12 fun things to do with your family in Guelph this summer

Jul 29,2022 | Guelph Living

From ghosts to teddy bears and medieval knights to tractors, this list has it all!
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Looking to keep the family entertained this summer? We’ve got just the list.

These great summer events will be a hit with the whole gang. Pick one or two or attempt them all!

1. Explore the supernatural

Is Guelph haunted? There’s only one way to find out! Join the Ghost Walk of Guelph in late July and stroll around downtown learning about the city’s haunted past (and present?). Tour leader Greg Taylor shares the colourful stories and rich histories behind some familiar locales and even welcomes story-sharing from participants.

2. Picnic with a loved one

What could be more charming than enjoying a Teddy Bear Picnic? Set on the grounds of the Wellington County Museum and Archives in Fergus, this August 7th event also includes fun contests. Enter your best bear into one of several categories, including: smallest, largest, best dressed or most Scottish. Bear owners/humans can compete too; there’s an award for the person dressed exactly like their bear and for the one with the most bears.

3. Head to the market

Grab your tote bag and head out on a Saturday morning to Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market in Puslinch. Here you’ll find local, seasonal produce, specialty meats and tasty baked goods, all from neighbourhood farms. It’s a great place to stock up on preserves, maple syrup, honey, coffee, prepared foods, craft beer, VQA wine and distilled spirits as well. You’ll even find a range of artisanal handmade goods.

4. Soak in the sounds of summer

The much anticipated Hillside Music Festival is a guaranteed good time and the 2022 lineup promises to not disappoint. This three-day festival has several stages and dozens of musical performances, workshops, an artisan market, and a long list of attendance-worthy events.

5. Meet a real-life hero

Guelph Fire crews will be visiting seven different local parks this summer, on Thursday evenings, as part of the Hot Summer Nights series. They’ll be spreading the word about fire safety and how to stay safe in an emergency. It’s a chance to meet real-life firefighters, police officers and paramedics, ask them questions and check out their fire trucks, emergency vehicles and equipment up close.

6. Get your BBQ on

Ribfest Guelph is a weekend-long celebration at Riverside Park where you can enjoy BBQ from the best ribbers around. There’s also lots of great entertainment for the kids, including the Magical Midway rides, rock climbing, the Guelph Public Library’s Bookmobile and face-painting. Free valet bike parking is available.

7. Expand your musical repertoire

Purchase single concert tickets or festival passes for the music-filled Elora Festival 2022, Canada’s International Choral Festival, which is celebrating its 43rd year. Enjoy world-class choirs and vocal ensembles over a three-week period in July.

8. Go down by the river

With multiple stages and performances, Riverfest Elora offers something for everyone. From the breakFEST buffet to the nightly after-parties, you can enjoy a packed schedule at this mid-August celebration. One of the headliners this year is Ontario’s own Alessia Cara!

9. Get medieval

Get transported to the times of knights and ladies at the Fergus Medieval Faire. You’ll see magicians and wizards, monks and Vikings, witness battles, falconry, archery, axe-throwing and more. Any Harry Potter fans in your household? Visit Wizard’s Way for wand-duelling classes.

10. Check out a tractor pull

The Palmerston Agricultural Fair offers a weekend chock full of fun. Friday night kicks off with a parade; on Saturday there is a tailgate garage sale, cake decorating challenge, a tractor pull and an auction. Sunday starts with a church service followed by a dog agility show and closes out with a tasty roast beef dinner.

11. Reconnect with nature at the farm

Wander over 50 acres, pick flowers, take a wagon ride, visit fields of lavender and sunflowers, and cut your own fresh herbs and flowers at Lochland Botanicals in Campbell. You can also learn about sustainable farming practices and holistic, plant-based remedies. Build your own bouquet and take it home in a mason jar.

12. Pick-your-own in-season goodness

With so many incredible farms in the area, you have your pick of where to go—literally! For the best pick-your-own strawberries, cherries and more, try Butt’s Berry and Flower FarmFull Circle FarmIgnatius FarmMapleton’s Organic DairyMarcy’s Berries and Thatcher Farms Butcher Shop, Bakery and Farm Market.

Story written for GuelphToday and Sponsored by Nick FitzGibbon