Riverview Park & Zoo — Attraction in Peterborough

For those in the Peterborough area, in addition to getting to know a city with old buildings and architecture, Riverview Park & ​​Zoo is a must-see on your visit.

The park has a great range of activities for families to do with children, and for those who are exploring Ontario, it is also very interesting. The place is maintained by the city's water company, and receives donations from visitors and local businesses.

Zoo: the zoo's facilities are very cool, with the animals' areas very clean and well-kept, and you can see them in their calm state. The walking areas to see the areas are all paved and have safety railings, so those in wheelchairs, walkers or canes can rest easy.

At the entrance to the zoo there is a souvenir area, where you can buy some stuffed animals and other items, as well as ice cream. Next to the splash pad area, there are chemical toilets with cabins for disabled visitors - the physical toilet at the entrance is only open in the summer.

On the way to the train, there are two physical toilets, one for men and one for women, both with changing tables for children and cabins for disabled people.

Train: in the train area, you can buy some food, including snacks and soft drinks. The train costs 2 dollars and children under two years old go free. The ride lasts on average 10 minutes. The train is adapted to receive visitors in wheelchairs, with adequate space for wheelchairs and adequate locks to avoid risks.

Playground: the playground area is quite large, with many toys for children, including a huge slide that goes down to the trail area, but there are no monitors to keep an eye on the children, so parents need to be vigilant. The playground has a space fully adapted for children with disabilities, allowing for the proper fitting of wheelchairs.

Parking: Parking is free, with many uncovered spaces. In addition, there are spaces with chargers for electric cars, and spaces for people with disabilities, in addition to the loading and unloading area.

Food is allowed, and there are also many picnic tables.

Animals: the park is not pet-friendly, so unfortunately dogs, cats or any other animals are not allowed.

It is definitely a trip that...

We took the kids to Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough, Ontario, last weekend, and it was a solid family outing—especially since admission is totally free, which is a huge plus in this economy. The place is right by the Otonabee River, with plenty of shaded paths for walking, picnic spots, and the biggest playground in the area that kept our little ones entertained for hours. We saw a decent variety of animals, like meerkats, wallabies, camels, and some farm critters including pigs and sheep; the enclosures looked clean and the animals seemed well cared for. They even have a splash pad for hot days, which was a lifesaver. That said, it’s not the biggest zoo out there, so don’t expect exotic big cats or elephants—it’s more of a local gem with a focus on smaller species and education. We missed the mini-train ride (heard it was out of commission or something), but the staff were super friendly and helpful, pointing out feeding times and answering questions. Overall, a relaxing, budget-friendly spot that’s perfect for a half-day trip with young families....

Great spot for families, but plan ahead for the train ride!

Riverview Park & Zoo is a hidden gem for families! The best part? Free admission and parking, which makes it a super budget-friendly day out. The zoo is small but well-kept, featuring over 40 species including monkeys, otters, camels, and meerkats. Perfect for younger kids who won’t get tired walking too far.

There’s also a huge playground, splash pad, picnic areas, and scenic riverside trails. The grounds are very clean and shady—great for hot days. Definitely pack a lunch though, as there’s no working concession stand on-site as of 2025.

A heads-up: on weekends, the line for the miniature train can be 1.5 to 2 hours long, even if you already have tickets. Tickets are only $2 per person but often sell out by 4 PM, even though the train is advertised to run until 6 PM. So if the train is a must-do, buy your tickets early and expect a bit of a wait.

Overall it’s a great place to spend a few hours with kids. Just plan ahead and come early—especially if you want...