Riverside Park in Guelph is One of Our Favourite Parks

Once you read about Riverside Park in Guelph, you’re going to want to spend the entire day – or multiple days – there!

Riverside Park in Guelph

Riverside Park is a huge green space measuring about 80 acres in total. It’s right beside a portion of the Speed River and that gives it a beautiful gurgling soundtrack for your visit. The park is easy to get to and provides ample free parking. Access to the park is also free. Entry to the parking lot is directly off Woolwich Street, or can be accessed at the end of Marilyn Drive.

When you visit, bring a picnic because Riverside Park is set up perfectly for picnickers with dozens of tables and mature trees. Some trees even have outdoor lights strung up between them for a little evening ambience. Didn’t have time to pack snacks? There is also a concession stand offering up tasty snacks and drinks from 12-7:30pm daily in the summer.

Looking for more parks to visit, click here.

The Park Lives Up to its name!

Speed River runs alongside the park and brings with it lots of Canadian geese, seagulls and ducks. There is a manmade waterfall of sorts and a pedestrian/bike bridge that spans the width of the river. Speed River eventually connects with the Grand River. Access to the river is very easy, so parents of little ones will want to keep one hand on their kiddos.

a natural playground hybrid

The playground structures are very large and offer lots of space for running and playing. The structures are a mix between natural pieces and modern equipment including a wooden fish and a grasshopper-shaped climber. Kids of every age will like the swings, slides and varying sizes of climbing and balancing that this playground promotes. The park surface is a mixture of rubberized ground and woodchips, with paved paths around the perimeter.

Section of the playground at Riverside Park

Bike, stroller and wheelchair friendly

Speaking of paved paths, the grounds are home to paved walkways all through the park, and leading into and out of Riverside. They’re not perfectly smooth but are definitely wheel-friendly. Bring your wheels and have fun riding around Riverside Park in Guelph.

A view of the pedestrian bridge at riverside park over the speed river

stay for the day

With so much to do, you can plan an entire day at Riverside Park. They allow barbequing and have 4 covered pavilions available to rent (click here to do that). We saw a bridal shower and a couple of long-awaited family reunions happening when we visited. It was great to see the park alive with excitement. Washroom facilities and water fountain/refill station are also on-site.

This park is also home to an antique carousel, a concession stand and a miniature train that is open 12-7:30pm daily all summer long! Single ride tickets for the train or carousel can be purchased at the concession stand for $2.59 +tax (cash or card) along with lots of other yummy summer drinks and treats.

Riverside Concession Stand, Miniature Train and Antique Carousel is open 12pm-7:30pm in:
Spring (May 16-June 22): Friday-Sunday and Holidays
Summer (June 23-Sept 1): DAILY
Fall (Sept 6-Oct 13): Saturday and Sunday

Riverside Park Amenities

fully accessible children’s playground
carousel
miniature train
picnic shelters (rental information)
picnic tables
concession stand
water refill station
washrooms
disc golf (find other disc golf courses here)
trails and accessible pathways
floral clock and rock garden
outdoor concert shell
accessible parking

more playgrounds you’ll love

We love when a friend recommends something great to do, and that’s what we strive to provide you with here. We hope you’ll also check out a new playground to visit after reading our reviews.

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