Andrew Haydon Park (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Andrew Haydon Park?
What makes it 76% Baby-Friendly: Stroller-friendly pavement, shade benches, and diaper stations support babies, but lack of indoor nursing room and sandy play zones make long visits less convenient in bad weather.
Positives:
- Baby-friendly washrooms: Permanent washrooms by the playground include diaper-changing stations.
- Free parking: Large lot at 3169 Carling Ave fills early but is complimentary.
Challenges:
- Messy play surfaces: Sand base at splash pad and woodchips at the playground can stick to crawlers.
- No dedicated nursing room: Use the pavilion or bring a portable cover for privacy.
What is Andrew Haydon Park?
- A waterfront municipal park on Carling Avenue bordering the Ottawa River
- A landscaped urban oasis organized around open lawns, sculpted gardens and a manmade waterfall
- A municipal facility with a bandshell, covered picnic pavilion and a children's playground
What is so special about Andrew Haydon Park for with baby?
- Wide, flat riverside paths ideal for strollers
- Multiple shaded benches near water for feeding and breaks
- Open lawn safe for baby to stretch and crawl
- Seasonal splash pad offers free water play
- Optional pavilion rental gives covered privacy
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for stroller strolls, breaks on shaded benches and a relaxed picnic without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Andrew Haydon Park
Stroll on paved pathways:
Walk the wide, flat Ottawa River Pathway around the park.
Tip: Start by the parking lot and circle the ponds for best river views.
Rest on shaded benches:
Use benches under mature trees for feeding or changing.
Tip: Look for spots near the river to combine rest with a view.
Picnic on the lawn:
Lay a blanket on the grass near benches.
Tip: Bring a UV-protective blanket and position close to shade.
Splash pad play:
Let baby enjoy gentle water features in summer.
Tip: Bring a towel and change of clothes; avoid sand base for crawling.
Reserve covered pavilion:
Book the small gazebo for privacy or weather cover.
Tip: Email sports@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2595 at least a week ahead.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Andrew Haydon Park
- Visit off-peak: Arrive before 10 AM on weekdays to secure parking and quiet pathways.
- Pack sunshade: Bring a pop-up canopy or stroller umbrella for extra shade on lawns.
Reviews of Andrew Haydon Park
C Hart
A really lovely park. Lots of grassy areas to picnic in, many benches, and treed areas for shade. Beautiful pond. Always lively but never too busy (though parking can be tricky). Great place to enjoy nature.
Olena Slominska
Lovely, nice, relaxing, beautiful, peaceful, wonderful, charming place. for families, romantic couples, lonely walkers, yacht club members… busy on a weekend evening, yet a lot of parking places at several parking lots along Carling Av.
Claret M
A great place to walk, have fun with family and friends and beautiful scenery. Great Sunset view . It is an amazing place to walk with free parking so it is always crowded. Hard to find parking .The Water Lantern festival was a good time to visit the place.
Imran Shahid
A beautiful and scenic park near waterfront great for a walk, biking or having a picnic. The landscape and walking paths along the river are beautifully designed. A lot of geese and mallards inhibit the two ponds inside the park which are fun to watch for young kids. There are plenty of benches along the trails to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset view over the Ottawa river. Parking is free as ...
Amy K
Such an amazing park with scenery views! The best place for biking, hiking, picnic, and barbecue! Comes with playgrounds for kids, and public restrooms. My first time there for a festival but definitely not my last visit. The sunset view in this park is stunning … 😍
When is the best time to visit Andrew Haydon Park (Ottawa, Canada)?
Splash pad runs late May to early September. Bring layers and sun protection outside summer.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Pavilion rental (2 hours) | CAD 60 |
| Snacks and drinks | CAD 10 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 70 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Andrew Haydon Park
Address: 3127 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON K2H 5A6, Canada
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About Andrew Haydon Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 613-580-259510 BEST nearby Activities
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