The Town of Minden is one of the larger towns within the tourism area of Haliburton, in Ontario’s Cottage Country. Downtown Minden is built alongside the Gull River, making it a very scenic town. Besides the Gull River, there are many other lakes and waterways within a short distance, and is particularly appealing for families who enjoy the outdoors. Haliburton as a whole is less busy than Muskoka, with fewer activities to choose from, making it appealing to visitors who are happy to vacation at a slower pace, making their own fun! Although hanging out at your Haliburton cottage rental will keep you entertained for most of your stay, there are other things you may consider doing for a change of pace. Here are the 5 best family activities in Minden, Ontario.
Where is Minden, Ontario?
Minden is roughly an hour southeast of Bracebridge, off Highway 35 between Miner’s Bay and Carnarvon, west of Haliburton Village. As you drive along HIghway 35 you’ll see some larger chains, and the two grocery stores, along with Kawartha Dairy, offering the best ice cream in Cottage Country! On a hot day, you’ll find there’s always a lineup outside, of people waiting for their chance to order.
For the most scenic route into downtown, turn onto Golf Course Road, and follow along the river until you reach Bobcaygeon Road, which is Minden’s downtown shopping district.
5 Best Family Activities in Minden, Ontario
Minden Riverwalk
The Minden Riverwalk is perfect for families with kids of all ages. The path is mostly flat and follows the Gull River through town. Children enjoy the bridges, boardwalk sections, and views of the water. It is also a good spot for strollers, for those with little ones.
Family activities in Minden | Minden Hills Museum and Heritage Village
Open from Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving weekend, this museum and small heritage village are fun to explore, particularly for anyone with a love of history. It’s included as part of the Minden Hills Cultural Centre, along with the Agnes Jamieson Gallery and Nature’s Place Interpretive Centre. Admission is by donation.
The Heritage Village comprises 5 historic buildings. Although they are not original to the site, they were moved there in order to preserve and celebrate Minden’s history. Buildings include Bowron House, a log cabin from the 1860s, and a one-room schoolhouse, as well as exhibits.
Family activities in Minden | Tubing the Gull River
The Gull River is a quiet, shallow river, with enough of a current to make tubing possible. It’s the perfect place for families with young children to explore, and a great summer-time experience! Although it’s possible to tube farther down the river, for families with children, particularly those new to tubing, we recommend starting at Rotary Beach. You will need 2 vehicles, so park one vehicle in the downtown business area, and head for Rotary Beach, your starting off point with the other.
Rotary Beach is just off Highway 35, right before the intersection of Highway 121 to Haliburton. Park your loaded car there and head to the water. Attaching the tubes together is recommended, and makes it more fun! Additional water toys, snorkels, etc. may make it fun for the children in the group. Lifejackets are recommended for safety, particularly for non-swimmers.
Let your tubes carry you into downtown Minden, which takes around an hour, and get out when you reach your destination. Other floating possibilities in the area can be found here.
After your floating experience, drop by and have an ice cream, either at the iconic River Cone, or Kawartha Dairy, back on Highway 35 near Rotary Beach.
Family activities in Minden | The Minden Experience Adventure Park
The Minden Experience is one of the best family activities in Minden, and it’s fun for grownups too! With batting cages, Go-Karts (for kids over 54” tall), walking trails, a driving range, and mini putt, this park can keep the little ones entertained for hours! For younger children, there are even Two-Seater Karts so they can join in the Go-Karting fun with a parent!
Shopping and Eating Downtown
Minden’s main shopping street, Bobcaygeon Road, is safe and walkable, and the scenic riverfront setting along the Gull River makes it quite appealing. You’ll find a few small franchises that sound familiar here, but most of the shops and restaurants are unique and locally owned.
Downtown Minden is small and easy to explore with kids, even on foot. Kids will enjoy the river running through downtown, Families can stop for ice cream, browse local shops, or enjoy a casual meal. Everything is close together, which makes it easy to see everything within a short visit.
More Family Activities Nearby
Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve
Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve is 40 minutes northeast of Minden, but it’s highly recommended to make the trip there while you’re staying in the area. Visit a sustainably managed forest that’s open to the public (for a fee), with many kilometres of hiking and snowmobiling trails, a lumber museum, and Wolf Centre.
Adults and children over 10 can take A Walk in the Clouds, the longest canopy walkway in the world. Be sure to book this in advance of your stay, as it books up quickly! All ages will enjoy the Wolf Centre, a world-renowned wildlife park and information centre, where you can view wolves in their natural habitat, and if you’re lucky it may coincide with feeding time.
Winterdance Dogsled Tours
For winter visitors, Winterdance Dogsled Tours is an experience not to be missed, about 50 minutes from Minden, near Fort Irwin. Explore Haliburton’s breathtaking winter wilderness by taking your own dog sledding team for a magical trip through the forest.
Santa’s Village – Bracebridge
It’s always Christmas in Bracebridge! This 60-acre family theme park lets visitors meet Santa and Mrs. Claus year-round. With exciting rides for all ages, plus a zip line, aerial adventure course, and pond for paddling in, it’s fun for kids and adults alike.
Minden is well-suited for families looking to relax and reconnect. The activities are simple, outdoors-focused, and the venues are not too crowded, even during the height of summer. It is a place where kids can explore and parents can relax and enjoy a slower pace of life. Book your Haliburton cottage rental today and start planning your trip to this lovely area of Ontario!
