10 Best Family Things To Do In Kingston
What to Do for Fun in Kingston with Your Kids?
The best family things to do in Kingston range from exploring Canada’s military history to enjoying Kingston’s beautiful shoreline. From beaches to museums and from arcades to theatres, you can easily entertain even the most finicky family members when visiting Kingston.
For a short moment in time, Kingston, Ontario was Canada’s first capital. Today, the once capital still holds a regal presence, mixed with the fun and flair of a modern metropolis full of a surprising amount of family fun.
What are the best family things to do in Kingston?
1. Kingston Waterfront Trail
A segment of the 45 km trail passes through downtown Kingston
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras, História
The Kingston Waterfront Trail is part of the much larger Great Lakes Waterfront trail, a system connecting the shores of the 5 Great Lakes. Along the Lake Ontario waterfront you’ll pass by scenic natural areas as well as some of Kingston’s best shops and restaurants. The trail also goes by numerous museums and historic sites like Fort Frontenac, a 17th-century French trading post.
From the trail you can access 6 diverse beaches. Lemoine Point Conservation Area, for example, has a pebbly beach ideal for watching wildlife. Another, Grass Creek Park, has a sandy beach for splashing and relaxing.
Kingston Waterfront Trail
2. Fort Henry
Built during the war of 1812
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Alimentação
Fort Henry is an attraction the whole family can enjoy. At the old military post, you can walk through dozens of rooms, transporting you back to the 1800s.
The interactive demonstrations make Fort Henry a favourite for families. Where else can you participate in a Victorian school lesson, after all? And definitely don’t miss tasting the fresh baked goods after watching them be prepared and baked in the historic ovens. For a more modern experience, head to the shops selling artisan crafts, snacks and Fort Henry souvenirs.
Localização: 1 Fort Henry Dr, Kingston, ON K7K 5G8, Canada
Abre: May–September: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Telefone: +1 800-437-2233
Fort Henry
3. Museum of Health care
A one-of-a-kind homage to the history of health
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Viagens alternativas
For curious minds young and old, a trip to Kingston’s Museum of Healthcare is unforgettable. The museum has an extensive collection of fascinating medical equipment that tells a unique story about the history of modern healthcare. Examine a pair of forceps from the 1800s, view a stamp collection that honours the discovery of lifesaving medicines and marvel at some of the earliest x-ray technology.
More suited to younger visitors, the Museum of Healthcare also has a children’s exhibit dedicated to teaching little ones about the amazing wonders of their bodies. Throughout the year, they hold special events aimed at families, such as an adorable teddy bear clinic day.
Localização: 32 George St, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
Abre: Wednesday–Friday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Saturday–Tuesday)
Telefone: +1 613-548-2419
Museum of Health care
4. Miller Museum of Geology
Within the beautiful Queen’s University campus
Ideal para: Famílias, Viagens alternativas
A small, but fascinating museum, the Miller Museum of Geology is an ideal attraction for families visiting Kingston. Some of the museum’s attractions you’d expect to see, like an impressive collection of minerals and crystals, while others are a bit more surprising, like an augmented reality sandbox. But even the expected is exquisite. One of the mineral exhibits is dedicated solely to Kingston’s geologic makeup and history and should not be missed.
The sophisticated AR sandbox reacts in real time to changes visitors make in an actual sandbox, overlaying contour lines and topographic information over the sand designs. Kids and adults can enjoy exploring it together.
Localização: Queen’s University, Miller Hall, 36 Union St, Kingston, ON K7L 2N8, Canada
Abre: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Telefone: +1 613-533-6767
Miller Museum of Geology
5. Splitsville
The place to battle it out to see who bowls supreme
Ideal para: Famílias, Vida noturna
No kid would turn down a trip to Kingston’s Splitsville, a combined bowling alley and arcade. And in the newly renovated facility, even adults can let their hair loose. For an unforgettable experience, come in for glow-in-the-dark bowling on weekend afternoons. Note that bowling pricing varies based on the day of week and time of day.
Between rounds enjoy chips and queso, a slice of pizza or a juicy hamburger. The Splitsville menu is varied with vegetarian and meat options, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. No need to make a second stop for dinner.
