Summer fun in the sun is closer than you think when you visit any of Ontario’s Southwest 14 family-friendly beaches. Four of these beaches have Blue Flag status which means they adhere to strict water quality and safety criteria, so you can feel good about taking your kids there.
And it’s not just about sun, sand, and surf. You can also visit petting zoos, enjoy a movie under the stars, ride the rails, or even zip line through the treetops. It’s all up to you, and it’s all only a short drive away.
Get ready to sink your feet into the sand at these amazing, kid-friendly beaches.
Why It’s Great for Kids
This is the longest stretch of beach in Essex County which means there’s plenty of room for your kids to build sand castles, or whatever else they can imagine. When they’re done building, visit Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens where they can go on rides, visit a petting zoo, and play mini-golf.
Why It’s Great for Adults
One Word: Wineries (and lots of them!)
Why It’s Great for Kids
Pinery Provincial Park boasts 10 kilometres of sandy beach and has extensive interpretive programs that are so much fun, your kids won’t even realize they’re learning. Once the day is done, get in the car and go to the Starlite Drive-in for movies under the stars.
Why It’s Great for Adults
On-the-go adults are going to love the many activities Pinery Provincial Park has to offer. Cycle the 14-kilometre Savanna Trail or rent a canoe and explore the Old Ausable Channel.
Why It’s Great for Kids
The warm water temps and sandy bottom with a gradual drop-off at this Blue Flag beach makes it the perfect setting for wee ones. And if one of those little ones loves trains, you won’t want to miss a trip to the Elgin County Railway Museum.
Why It’s Great for Adults
Why not make it a weekend away with your partner? Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and explore the shores, or take in a performance at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Follow it all up with a casual dinner at the Kettle Creek Inn.
Why It’s Great for Kids
The incredible sandy beach features a splash pad, playground equipment, a boardwalk, and easy access to restaurants. Set up in the morning and you’re good for the whole day.
Why It’s Great for Adults
Another Blue Flag status beach, Grand Bend is perfect for the watersport enthusiast. Parasailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing are all just moments away.
Why It’s Great for Kids
Another beach with warm water and it’s only steps away from the downtown area where you can enjoy ice cream. Once you’re done, visit the Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo that has both domestic and exotic animals.
Why It’s Great for Adults
That downtown area that’s only steps away also has a microbrewery. Need we say more?
Why It’s Great for Kids
This ultimate resort town is only a short 1.5 hour drive away from Toronto, so it’s perfect for families with little ones. But the palm trees on the beach will make you think you’ve gone much further.
Why It’s Great for Adults
The small town charm and floating yoga class will appeal to all adults, while the scenic one-hour tour on the Lynn River is a great way for the whole family to kick back and relax.
Why It’s Great for Kids
Grab your dinosaur fans and spend the day with your budding paleontologist. You'll be able to search for exposed fossils in the ancient coral reef that’s embedded in a limestone shelf along the beach. Then capture a memory of your kids standing next to Muddy The Mudcat, the largest mudcat statue in the world.
Why It’s Great for Adults
Stock up on delicious baked goods, locally grown produce, jams, and preserves at Richardson’s Farm and Market. If you have the need for speed, book some track time at Cayuga's Toronto Motorsports Park.
Why It’s Great for Kids
Warm water, lots of sand, and fun interpretive programs. Plus, a dedicated beach for dogs if you want to take your furry family member along with you.
Why It’s Great for Adults
History buffs will love stepping aboard a historic submarine-hunter that served during the Cold War. Then travel back in time when you visit the Port Burwell Marine Museum and Lighthouse where you can climb the wooden structure (built in 1840) for an incredible panoramic view of Lake Erie.
Check out more things you can do in Port Burwell Provincial Park.
Why It’s Great for Kids
Over 11 kilometres of sandy beach means you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot to play the day away in the sand and surf.
Why It’s Great for Adults
Just 35-minutes away on the historic Talbot Trail, you’ll find the Crazy 8 Barn, your ultimate garden inspiration centre. After you’re done shopping, you can sit down at the café and enjoy tasty eats made with locally sourced ingredients.
Check out more things you can do in Rondeau Provincial Park.
Why It’s Great for Kids
Gobble up a day of fun in the sun at Turkey Point where the warm waters, the sandy bottom, and sand bars are perfect for little ones.
Why It’s Great for Adults
Take a break from wine and give cider a try. The Cider Keg Farm Market features fresh local produce, sweet treats, and their own award-winning sparkling apple cider.
Check out more things you can do at Turkey Point Provincial Park.
Why It’s Great for Kids
Lots of sand and surf and for the more adventurous kids, it’s an amazing opportunity to soar through the treetops on a zip line at Long Point Eco Adventures.
Why It’s Great for Adults
If you can escape for five hours, you’ll be able to explore the second largest sand peninsula in the world by kayak. Don’t have that much time? Then add a little speed and take a Zodiac boat tour to the tip of Long Point.
Check out even more things to do in Long Point Provincial Park.
Why It’s Great for Kids
This Blue Flag status beach is jam-packed with things for kids to do. Play in the 3,000 feet of sand, then check out the Children’s Animal Farm, Stones 'N Bones Museum, playgrounds, and mini train.
Why It’s Great for Adults
Your kids will love the activities, you’ll love how close it is to creature comforts and great local eats.
Why It’s Great for Kids
Three words: Fun ferry ride.
Before you can hit the beach at Fish Point, you need to take a ferry ride across Lake Erie to Pelee Island. Your kids will be talking about it for a long time to come.
Why It’s Great for Adults
It’s a world-renowned birding hub and you’ll be able to impress your friends when you tell them you hung out at the southern-most beach in Canada.
Check out even more things to do at Fish Point Nature Reserve.
Why It’s Great for Kids
When you’re done burying dad in the sand and splashing in the water, Port Glasgow is known for its family-friendly events like the annual Kids' Fishing Derby.
Why It’s Great for Adults
Another Blue Flag status beach, thanks to its commitment to strict water quality and safety criteria, this hidden gem will take you away from the hustle and bustle of every day life while you relax in a tranquil atmosphere.
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