A Family Travel Guide To Windsor Essex
If you are looking for a family-friendly getaway in Ontario, Windsor Essex should be on your list. Before visiting, I knew there would be fun attractions, but I was surprised by just how much there is to do with kids.
From water parks and outdoor adventures to historic sites, cute small towns, and unique family experiences, Windsor Essex has something for every type of traveller. Whether your kids love animals, adventure, nature, or trying new foods, you can easily fill a weekend or longer here.
This guide shares our favourite things to do in Windsor Essex with kids, where we stayed, where we ate, and tips to help you plan your own family trip.
Why Visit Windsor Essex With Kids?
Why It’s a Great Family Getaway
Windsor Essex is a great destination for families because it offers such a mix of activities. You can spend one day riding waterslides and playing arcade games, then the next exploring national historic sites, walking along the waterfront, and getting outdoors in nature.
One thing I loved about Windsor Essex was how many different experiences we could fit into one trip. The kids never got bored because every stop offered something different.
It’s also a great option for families looking for a road trip from Toronto. We spent 3 days here and packed in a lot, but you could easily stretch your visit into four or five days.
What Surprised Us Most
What surprised me most was how much there was to do beyond Windsor itself. The surrounding communities in Essex County, like Amherstburg and Leamington, had so many family-friendly experiences that we would have missed if we only stayed in the city.
I also didn’t expect places like Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens and John R. Park Homestead to be such highlights. They were completely different experiences, but both ended up being favourites for our family.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is perfect for families travelling with kids who enjoy a mix of adventure, outdoor activities, animals, history, and good food.
Our kids are at an age where they want experiences, not just playgrounds, and Windsor Essex had plenty of activities that kept everyone entertained.
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Where to Stay in Windsor Essex With Kids
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Windsor Downtown
We stayed at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Windsor Downtown for two nights, and it was the perfect home base for our family weekend.
The hotel is located right downtown Windsor, within walking distance to restaurants and the waterfront. The best part for families is that it is directly across the street from Adventure Bay Family Water Park, which meant we could walk over and didn’t have to worry about parking.
Our room was spacious and had everything we needed for a family stay. There was a kitchenette, a pull-out sofa, and plenty of room for everyone to be comfortable.
The kids were especially excited that they didn’t have to share a bed!
The complimentary buffet breakfast was another great perk. We started our mornings with the waffle-making station, eggs, sausage, and pastries before heading out for a busy day of exploring.
Best Things to Do in Windsor Essex With Kids
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens was one of the biggest surprises of our trip. I expected a garden centre, but it turned out to be so much more.
We arrived just in time for lunch, which was perfect because their broasted chicken is so good! The kids also loved their peach slushies, which were the perfect treat on a hot day.
After lunch, we explored everything Colasanti’s has to offer. There is a garden centre for the adults and so many fun activities for kids.
Inside, you will find arcade games and an 18-hole mini golf course. The mini golf was surprisingly challenging and was fun for both kids and adults.
The animal farm and petting zoo were a favourite for our whole family. We saw reptiles, fish, alpacas, pigs, mini horses and they even had an axolotl! We bought veggie sticks to feed the goats, which is always a funny experience.
There is also a giant playground, an outdoor hay maze and the coolest track for RC cars.
If you happen to visit during the Highland Games weekend, this is an extra fun event to experience. You can watch Highland dancing, Scottish pipe bands, and heavy lift events like log throwing. The kids even got to try throwing a kid-sized log.
Adventure Bay Water Park
Adventure Bay Water Park was one of the biggest hits of our weekend.
Since it was right across from our hotel, we walked over first thing in the morning. Arriving early meant the water park was quiet and we had lots of time to enjoy everything.
The park has three big waterslides, a splash zone with smaller slides, a wave pool, and our favourite attraction, the FlowRider.
The FlowRider surf machine was so much fun. We got to try boogie boarding, and my husband even tried stand-up surfing.
