If you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in Huntsville, Ontario, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re spending a week at the cottage or stopping in for the day, Huntsville has plenty to keep kids (and grown-ups) happy.

Huntsville isn’t just a spot we visit—it’s part of our family’s story. I grew up spending summers at the lake just north of town, and Huntsville was where we’d go for groceries, gas, and that must-have ice cream stop. Now, with kids of my own, we keep the tradition going. We still spend part of every summer here, and while a lot of our time is spent at the cottage, we always make time to explore the town.

From art walks and train rides to hikes and paddleboard rentals, these are our go-to spots when we’re in Huntsville with kids.

Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Huntsville

1. Follow the Group of Seven Outdoor Art Tour

This one might surprise you—but it’s become one of our kids’ favourite things to do in Huntsville. The self-guided art tour begins at the Algonquin Theatre (where you can pick up a map) and winds through downtown, featuring murals inspired by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.

What makes it kid-friendly: The printed maps make it feel like a scavenger hunt (at least for my kids), and it’s a fun way to explore downtown without just “going for a walk.” Don’t miss the painted canoes near the waterfront playground. 

The first time we did this walk, we’d just come back from a road trip through Northern Ontario, where we saw the landscapes that inspired the Group of Seven and came across all kinds of roadside plaques about their work. The boys loved seeing those same scenes brought to life in the murals, and it’s become a walk they genuinely enjoy—it always reminds them of that trip.

There’s also a collection of painted canoes near the waterfront playground that always makes them stop and smile.

Two boys look at a large mural showing a snow-covered forest with tall pine trees under a bright blue sky. The mural is mounted on a dark exterior wall of a building, with decorative grasses planted below it.
A child stands on a stone ledge gazing at a mural of a windswept pine tree overlooking a rocky shoreline and waves, painted on a brick wall. The mural, a replica of a Group of Seven painting, uses expressive brushstrokes to capture a coastal landscape under a moody sky.

2. Wander Downtown Huntsville

Downtown Huntsville is compact, walkable and has a mix of shops and treats that keep kids entertained—especially when paired with a few food stops.

What to do:

  • Grab a Beavertail—a Canadian pastry that’s fried, flat and topped with sweet things like cinnamon sugar or chocolate. It’s a must-try if you’re curious about Canadian treats
  • Pop into the year-round Christmas store
  • Stop in at The Nutty Chocolatier for fudge, candy and retro sweets
  • Snap a photo (or take a break) in one of the colourful Muskoka chairs scattered around downtown

Where to eat:

  • Boston Pizza and On the Docks Pub both have patios overlooking the water. Boston Pizza is the more kid-friendly option, but On the Docks Pub tends to be our first choice if it’s not too busy. 
  • Bonus for parents: Canvas Brewing Co. is just across the street. If you’re into craft beer, it’s a great stop, and they’ve got non-beer options too.

3. Paddle the Muskoka River

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Huntsville in the summer is to get out on the water—and the Muskoka River is calm and easy to navigate, even for beginners.

Rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or pedal boat from Algonquin Outfitters—you’ll find the rental area right on the town dock, just behind the shop. In the summer, the docks are often lined with colourful kayaks and paddleboats, ready to go.

It’s not uncommon to see kids jumping off the docks for a swim—so if you’ve brought swimsuits, it’s a fun way to cool down after paddling.

a floating dock sits on a lake in huntsville ontario. several yellow pedalboats sit alongside the dock

4. Hike a Trail the Kids Will Love

If you’re ready to swap sidewalks for forest paths, Huntsville has some great family-friendly trails that are easy to access and fun to explore. Whether you’re after lake views, shady woods or something a bit different—like a floating boardwalk—these three trails are worth checking out.

Lions Lookout
A short but steep climb with a great payoff at the top. You’ll get a panoramic view over Fairy Lake and Huntsville, and it’s a fantastic spot to see the fall colours if you’re visiting in autumn. The trail is about 1.3 km round trip and starts from Camp Kitchen Road. If you’re short on time—or energy—you can also drive to the top and just enjoy the view.

