From camping to beaches, train rides to adventure farms, Elgin County has lots of great family-friendly attractions and activities for kids of all ages to enjoy this summer!
Clovermead Apiaries and Adventure Farm
Located just north of Aylmer this apiary turned adventure farm is the place to go for good old-fashioned family fun! A corn maze, pedal go-carts, a jumping pillow, wagon rides, farm animals, numerous play areas and informative demonstrations are sure to keep your family busy all day long. Don’t forget to stop by the honey shop on your way out to pick up something sweet!
Port Stanley Terminal Rail
Climb aboard and ride the rails on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail! Located in the quaint village of Port Stanley, this tourist train travels over the tracks and rail bed of one of Ontario’s oldest railways, the London and Port Stanley Railway (L&PS).
Ride the train every weekend throughout the summer or enjoy one of several special events including musical entertainment, murder mysteries, and holiday-themed rides. You can even rent out the “Little Red Caboose” for a private party with all of your friends! The Port Stanley Terminal Rail is one of the longest running tourism operations in Elgin County!
Beaches
On hot sunny days, there is nothing better than escaping to the beach! Feel the breeze in your hair, put your toes in the sand and take a refreshing dip in the beautiful waters of Elgin County’s lakeshore. Beach enthusiasts of all ages will discover their perfect sun-filled day of fun at one of Elgin County’s nine sandy beaches that dot the north shore of Lake Erie. You won’t need to travel far to find beaches that are world-renowned. Port Stanley main beach is home to a Blue Flag Beach which has earned this prestigious designation by meeting strict water quality, safety, educational, and environmental criteria. Additionally, both Port Bruce and Port Stanley Main Beach are fitted with accessibility mats so that everyone can enjoy a day at the beach. Elgin’s port villages also offer a great location for anglers of all ages and abilities to access an abundance of freshwater fish species. So this summer, sit back, relax and listen to the sound of waves lapping against the Lake Erie shoreline.
Camping
Hike over 100 km of scenic Carolinian forest trails or answer the call of the wild at one of Elgin’s many campgrounds. Provincial parks, conservation areas, and private campgrounds provide a fantastic back-to-nature family experience. Nothing says adventure like roasting marshmallows over an open fire and sleeping under the stars!
Museums and Libraries
Take a break from the intense summer heat with a visit to one of Elgin County’s museums or library branches. The Elgin County Library is a great place to lose yourself in a book or participate in a popular summer reading program. Visit one of Elgin’s many museums to learn about the region’s rich heritage, celebrating rural culture and the pioneers who settled our communities. Explore the history of Elgin County through artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits.