Family outings in London (Ontario)
London, in southwestern Ontario, is nicknamed the Forest City thanks to its many parks along the Thames River. Families find a storybook park for little ones, a historic village, long trails for cycling and neighbourhood markets. Summer is great for waterside outings; autumn offers lovely colours; winter is snowy but convenient for indoor activities. The city is large, so a car helps, though parks and neighbourhoods like Wortley Village are easy to explore on foot. About an hour and a half from Toronto, it makes an easy weekend. Many outings are easy to combine in one day, thanks to the park-lined river corridor.
Must-do activities
Storybook Gardens
A storybook park for little ones, with water play, a mini train, a zoo and fairy-tale scenery in Springbank Park. Easy for families with young children.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
A historic village exploring life in the region between 1820 and 1920, with period buildings and demonstrations. Open seasonally; check the programme.
Springbank Park and Thames Valley Parkway
A big riverside park with a paved trail, gardens, playgrounds and picnic spots. Free and easy for cycling or strollers.
Western Fair Farmers' and Artisans' Market
A lively market with fresh produce, bakeries and specialties, ideal for a family morning. Go early, before the crowd.
Banting House National Historic Site
A historic site telling the story of Frederick Banting's insulin discovery. A short visit, best for older kids; an eternal flame of hope burns in the garden.
Wortley Village
A neighbourhood of tree-lined streets with cafés, shops and ice-cream stands, to explore on foot. An easy outing to end the day with a cone.
Free parks and playgrounds near London (Ontario)
- 📚 London Public Library - Central
- 🌳 Campbell Memorial Park
- 🛝 Spray Pad
- 🌲 Shelborne Trail
- 📚 London Public Library - Landon
- 🌳 Market Lane
- 🛝 Ivey Park
- 🌲 Fanshawe Conservation Area
- 📚 London Public Library - Carson
- 🌳 Victoria Park
- 🛝 Splashpad
- 💦 East Park
Making the most of London (Ontario) as a family
Whether you live in London (Ontario) or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in London (Ontario)
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around London (Ontario), often with free cancellation.
See activities on GetYourGuide →See experiences on Viator →
Partner links: FamiSwipe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Family outings not to miss
→ Discover activities in London (Ontario) on FamiSwipe
FAQ
What can kids do in London when it rains?
Public libraries, the Western Fair market and the city's museums help out well. Storybook Gardens is mostly outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What are the free family activities in London?
Springbank Park, the Thames Valley Parkway and neighbourhood strolls cost nothing. FamiSwipe shows the parks and playgrounds around you, handy in such a sprawling city.
Is London, Ontario a good weekend destination with young kids?
Yes, especially for ages 0 to 8: Storybook Gardens, the parks and the historic village easily fill two days. Leave some slack, as driving distances between sites can be long.
When is the best time to visit London, Ontario with kids?
From May to October the outdoor sites are open and the historic village is running. Winter is snowy and quieter; check opening dates before you set out.