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Fun Things to do in London
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city guide
London, city, seat of Middlesex county, southeastern Ontario, Canada. It lies at the forks of the Thames River, midway between Lakes Ontario (east) and St. Clair (west) and Lakes Huron (north) and Erie (south). Its name and site were chosen in 1792 for the location of a capital of Canada West (Upper Canada), but the plans failed to materialize, and settlement did not take place until 1826. Serving as a British garrison town during the mid-19th century, London developed into an important transportation and industrial centre as a result of its interlake location. Today it is the hub of extensive rail and highway networks radiating into the surrounding agricultural region, which produces fruit, vegetables, grain, and dairy products. Londons industries include the manufacture of food products, brass and steel products, diesel locomotives, textiles, electrical appliances, and clothing. The city is a seat of Anglican and Roman Catholic dioceses, as well as the University of Western Ontario (founded in 1878) and its affiliated schools. Inc. village, 1840; town, 1848; city, 1854. Pop. (2011) city, 366,151; metro. area, 474,786; (2016) city, 383,822; metro. area, 494,069.
Best time to go
The cold season lasts for 3.3 months, from December 3 to March 13, with an average daily high temperature below 38F. The coldest month of the year in London is January, with an average low of 18F and high of 29F.
Fun city facts and activities
- Local Festivals
There are many local festivals in London that offer free admission. Check out this post for more information: Summer Festivals in London Ontario
Festival Fridays at Storybook Gardens
Childrens admission is FREE Friday nights 5:30-8:30 pm all summer long thanks to sponsored admission provided by TD, Tim Hortons, Ironstone Built, The Factory, Virgin Radio London, and CTV London.
Special event night sponsors include Molly Maid and The Mylie Real Estate Group on July 8th, Buss Financial on July 22nd and Montessori Academy of London on July 29th!
Adults are $5 and all you need to do is pre-register to reserve your spots
Art at Museum London
Current hours Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm and Thursday 11 am to 8 pm. Closed on holidays. Admission by donation (not just on Sundays now every day!) No in-person tours are currently available.
*Not quite ready to head there in person yet? They have some fantastic online programs as well including online jigsaw puzzles, art projects using materials from around the house, exploring the collection, exhibition tours and talks, and more!
Music at Springbank Gardens
Exciting news!! The 2022 Springbank Garden Concert Series announces its lineup of incredible live music performances on Sunday afternoons from July 3-August 28. Admission is free.
Concerts from 2-4 p.m. at the Guy Lombardo Pavilion, Springbank Gardens, 285 Wonderland Road. Presented by London Musicians Association and Woodshed Concert Series.
Sunday, July 3: Nevin Campbell Ken Foster Quartet. Easy Listening Jazz
Sunday, July 10: Tom McInerneys Privateers. Featuring the music of Stan Rogers, John Denver, and others
Sunday, July 24: HiLife. 5-piece classic rock
Sunday, July 31: The Stetson Brothers. Country & Western and more
Sunday, August 7: Larry Smith. Londons favourite balladeer
Sunday, August 14: Journeymen of Soul. Best of Rhythm & Blues
Sunday, August 21: Uptown Affair. A Swingin Jazz Affair
Sunday, August 28: Quintessential Quintet. Cool Jazz in the Summer
Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory
UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS CLOSED AT THE MOMENT. You can book private observation parties but they dont make the cut for being low-cost activities.
Library Jazz for the People concerts
Enjoy this very popular program co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the London Musicians Association. This series of free jazz concerts at the Wolf Performance Hall (Central Library location)features local musicians and guest artists playing a wide range of jazz styles. The Music Director is Sandy MacKay.
Book Clubs at the Library
*A wide variety of book clubs are held around the city at various library locations. Currently, these are all being held virtually.
Labatt Brewery Tour
Experience a guided tour at the Simcoe Street (Hometown) Brewery in London, Ontario. This is the same location where Labatt founder John Kinder Labatt started brewing beer more than 160 years ago.
NOTE: You have to call to book this so you might inquire about more information at that time. Their website seems outdated and makes no mention of pandemic rules so Im not sure these are currently being offered.
Tour the Jet Aircraft Museum
This is the only aviation museum dedicated solely to the flying and restoration of Canadian jet aircraft and other Cold War jets.