Hunter’s Bay Trail
This 4.6 km trail winds along the shoreline, with stretches of forest and sections that float right over the water. It’s a fun and unique walk, especially for kids. You can do the full trail or just a section—it’s easy to turn back when needed. Access it from the Centre Street bridge or off East Airport Road, just under Hwy 11.

Fairy Vista Trail
A quieter option with less foot traffic, this 3.4 km trail starts at Fairyview Drive and Hwy 60. It runs beside the highway for a bit but quickly leads into the forest. On hot summer days, the shady trail is a welcome break.

Two boys walk along a wide wooden boardwalk curving over a lake, with trees and houses visible on the far shore. Puffy clouds float in a partly sunny sky.
Hunter’s Bay Trail

5. Cool Off with Ice Cream at Belly Artisan Ice Cream

No visit to Huntsville in the summer is complete without a stop at Belly Artisan Ice Cream. It’s one of our go-to spots whenever we’re in town.

The flavours are what make it stand out—always small-batch and always rotating. You’ll find fun options like avocado or chocolate-dipped strawberry (one of my favourites), along with vegan and dairy-free choices.

It’s not right downtown, but it’s only a short drive from the main strip—easy to swing by on your way in or out of town. And yes, there’s usually a lineup on hot days, but it moves quickly and it’s worth the stop.

Another option: If you’re heading out of town along Hwy 60, Kawartha Dairy is another great stop with classic flavours and generous scoops—and even a drive-thru. It’s a fun way to wrap up your day in Huntsville.

Three hands hold different ice cream treats from Belly Artisan Ice Cream—two waffle cones and one cup with a pink spoon. The photo is taken outdoors on a stone table near a garden and wooden building.
a wood building with strings of lights under the eaves faces a gravel path with two large stepping stones along the path. there's a yellow and blue muskoka chair along the path providing seating

6. Let the Kids Play at Riverside Park

Just steps from downtown and the town docks, Riverside Park is a handy spot for kids to run around and recharge. The playground has lots of space for climbing, sliding and playing, with shaded benches nearby for parents.

Because of its location, it’s a great spot to take a break when exploring downtown—whether that’s grabbing ice cream, doing the art walk or simply strolling by the water. It’s not the biggest playground in Muskoka, but it’s one of the easiest to access if you’re already exploring Huntsville.

A playground with tan and green equipment is surrounded by grass, large faux boulders, and tall trees. A white house peeks through the trees in the background.
A very rare moment when there was no one else at the playground!

7. Step Back in Time at Muskoka Heritage Place

Muskoka Heritage Place offers a mix of local history and hands-on activities, which can be great for younger kids—especially if they’re into old-fashioned buildings or anything with wheels.

You can explore a small museum that covers the history of the area, wander through the Pioneer Village with heritage buildings and staff in period costume, and hop aboard the Portage Flyer steam train for a short ride along the river.

Our experience? We don’t go every summer, but it’s worth checking out at least once—especially if your kids enjoy hands-on history or trains. The train ride is often the highlight for kids, and the open-air cars make it feel like a fun little adventure.

It’s best for kids under 10 or for families who enjoy historical attractions. If your crew is more into nature or hands-on play, this might be more of a one-time visit than an every-summer stop.

8. Visit the Brunel Lift Locks

The Brunel Lift Locks are a piece of Huntsville’s history that kids actually find pretty fun to watch. Built in 1873, the locks connect Mary Lake to Fairy Lake and are still manually operated today—one of the last of their kind in Canada.

If you’re there at the right time, you might see a boat going through the locks, and sometimes kids even get a chance to help turn the cranks that open the gates. It’s simple, but surprisingly memorable.

Beside the locks, there’s a small riverside park with Muskoka chairs and space for a picnic. It’s a quiet spot to take a break, especially if it’s a hot day.

