#1: Riverside Park
Riverside Park has everything you need for a great family day:
- Playgrounds
- Picnic areas
- A carousel for a bit of old-fashioned fun
- A train ride
- Gardens and riverside paths
- Sports opportunities like disc golf, hardball and softball diamonds, and a natural ice rink
- A leash-free zone allows Fido to get those wiggles out
- Convenient parking and portable washrooms
The park’s Canada Day Celebration brings families together for fireworks, live music, and tasty food vendors. In December, Sparkles in the Park transforms the space with thousands of lights, turning up the holiday and community spirit every winter.
#2: Exhibition Park
One of Guelph’s oldest parks, Exhibition Park features everything you need for active and relaxed days:
- Asphalt trails
- Playgrounds
- Tennis courts
- Football field
- Pickleball court
- Softball and hardball diamonds
- Natural ice rink
- Wading pool
- Play equipment
- Parking, washrooms, and a water fountain/refill station
The park hosts the Guelph Dance Festival in the spring, an artistic celebration of dance performances, workshops, and community events for the whole family. Exhibition Park is also home to the annual Thanksgiving Day Races. This event dates back to 1894 and supports local causes, like fundraising for the Guelph General Hospital, through family-friendly races, including a 100-meter kids’ dash.
#3: Guelph Lake Conservation Area
The conservation area around Guelph Lake offers water-based recreation, such as swimming, canoeing, fishing, and many hiking and cycling trails. It also has beautiful campgrounds and scenic picnic spots.
Guelph Lake Conservation Area hosts the annual Guelph Lake Triathlon in August, bringing a crowd of athletes and spectators and a chance to cheer on participants. The park occasionally hosts stargazing nights and nature workshops for curious kids and parents, encouraging hands-on learning and an appreciation for the natural world.
#4: Hanlon Creek Park
Hanlon Creek Park provides a relaxing forested environment with trails and a pond where families enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and connecting with nature.
The park has convenient amenities like:
- Asphalt and stone dust trails
- A soccer field
- Play equipment
- Picnic tables
- Washrooms and portable washrooms, a water fountain and refill station, and plenty of parking to make your day stress-free
Community-led clean-up events and guided nature walks offer additional benefits by teaching families about the importance of conservation and the local wildlife habitat. It's a way to engage with the community and inspire a shared commitment to protecting the environment.
#5: Eramosa River Park
Eramosa River Park, set along the beautiful Eramosa River, features:
- A beach volleyball court and a hardball diamond
- Stone dust trails
- Play equipment
- Picnic tables under shade structures
- Parking and portable washrooms
Occasionally, the park offers nature tours and community events, allowing families to learn about the local ecosystem.
Moving to Guelph?
From wide-open green spaces to engaging community events, Guelph’s top parks are brimming with family-friendly fun.
At Andra Arnold & Associates, we're here to help you find a home that connects you to everything you love about Guelph.
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