We recommend you book a tour ahead of time to avoid any long waits. You can do so by calling the museum at 519-453-7000 during operating hours (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-4pm), or emailing info@jetaircraftmuseum.ca.
Tour the Secrets of Radar Museum
This museum is committed to sharing Canadian radar history, from its earliest secret experimentation to recent advances, and most importantly, to the preservation of real-life stories and personal experiences of the people who have worked and continue to work in radar.
The museum is open 5 days a week for the summer. Admission is by donation. Check with them or come back to see my updates for more details (days, times, etc). I have reached out to them for clarification.
Tour the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
The Exhibit Hall inspires visitors with the stories of outstanding achievements of Canadian women and men who have changed the face of medicine and health in the world.
They are located at 100 Kellogg Lane (Atrium Entrance) in London, Ontario. The black glass Atrium entrance is located on Kellogg Lane near Dundas (you cannot reach our Exhibit Hall from The Factory entrance). Free parking is available directly across from the entrance.
The Exhibit Hall is open for self-guided exploration during building hours, typically 9:00 am 6:00 pm daily (please see the 100 Kellogg Lane website for more details regarding hours of operation).
Guided tours by appointment only (Call our office 519-488-2003 | M-F 8:30 to 4:30)
Free Nights at the London Childrens Museum
This is a hands-on museum that focuses on the educational and social development of children from infancy through age twelve.
TD Free Family Fun Night is an opportunity for all families to enjoy an evening of free admission, made possible by our friends at TD. These currently occur on Thursday nights.
Admission can be reserved in advance online or by walk-in at their front desk.
Covid-related information
To ensure a fun and safe visit for everyone, the following COVID-19 protocols are in effect:
The London Childrens Museum is operating at a reduced visitor capacity.
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the museum.
Food and beverage consumption is limited to designated seating areas or outdoors. (Outside food is permitted.)
Exhibits and programs have been modified to encourage distancing and easy cleaning.
Park It at the Market
Every Wednesday 4pm-8pm starting June 8th- August 31st in Queens Park behind the Western Fair District Market good eats, great treats and wholesome family fun!
Eldon House
Eldon House has some by donation days from time to time. See below for more details.
Kids First Day
Kids First Day is providing free admission to many other locations around the city besides Eldon House. Be sure to check and see if your favorite venue is participating.
Friday June 3 1-4 pm, registration required
Kids are invited to learn and have fun while they explore Eldon House with a scavenger hunt and engage in a variety of activities, historical games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Live Music At Eldon House
Sunday, June 19, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Eldon House is excited to host musicians in partnership with the Home County Music and Art Festival on Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00. Enjoy your June afternoon on the lawns of Eldon House! Come tour historic Eldon House and stop to enjoy the local artist in the perfectly acoustic porches.
Summer Market
Sunday, June 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Eldon House Grounds
Enjoy the Eldon House gardens and peruse the hand made products from local entrepreneurs! From candles and textiles, to home d̩cor and beauty products, this market has something for everyone. Support local artisans and enjoy the creativity of local businesses.
Museum of Ontario Archaeology
Regular Museum Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
September to April: Open Tuesdays to Saturdays by appointment.
Time slots for tours are available at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM respectively.
Outdoor Site: The outdoor site is currently closed to the public.
May to August: Open Daily
General Tours are approximately an hour in length and led by our knowledgeable guides who will take visitors through the Lawson Site and our permanent galleries.
Pricing:
This is really only low-cost if youre taking the maximum number in each group so the price works out to $5 each.
For groups up to 5: $25
For groups up to 10: $50
After 10, additional per person charge: $5
They have a new tour option Tour & Activity option. In addition to a tour of the Lawson Site and permanent galleries, this option also includes a workshop(s), suitable for all ages. Obviously, this brings up the cost, but it does make for a fun day.
Hike One of Our Natural Spaces in the City
There are many to choose from including Westminster Ponds, the Sifton Bog, and more.
Head to a Farmers Market
Includes Covent Garden Market (free 1 hour parking weekdays with validation and free 2 hour parking on weekends with validation), the Western Fair Farmers Market (SAT 8am 3pm and SUN 10am 2pm), and more.
Tour a Local Church
St. Peters Cathedral and St. Pauls Cathedral usually offer regular tours, but these are not currently running during the pandemic.
Go to a FREE Outdoor Movie Viewing
The City of London holds free outdoor movies throughout the summer. Most of them are geared towards family/childrens movies, but there are a few you might enjoy.
