Travelling with Kids

Prince Edward County is a genuinely excellent family destination. The beaches are safe and beautiful, the countryside is open and explorable, the pace is relaxed enough for parents and active enough for children, and the whole place feels like the kind of vacation you remember from your own childhood. This guide covers the practical side of visiting with kids, from where to go to what to bring.

A Family Weekend Plan

Day One: Arrive and settle in. Let the kids explore the property. If your rental has a yard, waterfront or outdoor space, let them run it out after the car ride. Pick up groceries in Picton if needed. Have a simple dinner at your rental or eat out at a family-friendly restaurant with a patio.

Day Two: Morning at the beach. Sandbanks Outlet Beach is the top family choice, with shallow water that stays knee-deep for a long way out. Arrive early on weekends. Pack sand toys, water, snacks and sunscreen. Spend the whole morning there.

Afternoon: Visit a farm. Many county farms welcome visitors for berry picking (summer) or apple picking (fall). Kids love picking their own food. The experience is simple, outdoor and memorable. Check farm stands and markets for seasonal options.

Evening: Cook at your rental using the produce you picked up. Or walk to ice cream in Picton or Wellington. Keep the evening low-key.

Day Three: Explore a village. Picton has a cinema, bakeries and shops that children enjoy. The harbour area has space for walking and boat-watching. Lake on the Mountain is a short drive away and the view impresses kids and adults alike. Watch the ferry cross below.

Best Beaches for Kids

Sandbanks Outlet Beach is the gold standard. Shallow, warm, sandy bottom, long stretch of sand. North Beach is the same concept with fewer people. Wellington Beach is central and free but has open-lake water that can be rougher. West Lake and South Bay are calm and warm, ideal for toddlers.

For a full breakdown, see the beaches guide.

Rainy Day Backup

Rain will happen during some visits. Have a plan. The Regent Theatre in Picton shows movies. The public library has a children's section. Cafes in Picton welcome families for long visits with hot chocolate and treats. Many rental properties have board games and books.

A rainy morning cooking pancakes at your rental, followed by an afternoon movie in Picton, makes a perfectly good family day. See the rainy day guide for more ideas.

Food with Kids

Casual restaurants in Picton and Wellington serve sandwiches, pizza, fish and chips and other kid-friendly options. Ice cream shops in the villages are reliable crowd-pleasers after a beach day. Several restaurants have patios where children have more room and parents feel less pressure about noise.

Cooking at your rental is often the most practical family meal option. The county's farm stands provide excellent ingredients, and a barbecue dinner on the patio of your property is one of the best family meals you can have in PEC.

Practical Tips for Parents

Bug spray is essential from late May through mid-July. Apply before outdoor evening activities. The mosquitoes and blackflies are real.

Sunscreen needs frequent reapplication at the beach. The sand and water reflect sun strongly. Bring a shade tent or umbrella for younger children who need breaks from direct sun.

Cell service drops in rural areas. Download maps before you go. Tell your children the plan in case of separation, and carry a basic first-aid kit in the car.

The nearest full pharmacy and medical services are in Picton. Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital has an emergency department. For non-emergencies, the walk-in clinic in Picton has limited hours. Bring any regular medications from home, and pack a thermometer and basic children's medicine.

Grocery and baby supply options are limited. The Picton grocery store covers basics, but for specialty items, diapers or formula, Belleville (30 minutes north) has full-service stores. Bring what you need for the first day at minimum.

Ages and Stages

Toddlers thrive at calm waterfront properties with gentle beach access. West Lake and South Bay are ideal. Avoid properties with steep banks or deep water near the dock. Bring everything you need, as baby supplies are hard to find locally.

School-aged children have the best time in PEC. Swimming, cycling, farm visits, fishing and outdoor exploration keep them engaged all day. The county's roads are flat and quiet enough for cycling with supervision.

Teenagers may initially find the county boring. Give it a day. The beaches, the food and the overall change of pace from screens and city life usually win them over. Older teens who can appreciate a good meal and a beautiful sunset will enjoy the county alongside their parents.

For more family travel planning, see the family-friendly PEC guide and family-friendly accommodation.