Best Things To Do With Kids In Kitchener
Are you visiting Kitchener with kids and looking for the best things to do? Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or simply searching for something new to do close to home, Kitchener offers plenty of family-friendly attractions that kids of all ages will love.
From interactive museums and splash pads to hiking trails, farms, and exciting indoor activities, you’ll find no shortage of ways to keep the whole family entertained.
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Kid-Friendly Activities In Kitchener
- Explore Bingemans
- Visit THEMUSEUM
- Spend The Day At Victoria Park
- Discover the Schneider Haus National Historic Site
- Enjoy the Kitchener Market
- Visit Chicopee Tube Park
- Explore Huron Natural Area
- Ride the Waterloo Central Railway
- Cheer On One Of Kitchener’s Sports Teams
- Visit Doon Heritage Village
- Explore the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
- Play A Round Of Mini Golf
- Go Hiking Along the Walter Bean Grand River Trail
- Visit a Local Ice Cream Shop
- Enjoy Family Festivals & Events
- Visit Nearby St. Jacobs
- Insider Tips For Visiting Kitchener With Kids
- Things To Do With Kids In Kitchener
After exhausting research to find kid-friendly activities to do with my grandson, I outline some of the best things to do with kids in Kitchener that I found, along with a few local insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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Explore Bingemans
Location: 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
One of Kitchener’s most popular family attractions, Bingemans has something for every season as well as every age group. During the summer, families flock to Big Splash Waterpark, while winter brings snow tubing and other cold-weather fun.
There are also mini golf courses, arcade games, bowling, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Visit THEMUSEUM
Location: 10 Kings Street West
Located in downtown Kitchener, THEMUSEUM is filled with interactive exhibits designed to get children touching, building, experimenting, and learning.
Rotating exhibits mean there’s often something new to discover, making repeat visits worthwhile.
Driver’s Tip: The MUSEUM is best for children ages 3 – 12. Check the museum’s calendar before visiting
Spend The Day At Victoria Park
Location: 32 Dill St in Kitchener
Often called the heart of Kitchener, Victoria Park is perfect for families. The park also has a large splash pad which is perfect for those hot summer days.
When visiting Victoria Park, you’ll find:
- Large playgrounds
- Walking trails
- Ducks and geese
- Open green space
- Picnic areas
- Seasonal events
During the winter, the outdoor skating rink becomes one of the city’s favourite family activities.
Insider Tip: Bring bird seed approved for waterfowl rather than bread if you’re planning to watch the ducks.
Discover the Schneider Haus National Historic Site
Location: 466 Queen Street South, Kitchener
Step back into the 1800s at Schneider Haus National Historic Site, where children can experience pioneer life through hands-on exhibits and demonstrations.
Seasonal events often include crafts, baking, and family-friendly activities.
Enjoy the Kitchener Market
Location: 300 King Street East, Kitchener
The Kitchener Market isn’t just for shopping. Families love browsing local vendors, picking up fresh treats, and enjoying breakfast or lunch from the food court.
Kids often enjoy watching local musicians perform during weekend events.
Insider Tip: Visit on Saturday mornings for the largest selection of vendors.
Visit Chicopee Tube Park
Location: 1600 River Road East, Kitchener
If you’re visiting Kitchener during the winter, Chicopee Tube Park is one of the most exciting family attractions in the region. The hill offers thrilling tubing runs suitable for families and older children.
In addition to tubing, families can also enjoy skiing at Chicopee. Don’t know how to ski? Perfect! Why not book a private ski lesson?!
During warmer months, the area also features biking and hiking trails.
Explore Huron Natural Area
Location: 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener
Need a break from busy attractions? This is by far by favourite place to hike in Kitchener and I visit often.
There are so many things that I love about Huron Natural Area, but some of the reasons why it’s so popular amoung the locals are features such as:
- Easy walking trails
- Wildlife viewing
- Boardwalks
- Educational signs
- Nature play opportunities
Young explorers will love searching for turtles hiding in the water, as well as feeding the birds – especially during the winter.
Ride the Waterloo Central Railway
Location: 878 Weber Street North, Waterloo
Just outside Kitchener, the Waterloo Central Railway offers scenic train rides through the countryside.