Movies include: Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle, Shang-Chi, Encanto, Space Jam A New Legacy, and more.
Each movie night will start at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m., in the locations listed below. No registration is required to attend a movie night. Bring your own snacks, drinks, chairs and blankets to complement this great film experience.
Enjoy an afternoon listening to jazz.
The London Ontario Jazz Hub and Dundas Place present Sunday Jazz in Market Lane. Stroll Covent Garden Market or visit your favourite shop or downtown restaurant, then head to Market Lane for some live, local jazz!
FREE entertainment! Different local jazz ensembles each weekend!
WHEN: Sunday afternoons 2:00-4:00pm. June-September.
WHERE: Market Lane Park at 137 Dundas St., just North of Covent Garden Market
Limited seating.
Spend Time at One of Our Local Parks
Many to choose from including Springbank Park and Harris Park which are both by the river, the Civic Garden Complex, the Cancer Survivor Garden, and more. Some parks have playground equipment and/or splash pads.
Check out the library website every month for all kinds of crafts, games, and other activities.
They have so many fun things going on all the time movies, puppet shows, concerts, craft classes, and more. On occasion, there is a small fee for materials used for crafts.
Go on a Self-Guided Tree Trunk Tour.
The tree trunk carvings are quite amazing works of art. Several of them are beginning to rot unfortunately. They have been able to save enough to make it still a worthwhile way to pass an afternoon.
Take a Self-Guided Barn Quilt Tour
Another fun way to see unique art in our community. These barn quilts are, as you might expect, in rural areas around London with quite a number being based in the Wardsville area.
Go Skateboarding as a Family
London has quite a few skate parks located throughout the city.
Take a Tour Using the Heart of London App
Enjoy this fun and delightful historical tour of London Ontario, while relaxing at home or while meandering along the riverside at the forks of the Thames River, in the Heart of London, Ontario, Canada.
The app presents 90 minutes of commentary about the history of London while you enjoy the beauty of the heart of downtown London, at your leisure, on your own schedule.
Go swimming.
You could head to Port Stanley or Grand Bend or some other nearby beach or check out one of the local pools. Both indoor and outdoor pools are available. Recreational swims are available for $6.25 per adult, and $4.50 per child.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Summerside
Westmount
Oakridge
Byron
Masonville
River Bend
Fox Hollow
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Lamajoun
Lamajoun might be located in a cold industrial park, but theres more than enough warmth emanating from its ovens and its staff. In addition to the pizza-like namesake dish, best bets include baked pide a boat-shaped flatbread lined with house-cured beef or sausage, plus a soft egg barbecued meats with lavash flatbread, and khinkali, soupy Georgian dumplings reminiscent of the xiao long bao found in the areas many Shanghainese restaurants.
Richmond Night Market
Throngs of food lovers swarm the Richmond Night Market on weekend evenings in the summer. The market offers an assortment of entertainment and shopping, but the food stalls are the real draw for anyone seeking the best examples of street food from across Asia and beyond: spicy squid, stuff on sticks (go for skewered lamb), and fermented tofu. Mouths and iPhones jostle to score specialties like rainbow cheese toast, strawberry-filled mochi, and deep-fried watermelon.
Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle
Beef noodle soup is the national dish of Taiwan, and this restaurant features a three-time winner of that countrys national beef noodle soup competition. Chef Hung serves a beefy broth that comes with choice of meat cut, noodle types (go wide!), and spice level. Try the champion beef shank with noodle in spicy soup, with chunks of beef shank and a fatty slice of beef bacon.
Lido Restaurant
Locals flock to Hong Kong-style cafe Lido at all hours the queue starts as early as 7:15 a.m. for pineapple buns. Those in the know eschew the ones in view in favor of the ones in back, fresh out of the oven. Theyre best with butter (or even double butter), the cold creaminess playing off the warm and already buttery bun. Theyre fine on their own, too, washed down with some coffee that can be Western-style or HK-style, meaning with milk. Or use the buns as a prelude to something else from a menu that includes noodle soup with squid balls, a corned beef and egg sandwich, and oatmeal with turnip cake.
