After the hustle and bustle of summer and getting the kids back into school, the Fall is the perfect time to take some time away from the routine of your day-to-day schedules and reconnect. With so many family friendly activities throughout South Eastern Ontario, this is one getaway that will help you transform screen time into family time!
Day One
Begin your day with a visit to the Bakery & Bistro Spot (or BaBS for short!) at 37 Dundas Street in Napanee for your morning caffeine fix and to indulge in some delicious sweets. Spoil yourselves with one of their handcrafted donuts, turnovers or muffins. Savoury more your speed? You won’t want to leave without trying one of their scones or legendary sausage rolls!
Take a Walk
Enjoy the beauty of the fall colours with a walk along the Springside Park Trail & Falls. This fully accessible walking path is approximately 1 km in length and is perfect for families of all ages and abilities. This trail will take you walking alongside the Napanee River, complete with a waterfall and historical placards along the trail. Have adventurous kiddos? There are lots of more challenging trails in the area to keep them occupied!
Barking up the Right Tree
Make your way over to Barking Goat Farm for a tour of their homestead and a meet and greet with their herd of playful goats and donkeys. If you’re lucky, there may even be some kids (that’s ‘goat’ for babies) to play with! This activity is most suitable for families with children aged 2 and up, but families with kids of all ages are welcome.
Out of this World Sights
Once night begins to fall, bundle up and head out to the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area to catch the most incredible display of stars. Located at 7980 County Road 41 (just 37 km outside of Napanee), the Dark Sky Viewing Area offers unparalleled star gazing, and can be compared to that of what would have been available over 100 years ago, protected from light pollution.
Day Two
Lead the day off with an adventure as you take on the challenging missions of Escape Camp Picton, located at Base31, 343 County Road 22. With four intriguing missions to choose from, including a spy workshop and unravelling the mystery of the Avro Arrow, these escape rooms are perfect for the whole family as they both educate you on the history of Base31 and keep you on your toes with their puzzles.
Munch on Brunch
Score some amazing food at the Creekside Cafe, 280 Main Street in Wellington, for brunch. With a delicious mix of breakfast favourites, like eggs benny and waffles, to more lunch focused items like their ‘adult’ chicken tenders and vegan/vegetarian options, with a variety of locally sourced ingredients that will make your mouth water! Their menu is sure to have something to satisfy every craving!
The Road Less Travelled
Enjoy an adventure off the beaten path at Struisvogel Ranch in Carrying Place. This unique farm raises Ostriches, and provides self-guided tours of the farm Thursday to Monday, 11AM – 5PM. During your visit get the opportunity to feed the ostriches and learn about what it takes to raise these flightless birds.
Staple Fall Experiences
End your day with a fall tradition and old fashioned family fun at Campbell’s Orchards, 1633 County Road 3 in Carrying Place. Family owned and operated since 1967, they have a variety of activities in the fall including pick your own apples or pumpkins, a corn maze, wagon tours of the farm and a play area for the kids to run around in. Explore the market, where they stock local goodies, handmade treats, and home grown produce.
Day Three
Start your day off with a visit to the National Air Force Museum of Canada, located at 220 RCAF Road in Quinte West. Discover the stories of Canadian Air Force personnel, great escapes, and, of course, the opportunity to get up close and personal with over 35 aircraft on-site, including a fully restored Halifax Bomber from the Second World War.
Science more your speed?
Check out the adorable Quinte Museum of Natural History, located at 99 Dufferin Avenue in Trenton, ON. The perfect place to take the kids for an educational experience about the history of the organic life around us, both past and present, with their exhibits featuring installations of creatures further afield, as well as interactive exhibits of local critters and fossils of the Bay of Quinte.
Saddle Up
Get out on the trail in Stirling with Fina Vista Farm, located at 1008 Tuftsville Road. Their lovely herd of Paso Fino horses are endearing, known for their smooth ride and loving temperament. For riders with some experience, choose between a one-hour or two-hour trail ride through the countryside of the Bay of Quinte, with rolling fields and winding through the fall colours on their forested paths. Little to no experience? Get an introductory lesson before your ride to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your noble steed!
Step into the Past
Discover the history of the Glanmore National Historic Site in the city of Belleville. Built in 1883, this grand victorian mansion features 2nd Empire style architecture and has been beautifully restored, complete with period art pieces and furniture throughout the museum. Have the kids search for the six “Flattie Hattie” figurines hidden throughout the mansion and take a self-guided tour to learn about the building, restoration process, and learn about the original owners of the site.
Spice it Up
Head south of the border for dinner with Chilangos Mexican Restaurant, located at 365 North Front Street in Belleville. The owners, a brother and sister duo, were born and raised in Mexico City, and bring the traditional flavours of Mexico to the Quinte region. Serving up a menu of authentic Mexican dishes, be sure to try their tostadas de tinga or tacos dorados, or if you’re in the mood for lots of heat, their chile relleno is sure to hit the spot.
Please check with all businesses for updated hours of operation and programming before heading out on your adventure in South Eastern Ontario.
