If you’re looking for a way to bring Canadian history to life for your kids, Fort Henry is one of the best stops you can make. This old limestone fortress overlooking Kingston isn’t just about dusty displays or quiet rooms. It’s a place where soldiers in bright red uniforms march across the parade square, cannons fire with a loud boom, and kids can actually join in the action.
The site mixes serious history with plenty of family-friendly fun. You can take a guided tour, watch live demonstrations, grab a treat at the bakery, and even let the kids dress up and march in their own parade. It’s the kind of outing that feels educational without trying too hard, which is why families keep coming back.
A Short History of Fort Henry
Fort Henry was first built during the War of 1812 to protect Kingston and the entrance to the Rideau Canal, an important waterway that connected Lake Ontario to the Ottawa River. The stone fort that visitors see today was rebuilt in the 1830s to be stronger and better prepared for attack.
Over the years, the fort never actually had to fire in battle, but it remained an important military post and later served as a training ground for soldiers. Today, instead of guarding against invaders, it’s a National Historic Site where guides and performers recreate what military life looked like in the 1860s. With its tall stone walls, parade square, and lake views, it’s both a step back in time and a fun place to explore with kids.
Tours and Daily Programming
Once you step through the wooden gates, Fort Henry feels like you’ve walked right into the 19th century. The main draw here is the daily programming, which mixes guided tours with live demonstrations.
Guided tours run about 50 minutes and leave regularly in both English and French. The guides are dressed in period uniforms and take you through the fort while sharing stories of what life was like for soldiers and their families.
Throughout the day, the Fort Henry Guard puts on military drills, marches, and parades in their bright red uniforms. Kids especially enjoy the sound of boots on the parade square and the chance to see soldiers perform with real precision.
Families will also want to time their visit around the live artillery and rifle demonstrations. Cannons fire at noon, 3:00 p.m., and 4:45 p.m., while rifle demos happen several times throughout the day. The loud booms are exciting but can be a bit much for younger kids, so it helps to prepare them.
There are also music performances, a chance to peek inside a Victorian schoolroom, and roleplay activities with soldiers’ wives who share what daily life looked like at the fort. For children, the biggest highlight is usually the Children’s Muster Parade, where they can dress up, learn to march, and earn their own certificate as a “Private” in the British army.
And when you need a break, the Garrison Bakery is open all day with freshly baked snacks and treats.
What to Expect with Kids
Fort Henry is one of those attractions where kids don’t just stand around watching, they get pulled right into the action. The shows and demonstrations are short and lively, so you can pick and choose based on your family’s attention span. Watching the guards march or hearing the cannon fire usually gets the biggest reactions, while the Children’s Muster Parade is a guaranteed hit for little ones who like to dress up and play soldier.
The guided tours are interesting, but at almost an hour long, they’re best suited for older kids and teens who can follow along. Younger kids may enjoy them too, but it helps to balance the tour with more hands-on activities so they don’t get restless.
Because most of the site is outdoors, the experience changes with the weather. On sunny days, the open parade square is perfect for wandering around between shows, while on rainy days you’ll want to bring jackets and plan to duck into the schoolroom or casemates. Strollers can manage most areas, though there are a few uneven surfaces and steps where you may need to lift or detour.
Expect to spend anywhere from two hours to half a day here, depending on how many demos and activities you join in. With so much variety, families can easily tailor the visit to match their kids’ ages and energy levels.
Practical Info for Families
Fort Henry is easy to plan for, and tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or at the admissions desk. Prices start at about $20 for adults, with discounts for seniors and military families. Kids under 5 are free, and youth with the Canada Strong Pass get in at a reduced rate or free depending on age.
- Parking: There’s a large lot right next to the fort with plenty of space, and parking is free.
- Food: Families won’t go hungry here. The Garrison Bakery is open all day with freshly baked bread and cookies, and there’s also a BeaverTails stand on site, always a hit with kids after marching and cannon shows. There aren’t full restaurants inside the fort, so plan bigger meals before or after your visit.
- Accessibility: The fort is stroller and wheelchair friendly in most areas, though some paths are uneven and there are steps in a few casemates. Staff can help you find accessible routes if needed.
- Timing: Arrive a little before opening if you want to catch the big shows like the cannon firing and Garrison Parade. Most families spend two to three hours here, but you can easily make it a half-day if you join several activities.
Book your tickets here
Our Take: Is Fort Henry Worth It for Families?
For us, the answer is yes. Fort Henry strikes that rare balance between being fun for kids and interesting for parents. The mix of marching drills, cannon fire, music, and hands-on activities keeps little ones entertained, while the history woven into each program gives adults something to appreciate too.
Daily military demonstrations bring Fort Henry’s 19th-century history to life.
If you’re visiting with younger kids, focus on the Children’s Muster Parade, the schoolroom, and one of the big cannon demonstrations. Older kids and teens will enjoy the guided tour and the chance to see the daily garrison parade in action. And of course, everyone loves a BeaverTail or fresh cookie from the bakery as a reward after exploring.
You don’t need to spend the entire day here, but two to three hours is more than enough to experience the highlights. It’s the kind of outing that feels educational without being boring, and you’ll leave with great memories, fun photos, and maybe a new family tradition of stopping for BeaverTails after every history lesson.
Beaver Curious
If there’s a quirky museum, a hidden alley, or a local legend, you’ll find me nose-deep in the details. Every destination is a treasure map, and I’m here to discover every secret, snack, and story. Curiosity isn’t just a trait, it’s my travel compass!
