FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN THE BoQ
The Bay of Quinte region is a haven for families seeking budget-friendly adventures that are both fun and interactive. Our picturesque area, known for its stunning natural beauty and charming communities, offers a plethora of activities that cater to families looking to create lasting memories without breaking the bank. From berry and flower picking to exploring fascinating museums and indulging in sweet treats, the BoQ is the ideal destination for an affordable and delightful family day trip adventure.
Written by Kathryn Dickson
Read time: 5 min
BERRY FUN
One of the most enjoyable and budget-conscious and not to mention family-favourite activities is berry picking at Brambleberry Farm. This charming farm invites families to enjoy the fresh air while picking their own delicious berries straight from the bush. Kids will love exploring the fields, searching for the ripest berries. The second-generation farm offers pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and sour cherries, as well as a variety of vegetables later in the season.
The farm’s friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it a relaxing outing for parents too. If you can hold out on eating most of your picks on the way home—we know it’s tempting— they make for a delicious pie!
FLOWER POWER
For those who appreciate the beauty of flowers, both Philburn Flower Farm in Belleville and Wynn Farms in Greater Napanee offer enchanting flower-picking experiences in their fields. Strolling through vibrant fields of blooms and selecting your own bouquet is a memorable outing at these family-friendly destinations. You get to have total creative freedom and select, cut, and arrange a bouquet that you get to bring home to enjoy.
Philburn Flower Farm is an enchanting farm that offers a unique experience for families to stroll through stunning flower fields and pick their own fresh, fragrant blooms. Kids will be thrilled to wander among the colourful flowers, learning about different types and how they grow. The farm’s peaceful setting provides a lovely backdrop for a relaxing day out, complete with photo opportunities and a chance to create your own beautiful bouquets.
Wynn Farms in Greater Napanee is where adventure awaits. Families can enjoy apple picking in the picturesque orchards and wander through vibrant flower fields to create their own bouquets. Kids will love the farm’s playful atmosphere and the chance to learn about agriculture firsthand. With picnic areas, scenic views, and Ontario’s longest-blooming sunflower fields, Wynn Farms provides the perfect setting for a memorable day out.
DAY AT THE MUSEUM
The Bay of Quinte region boasts several museums, each offering a rich dive into local history and culture. These family-friendly museums are both entertaining and educational, making for an awesome day of learning and exploration.
A visit to the Quinte Museum of Natural History is an exciting and educational experience for the entire family. Located in Quinte West, the museum features interactive exhibits that bring the natural world to life, from ancient fossils and marine life to the diverse ecosystems of the region. The museum features a kids room that includes various activities, small games, colouring sheets, books, and toys. Other kid-friendly activities include a scavenger hunt and touch table which features local fossils.
The Quinte Museum of Natural History is a place where families can spark their curiosity and appreciation for nature. Quinte Museum of Natural History is all on the ground floor so the museum and the exhibits are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Washrooms are currently not accessible but this is something they hope to improve upon in the future, and there is a baby change table in the family washroom.
Visiting Glanmore National Historic Site in Belleville feels like stepping back in time. Built in 1883, this former residence became a National Historic Site in 1969 and opened as a museum in 1973. With its Second Empire architecture and interiors filled with period art, furniture, clothing, and artifacts, Glanmore offers a glimpse into the late 1800s. Extensive restorations have preserved its historical charm.
Glanmore is exceptionally kid-friendly, offering hands-on activities like playing hide and seek with the museum mascot, Flattie Hattie, and an artifact scavenger hunt with clipboards and pencils. Kids can earn a souvenir sticker upon completion. The Stitched Together exhibition lets children try quilt stitching, while the creation station offers activities like designing quilt squares and making thaumatropes, an optical illusion toy. Reproduction toys like a bagatelle game and a stereoscopic viewer are also available. These activities, combined with the museum’s historical displays, make Glanmore a fun and educational experience for families.
Note to family visitors: There is no elevator in the historic building. Washrooms are located in the lower level which can only be accessed by using the stairs. Your young ones will need to be carried down if they’re not walkers yet. The washrooms are gender-neutral with a bench just outside the bathrooms that can be used as a baby changing area if needed.
The National Air Force Museum of Canada is an exciting adventure for the whole family. Located in Quinte West, this museum showcases a collection of aircraft and artifacts that tell the story of Canada’s rich aviation history. Kids and parents alike will be thrilled to explore the impressive exhibits, including real planes, interactive displays, and engaging videos. The museum’s hands-on activities, such as climbing into an aircraft cockpit, provide an immersive experience that makes learning fun. Visiting the RCAF Memorial Airpark outside and exploring the captivating indoor exhibits, The National Air Force Museum of Canada offers a memorable day out, sparking curiosity and inspiring a love for aviation in visitors of all ages.
Both the Museum and Airpark are fully stroller, scooter and wheelchair accessible. In addition, scooters and wheelchairs are available for visitor use on-site.
The Museum of Lennox & Addington (L&A) is a wonderful family outing that combines history, learning, and fun. Located in Greater Napanee, this museum offers a fascinating look into the rich heritage of the region with exhibits that showcase local artifacts, historical documents, and interactive displays. Children will enjoy the engaging hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and special events designed to make history come alive. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide young explorers and answer questions. With its blend of educational exhibits and family-friendly activities, the museum provides an enriching experience that sparks curiosity and imagination in visitors of all ages.
The front entrance, reception, washrooms, program space and the majority of the exhibit spaces are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
POP-UPS ON THE BAY
After a day of activities, be sure to pop by the Pop-ups on the Bay in Belleville’s West Zwick’s Park. This seasonal marketplace features a variety of local vendors who offer delicious food from different cultures. Families can enjoy strolling along the beautiful waterfront, a picnic in the park and a visit to the nearby playground if the kids still have energy to burn. Kids will love the open spaces to run and play, while parents can relax and enjoy the diverse offerings.
WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM
Ending the day by indulging in a delicious ice cream treat is a must when exploring the BoQ, and there are plenty of fantastic spots to choose from. In Brighton, Oh Dahlyla, Presqu’ile Park Place and Tin Roof Dairy Bar are all popular spots to visit after a day at the beach or while strolling around the downtown.
In Frankford (Quinte West), What’s Your Scoop serves up a variety of exciting flavours that are sure to please every member of the family. Belleville boasts two popular ice cream stops: Reid’s Dairy, famous for its delicious soft serve and unique flavours, and Frosty Bubble Bliss, which offers a refreshing break of Boba teas and its array of other frozen treats. If you’re in Greater Napanee, the Convenient Candy Shop combines the joy of candy and ice cream, making it a great stop for a sweet treat.
The Bay of Quinte region offers an abundance of family-friendly activities that combine fun, farms, education, and nature. You can spend a delightful day berry picking or immersing yourself in the beauty of a Flower Farm, diving into local history and science or wandering the lively atmosphere of Pop-Ups on the Bay. All of these activities ensure unforgettable memories, educational opportunities and joyful moments for the entire family.