Kam Do Bakery and Plaza
Kam Do Bakery is a classic in Richmond, with two locations on the citys bustling No. 3 Road. Egg tarts (four kinds!) are the most popular, followed quickly by other pastries made from dates, winter melon, and even lotus seeds with century egg a delicacy thats at once sweet, savory, and a touch sulphuric. Skip the classic pineapple buns for a pineapple-coconut version instead.
Parker Place
Enter this shopping mall from the No. 3 Road entrance to see crowds of people seemingly entranced by the sight, smell, and thwacking cleaver sounds emanating from Parker Place Meat & BBQ. Thats before even reaching the malls food court, which bustles at lunchtime. Cuisine types and offerings vary widely, from Singaporean beef and pork jerky to bubble waffles and fruit juices from staple vendors like Tak Fook Noodle & Congee Shop, Macau Cafe, and Szechuan Cuisine.
Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant
Chef Tony is one of the buzziest restaurants in Richmond in recent years. Contemporary dim sum specialties include shrimp dumplings with matsutake mushrooms, black truffle siu mai (with pork and shrimp), and deep-fried taro and abalone pastry, along with a huge variety of congee. An upscale dinner menu brings dishes like lamb belly, squab, and some special sea cucumber preparations. Save room for steamed-egg sponge cake and salty egg-yolk lava buns for dessert.
HK BBQ Master
HK BBQ Master is masterful indeed in its preparation of barbecued meats. Sample everything if you can: The barbecue duck is delicious and tends to sell out early; the barbecue pork is seductively sweet; the soy sauce chicken is incredibly moist. But the roast pork is the most irresistible, boasting three delicious layers: the meat close to the bone, a layer of succulent fat, and a crisp shield of crackly fried skin. Theres room to dine in, though most get their goods to go.
The Fish Man
Locals know Alexandra Road as Eat Street (Wai Sek Kai) for its abundance of restaurants, and while the Fish Man is one of the newest, its already one of the most popular. Sichuan roasted fish with ma la (numbing and spicy) sauce is the main feature, with choice of fish (a firm flesh like catfish holds up best) and choice of toppings like tofu skin, lotus root, and wood ear mushrooms. There are also excellent side dishes such as stir-fried spicy clams, a variety of meat skewers, and mantou dumplings to soak up the addictive sauces.
G-Men Ramen at Nan Chuu Ramen Izakaya
G-men serves some of the best ramen in an area with stiff competition. Tokyo-style shoyu ramen, difficult to find elsewhere, is done to perfection. The broth is dense with chicken and soy sauce flavor, and comes with thin slices of fatty pork and a brilliantly yellow-orange egg. Evening brings porky tonkotsu ramen, as well as a red chile miso pepper version. Theres a standalone G-Men shop down the road in historic Steveston, too.
Chinese Sauerkraut Fish
Amid all of Richmonds hot pot restaurants and their endless choices of broths and add-ins is the quirky Too Two Chinese Sauerkraut Fish. At the entrance is a display of large clay jars storing pickled mustard greens that ferment for 30 days. This constitutes the sauerkraut for orders of suan cai yu, big bowls of hot-and-sour broth containing chunks of fish topped with chile peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. Diners decide the size of their fish orders (from small to the feaster) as well as what else to put in the broth.
Origo Club
French cafe by day and fine dining destination by night with afternoon tea on the weekend to boot this East-meets-West restaurant is a relaxing place to sip French wine, pu-erh tea, or coffee made with proprietary beans. Dinner offers a quiet atmosphere, attentive service, and an elegant menu that includes escargots, foie gras, and French-inspired desserts along with an affordable tasting-menu option. Feast your eyes on the contemporary Asian art gallery on site.
Dolar Shop
Richmond is booming with hot-pot restaurants, and this Chinese import is one of the best. In contrast to most other places, which feature a large, shared pot, diners at Dolar get their own individual hot-pots still with the option of a split bowl containing two broths. Its the quality of the broths that makes Dolar rise above the others, whether its pork leg bone, mushroom, Szechuan hot and spicy, or tomato and oxtail. Items to add to the hot pot are impeccable, and you can always count on a refreshing ice cream cone at the end of the meal.
Xing Fu Tang
Throw a rock and youre likely to hit a bubble tea shop in Richmond, and brown sugar is the flavor du jour. With roots in Taiwan, the popular Xing Fu Tang chose the T&T Supermarket at Lansdowne Centre for its Richmond location, and the lines have been relentless since opening. The enchanting brown sugar pearl milk tea includes tapioca bubbles roasted right before customers eyes, and the drink is topped with a dusting of caramelized brown sugar.
