla rainforest trek, Canadian Domain trails.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Zoomobile rides, splash pad at Splash Island.

Toronto Islands (Toronto, Ontario)

Just a hop and a skip (or actually, a short ferry ride) away from Canada’s largest city is a peaceful chain of islands packed with beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, and the charming Centreville Amusement Park.

• Why Families Love It: Car-free, relaxed vibe — perfect for safe biking, strolling, and beach days.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Canoe and kayak rentals, bike rentals around the island paths.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Centreville rides, Franklin Children’s Garden, wading at family beaches.

Elora Gorge Conservation Area (Elora, Ontario)

Hike along breathtaking cliffs, wade in the river, and explore the dramatic scenery of the Elora Gorge. Tubing adventures available for older kids!

• Why Families Love It: Stunning scenery, safe hiking trails, and a true “big adventure” feel close to home.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: River tubing (minimum age/height), cliff hiking trails.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Shallow river splash zones, simple scenic hikes.

Kelso Conservation Area (Milton, Ontario)

A four-season destination with a sandy beach, canoe/kayak rentals, hiking trails, a climbing wall, and the family-friendly Kelso Cove Water Park added recently!

• Why Families Love It: Tons of activities packed into one place, easy access from the GTA.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Rock climbing wall, inflatable water park course, paddleboard rentals.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Calm water swimming, beach play, family paddling in canoes.

Binbrook Conservation Area (Binbrook, Ontario)

Home to Hamilton’s Treewalk Village and Treetop Trekking, plus a large sandy beach, canoe rentals, and a fun water splash pad.

• Why Families Love It: A full day of climbing, splashing, paddling, and picnicking in nature.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Treetop aerial adventures, full kayaking trips around the lake.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Treehouse village play zone, wading at the beach.

Pinery Provincial Park (Grand Bend, Ontario)

Famous for its golden beaches, rolling sand dunes, and peaceful trails — plus paddling and biking options galore.

• Why Families Love It: Beach days, forest hikes, and bike rides through beautiful protected landscapes.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Bike trail system, canoe/kayak rentals along the Old Ausable Channel.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Shallow beach swimming, nature centre activities.

Rockwood Conservation Area (Rockwood, Ontario)

Step into a storybook landscape of limestone cliffs, caves, a waterfall, and a quiet lake perfect for kayaking.

• Why Families Love It: Gorgeous scenery that feels like a northern escape — without the long drive.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Kayaking among cliffs, exploring caves and rock formations.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Shallow swimming at the beach, easy short hikes.

Looking for even more beautiful, family-friendly hikes across Ontario? Check out my guide to 10 Easy Hikes in Canada for Young Families!

Mountsberg Conservation Area (Campbellville, Ontario)

Especially magical during maple syrup season! Meet barn animals, take a wagon ride, and enjoy sweet maple treats.

• Why Families Love It: Hands-on farm fun + nature hikes, with seasonal events all year.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Raptors Centre visit, wagon rides during maple season.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Barnyard animals, pancake breakfast during maple festival.

Ferris Provincial Park (Campbellford, Ontario)

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem for those from Southern Ontario. Explore the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, hike forest trails, and paddle on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.

• Why Families Love It: A beautiful, peaceful park with lots of little adventures in one spot.
• Activity Suggestions for Big Kids: Suspension bridge crossing, canoeing through river locks.
• Activity Suggestions for Little Kids: Short forest hikes, creek splashing near campsites.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to paddle peaceful lakes, hike along rugged cliffs, spot exotic animals, or simply soak up the sunshine on a sandy beach, Ontario is full of unforgettable family adventures just a day trip away.

The best memories don’t always come from big vacations — sometimes, they’re made right in your own backyard with fresh air, wide-open spaces, and the people you love most.

Pack a picnic, buckle up, and head out — adventure is waiting!

You only get one chance to live this life with your kids.

Let’s make it count — outside.
Join the Paddles and Packs newsletter and unlock our members-only collection of free planning tools, guides, and resources.
They’re designed to help your family get outside more often — and with less stress.

Join & Get the Collection →

Related Posts You’ll Love

• 10 Family-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Across Canada
• 10 Easy Hikes in Canada Perfect for Young Families
• Stroller-Friendly Hiking Trails in Ontario

Want to save this for later? Pin it to your Ontario Travel board on Pinterest!