Prince Edward County has always been a place for people who know how to slow down. But here's what the travel guides don't always tell you: it's also one of the best family destinations in Ontario. Not in a theme-park, lineup-for-an-hour way. In a real way — the kind where kids remember it years later and parents actually relax.
Here's how to do a family day in PEC properly.
Start the Morning at Chetwyn Farms
There is almost nothing better for a child — or an adult, honestly — than meeting an alpaca up close. At Chetwyn Farms, our Alpaca Encounters are designed for exactly this kind of morning: unhurried, hands-on, and genuinely magical.
Kids get to hand-feed the herd, learn each animal's name and personality, and ask every question they've ever had about where wool comes from (spoiler: it's not sheep, and that revelation alone is worth the trip). Parents get to watch their children light up in a way that no screen has ever managed.
Our encounters are suitable for all ages — from curious toddlers to teenagers who arrive skeptical and leave converted. Book your spot early; summer dates fill up fast.
While you're here, browse the SHED studio. Pick up a pair of alpaca socks for the kids — softer than anything they've worn before — or a throw for the cottage. Everything in the shop comes from animals you've just met.
Mid-Morning: Wellington Rotary Park
From the farm, it's a short drive into Wellington — and the lakeside Rotary Park there is one of PEC's best-kept family secrets. Right on the shore of Lake Ontario, it has a playground, open green space, and easy beach access that's far less crowded than Sandbanks. Let the kids run, paddle at the water's edge, and burn off some energy while you take in the view. It's the kind of place locals go on purpose and visitors stumble upon by accident.
Lunch: Picton Main Street
Head into Picton for lunch. The main street is compact, walkable, and genuinely good — ice cream included. Pick up sandwiches, find a patio, and let the kids stretch their legs.
After lunch, if you've got kids with energy to burn, the Picton skate park is worth a stop — a proper facility that older kids and teens will appreciate, and a good excuse for parents to sit in the sun for twenty minutes.
Afternoon: Sandbanks or a Secret Beach
Sandbanks Provincial Park is the obvious choice — and for good reason. The largest freshwater sand dunes in the world, a spectacular beach, and shallow water that's perfect for young swimmers. Arrive by early afternoon and plan to stay a couple of hours.
But if you'd rather skip the crowds and feel like a local, PEC has a handful of quieter beaches that don't make the tourist maps. North Beach Provincial Park is calmer and less visited than Sandbanks, with a long sandy shoreline and a more relaxed atmosphere. Outlet Beach (also within Sandbanks) tends to be quieter than the main dune beach and is excellent for families with younger children. And if you ask the right person in Picton where the locals actually swim — they'll point you somewhere that won't appear in any guidebook. That's the County way.
For broader trip planning, Visit the County has good family-friendly guides and seasonal event listings.
Late Afternoon: Farm Gate Ice Cream & the Slow Drive Home
The County has no shortage of farm-gate ice cream and roadside treats on the way out. Stop when something looks good. Buy the cone. Take the lake road home if you can — the light on the water in late afternoon is something else entirely.
Make It a Weekend
If one day isn't enough — and it rarely is — The Cottage at Chetwyn Farms sleeps families comfortably and puts you right on the farm. Wake up to the alpacas outside your window. Let the kids say good morning to the herd before breakfast. It's the kind of experience that becomes a family tradition.
Read more about why families are choosing farm stays over resorts, or use our Perfect Day in PEC itinerary to plan every hour.
Book Your Family Encounter
Summer dates at Chetwyn Farms fill up quickly. Don't leave it to the last minute.
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