Top 5 Family-Friendly Parks in Guelph

Andra Arnold • November 8, 2024

Planning a day filled with play, a relaxing afternoon, or a fun family outing in Guelph?

Here’s a look at the best parks in Guelph for families looking to make the most of the outdoors!

#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.