Family Glamping in Ontario: A Kid-Friendly Escape with Alpacas & Outdoor Fun

Taking kids camping can sound better in theory than it feels once you're dealing with tents, sleeping bags, limited bathrooms and unpredictable weather. Glamping offers a more comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors, giving families a proper place to sleep while still leaving plenty of room for fresh air, animals and outdoor fun.

For families considering a weekend getaway in Ontario, the appeal is simple: kids get something to explore, while parents get a little more comfort. At Marmora Retreat, that can mean meeting alpacas, spending time outdoors, gathering around a fire or simply enjoying a slower weekend together.

Why Glamping Works Well for Families

Traditional camping can require quite a bit of preparation, especially with younger children. You need to pack sleeping equipment, cooking supplies, outdoor gear and everything else needed to make a campsite comfortable.

Glamping removes some of that work while keeping the parts of camping that families usually look forward to. Kids can spend time outside, explore the property, see farm animals and enjoy a campfire, while parents have access to a proper bed, electricity and cooking facilities.

It also gives families more flexibility. One child might want to spend the morning watching the animals while another would rather play a game or explore outdoors. Having space to move around means everyone doesn't have to follow the same schedule.

That balance between comfort and outdoor adventure is what makes a family glamping weekend different from a typical hotel stay.

Choosing the Right Stay for Your Family

The accommodation you choose can make a big difference, particularly when you're travelling with children or a larger group.

Glamping Domes for Smaller Families

The Sky-View Glamping Dome sleeps up to four guests, with a queen bed and pull-out sofa. It also includes a kitchenette, indoor composting washroom, outdoor shower, wood-burning stove, private deck, firepit and electric hot tub. One of its most memorable features for families is the view of alpacas grazing near the dome.

The Boho-Luxe Domes provide another option for small families, accommodating up to four guests with a king-sized bed, air mattress, kitchenette, private bathroom and outdoor copper tub.

The domes are a good fit when your family wants a more private stay and doesn't need a large shared living space. Lakefront access, however, is reserved for farmhouse guests.

The Farmhouse for Larger Family Groups

For families travelling with grandparents, cousins or friends, the farmhouse offers considerably more room to spread out. It can accommodate up to 24 guests with bed sharing and includes multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, shared living areas and a games room.

Farmhouse guests also have private lake access, with a canoe, kayaks, paddleboard and life jackets available. The outdoor pool gives families another option during the warmer months, while the seasonal indoor hot tub provides a place to unwind during the cooler seasons.

For a multigenerational family weekend, that combination of shared space and outdoor activities can make it easier for everyone to spend time together without feeling crowded.

The Alpacas are Part of the Experience

For children, one of the biggest differences between a glamping stay and a regular hotel can be the chance to interact with animals.

Marmora Retreat is home to a herd of alpacas, along with horses. Families can join feeding sessions at set times or take part in guided alpaca walks, available spring through fall at $20 per adult and $15 per child.

The experience is deliberately slower than a typical attraction. Children can meet the animals, learn about their personalities and see them in their everyday farm setting.

That can become one of the highlights of the weekend without needing to plan an entire day around it.

What Else Can Kids Do?

A family getaway does not need a full schedule of organized activities. Often, having room to play is enough.

At Marmora Retreat, families can spend time outdoors, gather around a firepit, enjoy the property's recreational spaces or, for farmhouse guests, head down to the lake. The lake also provides opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding for farmhouse guests. Families with young children should bring additional properly sized life jackets if needed.

The goal is not to fill every hour. A morning with the alpacas, an afternoon outside and an evening around the fire can be more than enough for a memorable family weekend.

What to Consider When Glamping With Kids

A little planning can make the experience much easier.

Think about sleeping arrangements. Make sure the accommodation suits your children's ages and your family's preferred sleeping setup before booking.

Pack for outdoor time. Bring layers, closed-toe shoes, swimsuits and clothes that can handle mud, grass and changing weather.

Plan simple meals. The farmhouse has a full kitchen, while the domes have kitchenettes for preparing lighter meals. Local dining options are also available if you would rather spend less time cooking.

Keep activities flexible. Children may want to spend more time with the animals than expected, or simply run around outside. Leave room in the schedule for unplanned play.

Bring the family pet if needed. Pets are welcome in the accommodations for a fee, with advance notice. Keep them leashed around the alpacas and horses.

Consider staying two nights. A single night can feel rushed once you account for arrival and checkout. Two nights allow enough time to settle in, explore the property and enjoy the experience without trying to fit everything into one day.

A Weekend to Slow Down and Spend Time Together

The best family getaways are not always the ones with the longest list of activities. Sometimes, it is having enough space for kids to explore, time to meet something new, and an evening around a fire with everyone together.

That is what makes a glamping weekend different from a typical hotel stay. At Marmora Retreat, families can spend the day with the alpacas, explore the property, enjoy time outdoors, or simply slow down and let the weekend unfold.

Whether you choose a glamping dome for a smaller family or the farmhouse for a larger group, the experience leaves plenty of room for the things that often get lost in a busy routine: being outside, trying something different, and spending unharried time together.

For families looking for a change of pace, that may be the best part of all.