Play
Playground
Riverview Park and Zoo has one of the largest playgrounds in the city with something for children of all ages and abilities!
80-foot super slide
*closed after Thanksgiving
for the winter season
accessible playground equipment
wheelchair accessible swing
toddler playground lot
4-way rock about
rock climbing
Park Areas
There are 55 acres of park areas along the shore of the Otonabee River to enjoy a picnic or scenic walk. Time spent here encourages outdoor active play and appreciation of the natural environment.
Playground
One of the largest, most diverse and accessible playgrounds in the region. Ability-inspired playground equipment includes monkey bars, interactive games, slides, climbing rocks and musical instruments for all ages of children from tots to teenagers. Make sure to take a turn on the 80-foot super slide!
Riverview Park and Zoo is home to the first two wheelchair swings installed in the province of Ontario.
Picnic areas
Picnic tables, benches and shaded grassy areas are located through the Park and Zoo and are a perfect place to stop and rest.
Three picnic shelters are available for large groups to rent from Victoria Day through to Thanksgiving Day weekend. Each shelter has a view of the river and is surrounded by a grassy park area.
McBride Island is a small island across from Picnic Shelter 1 where picturesque views of the Otonabee River can be seen.
Riverview walking trail
You can take a leisurely walk along the shoreline of the Otonabee River on this one kilometer trail and enjoy the view during both the summer and winter months.
Disc golf
A challenging disc golf course is located at the north end of the Zoo. Bring your own frisbee and play the 18-hole golf course year round or add the 9-hole course in throughout the summer months, May through September. Fun for all ages and abilities, get your frisbee into the basket in the least amount of throws.
Riverview Park and Zoo discs are available for sale in the gift shop or you can borrow both individual and family kits from the Peterborough Public Library to give it a try.
Visit the Peterborough Disc Golf Club for hints and rules of the game. Upload the Disc Golf Map to your mobile device by using the link below.
Winter Activities
Riverview Park and Zoo is open year round. Many of our animals are extremely active during the winter months. Under a beautiful blanket of snow, come explore your favorite summer destination in the winter!
Winter activity suggestions
- Cross country skiing or snow shoeing through the riverside picnic areas (we have plenty of open space but do not have groomed ski trails).
- Toboggan on our hill at the North end of the park near the disc golf park.
- Simply enjoy a nice walk through the park or hike the trails.
- Visit the animals in their outdoor exhibits, they love winter too!
Miniature Train Ride
The miniature train ride is an 1860 locomotive replica. Located at the south end of the Zoo under the sabre jet, the train track is over two kilometers and the ride is approximately ten minutes long.
Our miniature train ride has been in service for over 50 years and is in need of replacement. If you are interested in helping support our new train campaign, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps!
Train operation information
Open during the summer season every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.- Open during the fall season weekends only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Cost is $2 per person, with children two years and under riding free.
- The train will only operate under safe conditions. Rain, thunder, lightning and strong winds prohibit train operations for your safety. Logging on the dam will also prevent train operations – conductors will open as soon as they can.
- The train does not run on a fixed timetable, but runs (during operating hours) as frequently as possible/needed to accommodate riders.
- First-served basis – reserved rides are not permitted.
- Cash, debit and credit accepted.
- The train does not travel through the zoo to see the animal exhibits; it travels across the river and into the forest.
Unfortunately we cannot reserve tickets for large groups.- Wheelchair accessible cart on train – please let the conductor know when purchasing tickets.
- Tickets for the train are purchased at the train station on the day of your ride.
- Sensory notice – the train can be loud and does enter through a dark tunnel.
- The train is a part of the Access 2 Members – support workers do not have to purchase tickets when accompanying during rides, simply let the conductor know and show your Access 2 card upon purchase.
Splash Pad
Visit the splash pad to stay cool while you visit!
Available both weather and maintenance permitting, our splash pad is open during our summer season from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Watch for alert banners to be posted with status updates ahead of your visit.
Dumping buckets, water cannons, geysers and bubblers will entertain children for hours during the sunny days of summer. Just press the sensor to turn on the water.
Change rooms are found in the public washrooms just beside the splash pad.
Please note that the splash pad is unsupervised. Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children.
Contact Us
Riverview Park & Zoo
1300 Water Street North
Peterborough ON K9H 7G4
T: 705-748-9301 ext. 2305