How to Spend a Weekend in Prince Edward County with a Baby or Kids

Prince Edward County has always been one of my favourite weekend getaways from Toronto. With its wineries, breweries, restaurants, beaches, and adorable small towns, it has everything you need for an easy escape from the city. Recently, I visited for the first time since we had our son, and it let me see the County in a whole new light; now I can’t wait to return.

The best part is you don’t have to give up everything you love about a weekend in wine country just because you have little ones you’re traveling with now. Prince Edward County is surprisingly family-friendly, with many wineries and breweries where kids are not only welcome, but accommodated. On top of that, you’ll find so many other activities like beaches, hikes, farms, casual dining options, etc. With kids, the biggest thing is that your days may not be as jam-packed, and you may plan them a little differently than you’d be if you were traveling with friends.

Whether you’re visiting Prince Edward County with a baby, toddler, or older kids, this weekend itinerary will help you plan a family-friendly getaway without sacrificing the good food, local wine, and laid-back County vibes that make this one of Ontario’s best weekend destinations.

➡️ Not traveling with kids? Check out my guide on How to Spend a Weekend in Prince Edward County

Where to Stay in Prince Edward County with a Baby or Kids

When travelling to Prince Edward County with a baby or kids, where you stay can make a big difference. While pre-kids we may have prioritized the cutest boutique hotel or somewhere within walking distance of the wineries, travelling with little ones comes with a slightly different checklist!

The County is basically broken down into three main towns: Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington. These are all great areas to base yourself for a weekend. Picton is the largest of the three and has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Bloomfield is smaller and super charming, and is a great place to stay if you are planning to spend lots of time at Sandbanks Provincial Park. Lastly, Wellington is another great option, especially if you want to be closer to the water and some popular wineries and breweries. However, nothing is too far of a drive in the County.

For families, I’d recommend looking for a cottage, vacation rental like a VRBO or Airbnb, or suite with a little extra space. Having a separate bedroom or living area is especially helpful when travelling with a baby who goes to bed early (no one wants to spend your night whispering in a dark hotel room). A kitchen or kitchenette is also incredibly handy for storing milk, making bottles, preparing quick breakfasts, or other meals so you don’t feel the need to eat out if you’re working around nap or bedtime schedules.

Other things worth looking for include a crib or pack-and-play, highchair, bathtub, laundry facilities, and some outdoor space where you can hang out once the kids are asleep.

If you’re visiting during the summer or on a long weekend, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance. Prince Edward County is an incredibly popular Ontario getaway, and the best family-friendly accommodations can fill up quickly. Here are a few Airbnbs that I’ve stayed in during my weekends in the County, all of which would make fantastic spots to stay with a family:

• Downtown Picton Apartment (the only downfall of this spot is the stairs going up to it may be inconvenient if you want to bring your stroller into your accommodations)
• Converted Elementary School (a super unique accommodation with plenty of space for kids and all the stuff that comes with traveling with them)
• Home in Prince Edward County (this was such a whimsical house to stay in and had plenty of outdoor space, including a fire pit)

Where to Eat with a Baby or Kids

A lot of places in Prince Edward County are casual. There are, of course, some fancier spots for dining, but you’re more likely to find something casual and family-friendly. This makes it way less intimidating when looking for a place that will accommodate your family. Here are a few places to consider:

• Harry’s Charboiled Burgers
  They have a big sandbox for kids to play in and lots of outdoor seating options to enjoy lunch.
• Hendricks BBQ
  Another casual spot attached to Crimson Cider so you can try some local ciders and BBQ. There are lots of lawn space for running around and some outdoor games too!
• Parsons Brewery
  Parson’s has a huge outdoor space with lawn games, and lots of fun summer events like live music. It’s not unusual to see families meeting here. Bonus points for the good beer for Mom & Dad!
• Midtown Brewery
  A casual spot right in Wellington with fantastic pizza and beer.

For dessert, head to Slickers County Ice Cream. They have two locations – one in Bloomfield and one in Picton! Homemade with 100% Ontario cream, this ice cream spot is not your average ice cream shop. You may find yourself coming back multiple times throughout the weekend.

Kid-Friendly Wineries in Prince Edward County

Amanda’s Vineyard
This is a small vineyard located on a backroad, and that’s what makes it so special. They have a small tasting barn and plenty of outdoor seating, which is great with kids. I rolled out a picnic blanket and let my son roll around while we tasted.

Traynor Family Vineyard
Traynor has intentionally created a family setup with an outdoor play area, kids’ menu, slushies, and ice cream. There’s lots of space for strollers, and they even host family events throughout the summer like family movie nights.

Waupoos Estates Winery
A great place if you want a stop to spend a bit longer. They have huge grounds and a waterfront view. Plus, you can visit the Clafeld Cider House & Market across the road, with mini goats, chickens, and rabbits.

