The Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Southern Ontario

Discover some of the best family beaches to visit in Southern Ontario this summer! From the sandy shores of Toronto Islands and scenic Bluffer’s Park Beach to the serene beauty of Grand Bend and Sauble Beach on Lake Huron, each destination offers safe and enjoyable outings for young children. With amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, and shallow waters perfect for little ones to splash in, these beaches provide ideal settings for a day of fun and relaxation by the water. Be sure to check the website links below before heading out for water conditions and swimming advisories.

Whether you prefer bustling urban beaches or quiet lakeside retreats, this guide should help you find the perfect spot for a beach day for your family!

Lake Ontario

Toronto Islands Beaches

Includes Centre Island Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach, and Ward’s Island Beach, offering sandy shores, calm waters, and family-friendly amenities such as bike rentals and playgrounds.
9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3
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Bluffer’s Park Beach

Located at the base of the Scarborough Bluffs, this beach offers stunning views, sandy shores, and picnic areas, ideal for families looking to spend a day by the water.
1 Brimley Rd S, Toronto, ON M1M 3W3
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Centre Island Beach

A short ferry ride to Toronto Island, this beach is very family friendly and just a short walk from the Ferry dock. The water here is shallow and protected from waves. The island also offers creature comforts like bathrooms, lockers, bike rentals and restaurants. It’s the perfect summer day trip if you’re in the city.
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Woodbine Beach

A large, popular urban beach with soft sand, shallow waters, and extensive recreational facilities, including volleyball courts, playgrounds, and a boardwalk.
1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6
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Cobourg Beach in Ontario. Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash

Paradise Beach

A family-friendly beach with walking and cycling paths, tennis courts and kids’ playground.
Located at Lakeview Boulevard and Paradise Lane, Ajax, ON L1S 3Z3
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Darlington Provincial Park Beach

Known for its beautiful sandy beach along Lake Ontario’s shoreline, offering clean sands, picnic areas, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
1600 Darlington Park Rd, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K3
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Victoria Beach

A family-friendly beach with gentle waves, a playground with splash pad, and picnic areas, washrooms and food trucks.
750 D’Arcy St, Cobourg, ON K9A 4B4
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Sandbanks Provincial Park

Best known for its sand dunes, expansive sandy beaches and clear shallow waters, perfect for young children to play safely. In the summer this beach can feel like you are on a tropical island!
3004 County Rd. 12 RR#1m Picton, ON K0K 2T0
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Sandbanks Beach in Ontario.

Lake Huron


Grand Bend Beach

A scenic spot with soft sand, shallow waters, and a lively atmosphere with nearby amenities and playgrounds.
1 Main St W, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0
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Sauble Beach

Known for its wide sandy shores and shallow waters, perfect for building sandcastles and swimming. The waves off Lake Huron can be fun to play in, but watch for windier days when the waves can get too rough for younger children. Sauble beach is also just steps away from a variety of restaurants and cute little beach shops.
Lakeshore Blvd N, Sauble Beach, ON N0H 2G0
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The Pinery Provincial Park

Offers a beautiful beach with soft sand and gentle waves, surrounded by dunes and forests, with camping and nature activities.
9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0
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Bayfield Main Beach

A scenic beach with soft sand and shallow waters, plus nearby shops and ice cream parlours.
Long Hill Rd, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
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Kincardine Station Beach

Features a sandy beach, playground, and scenic boardwalk, great for families looking to relax and enjoy the water.
1 Station Beach Rd, Kincardine, ON N2Z 1G3
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Lake Erie

Port Dover Beach in Ontario. Photo by Jason Paris.

Port Dover Beach

Visit the charming town of Port Dover and enjoy it’s small sandy beach, calm waters, and boardwalk with shops and restaurants.
Walker St, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N0
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Long Point Provincial Park Beach

Offers a secluded beach experience with calm waters, ideal for young children to splash and play.
350 Erie Blvd, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
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Turkey Point Beach

A quiet beach with shallow, warm waters, and nearby nature trails and birdwatching opportunities.
194 Turkey Point Rd, Turkey Point, ON N0E 1T0
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Point Pelee

This spectacular and scenic spot is the southernmost beach of mainland Canada! The peninsula offers 20 kms of white sand beaches on it’s east and west sides. 
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Georgian Bay

Wasaga Beach - Beach 1 (of 6)

Wasaga Beach

Known as the world’s longest freshwater beach, Wasaga Beach offers wide  sandy beaches and shallow waters with a sand bottom, making it perfect for families with young children. It’s renowned for its clean environment and bustling atmosphere during the summer months. Visit the twon website to learn more about the six beach areas of Wasaga Beach.
11 22nd St N, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2V9
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Balm Beach

Located near Tiny Township, Balm Beach is another family-friendly spot on Georgian Bay. It features a long sandy beach, shallow waters, and amenities such as restaurants and playgrounds nearby, making it convenient for a day trip.
Balm Beach Rd W, Tiny, ON L0L 2J0
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Lake Simcoe

Jacksons Point Beach

A family-friendly beach with shallow waters and sandy shores, along with nearby parks and recreational facilities.
1 Bonnie Blvd, Jacksons Point, ON L0E 1L0
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Innisfil Beach Park

A popular family-friendly beach with sandy shores, designated swimming areas, and ample picnic spots. It’s well-maintained and offers beautiful views of Lake Simcoe.
676 Innisfil Beach Rd, Innisfil, ON L9S 2B3
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Willow Beach Conservation Area

Offers a sandy beach, shaded picnic areas, and calm waters ideal for families. It’s part of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority parks.
150 Metro Rd N, Jacksons Point, ON L0E 1L0
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