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 Trek classes. The meeting room is also available to rent by community groups.

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

Visitors are encouraged to bring a litter-less picnic to enjoy at the many picnic tables throughout the park. Please note that unfortunately our snack bar will be unavailable this season.

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 covered picnic shelters at the Park and Zoo available to reserve on a daily basis from Victoria Day weekend in May until Thanksgiving Monday in October. 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. We start accepting tentative 2025 bookings on January 15th.

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 through to Labour Day in September to see our seasonal conservation exhibit, focused on zoological topics, conservation and education.