Boathouse Outlet
About
This waterfront destination combines outdoor fun with convenient shopping at Port Credit. Kids can splash in the spray pad, explore multiple playgrounds, and walk along the scenic boardwalk overlooking Lake Ontario while parents browse the nearby Boathouse outlet store. The mix of free outdoor activities and dining options makes it perfect for a half-day family outing.
Highlights
- ✓Free splash pad for cooling off on hot days
- ✓Multiple age-appropriate playground structures
- ✓Scenic Lake Ontario boardwalk with beautiful views
- ✓Paved walking and cycling paths perfect for strollers and bikes
- ✓Nearby restaurants and ice cream shops for family meals
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for the splash pad, which operates during warmer months (typically late May through early September).
- 2.Park in the free public lots along Lakeshore Road West or at the Port Credit GO Station on weekends for easy waterfront access.
- 3.Visit the outlet store first thing in the morning for easier browsing before the waterfront gets busy with kids.
- 4.The boardwalk connects to a longer trail system perfect for bikes and scooters, so bring wheeled toys for extended exploration.
- 5.During peak summer afternoons (1-4 PM), the splash pad gets very crowded, so arrive before 11 AM or after 5 PM for more space.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall for splash pad access. Weekday mornings offer quieter shopping and less crowded outdoor areas. Summer evenings provide beautiful sunset views over Lake Ontario with cooler temperatures.
What to Know
Admission to the waterfront areas is free. Public washrooms are available seasonally. Multiple restaurants line the waterfront within walking distance. The area is stroller and wheelchair accessible with paved paths throughout.
Seasonal Notes
Splash pad typically operates late May through early September. The waterfront and playgrounds are accessible year-round, but winter visits can be cold and windy off the lake. Fall offers beautiful foliage along the paths. Summer weekends feature occasional festivals and events at the waterfront.
Nearby Eats
Port Credit has numerous family-friendly restaurants within walking distance along Lakeshore Road, including casual pizza spots and cafes. The area is known for its ice cream shops, perfect for treating kids after playtime.
More Activities Near Mississauga
Erindale Park
Erindale Park offers families 222 acres of natural beauty along the Credit River, perfect for outdoor adventures any time of year. With scenic nature trails winding through river valleys, open green spaces for picnics and play, and peaceful walking paths, this highly-rated park provides the ideal escape from city life while remaining easily accessible in Mississauga.
Mississauga Celebration Square
Mississauga Celebration Square is a dynamic urban plaza that transforms throughout the seasons, offering families a free splash pad in summer, outdoor ice skating in winter, and year-round festivals, concerts, and cultural events. The spacious open area provides plenty of room for kids to run around while parents relax on nearby benches, and the frequent family-focused programming means there's almost always something happening.
Lake Wabukayne Park
Lake Wabukayne Park is a fantastic all-in-one destination offering everything families need for a full day outdoors: a sandy beach for swimming, a splash pad for cooling off, a well-equipped playground, scenic walking trails, and plenty of shaded picnic spots. With its beautiful lakeside setting and variety of free activities, it's an ideal spot for families visiting Mississauga who want to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area offers families an accessible introduction to wetland ecosystems through easy boardwalk trails that wind through marshland teeming with birds and wildlife. Kids love the elevated walkways that make them feel like explorers, while educational signs along the route turn the visit into an outdoor classroom experience. The free admission and proximity to Lake Ontario make this a perfect half-day nature escape for families visiting the Greater Toronto Area.