Empire Seafood Restaurant
Come for dumplings and stay for dessert at this popular dim sum destination. Steamed scallop and egg-white dumplings are a good place to start; wu gok (with duck meat) and sweet baked barbecue pork buns are also excellent. For dessert, try the rich, creamy baked tapioca pudding, best eaten while still warm. If Empire is too busy, Parklane Chinese Restaurant is a sibling spot in the same shopping plaza.
Shanghai River Restaurant
This mainstay serves some of the most consistently great Shanghainese food in Richmond. Nearly all diners at Shanghai River order the requisite basket (or three) of xiao long bao, with the ability to watch the workers make the soup dumpling orders through the kitchen window that overlooks the main dining room. The menu is full of dishes typical of Shanghai, including juicy sheng jian bao, rice cakes with pickled vegetables, braised eggplant with chile sauce, and black vinegar ribs that are sweet, sticky, and simply delicious.
Richmond Public Market
The building has seen better days, but the Richmond Public Market, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, unwaveringly holds the promise of an affordable, memorable meal. Downstairs youll find vendors selling produce, packages of noodles and dumplings, roasted meat, and more, while upstairs is a food court with specialties from all over China. Of note: Nanjing cuisine at Bian Fu Chang, biang-biang noodles at Xian Cuisine, and Richmonds oldest and possibly cheapest bubble tea at Peanuts Bubble Tea.
Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant
Lesser known than some of Richmonds other dim sum destinations, Golden Paramount offers some superb items, chief among them the fabulously delicate crab dumplings (listed on the menu as steamed dumpling with crab meat and pork). The pork siu mai topped with fish roe is another great choice, as is the stir-fried sticky rice, loaded with smoky flavor. Dinner is ideal for a family-style Cantonese meal. Look for pan-fried oysters, salt-baked chicken, and a dish that is deservedly overlooked elsewhere but shockingly good here: sweet and sour pork.
Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks
This offbeat brewery lives up to its slogan of Keeping Beer Weird, with an unusual location in a quiet industrial park a ways away from the main Richmond action. Flights allow sampling of multiple beer types, including the Kiwami plum sour, the Last Mango (a wit beer), and Gettin Fizzy With It (a brut IPA). A limited food menu includes a steak and onion pie thats made with Fuggles & Warlocks Bean Me Up espresso stout, and theres often a food truck parked just outside.
Anar
Anar began as a small Persian food stall in a predominantly Chinese food court, and has since moved into a historical house in Steveston. Incorporating herbs, nuts, and a variety of fruit like pomegranates, plums, and prunes into its food, Anar favors flavors that are bold and bright, as evidenced in small plates like mirza ghasemi (smoky eggplant in tomato and garlic sauce) and larger plates like baghali polo ba goosht (lamb shank and dill rice with broad beans).
Wild Sweets
Located in the same industrial park as Fuggles & Warlock, Wild Sweets allows generous sampling of its vast selection of chocolate, ranging from truffles to bark to perhaps the best bet: single-origin bars sold at discount. Weekends are when the chocolatiers whip up some truly wild sweets to enjoy on-site or to go, typically concoctions that can include combinations of cake, ice cream, compote, creme brulee cream, and crunchy bits.
Pajo's Fish and Chips
There are a few fish and chip restaurants on or by the water in Steveston the historic fishing village thats part of Richmond and many consider Pajos to be the best. Choose from cod, salmon, and halibut, which come battered, fried, and loaded in large paper cones that conveniently fit into holes on the outdoor tables. Enjoy water views while delighting in fresh fish wrapped in a thin and crisp, tempura-like shell.
London Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a Ghost Tour: Explore the spooky history of London with a ghost tour from one of the city's many tour companies.
2. Go Kayaking: Take a kayak out on the River Thames and enjoy the sights and sounds of London from the water.
3. Take a Literary Pub Crawl: Learn about London's literary heritage as you make your way between pubs, enjoying a drink in each one.
