Guelph is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Known as “The Royal City”, Guelph is roughly 28 kilometres (17 miles) east of Waterloo and 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Toronto at the intersection of Highway 6 and the Hanlon Parkway. It is the seat of Wellington County, but is politically independent of it. The population in 2016 was 131,794.
Guelph has a rich history dating back to its founding by John Galt in 1827. Today, the city is a vibrant community with a thriving economy and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Here are just a few of the many things that families can enjoy in Guelph:
The Guelph Museums offer a variety of interactive and educational exhibits that are perfect for kids of all ages. The River Run Centre is a state-of-the-art performing arts centre that hosts a variety of live shows and events throughout the year. The Sleeman Centre is a great place to catch a Guelph Storm hockey game or take part in public skating.
The Guelph Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning downtown and is the perfect place to find fresh, local produce and goods. The Guelph Grotto is a hidden gem – a natural cave located on the banks of the Speed River that is perfect for exploring. McCrae House is a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into the life of John McCrae, the WWI poet and physician who penned the iconic poem “In Flanders Fields”.
The University of Guelph campus is beautiful and offers plenty of green space for picnics, Frisbee games and more. The Arboretum is a must-see for nature lovers, and the on-campus farm is a great place to meet farm animals and learn about where our food comes from.
Guelph is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Guelph Jazz Festival, the Festival of the Arts, and the Royal winter Fair. There is always something going on in Guelph, making it the perfect place to raise a family.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Guelph, Canada
1. Visit the Farmers’ Market: Guelph’s farmers’ market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in Ontario, dating back to 1827. The market is held every Saturday from 7am to noon at the Guelph Memorial Gardens. There are over 120 vendors who sell a variety of locally grown produce, meats, flowers, and artisan goods.
2. Explore the University of Guelph Arboretum: The University of Guelph Arboretum is a 230-hectare nature preserve that features over 3,500 different species of plants and trees. The arboretum is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk and offers a variety of educational programs for kids.
3. Visit the Guelph Civic Museum: The Guelph Civic Museum is a history museum that tells the story of Guelph from its earliest days to the present. The museum is located in the historic Hollywood House and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
4. Go for a Hike at trails in the Royal City: Guelph is home to over 100 kilometers of trails that wind through forests, meadows, and wetlands. The trails are open to the public year-round and are a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.
5. Attend a Festival or Event: Guelph is home to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Guelph Jazz Festival, the Hillside Festival, and the Guelph Film Festival. Check the city’s website for a schedule of upcoming events.
6. Visit the Butterfly Conservatory: The Butterfly Conservatory is located within the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and features a tropical garden full of butterflies. The conservatory is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm.
7. Take a leisurely stroll through Riverside Park: Riverside Park is a 27-hectare park located along the Speed River. The park features a playground, a splash pad, a water feature, and a variety of walking and biking trails.
8. Go Fishing at Guelph Lake: Guelph Lake is a man-made lake located just outside the city. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and trout. A valid Ontario fishing license is required.
9. Visit the John McCrae House: The John McCrae House is the former home of Canadian doctor and poet John McCrae. The house is now a museum that is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
10. Learn about Guelph’s history at the Guelph Historical Society: The Guelph Historical Society is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Guelph. The society offers a variety of educational programs and events for kids and families.