It’s not uncommon to experience some special events which include:
- Pumpkin trains
- Santa trains
- Easter excursions
- Family-themed rides
This is a popular attraction in the Kitchener-‘Waterloo area and advance reservations are highly recommended.
Cheer On One Of Kitchener’s Sports Teams
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of cheering on one of Kitchener’s hometown sports teams. Whether it’s the fast-paced action of hockey, the energy of basketball, or the thrill of baseball, attending a local game is a fun and affordable way to spend an afternoon or evening with the kids. The lively atmosphere, enthusiastic fans, and family-friendly entertainment make it an experience everyone can enjoy.
Watching a game is also a great way to introduce children to the local community while creating lasting family memories. It’s a fantastic addition to any family itinerary and a fun way to experience the city beyond its parks and attractions.
Visit Doon Heritage Village
Location: 10 Huron Road, Kitchener
Located beside the region’s museum, Doon Heritage Village recreates life in rural Ontario during the early 1900s.
Costumed interpreters, farm animals, historic buildings, and demonstrations make learning fun.
Explore the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
Location: 10 Huron Rd, Kitchener
Families can easily spend several hours exploring interactive exhibits about local history and culture. There is something for all age groups, but many of the exhibits have been designed specifaclly for younger visitors.
Play A Round Of Mini Golf
Mini golf is a classic family activity, and Kitchener offers both indoor and outdoor courses that are perfect for kids of all ages.
If you’re looking to escape a rainy day then I can highly recommend a round of glow in the dark golf at the Putting Edge – the kids love it! If you’re looking to soak up the sunshine, a round of mini golf at Market Sports is a fun way to enjoy some friendly family competition while making lasting memories.
Go Hiking Along the Walter Bean Grand River Trail
For active families, the Walter Bean Grand River Trail offers beautiful scenery with relatively easy walking sections suitable for children.
Watch for birds, turtles, and other wildlife along the river.
Visit a Local Ice Cream Shop
After a busy day exploring, reward the kids with ice cream from one of Kitchener’s many local shops.
Summer evenings are the perfect time to grab a cone and enjoy a stroll through one of the city’s parks.
Enjoy Family Festivals & Events
Kitchener hosts family-friendly festivals throughout the year, including:
- KidsPark during summer
- Canada Day celebrations
- Holiday events
- Outdoor concerts
- Seasonal markets
If you’re visiting in October, don’t miss Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Canada’s largest Oktoberfest celebration. While many events are geared toward adults, there are also family-friendly parades, cultural activities, and kid-focused events.
Visit Nearby St. Jacobs
There are many day trips you can take from Kitchener, but St. Jacobs is by far the most popular choice. Just a short drive from Kitchener, St. Jacobs makes a wonderful family day trip.
While St. Jacobs is most known for its Thursday and Saturday Market, there are many things that children can also enjoy, such as:
- The Farmers’ Market
- Farm animals
- Candy shops
- Toy stores
- Horse-drawn buggies
- Scenic countryside
It pairs perfectly with a day exploring Kitchener.
Insider Tips For Visiting Kitchener With Kids
- Visit during spring, summer, or early fall for the widest selection of outdoor attractions.
- Pack swimsuits if you’re travelling in summer. Many parks have splash pads.
- Most downtown attractions are within a short drive of one another, which makes it easy to combine multiple stops in one day.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore Victoria Park or the Huron Natural Area.
- Check attraction websites before visiting, as seasonal hours and special events vary throughout the year.
- Weekday mornings are generally quieter than weekends at popular attractions.
- Pair your Kitchener visit with nearby Waterloo, St. Jacobs, or Cambridge for an unforgettable family road trip through Waterloo Region.
Things To Do With Kids In Kitchener
Kitchener is one of Ontario’s most underrated family destinations. If your kids love hands-on museums, outdoor adventures, splash pads, historic villages, or train rides, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone entertained during your visit.
Since Kitchener offers a mix of educational attractions, beautiful parks, and year-round activities, it’s easy to build an itinerary that both kids and parents will enjoy. Don’t be surprised if one visit leaves you planning your next family adventure back to Kitchener.
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SAVE FOR YOUR VISIT TO KITCHENER