4. Visit the Museum of London Docklands: Discover the history of Londons docks and the people who lived and worked here.
5. Spend an Evening at the Jazz Cafe: Enjoy live jazz music while sipping on a cocktail at this historic Camden venue.
6. Take a Ride on the London Eye: Take in the views of London from the iconic London Eye Ferris wheel.
7. Shop in the East End: Explore the eclectic markets of East London, from vintage and antiques to
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Ride the carousel at Storybook Gardens
Storybook Gardens is a long-running childrens theme park and family attraction located in Londons Springbank Park. The park has been open since 1958, with themes tied to childrens fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Storybook Gardens in Halifax offers plenty of options for older kids as well as lots of things to do with toddlers, with dedicated play spaces for younger kids. Storybook Gardens is open year-round, with additional seasonal attractions ranging from summer splash pads and water play to wintertime ice skating. The park also offers family-friendly facilities, including a baby care station, as well as concessions and drink stands.
2. Take a sunset stroll through Springbank Park
Springbank Park is one of the largest parks in London, Ontario, offering 19 miles of scenic trails to explore with kids. Though Springbank Park also houses the family theme park Storybook Park, Springbank is definitely worth exploring on its own. Along with trails, youll also find kid-friendly playgrounds and climbing structures, plus a wading pool and splash pad. This is also a great spot for a family picnic on the banks of the River Thames or catching a sunset over the water.
3. Explore a living history museum at Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is an open-air living history museum that explores the regions history from the 1820s to the 1920s. The village is divided by clusters of buildings that cover different time periods from London and Middlesex history, allowing you to figuratively travel through time during your visit. Over 25,000 historic artifacts are displayed throughout the village, from textiles and costumes to furniture, decor, and tools. Heritage buildings within the village include the Denfield General Store, where youll find handcrafted art, history memorabilia, and souvenirs.
4. Cool off in the wave pool at East Park
If youre looking for things for kids to do in London, Ontario, East Park has a ton of activities for kids of all ages. A seasonal water park houses a wave pool, multiple water slides, kids' water play spaces, and an accessible splash pad. Other outdoor attractions include racing go-karts, playing mini-golf, and hitting the batting cages. There are indoor spaces at East Park, too, ranging from a gaming arcade and 2-story jungle gym to rock climbing walls and bumper cars. Youll also find concession stands and snack options throughout the park.
5. Explore an adventure bee farm at Clovermead
Clovermead is an adventure bee farm just outside of London, Ontario. This family-owned farm produces its own local honey products, and visitors can learn about beekeeping and enjoy flavorful honey goodies at the farms Honey Shop. Clovermeads Adventure Farm is great for toddlers and older kids alike, with plenty of interactive experiences, play spaces, and farm animals. Seasonal events include the Autumn Pumpkin Fest with Saturday festivals and pumpkin picking. Some attractions at Clovermead are wheelchair accessible, so check the farms website for more information.
6. Zip line through the trees on Boler Mountain
London kids activities can be found year-round on Boler Mountain, located in Southwest Ontario. In the green season, activities range from hiking, mountain biking, and yoga, to navigating a treetop adventure course. Their treetop adventure park offers multiple courses for different experience levels, typically for ages 8 and older. In the winter season, you can hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding, or play in the snow tubing park. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are also offered for kids as young as 5.
7. Cool off in Londons splash pads and wading pools
Kids activities in London, Ontario, include splash pads, wading pools, and swimming pools across the city. Outdoor swimming pools have varying activities and amenities, ranging from leisure pools to lap pools, and many include accessible options. Splash pads across the city include Gibbons Park, Forks of the Thames, Bonaventure Meadows, and Queens Park. Wading pool locations include the Northeast Pool, Northridge Pool, Springbank, and University Heights.
8. Pick your own berries at Kustermans Family Farm
Less than 30 minutes outside of London is Kustermans Family Farm, a working family farm and adventure play space. Kustermans offers a variety of pick-your-own seasonal crops throughout the year, from strawberries and blueberries to raspberries and pumpkins. Youll also find farm-fresh produce and homemade baked goods at their Farm Market & Bakery. In the Adventure Farm, kids can play, jump, and ride with themed play spaces, activities, and attractions. Seasonal activities include fall festivals in September and October, and an autumn corn maze to explore.
9. Picnic in Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a great spot for family activities in London, with plenty of open green space to enjoy, as well as picnic facilities. You can bike or stroll along the parks paved paths, or visit in the winter months to enjoy the parks ice skating rink. Many of Londons annual family events are held in Victoria Park, from the Home County Music & Art Festival and The London Rib Fest to Sunfest, Fiesta del Sol, and LOLA. Victoria Park also offers accessible and family-friendly facilities.
