Riverview Park and Zoo
Canada's only free-admission accredited zoo, offering wildlife, recreation, and natural beauty along the Otonabee River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Riverview Park and Zoo
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Canada's only free-admission accredited zoo, offering wildlife, recreation, and natural beauty along the Otonabee River.
"A hidden gem for families, offering free admission and parking for a budget-friendly day out."
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
No working concession stand on-site. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at picnic spots.
🎟️ Train Tickets Early
Buy train tickets ASAP on weekends as they sell out by 4 PM. Expect lines!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Animal Exhibits
Zoo Area
See over 40 species, from monkeys and otters to camels and meerkats. Perfect for younger kids!
Miniature Train Ride
Designated Track
A charming $2 ride through trees and over the river. A quick but cute experience for all ages.
Playground & Splash Pad
Recreation Area
Spacious play areas for different age groups and a refreshing splash pad for hot summer days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Fun!
+2Train Ride Tips & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
No working concession stand on-site. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at picnic spots.
🎟️ Train Tickets Early
Buy train tickets ASAP on weekends as they sell out by 4 PM. Expect lines!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the zoo and park. Wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially for the splash pad and open areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
No working concession stand on-site. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at picnic spots.
🎟️ Train Tickets Early
Buy train tickets ASAP on weekends as they sell out by 4 PM. Expect lines!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the zoo and park. Wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially for the splash pad and open areas.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water bottles, especially during warmer months. Refill stations might be limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Riverview Park and Zoo being a fantastic, budget-friendly family destination with free admission and parking. The animal exhibits, playground, and splash pad are highlights, though the popular miniature train ride can involve long waits and ticket sell-outs. It's a well-maintained, clean park perfect for a few hours of fun.
"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 that train ride!"
Priyanka S
"I really enjoyed my visit to the Peterborough Zoo. It’s such a nice place to spend a few hours, and the best part is that it’s free to enter. The zoo is not huge, but it has a really good variety of animals, and everything is well looked after. The enclosures are clean, and you can tell the staff care about the animals. My favorite part was watching the monkeys and the big cats – they were so fun to see up close.
The walking paths are easy to follow, and there’s plenty of space to just relax and enjoy nature. It’s also a great place for kids, with the playground and picnic areas making it feel more like a family park than just a zoo. Parking was easy, and the whole place felt safe and welcoming.
Overall, it’s a hidden gem in Peterborough and definitely worth visiting."
Syed Zarif
"The park is amazing for a day out with family. The kids play area has different sections for different age groups. The splash pad is also very nice for the kids to enjoy. The zoo area is great with a lot of animals to see. I had never seen a sloth before. The parking and zoo are free here. They do accept donations though.
All in all a great place to see a lot of things and relax in the park."
parteek brar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverview Park and Zoo is located at 1300 Water Street North in Peterborough, Ontario. From Toronto, it's about a 1.5-hour drive, often taking Highway 7 for a scenic route, which is a good option for avoiding the 401 with kids.
Yes, parking is available and it's free! This makes it a very accessible and budget-friendly destination for visitors.
Absolutely! Riverview Park and Zoo is a great kid-friendly stop along the scenic Highway 7 route between Toronto and Ottawa, offering a nice break for families.
The park and zoo are typically open daily from 8:30 AM to dusk. It's always a good idea to check their official social media or website for any seasonal changes or updates.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the park, with ample free parking available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The most exciting part is that Riverview Park and Zoo offers free admission! It's Canada's only accredited zoo with free entry, making it a fantastic budget option.
General admission to the park and zoo is free, so no advance tickets are needed. However, for the popular miniature train ride, it's advisable to purchase tickets upon arrival, as they can sell out.
While admission and parking are free, the miniature train ride has a small fee of $2 per person. Donations are also appreciated to help maintain the park.
The miniature train typically operates seasonally and has specific hours. On weekends, tickets can sell out by 4 PM, and the train may close earlier than the park's dusk closing time. Check for seasonal closures.
Information regarding refunds for the train ride is not readily available. It's best to check the park's policies or inquire on-site if you have concerns about potential closures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see over 40 species of animals, including monkeys, otters, camels, sloths, llamas, and various birds. It's a smaller zoo, ideal for younger children. +1
Yes, there's a large playground with different sections for various age groups, making it a great spot for families to spend time. +1
Indeed! Riverview Park and Zoo features a splash pad, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. +1
Yes, the park offers numerous picnic tables and shaded spots, making it an ideal location for a family picnic.
The park has scenic riverside trails that are easy to follow, offering pleasant walks with views of the Otonabee River.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
As of 2025, there is no working concession stand on-site. Visitors are strongly advised to pack their own food and drinks for their visit.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended since there are no on-site dining facilities. There are plenty of picnic tables available.
Peterborough has various dining options available. You can explore restaurants in the downtown area or closer to the park after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the diverse animals, the charming miniature train, kids enjoying the playground and splash pad, and the scenic Otonabee River views.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the park and zoo for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding animal photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting for photography. Weekdays will also offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and zoos to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and animals. Check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the miniature train ride is a highlight, be prepared for potential lines and ticket sell-outs on weekends. Packing a picnic is essential as there are no concessions. The park's layout with picnic tables and shaded areas makes it easy to enjoy a full day of fun without breaking the bank.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Maximize your savings by packing a picnic lunch and enjoying it at one of the many available picnic spots. The variety of activities, from animal viewing to playground fun, ensures a full day of entertainment without significant cost. Consider it a prime example of value-packed travel in Ontario.
🚗 Road Trippers
It's particularly well-suited as a break on the Toronto to Ottawa route, especially if you're taking the scenic Highway 7. The combination of animal exhibits, play areas, and picnic spots makes it an engaging stop for both kids and adults to stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh air.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Riverview Park & Zoo Experience
+1Beyond the animal exhibits, the park is a hub of family fun. It boasts a large playground with diverse play structures suitable for various age groups, and a refreshing splash pad that's a lifesaver on hot summer days. The $2 miniature train ride is a popular attraction, winding through the park's scenic areas and over the river, though it's wise to be prepared for potential queues.
+2With ample picnic spots and walking trails, Riverview Park and Zoo encourages visitors to spend a leisurely day immersed in nature. The clean, shady grounds and the welcoming atmosphere contribute to its reputation as a hidden gem. Remember to pack a lunch, as on-site concessions are not available.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
If the train ride is a must-do, arriving early is crucial. The $2 tickets can sell out by mid-afternoon, and wait times can extend up to two hours on busy days. Some visitors suggest checking the park's social media for any updates on ride availability or seasonal closures, as the train and splash pad may have specific operating periods.
+1Don't forget to bring your own food and drinks, as there are no concession stands. This allows for a relaxed picnic lunch amidst the park's green spaces. Comfortable footwear is also a must, given the walking involved in exploring the zoo and trails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit