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.

Guest Services and Gift Shop

Guest Services is open during the summer and fall operating seasons when the grounds are at their busiest.  Here you can find first aid, customer service, and general information about the Park and Zoo to help you plan your stay.  Visit the Gift Shop inside to pick up a special souvenir to remember your visit to Riverview Park and Zoo.  Feel good knowing all proceeds from gift shop sales directly support Park and Zoo operations and programs. 

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 daily in the summer season between Victoria Day and Labour Day, and afterward on weekends only until Thanksgiving.  The accessible change room is available through Guest Services during the summer season and located near the playground.

Food and drink

Guests are encouraged to bring a litter-less picnic lunch or supper to enjoy at the many picnic tables found throughout the park. During the summer and fall operating seasons, ice cream, chips and candy can be purchased at the Gift Shop in Guest Services and drink vending machines are set up throughout the grounds. A reminder that alcohol is not permitted onsite and straws are not allowed in either the Park or the Zoo areas in an effort to protect the environment, natural wildlife, and our zoo animals.

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.

Dobbin Building - seasonal exhibit

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

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.

Rotary Education Centre*

The Rotary Education Centre is used for educational programming including guided tours, Zoo Crew and Zoo Trek classes. The meeting room is also available for non-profit community groups and charity organizations to rent throughout the week.

Picnic shelters*

We have three covered picnic shelters available for all visitors to reserve on a daily basis for a minimal fee. Shelters 1 and 2 are found 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 frisbee disc golf course and beside the river.  Shelter bookings are now available for the 2025 summer operating season, from Victoria Day weekend in May to Thanksgiving Monday in October!

*Insurance requirements

Insurance is mandatory for all facility and shelter bookings at Riverview Park and Zoo. You have two options to provide a Certificate of Insurance to Riverview Park and Zoo:

1. Use your existing insurance listing "Corporation of the City of Peterborough" on the certificate (this only usually applies to businesses and organizations with existing insurance policies); or
2. Using the Instant Risk Coverage Program detailed below.

Insurance Program - Instant Risk Coverage