Two boys relax in oversized wooden Adirondack chairs on a grassy lawn. One chair is painted bright yellow and the other a faded red, with a park sign with history of the Brunel Lift Locks in Huntsville stands in front of trees in the background.
a sign stating 'historic brunel lift locks' stands above a bed of red and white flowers on a grass lawn beside the water.

9. Adventure at Treetop Trekking Huntsville (Ages 9+)

If your kids are ready for a bit more adventure, Treetop Trekking lets them climb, balance and zip through the trees on a series of courses. It’s challenging in the best way, and a fun step up from playgrounds or hiking trails—but definitely geared toward older kids.

Kids need to be at least 9 years old and 55 pounds to take part. My boys are just under the weight limit right now, so we haven’t tried it yet—but it’s high on our list for when they’re ready.

If your kids are old enough, expect a mix of wobbly bridges, swings, nets and ziplines that challenge them in a fun way. There’s even a nighttime trek option that adds a little extra adventure.

10. Catch a Family-Friendly Show at the Algonquin Theatre

Right in the heart of downtown, the Algonquin Theatre is a cozy spot to take in a live show. The schedule changes throughout the year, but you’ll often find family-friendly performances—think kids’ plays, concerts or seasonal events.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for something indoors, or for an evening activity after spending the day outside. If your visit lines up with a show, it’s worth checking out.

The view from Lions Lookout

Family-Friendly Day Trips Near Huntsville

Arrowhead Provincial Park

A few kilometres north of Huntsville is Arrowhead Provincial Park. It’s about a 10 minute drive from downtown Huntsville and makes for a great day trip! 

Just ten minutes north of Huntsville, Arrowhead Provincial Park is one of the easiest day trips from town—and it’s great in every season. 

There are several trails in the park, all of which are under 3km and are great to hike with the whole family. One of the trails leads to Stubb’s Falls, a small but pretty waterfall that’s always worth the walk. It’s also a great spot to visit in the winter, with a 1.3km skating loop that winds through the forest, and is even more magical when lit by torches at night.

Two young boys wearing sunglasses pose on wet rocks in front of a rushing waterfall, surrounded by forest. One boy has his arm around the other as they smile in the sun.
Stubbs Falls
view from lookout point of the big bend in arrowhead provincial park. the water appears dark purple as it rounds the bend and green trees sit in the bend the water creates
the view from Big Bend Lookout

Algonquin Provincial Park

One of Ontario’s most famous parks, Algonquin is only 30 minutes from Huntsville. It’s a classic day trip if you’re up for a bigger adventure. There are plenty of hikes in Algonquin, from short, family-friendly hikes to longer trails if you’re up for it. You can also rent a canoe and paddle one of the lakes, or keep it simple with a stop at the Visitor Centre for exhibits and views over the forest. Moose are sometimes spotted in the spring, so keep your eyes open along the road and trails.

Algonquin isn’t just a favourite near Huntsville—it’s considered one of the best places to visit in Canada for families. Even a short visit gives you a taste of Canada’s wilderness, but if you’re camping or staying longer, there are plenty of ways to explore deeper.

a sandy beach at a campsite, bordered by two trees, looks out on to a quiet calm blue lake in algonquin park.
Campsite in Algonquin Provincial Park

Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve

If you want a quieter alternative to the provincial parks, Limberlost Forest is just outside Huntsville and completely free to visit. It covers over 10,000 acres with trails, lakes and wildlife.

The trails range from short and easy loops to longer hikes, so you can choose what works best for your family. It’s less crowded than Arrowhead or Algonquin, and the wide paths are great for kids who like to explore at their own pace.

Bring water, snacks and bug spray—it feels more “back to nature” than the managed provincial parks.

The Screaming Heads (Burk’s Falls)

About 45 minutes north of Huntsville, the Screaming Heads is one of the most unique attractions in Ontario. It’s an outdoor art installation created by local artist Peter Camani, featuring massive concrete sculptures rising out of the fields and woods.

