Amenities and Facilities

Riverview Park and Zoo is a year round outdoor recreational and educational facility open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk, 365 days a year. We ask that visitors come prepared for the elements, as there are no indoor facilities available to visitors without booking in advance.

Water refill stations

We are big into conservation at the Park and Zoo. Be sure to bring your reusable water bottle to hydrate during your visit. There are three water refill stations located throughout the Park and Zoo.

Rotary Education Centre

The Rotary Education Centre is used for educational programming including guided tours, Zoo Crew and Zoo Academy classes. The meeting room is also available to rent by community groups.

Guest Services and Gift Shop

Our Guest Services is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the summer season. You can find first aid, customer service and general information about the Park and Zoo to help you plan your stay.  Pick up a special souvenir from the Park and Zoo Gift Shop to remember your visit.  All proceeds from the shop support the Park and Zoo animal health programs and capital construction projects.

Changerooms and washrooms

There are public washrooms and changerooms in the north end of the park near the front entrance and splash pad open throughout the year.  The south washrooms past the fountain are open in the summer season between Victoria Day and Thanksgiving weekend.  The accessible change room is available through Guest Services during the summer season and located near the playground.

Food and drink

Visitors are encouraged to bring a litterless picnic to enjoy at the many picnic tables throughout the park. The Kiwanis Club snack bar is open in the summer season and offers hot food, frozen treats and drinks. All sale proceeds benefit both organizations.

Picnic shelters

Situated along the beautiful Otonabee River, the Park and Zoo has many picnic tables and benches along the scenic pathways to enjoy picnics and a view of the river. There are three picnic shelters at the Park and Zoo available for rent on a daily basis from Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving. Shelters 1 and 2 are in the lower picnic area, down the driveway beside the playground. Shelter 3 is at the north end of the Park and Zoo property, near the disc golf course and beside the river.

Shelters require an approved permit and must meet all recommendations by Peterborough Public Health. We will be taking  new tentative* bookings for the 2022 season beginning on November 1. *Bookings for the 2022 season are tentative pending the impact of any COVID regulations/restrictions that may be in place.

Gazebo

Concerts and events are held at the gazebo throughout the summer months, including the Sunday Summer Concert Series and Story Time at the Zoo with the Peterborough Public Library.

Dobbin Building - seasonal exhibit

Visit the Ross L. Dobbin building from June to Labour Day to see our seasonal conservation exhibit, focused on zoological topics, conservation and education.