Things to See and Do in Peterborough
Local Attractions and Experiences in Peterborough For Families
We’ve curated the must-do experiences from the region that allow you to discover the pulse of our local community and take make the most of your time in Peterborough.
The Canadian Canoe Museum
Unique museum dedicated to paddling heritage and stewardship of the world's largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. See over 600 unique watercraft and learn about their role in understanding our past and our shared future.
Address: 2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough | Drive time from arenas: 5-7 minutes
Admission/Cost: Adults/General Admission: $20 (+HST); Youth (5-17) $15 (+HST); Children 4 and under: Free
Learn more on The Canadian Canoe Museum's Website
Riverview Park and Zoo
Canada's only free, CAZA accredited zoo. With 55 acres of urban forest, parks, and trails, 25 animal habitats, and Peterborough's largest playground, there is lots to see, do and learn.
Address: 1230 Water Street | Drive time from arenas: 12-15 minutes
Admission/Cost: Free/By donation
Learn more on the Riverview Park and Zoo website
Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame
Located at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame has approximately 4,000 square feet of display space. The museum houses a vast collection of over 10,000 items of sport memorabilia and artifacts dating back to the mid 1800's. The Hall is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM - 12 PM, and during Peterborough Petes and Lakers games.
Address: 151 Lansdowne St W | Drive time from arenas: 2-10 minutes
Admission cost: Free/by donation
Learn more at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame website
Peterborough Museum and Archives
Check out the new Carnivorous Dinosaurs exhibit. Come face-to-face with the most fearsome predators to ever walk the earth. Enjoy the in museum scavenger hunt through the permanent collection. Admission is by donation.
Address: 300 Hunter Street East | Drive time from arenas: 8-10 minutes
Admission cost: Free/by donation
Learn more at the Peterborough Museum and Archive website
Art Gallery of Peterborough
Explore contemporary art and a variety of unique exhibits. Look out for Family Sunday which runs on the first Sunday of each month and offers fun, free, and seasonally themed art making activities, suitable for all ages.
Address: 250 Crescent Street | Drive time from arenas: 3-7 minutes
Admission cost: Free/by donation
Learn more at the Art Gallery of Peterborough website
Peterborough Axe Club
Whether you're a first-time thrower or a seasoned axe-slinger this is a go-to destination for unforgettable fun. No experience? No problem, the experienced team is there to help! Walk-ins from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Check the Peterborough Axe Club website to see up-to-date availability for walk-ins.
Address: 280 Perry Street, Unit 1 | Drive time from arenas: 2-6 minutes
Admission cost: Walk-ins are $25 + HST per person
The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge
Stay and play for as long as your like for only $8 per person and enjoy a curated collection of over 650 board, card, and dice games. While you play, eat some delicious food or sip on locally brewed beer and beverages (maybe try their secret cookie too!).
Address: 261 George Street North | Drive time from arenas: 5-7 minutes
Admission/cost: $8 (+HST) per person for stay and play pass
Learn more at the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge website
Zap Attack Laser Tag
A laser tag experience perfect for all ages, where families can engage in fun, team-based missions in an exciting, futuristic arena! Booking for the whole sports team? Take advantage of their special offer! 20 players. Two Games. One Small Slushie per Player. All for $20 (+HST) per player.
Address: 822 Rye Street | Drive time from arenas: 6-10 minutes
Admission/cost: Starting at $11 (+HST) per person for one game
Learn more at the Zap Attack Laser Tag website
Busy Brushes Pottery
Stop by and express your creativity! Pottery painting for all ages.
Address: 822 Rye Street | Drive time from arenas: 6-10 minutes
Admission/cost: Walk-in projects typically fall in the $25 - $35 (+HST) range; special pricing available for groups.
Learn more at the Busy Brushes Pottery website
Lift Lock Escape
Be placed into a story, in which you have to find hidden objects, figure out clues and solve puzzles using strategy, creativity, and logic to achieve your objective within the defined time limit. Open by appointment only, so be sure to book in advance!