Sandbanks Estate Winery
One of the County’s bigger wineries with lots of outdoor seating and lawn space. It’s an easy, less-intimate environment when you’ve got kids along with you.

Three Dog Winery
Relaxed and family-owned with a large outdoor area, seasonal wood-fired pizza and live music. Kids are welcome; they just ask that you supervise them (who is going anywhere and not supervising their kids anyway?).

Kid-Friendly Breweries & Cideries

Parsons Brewing Company
This would be at the top of my brewery list! We actually went there twice when we visited with my son. Parsons explicitly welcomes families and has a big outdoor beer-garden/farm atmosphere, food, and lots of room outside. It’s somewhere you can have lunch and spend a whole afternoon. In the summer, they also do different events, and in the winter they have a big skating rink that comes to life on their property.

Slake Brewing
Another great choice. It’s on a hilltop property with tons of outdoor space, panoramic views, casual food from Rebel Taco, and a sandbox. You can also spot pigs, sheep, chickens, and cats while hanging out here.

The County Cider Company
The County Cider Company is in a gorgeous outdoor setting overlooking the orchard and Prince Edward Bay. They have high chairs, baby change tables, lawn games, and a restaurant/patio, so it’s very easy to enjoy more than just a tasting here.

Crimson Cider Company
Crimson Cider Company is super casual, has a nice outdoor space with outdoor games, and as mentioned above, is connected to a BBQ joint so you can grab lunch too!

Things to Do in Prince Edward County with Kids

Outside of the typical wineries and breweries you think of when you think of Prince Edward County, there is also so many other things the County has to offer. You can make a great weekend trip here without going to a single winery or brewery. Here are some of those activities that you can fill your itinerary with to keep your little ones (and you) busy!

Sandbanks Provincial Park
This is an obvious must-do in the summer. Beach days, swimming, playing in the sand, or just walking the dunes, Sandbanks is the perfect destination to spend an entire day. Note that you may want to bring your little one in a carrier vs. a stroller as it’ll be easier to navigate the sand/dunes.

Hike & Birdhouse City
A quirky, free stop at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area with a dozen birdhouses modelled after local buildings. It’s a great short walk for kids! This conservation area is also great for a hike.

Campbell’s Orchards
This is a great stop if you’re visiting in the late summer or fall for apple picking, pumpkins, and farm activities.

Littlejohn Farm
Worth looking into for older kids, as they run hands-on farm experiences and programs involving animals, gardening, food, and nature.

Base31
There’s quite a bit here now for families, including the Sensory Garden, outdoor spaces, art installations, and family events. The Exhibition Hall also has a Lancaster bomber on display, and kids five and under currently get free admission. There is also Wildlings Play Cafe here, which is a great rainy-day activity for babies and toddlers.

Explore Picton
Walk Main Street, browse the shops, grab a coffee and stop for ice cream at the infamous Slickers. Easy with a baby in a stroller and doesn’t require much planning.

Explore Bloomfield
Another good low-key activity is to explore the town of Bloomfield. Pop into shops, cafés, and there’s another Slickers ice cream location here. It can easily fill an hour or two between bigger activities.

Bike or Walk the Millennium Trail
Better for families with older kids or if your kid likes a good stroller walk. The trail runs through much of the County, so you don’t need to tackle the whole thing. Pick a starting point close to where you’re staying and turn back when you’ve had enough. The trail is flat, so it’s much more of a walk (or leisurely bike ride) vs. a hike.

Wellington Rotary Beach
Much smaller than Sandbanks but an easy place to let kids play by the water without committing to a full Sandbanks excursion.

Picton Splash Pad
There’s not much to say here, but if you need an easy way to burn some of your kids’ energy and cool them down, there is a splash pad in Picton you can take them to.

Go Antiquing/Thrifting
A better activity when you have a baby that doesn’t know what’s going on, but the County has a lot of vintage and antique shops that you can explore as you hop between the different towns.

Visiting Prince Edward County with Kids

Prince Edward County may be known for its wineries, breweries, and incredible food scene, but it’s also such a fun destination to experience as a family. From spending the morning at Sandbanks and visiting local farms to grabbing lunch at a food truck and relaxing at one of the County’s many family-friendly patios, there are plenty of ways to enjoy PEC with a baby or kids in tow.

One of the things I love most about visiting Prince Edward County with kids is that you don’t have to completely change the type of trip you’d normally take here. You can still visit a winery, enjoy a great meal, and explore all the cute little towns (you just might be doing it with a stroller, an earlier dinner reservation, and a bag packed with enough snacks to distract your little ones).

The biggest piece of advice I have is not to over-plan. Pick a few places you really want to visit, leave plenty of time for naps, beach stops, and unexpected meltdowns, and embrace a slower pace.