Best Family Friendly Places to visit in Haliburton County

February 1, 2023

Not sure what to do this week or weekend in Haliburton County? Whether you’re on vacation with the family, staying at the cottage or live here year round, Haliburton has so many places to explore!! I’ve put together this list of some of the best family friendly places to visit in Haliburton County that are definitely worth the visit! At this point, this list is just the start of what there is to offer, I would love to hear about other favourite spots that should be added to this list. Also, don’t forget to reach out if you’re looking to document your family adventure in Haliburton County, because would love to tag along to any of these great places with you!

Glebe Park & Sculpture Forest

Glebe is a great place to visit in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall! My kids love visiting the sculpture forest, with its many works of art, interactive sculptures and quiet, easy trails accessible for everyone. You'll find the museum and old farmstead to learn more about Haliburton's history. Winter is especially fun with snowshoeing trails, nordic ski trails and a huge toboggan hill!

There are two access points:

297 College Drive, Haliburton

66 Museum Road, Haliburton

Family snowshoeing in Snowdon Park one of the best family friendly places to visit in Haliburton County

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Haliburton Forest & Wild Life

Day trips or a week of adventures, Haliburton Forest has so many activities. Personal favourites are the Wolf Centre Howl tour and the Canopy Tour in the fall (ages 10+). You'll find TONS of other activities geared to all the different seasons with trails for hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling as well as camping, fishing and more. Don't forget to grab some great eats at Truss Food Works.

1095 Redkenn Road, Haliburton

A boy swimming on Halls Lake, one of the best family friendly places to visit in Haliburton County

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Snowdon Park

I really love Snowdon Park. It's a nature park at its finest with great trails through forest and wetland that can be used all year round for hiking (and snowshoeing in the winter). It's a great place to take the dogs for a romp through the woods. It's a very tranquil place, perfect for bird watching or forest bathing. Pack a lunch and dress accordingly for bugs, mud or snow!

Access is just south of south lake road on Gelert Road (Cty Road 1, Minden

into the wood during a family photography session in Bancroft, Ontario

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Minden Wild Water Preserve

If you're looking for a unique experience, check out Minden Wild Water Preserve. If you go on the right day, you might be able to watch kayakers tackle the fast moving rapids. This is a great spot for a picnic with lots of picnic tables along the little trail. It always seems a bit cooler here during those hot mid-summer days. Also, just up the road passed the bridge you'll find a little beach on Horseshoe Lake to take a dip. Don't forget to stop by Kawartha Dairy for some famous ice cream on your way through Minden.

1782 Horseshoe Lake Rd, Minden

Family sitting on the rocks by Minden Wild Water Preserve one of the best family friendly place to visit in Haliburton County

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Abbey Gardens

Abbey Gardens is without a doubt one of the best places (and very family friendly) to visit in Haliburton County. They host so many wonderful community events, they have great programming for kids as well as trails, gardens and animals. The food hub is a great spot for lunch or to grab some goodies to go. You'll also find the Haliburton Highlands Brewery on site. It's a one stop fits all place for everyone in the family. Check them out to find out what cool things are going on before you go!

1012 Garden Gate Drive, Haliburton

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Hawk Lake Log Chute

I'm putting Hawk Lake Log Chute on this list although I have yet to go - I have put it on my summer bucket list for this year. That said, I've heard it's a great spot for a family outing in Haliburton. With unique local history and trails, there's a lot to explore. I can't wait to tell you more about it after I visit.

Closed for the winter.

1584 Big Hawk Lake Rd, Algonquin Highlands

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Dorset Lookout Tower

An old fire tower, now open to the public to climb the stairs to the lookout deck for amazing views over Dorset and Lake of Bays. Climbing the stairs takes a bit of endurance and is not for those faint of heart with heights. Although fall is the best time to go to catch the colours, try to avoid busy weekends (AKA Thanksgiving), it can get pretty busy here. There is a trail here for hiking as well. After all that hard work, you have to try the best pizza around at Pizza on Earth.

Closed for the winter

1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Road, Algonquin Highlands

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