03.22.23 | Peterborough

Top Activities for Kids in Peterborough

For grown-ups, the appeal of living in Peterborough is simple and practical. For about half the price of a Toronto condo, you can have a beautiful, spacious home with a backyard and space to entertain your friends. Career opportunities abound, and real estate values are going up long-term. All of this makes buying a home in Peterborough a solid investment! 

But children couldn’t care less about any of these silly financial matters. They’ve got far more important things on their young minds, like having fun and scoping out the most exciting ways to spend time with their friends and loved ones, including you! What does Peterborough have to offer so your child grows up with fond memories galore? Let us count just a few of the many ways Peterborough is a magical place to live.

Just for Kids Festivals and Other Exciting Events

Age is just a number, and the endless excitement of the festivals and events in Peterborough proves that! From the toe-tapping Peterborough Musicfest that rolls in every year to the sweet festivities of Maple Weekend, there is always something for those that are young at heart and in love with life. Some events are one-offs, while others you can look forward to every year. In either case, there is always an exciting event just around the corner. Here are just a few occasions to watch out for.

  • Backyard Summer Social: This annual event features food, fun, and unique activities while supporting the Five Counties Children’s Centre.
  • Peterborough Snofest: Celebrate the beauty of winter with engaging activities like skating, snow sculptures, and more. A hearty pancake breakfast will help you stay warm for the day!
  • Peterborough Folk Festival: Look no further for your weekend plans. This welcoming and free festival provides two full days of non-stop music and children’s activities, with delicious food vendors and artisan craft shows. 

Does all this excitement have you considering a move to Peterborough? Here are some more fun facts that might put you over the edge!


The Joy of Learning in Peterborough

Peterborough offers a fantastic school system. Still, some of the best education occurs outside the classroom – while your child is being social and having fun. And you’ll be happy to know that Peterborough offers many activities where children are so engaged they’ll forget all about the fact that they are learning. 

  • Peterborough Children’s Water Festival: Water is the essence of life, and this interactive event is a fun way for children to understand and appreciate this essential resource. 
  • Hutchison House Museum: Have you ever wondered what Peterborough life was like back in the 1800s? A tour through Hutchison House is a great way to find out! The museum also hosts several events throughout the year to give you and your family a fascinating glimpse at history.
  • Artspace: This non-profit art gallery seeks to enhance young minds with breathtaking and thought-provoking displays. What a fantastic way to introduce your child to fresh perspectives and new cultures while supporting local talent! 
  • Programs at the Library: Did you know you can find non-stop programs and workshops that allow you to make new friends while exploring a new topic? For children, there are literary programs, storytelling hours, book clubs and more – all of them free of charge! The public library is an understated resource for everyone of all ages, with teen programming and adult events also available.

Here are just a few more reasons why Peterborough is a great place for families. Well, everyone, really!


Outdoor Fun for All Seasons

Peterborough is the place to be for all things outdoors! For starters, you’ll find beautiful parks and playgrounds, along with an incredible amount of hiking trails throughout the city. You couldn’t ask for a better free activity where children can run, laugh, and work off some of their boundless energy! Every green space is just a little bit different, which means you can spend endless afternoons exploring nature without a hint of boredom. But you’re not limited to hiking or cycling when you want to experience the great outdoors. Here are a few other nearby adventures waiting for you and your family.

  • Canada’s Dinosaur Park: Visit the prehistoric times when dinosaurs and ancient reptiles roared and ruled the land! Life-sized dinosaur replicas are ready to welcome you with a toothy smile. But don’t worry! The caring staff work day and night to keep them well-fed. Your child will also engage with rescued reptiles, slithering snakes, and sneaky crocodiles along the paths. Feeling brave? This year’s Crocs-After-Dark event is sure to deliver some screams and thrills!
  • Riverview Park and Zoo: Welcome to Canada’s only free admission accredited zoo! The park is open all year round, and there are always intriguing critters to discover and learn more about. Visit once, and your kids will be talking about it for days!
  • Trent-Severn Waterway: Peterborough’s famous landmark is free to visit any time of the year and is always a fascinating sight. You’ll also find optional activities such as paddleboarding or guided tours through the lakes, marshes, and open channels. You may even get hooked and want to spend the night at one of the Oasis pods perched above the campsites. It is an experience you and your child will never forget!

With so many thrilling adventures ahead of you, your children might be pleading with you to move to Peterborough right now! If that’s the case, we’d love to help you. Reach out today at team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 for more information.