KID-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE IN THE BoQ
I grew up in Belleville and return frequently to visit family and old friends with my kids. I remember the array of kid-friendly activities that promise fun, adventure, and bonding for the entire family. Even the parents will have fun too!
The Bay of Quinte region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting numerous hiking trails, beautiful beaches and splash pads that provide endless opportunities for exploration and play. Families can paddle through tranquil waters with kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, reach new heights at the thrilling Homestead Adventure Park, or enjoy a scenic journey on a river boat cruise. Get ready to start creating unforgettable family memories in the great outdoors and at budget-friendly pricing too.
Written by Kathryn Dickson
Read time: 5 min
REACH NEW HEIGHTS
At Homestead Adventure Park, kids can reach new heights and challenge themselves on the thrilling high rope course. Designed to provide a fun and safe environment, the 16 different suspended rope challenges feature a variety of obstacles that encourage physical activity and problem-solving.
Children (and adults) ages 4 and up can navigate swinging bridges, balancing on tightropes and climb through various elements, all while harnessed for safety. The park’s skilled staff provide guidance and support, ensuring that each child feels confident and secure as they conquer the course. This experience not only boosts their confidence but also fosters a sense of adventure and accomplishment, making it a highlight in the Bay of Quinte region.
Participants must weigh between 50lbs and 275lbs and be the minimum height of 3’6″.
BEACH, PLEASE
The Bay of Quinte region is home to family-friendly beaches, perfect for a day of fun in the sun. Each beach in the Bay of Quinte area promises a delightful day of swimming, sunbathing, and making cherished family memories.
At Presqu’ile Provincial Park, families can enjoy sandy shores, shallow waters ideal for young swimmers, and an abundance of picnic spots, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
Frankford Tourist Park offers a quaint beach experience on the Trent River with a playground, skate park and plenty of green space for a relaxing day out.
Please remember that there are no lifeguards on duty at either beach so children must be supervised.
MAKE A SPLASH
When the summer sun is at its peak, the Bay of Quinte region offers several splash pads where families can cool off and have some fun. These vibrant water play areas are perfect for young children and provide a refreshing break from the heat. Pack a picnic and plan to stay a while, as each splash pad is surrounded by amenities and green spaces ideal for a relaxing family outing.
Find splash pads in:
Belleville
Brighton
Greater Napanee
Quinte West
Each of these splash pads add to the family-friendly charm of the Bay of Quinte, making it easy to find a spot to play and cool down on a hot summer day.
GET OUT ON THE WATER
Exploring the Bay of Quinte by canoe or kayak allows families to connect with nature and each other. One of the rental businesses for paddle sports is Seven Paddles, which often pops up in Trenton on weekends or they’ll meet you at your favourite spot along the Trent River. Seven Paddles provides a wide range of rental options, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, catering to paddlers of all skill levels.
The Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club offers a variety of rental packages suitable for solo paddlers, families, and groups. Situated conveniently across from downtown Trenton, this club is dedicated to promoting water sports and providing a supportive community for paddlers. Their rental fleet includes high-quality kayaks and canoes.
ROLLIN' DOWN THE RIVER
The Napanee River Tours on the Norman Paul take you along the serene Napanee River to the mouth of the Mohawk Bay, where lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, and local wildlife provide a captivating backdrop. Enjoy the gentle sway of the boat, the rhythmic sounds of the water, and the chance to spot herons, turtles, and perhaps even a playful otter or two.
Aboard the Norman Paul, families can relax and enjoy the guided narration that shares fascinating stories and historical insights about the region. Kids will love the adventure of being on a real riverboat, while parents can appreciate the leisurely pace and the opportunity to unwind together.
KID-FRIENDLY HIKES
Take a kid-friendly hiking adventure in the Bay of Quinte region, where each trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and engaging experiences. Some of my tips for hiking with kids include bringing snacks and creating a scavenger hunt while you’re out. Each of these trails ensures a memorable and educational outing, fostering a love for nature in the heart of every child.
Sager Conservation Area
At Sager Conservation Area, climb the lookout tower for a panoramic view of the countryside. This half-kilometre trail to the top of the drumlin is a hit with kids because it leads to the highest lookout point in the area. Make no mistake, the stairs going up to the lookout point can be tough on the older crowd and are not stroller-friendly. If you can bring your littles in a carrier, it’s a good option. 97 steps are going up on the trail (that means coming down too) and then another 48 steps going up the observation tower. It’s well worth the 30-foot climb for the panoramic views of the Trent Valley. On clear days, you can see Belleville, Trenton and Campbellford.
Mount Pelion
On top of Trenton at Mount Pelion, a lookout tower offers views of spectacular vistas of the Bay of Quinte, Prince Edward County, Murray Hill and even toward Belleville. It’s a short, but steep, uphill hike. Great for curious wanderers, visitors to the lookout point are well rewarded with a perspective of the area that nowhere else can provide. For plane enthusiasts, you can often catch a glimpse of the Hercules airplanes taking off on training missions from CFB Trenton.
Riverside Park Trail
Riverside Park Trail offers a riverside walk in the heart of Belleville, where families can enjoy the calming sounds of the water and the chance to spot local wildlife. The path is paved, making it easy and accessible for strollers, ensuring that even the youngest members of the family can join in on the adventure. Plus, it leads to the popular Pirate Ship Park.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
There is something truly special for the Bay of Quinte Region to have one of the most gorgeous Provincial Parks in Ontario at the fingertips of the residents. While Ontario Parks day passes are not free (but I do recommend investing in one so that you can return as often as you wish), this is the place to come to find the Jobes’ Woods Trail – one of the most family-friendly trails out there. Even your four-legged family members are welcome here.
This 1-kilometre loop trail, that takes you through an old farm is canopied by old maple trees in some sections, an old field filling in with ash trees in another section and will take you over boardwalks and through old pines. Once in the park, a drive to the lighthouse is also well worth it for the lake view!
For hiking and bird enthusiasts, the Presqu’ile Provincial Park trails are a must, especially during migration seasons when the skies and trees are filled with diverse bird species.
H.R. Frink Conservation Area
H.R. Frink Conservation Area features interactive exhibits and easy trails that wind through wetlands and forests, perfect for curious minds eager to learn about local ecosystems. There are boardwalks here, but most of the area isn’t stroller-friendly. It’s like offroad terrain! From the boardwalk to the marsh to the canopied areas, the hike through the Pixie or Quill trails at H.R. Frink is guaranteed to inspire curiosity among kids.
Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area
The Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area allows children to marvel at one of the largest glacial erratics in North America, combining geology with a pleasant woodland hike. The 1.5-kilometre trail loop leads you to the Bleasdell Boulder itself that measures almost three storeys tall! Good for biking, strollers and scooters, the whole family can come and marvel at the size of the boulder – a leftover of the glacial era.