Address: 351A George Street North | Drive time from arenas: 6-8 minutes
Admission/cost: Starting at $30.42 + HST per person for groups of 3 or more; kids under 14 $23.05 + HST per person)
Learn more at the Lift Lock Escape website
Rock and Rope Climbing Centre
Rock and Rope Climbing Centre is one of Peterborough's most exciting indoor adventure destinations, drawing climbers and curious first-timers.
Address: 280 Perry Street, Unit 16 | Drive time from arenas: 2-6 minutes
Admission/cost: Introductory lessons start at $45 + HST per person (must be 14 years or older)
Peterborough Petes and Peterborough Lakers Games
In town on a Thursday night? Check out the Peterborough Memorial Centre calendar to see if there is a Peterborough Petes game or a Peterborough Century 21 Lakers game!
Do you have a group of 10 or more looking to attend a Petes game? Contact tickets@gopetesgo.ca. A group outing with the Peterborough Petes offers the perfect evening of fast paced, family entertainment at an affordable cost.
Address: 151 Lansdowne St W | Drive time from arenas: 2-10 minutes
Admission/cost: Starting at $24.60 + HST per person (group rates are also available)
Finding that perfect place to eat with kids can be a bit of a balancing act.
Luckily, Peterborough has plenty of great options for families with even the choosiest kids. Whether you're looking for a casual café, a cozy board game lounge, or a brewpub where parents can relax and enjoy, we've got you covered! Here are some of Peterborough's favourite family-friendly dining spots.
Ashburnham Ale House
Bright and casual dining spaces and kid-approved menu items like quesadilla, "grilled sammiches" and fun shareables like Joe's Hot Cheese Pot, nachos and the well-loved Kennebec Cone 'o' Fries, make Ashburnham Ale House a family favourite.
BrickHouse Craft Burger
BrickHouse Craft Burger is great for bigger groups including sports teams. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant has a menu packed with kid-approved favourites like cheeseburgers, pasta, and grilled cheese. Plus, their shareable appetizers make it easy for families to enjoy a meal together.
Silver Bean Café
With two locations to choose from, Silver Bean Café is a great spot for a casual coffee, snack, or relaxed lunch. Parents can caffeinate with locally sourced coffee while kids take advantage of the outdoor space to run off some steam. The fresh, homemade menu includes baked treats, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies perfect for the whole family. Plus, they scoop Kawartha Dairy ice cream.
The Silver Bean operates out of the new Canadian Canoe Museum on Ashburnham Drive as well as their OG location in Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough.
Sam’s Place
When hunger strikes, Sam’s Place delivers with some of the best sandwiches in town! Using fresh ingredients, including in-house cured/smoked/prepared meats, this local gem serves up flavourful creations that both kids and adults will love. Kids will also love their adorably named "egg buddies" for an over-easy breakfast option.
Apollo Grill
A classic family-friendly burger spot, Apollo Grill is a casual, no-fuss spot serving up burgers, fries and milkshakes. The laid-back vibe infuses a bit of nostalgia for families looking for a satisfying meal.
Hanoi House
Enjoy some fresh and vibrant Vietnamese food at Hanoi House. With noodle dishes and bánh mì (the popular vietnamese sandwich) as well as curry dishes, and even a kids menu for little ones with simpler palates, this spot will have you savouring flavours and planning your next trip back.
Dreams of Beans
For a cozy café experience, Dreams of Beans is a wonderful choice. Their menu features homemade soups, fresh sandwiches, and tasty baked goods—perfect for a breakfast or lunch outing with kids. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make it a favorite among local families.
A Bold Suggestion? Try Local Brew Pubs with the Family
While Publican House is known for its connection to Kawartha Lakes Brewery beers, it’s also a great choice for families! Their warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with a menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and other pub classics, makes it a go-to spot for parents and kids alike.
Just at the southern edge of the City, 100 Acre Brewing Company offers pizza, charcuterie boards, and other tasty snacks from Lowlands Fire Food (a FeastON certified restaurant). Pair delicious eats with exeriences like seasonal ice skating and s'mores, campfires and cornhole tournaments, and even events like "Singo" (musical bingo).
Let's Stay in Touch!
Sign up to receive the Hello Peterborough email newsletter for monthly inspiration and updates.