We stayed for a few hours, but we could have easily spent the whole day there. The water was heated, the building was warm, and there was a snack shop inside for when the kids got hungry.
Walk Along the Windsor Riverfront
One of my favourite parts of Windsor was the riverfront. After dinner, we went for an evening walk and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Detroit skyline.
We parked at 2400 Riverside Dr W, Windsor, ON N9B 1B1. It did get busy on a weekend evening, but it was easy to see why because the sunset views were beautiful.
Take a walk along the trail, explore the Sculpture Park, and see how many sculptures you can find.
Legacy Beacon Streetcar No. 351
Further along the riverfront, you will find Streetcar No. 351. This hidden gem is definitely worth a stop.
The streetcar was built in 1918 and has been restored and set up like a museum. We learned that Windsor was the first Canadian city to have electric streetcars.
Kids will enjoy exploring inside, and the best part is that it is free to visit. It’s located at 780 Riverside Dr W.
There is also a cafe and patio outside with riverside views.
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Fort Malden National Historic Site was such a cool experience for our family.
Located in Amherstburg, this historic site teaches visitors about the War of 1812. We watched a musket demonstration and explored the rooms where soldiers would have stayed.
The staff were dressed in costume and did a great job making history interesting for kids.
This summer, entry was free with the Canada Strong Pass, making it an affordable family activity.
We also had a fun wildlife moment here when we spotted a bald eagle, which was a first for our family!
Explore Amherstburg With Kids
After visiting Fort Malden, make sure you spend some time exploring Amherstburg.
This waterfront town was such a cute stop. During summer weekends, the main street closes for pedestrians and there is live music, games, and plenty of fun shops to explore.
A couple of our favourite stops were Evelyn’s Candy House, where we picked up handmade chocolates, and River Bookshop, which had so many fun books and games.
We even found the cutest puzzle for our family. Yes, we are puzzle people!
John R. Park Homestead
John R. Park Homestead was another unexpected highlight of our trip.
We weren’t sure what to expect, but it ended up being such an interesting and interactive experience.
The guides were dressed in period costumes and shared what life was like for the Park family in the 1800s. We played games, ate homemade bread with rhubarb jam grown on the property, and learned how to churn butter.
The kids loved feeding the sheep, Duckie and Mouse. For animal-loving kids, this is such a special experience.
We explored all the different houses on the Park property, from an ice house to a saw mill.
We also learned about the Lost Arts event at the Homestead every August, where you can try out all kinds of trades from the past. It sounds like a fun event and we’d love to come back for it!
Explore Point Pelee National Park
If your family loves the outdoors, don’t miss Point Pelee National Park.
The park is full of nature experiences, and we loved walking along the Marsh Boardwalk and exploring the Visitor Centre.
The Visitor Centre was like a museum, with interactive activities and displays sharing the history of the area.
For a little more adventure, you can rent kayaks from Pelee Wings Outfitters, located right in the park near the boardwalk. The marsh is a great place for beginner kayakers because the water is calm and you follow a natural trail.
We even spotted turtles while kayaking!
Point Pelee National Park was also free to visit this summer with the Canada Strong Pass.
Spend an Evening at Zap Zone Family Fun Centre
If you are looking for something fun to do after dinner, head to Zap Zone Family Fun Centre.
This family entertainment centre has laser tag, arcade games, and mini golf all in one place.
We had so much fun playing laser tag, especially when we all teamed up against dad! He still won!
Afterwards, we played arcade games, and the kids (and parents) had a great time. My son worked hard trying to win a stuffed monkey that was bigger than him, so we will definitely have to come back another time.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Windsor Essex
Colasanti’s Restaurant
Colasanti’s Restaurant is a great stop when visiting Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.
The broasted chicken was a favourite for our family, and the kids loved their peach slushies on a hot day.
Rock Bottom Bar & Grill
After exploring Colasanti’s, head into Windsor’s historic Sandwich Town for a family dinner at Rock Bottom Bar & Grill.
This pub-style restaurant had lots of family favourites. The nachos, wings, and fries were all hits.