It’s quirky, unusual and definitely memorable. Kids love running around the property and posing for photos with the towering heads. The paths aren’t paved, so don’t expect stroller-friendly walkways, but if you have a jogging-style stroller, it’s doable. Most of the walking is through open fields rather than formal trails.

a large stone sculpture of a head with two eyes and two hands rise from the ground in a grass area that's surrounded by green and yellow trees
A few of the many ‘screaming heads’ that you’ll find throughout the property

When to Visit Huntsville, Ontario

Huntsville is best known as a summer destination, but it’s a great place to visit year-round. Each season has something different to offer.

Summer: Long days on the water, hiking trails, ice cream stops and patio lunches downtown—it’s the classic Huntsville experience. If you’re here in July or August, expect it to be busy, especially on weekends.

Fall: Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make it a beautiful time for hiking or simply taking a drive through Muskoka. Huntsville is surrounded by forest, so the fall colours are incredible, especially from spots like Lions Lookout.

Winter: Huntsville turns into a winter playground with skating, snowshoeing and skiing. Arrowhead’s skating trail is the highlight—it’s worth planning a trip around on its own. Families can also ski or snowboard at Hidden Valley Highlands or try dog sledding at North Ridge Ranch.

Spring: Things are quieter, but it’s a good time for hiking and wildlife watching. This is when you’re most likely to spot moose in Algonquin Park.

Expansive view of a forest canopy in peak autumn, with treetops glowing in shades of yellow, orange, and deep red under a clear blue sky. Rolling hills stretch into the distance, and a glimpse of a lake is visible near the horizon.
When the trees begin to turn colours in the fall in Algonquin

Where to Stay in Huntsville, Ontario

  • Huntsville has plenty of places to stay, whether you’re looking for a hotel, resort or a cottage by the lake.
  • Hotels:
     Two reliable options are the Holiday Inn Express & Suites and the Best Western Plus Muskoka Inn. Both have indoor pools, complimentary breakfast and free parking—always helpful when travelling with kids. They’re just off Hwy 60, across from a shopping centre with a grocery store and restaurants, and only a short drive to downtown.
  • Resorts:
     If you want more of a vacation feel, Deerhurst Resort is a popular choice. It’s set right on the lake, with outdoor pools, on-site dining and a spa. In winter, it’s close to Hidden Valley Highlands for skiing and snowboarding.
  • Cottages and Camping:
     For families who prefer more space, there are plenty of rental cottages and campgrounds in the Huntsville area. Renting a cottage gives you the classic Muskoka experience—swimming off the dock, evenings by the fire and easy access to town when you need it.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Huntsville with Kids

Huntsville has been part of my life since childhood, and it’s a place I love coming back to with my own kids. Whether we’re grabbing ice cream, paddling the river or exploring trails, it always feels like summer isn’t complete without a visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Muskoka, Huntsville is well worth adding to your itinerary—it’s a town that blends small-town charm with plenty of family-friendly things to do, any time of year.

Pinterest-style collage promoting Huntsville, Ontario as a family destination. The top image shows a scenic lake with an island and fall foliage, while the lower two images feature kids walking on a lakeside boardwalk and admiring a snowy forest mural. Text reads “Huntsville Ontario with Kids” and the website "wanderlustwithkids.com" is listed at the bottom.

If you’re planning more family adventures, we’ve got plenty of ideas beyond Huntsville. You might enjoy our guide to the best things to do in Toronto with kids, or take a look at our list of the best places to visit in Ontario for families. If you’re travelling further afield, we’ve also rounded up the best places to visit in Canada with kids, and shared some of our favourite family road trips in Ontario.

Erin Martin is the founder and sole writer for Wanderlust with Kids. Together with her twin boys, they have travelled to over 20 countries and five provinces within Canada. Erin is responsible for planning and facilitating all of her family's travel itineraries and adventures, whether locally or internationally. An explorer at heart, Erin aims to make any travel adventure kid-friendly and shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do, both in Canada and abroad.