10. Look for carnivorous plants in Sifton Bog
You might think that a bog doesnt belong on your "things to do in London with kids" list, but Sifton Bog is an environmentally significant area full of unique flora and fauna. A flat boardwalk traverses the bog and is both stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, giving you the chance to explore this unusual ecosystem up close. This floating peat bog houses a number of rare species, including 4 types of carnivorous plants, which will likely appeal to any young naturalists in your family. Be sure to remain on the path to protect the areas fragile ecosystem.
11. Enjoy autumn apple picking at Apple Land Station
Apple Land Station is a family-owned farm that offers seasonal activities for families outside of London, Ontario. Fall and winter are when youll find the most activities at Apple Land Station, from pick-your-own apples and pumpkin patches to train rides, farm animals, and fresh apple cider. Family-friendly Christmas events are held on the farm in November and December, along with a Christmas tree farm and appearances from Santa himself. During other parts of the year, the farm may be open on Saturdays for families to visit their bakery and General Store for homemade treats and delectables.
12. Grind and slide at Londons skateboard parks
London offers 11 skateboard parks across the city, with a variety of options to suit skateboarders of any experience level. Beginners and intermediate-level skaters can check out the facilities at Basil Grover Park, Kiwanis Skateboard Plaza, and the River's Edge Skateboard Park, among others. Intermediate to advanced-level skaters can head to the Medway-Kiwanis Skate Bowls, Victoria Skateboard Park, and Wolseley Skateboard Park, among others.
13. Bounce on a jumping pillow at Play Away
Play Away is an indoor play space and activity centre for toddlers and children in London. Inside, kids can explore a 3-story climbing structure, bounce on a massive jumping pillow, and enjoy themed play areas. Toddlers and younger kids will find plenty to do with their own dedicated play spaces. Play Away is a socks-only facility, meaning socks must be worn to play. The centre also includes free WiFi and an in-house cafe.
14. Discover new things at the London Childrens Museum
Things to do with toddlers in London include the London Childrens Museum, best enjoyed by toddlers and children younger than 12. Immersive exhibits at the museum range from a dinosaur dig and an antique schoolhouse to an arctic discovery centre and underground cave exploration. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and a range of support resources are available to meet specific sensory needs, with more information available on the museums website.
15. Conquer a ropes course at The Factory
The Factory is an indoor entertainment centre in London for kids and adults. Activities at The Factory range from ropes courses and zip lines to a massive trampoline park, a warrior obstacle course, and a full arcade. Younger children can play in the Lil Climbers indoor playground, a multi-level play space for smaller children. Additional activities at The Factory include VR games and escape room games.
City data and FAQ
Is London worth visiting?
There are plenty of attractions in London, Ontario that make the city a worthwhile Ontario road trip destination. In fact, when the time is right, it's an ideal city to head to for the weekend (or longer).
How many days do you need in London?
It is often missed for neighbouring Montreal, though it should not be overlooked. Laval is home to numerous attractions and activities, and you could easily spend 3 or 4 days here.
What is London famous for?
London, Ontario, which is proudly known as The Forest City, is home to nearly 400,000 residents. It is a hub for higher education, medical research, manufacturing, and technology. This section will help you get to know the city and some of the wonderful opportunities that await its residents
Is London Ontario colder than Toronto?
London is nowhere near as cold as Toronto, but it can be wetter and windier, making it quite unpleasant. Snow (if any) usually only falls in isolated periods during the winter.
How far is London Ontario from the US border?
The total driving distance from London, Canada to Buffalo, NY is 144 miles or 232 kilometers.
Things to do in summer in London.
"Here are some of the best things you can do in London during the summer:
-Take a boat ride on the River Thames. You can take this trip as early as 10am, or at sunset, which is really nice. You can also go upriver on a tour boat that has been especially modified for nighttime viewing. The best part is that it's only 10 per person!
-Go on a pub crawl. A pub crawl is exactly what it sounds like: you go around pubs and drink beer until you're drunk enough that you won't remember what happened before or after your last beer. It's cheap, fun, and not embarrassing if you end up puking everywhere because no one caught on about what time it was last night!
-Go to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for some nice walks with friends or family members. These parks are beautiful year-roundyou can go there any day of the week and see something new each time!"
Noah Davis