The kids also loved that they were given a bowl of peanuts and could throw the shells on the ground.
Smoke’s Poutinerie
If you are a poutine fan, don’t miss Smoke’s Poutinerie.
It is a great quick lunch stop and is within walking distance of Adventure Bay Family Water Park. They have lots of different poutine options, including chicken, shawarma, and chicken ball poutine.
Factory House
For a family dinner everyone will enjoy, check out Factory House in Windsor.
We ordered an assortment of appetizers, and everything was delicious. The soft pretzels were one of our favourites. They offer some unique dishes like reuben egg rolls!
The restaurant also has a fun family-friendly atmosphere with colouring menus for kids.
Antonino’s Original Pizza
After visiting John R. Park Homestead or Point Pelee National Park, stop in Leamington for pizza at Antonino’s Original Pizza.
We met Andrew, the owner, who was so welcoming. He made us delicious pizza for lunch and a yummy dessert pizza topped with Nutella, whipped cream, and strawberries which was so good.
It was such a fun way to end our visit.
Indoor Things to Do in Windsor Essex With Kids
If you are visiting on a rainy day or in winter, there are still plenty of family-friendly things to do in Windsor Essex.
Adventure Bay Family Water Park
Adventure Bay is the perfect indoor activity for kids who love swimming, waterslides, and adventure.
Zap Zone Family Fun Centre
Zap Zone is another great rainy-day option with laser tag, arcade games, and mini golf.
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
While many of Colasanti’s activities are outdoors, there are indoor experiences available year-round, including animal encounters, mini golf, and arcade games.
Outdoor Adventures in Windsor Essex
Windsor Essex is a great destination for families who love spending time outdoors.
Some of our favourite outdoor activities include:
- Walking the Windsor Riverfront
- Exploring Point Pelee National Park
- Visiting John R. Park Homestead
- Playing at Colasanti’s outdoor playground
- Exploring Fort Malden
Tips for Visiting Windsor Essex With Kids
Best Time to Visit
Many of the best things to do in Windsor Essex with kids are outdoors, so late spring, summer, and early fall are ideal times to visit.
We visited in summer and loved being able to kayak, enjoy evening walks along the riverfront, and spend time outside.
Free & Budget-Friendly Things to Do
There are several affordable and free family activities in Windsor Essex.
Fort Malden and Point Pelee National Park were free this summer with the Canada Strong Pass.
Other free activities include:
- Windsor Sculpture Park
- Streetcar No. 351
- Walking along the riverfront
At Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, you can walk around for free. If you want to do activities, the animal area and mini golf bundle was only $11.
What to Pack
Pack for the weather and bring comfortable walking shoes because you will be exploring a lot.
Don’t forget swimsuits for Adventure Bay, and pack outfits that are comfortable for outdoor adventures.
How Many Days Do You Need?
We visited Windsor Essex for three days and packed in a lot of activities.
You could definitely stretch this itinerary into four to six days to slow down and enjoy each stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windsor Essex worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely. Windsor Essex has so many family-friendly activities, from water parks and outdoor adventures to historic sites, small towns, and nature experiences.
Where should families stay in Windsor Essex?
We loved staying at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Windsor Downtown because of the spacious rooms, free breakfast, parking, and its location right across from Adventure Bay Family Water Park.
Is Adventure Bay worth visiting?
Yes! Adventure Bay was one of our favourite stops. The waterslides, wave pool, splash zone, and FlowRider kept our whole family entertained.
Final Thoughts
Windsor Essex completely surprised us. We came for a weekend getaway and left already planning our next visit. We still want to take the ferry to Pelee Island, visit some of the local wineries, and spend a day fishing.
From adventure-filled attractions to beautiful outdoor spaces and charming small towns, there are so many things to do in Windsor Essex with kids.
If you are looking for a family-friendly Ontario getaway, I think this destination deserves a spot on your list.
Click here to check out more highlights from our trip!
Original blog post by Vicky of @familyof4adventures