Localização: 10 Bath Rd, Kingston, ON K7L 1H4, Canada
Abre: Sunday–Tuesday from 10 am to 11 pm, Wednesday–Thursday from 10 am to midnight, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 1 am
Telefone: +1 613-546-4239
Splitsville
6. Landmark Cinemas
Canada’s second-largest cinema chain
Ideal para: Famílias, Vida noturna
If you’re looking to entertain the family for an afternoon or evening at the movies, look no further than Landmark Cinemas. You’ll find this cinema in the King’s Crossing Fashion Outlet complex, so you can easily combine it with a day of shopping.
Patrons of Landmark Cinemas praise the Kingston location for its cleanliness. As a larger chain, you can expect to find the latest blockbuster movies, as well as premium IMAX showings. Enjoy the state-of-the-art reclining seats with a big bucket of buttery popcorn. For weary travellers, this is a great way to get off your feet and relax for a few hours.
Localização: 120 Dalton Ave, Kingston, ON K7K 0C3, Canada
Telefone: +1 613-547-7887
Landmark Cinemas
7. Kingston Trolley Tours
A Christmas trolley rolls around in the winter for local light display
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
Kingston Trolley Tours offer families an easy and inexpensive way to see Kingston. Whether you’re joining for a full tour or purchasing a ‘hop-on hop-off’ ticket to get around, little legs will appreciate a chance to sit and rest while still enjoying vacation time. The charming trolley cars have bench seating and open siding so there is plenty of room to see out.
Tours start and end at the Kingston Visitor Centre, making 9 stops at destinations like the Penitentiary Museum, Bellevue House, Fort Henry and more. Kingston Trolley tours typically end in the late afternoon, except for seasonal evening ghost tours and Christmas light tours. Do note that the ghost tours are recommended for ages 13 and up.
Localização: 248 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 5P7, Canada
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm
Telefone: +1 800-848-0011
Kingston Trolley Tours
8. Bellevue House Historic Site
A short walk from the Gord Downie Memorial Pier
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Econômico
For a family-friendly activity in Kingston, visit Bellevue House Historic Site. The preserved home of Canada’s first prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald offers an honest glimpse at Canada’s history. The stunning home, built in the style of an Italian Villa, has recently been renovated for the best visitor experience. And, great news: admission is free for youths 17 years and younger.
At multiple points throughout Bellevue House Historic Site, visitors are asked to reflect on the colonial impact of Canada’s disenfranchised communities. The interpretive items and artefacts tell the story of the former prime minister’s life and impact from multiple points of view in the hopes of telling the full story.
Localização: 35 Centre St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E5, Canada
Abre: May–October: daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 613-545-8666
Bellevue House Historic Site
9. Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Skiing, swimming and hiking through natural beauty
Ideal para: Famílias, Econômico
Lemoine Point Conservation Area is a serene reprieve from downtown Kingston offering a mix of recreation and natural beauty. The deciduous wooded area is home to a variety of birds, deer and other wildlife. It’s bordered by Lake Ontario and Collins Bay.
In total there are 11 km worth of trails for family-friendly hiking or cross-country skiing in the winter. Do note that if you want to cycle, watch for where the trails divert as some points at Lemoine Point Conservation Area are too narrow to accommodate cyclists.
Localização: 1440 Coverdale Dr, Kingston, ON K7M 8X7, Canada
Abre: Daily from 7.30 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +1 613-546-4228
Lemoine Point Conservation Area
10. Military Communications & Electronics Museum
Morse code equipment, military radio operations, radar antenna and more
Ideal para: Famílias, História
For an educational experience in Kingston, the Military Communications and Electronics Museum is suitable for the entire family. The museum is dedicated to preserving the communications history and innovations of the Canadian military. Find artefacts that predate World War I all the way to those used in the war in Afghanistan on display in the main gallery.
The Military Communications and Electronics Museum has far more than meets the eye. Come back throughout the year to see what’s new in the rotating special exhibit. And for the souvenir junkies, stop by the Mercury Shop before you leave.
Localização: 95 Craftsman Blvd, Kingston, ON K7K 7B4, Canada
Abre: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 3.30 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Telefone: +1 613-541-4675
Military Communications & Electronics Museum
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