The dream itinerary for a fun family vacation in Waterloo Region
by CuratedKW | July 2025
We made fantastic memories in the sun at three iconic destinations in Kitchener and St. Jacobs. From the huge water park at Bingemans Big Splash to the famous St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, to the heritage Waterloo Central Railway, there is so much fun included in the new Ride & Slide Family Adventure experience package. As locals, we often take for granted the unique activities that are right in our backyard. For the Ride & Slide Family Adventure, we brought along family from out of town, and all the adults and kids (aged 1-4 years old) had a blast!
The new package is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (we went during the week because it’s less busy). It includes a family pass to Bingemans Big Splash, a family pass for a 2-hour round-trip train ride and an overnight stay at DoubleTree, Home2Suites or Bingemans Campgrounds (pricing varies by accommodation). The itinerary order is up to you, but we started with the splash pad, water slides and wave pool at Bingemans Big Splash. After a cheesy pizza lunch we dried off and headed to the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Here we enjoyed outdoor games and interacted with cute animals at the Farmyard petting zoo. To eat, we had delicious raspberry lemonade, fresh churros and empanadas. Next, we hopped aboard the heritage Waterloo Central Railway for a scenic countryside ride with stops in the Village of St. Jacobs, and Elmira. Our detailed itinerary is below!
Stop 1: Play at the Bingemans Big Splash water park
We heard so many shrieks of laughter and joy here! The park is great for adults and kids big and small. The cabanas are great to book for extra shade and a spot to refresh (available at additional cost). But don’t worry, there are plenty of lounge chairs and shady umbrellas to use if you decide not to. You can order lunch from Boston Pizza or Pizza Pizza, and they scoop Chapman’s ice cream as well.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes so you can head straight to the market.
Location: 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener, Ontario
Stop 2: Shop, play and dine at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market
We snacked on spicy beef empanadas from KW Empanadas, and fresh churros from Chorizos La Abuela, and quenched our thirst with raspberry lemonade from The Artisan Lemonade Stand. There were some kid’s games out, and the farmyard animals are adorable.
The Waterloo Central Railway is conveniently located a 3-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the market, making it easy to hop aboard.
Location: 878 Weber St N, Woolwich, Ontario
Stop 3: Board the scenic train at Waterloo Central Railway
The antique railway is run by volunteers who want to keep the history of trains alive.
We recommend riding in The Lounge Car if you have little ones who want to move around. The view over the river is fantastic, and you can order non-alcoholic drinks and snacks while on the train.
Location: (Farmers’ Market Platform) 330 Farmers Market Rd, Waterloo, Ontario
Stop 4: Hop off the train and explore St. Jacobs or Elmira
We didn’t have time to stop and walk around, but these are local spots we recommend for shopping or for a bite to eat. You can also explore the ‘Art Walk’ at both stops: the Village of St. Jacobs and Elmira. Then catch the train back to the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market.
Community of St. Jacobs
Eco Café, Those Pizza Guys, La Crème, Fudge Sakes, The Shed, Stone Crock Bakery, Block Three Brewing, and Living Fresh Home Goods & Flower Shop
Community of Elmira
Elmira Donuts & Deli, Kitchen Kuttings Cafe, Local Renaissance Coffee Shop, Never Enough Thyme, Sweet Scoops, and Sip & Bite Restaurant
Stop 5: Settle in for the night at DoubleTree by Hilton, Home2Suites or Bingemans Campgrounds
Check in to your overnight accommodations and relax and unwind from an eventful day in Waterloo Region.
Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener, 30 Fairway Rd South, Kitchener, Ontario
Home2 Suites by Hilton Kitchener, 30 Fairway Road South Bldg B, Kitchener, Ontario
Bingemans Camping Resort, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener, Ontario
Booking details for the Ride & Slide Family Adventure experience package can be found on the Explore Waterloo Region website.
