Where to Stay in Kingston, Ontario: The Best Family-Friendly Hotels for Exploring the St. Lawrence

Find the best family-friendly hotels in Kingston, Ontario. Discover top waterfront and downtown stays for exploring the St. Lawrence with kids.

Kingston, Ontario, is a city that families return to time and time again. It doesn’t try to impress you with flash. It wins you over with a steady pulse of energy. A walk along the waterfront at sunset. The sound of boats cutting through the harbor. Kids chasing pigeons across Confederation Park. My family and I live close enough to make Kingston an easy weekend trip, but every time we visit the city, it feels like a reset.

One of our most memorable stays was a family weekend exploring the magic of the city’s waterfront. Our mornings started with coffee by the water and watching ships move through the channel. We walked everywhere. Confederation Park. Downtown shops. Boat tours. Evenings ended with tired legs and easy dinners close to the hotel. That trip changed the way we think about Kingston. It is not just a historic city. It is a genuinely relaxed family destination when you choose the accommodations as a home base.

This guide focuses on the best family-friendly hotels in Kingston. These are places that make it easy to explore the waterfront, downtown, and the St. Lawrence without overcomplicating your stay.

Things to Know About Staying in Kingston with Kids

Kingston is a very manageable city for families. If you’re looking to explore it on your own, here are a few details to help make the experience smoother.

• The Kingston waterfront pulls everything together. Thousand Islands boat tours, parks, cycling paths, and Fort Henry are all connected by shoreline trails.
• Downtown Kingston is very walkable. Once you park, you can cover most attractions on foot, even with kids.
• Kingston works as a great family-friendly destination year-round. Summer brings patios and cruises. Fall is calm and colorful. Winter is quieter but still full of light displays and seasonal events.
• Dining is easy with children. You will find plenty of casual spots alongside higher-end options that still welcome families.
• Traffic never feels overwhelming. Even during busy weekends, Kingston stays relaxed.

The Best Areas to Stay in Kingston

• Kingston Waterfront: Staying along the waterfront keeps you close to boat tours, Confederation Park, and evening harbor walks. It is the most convenient option for short family stays.
• Downtown Kingston: Historic streets, museums, shopping, and easy access to Queen’s University. A good choice for families who want variety right outside the door.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels Near the Kingston Waterfront

1. Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront

This is where we stayed during our family waterfront weekend, and it immediately showed us how much location matters in Kingston. Mornings began with sunlight bouncing off the water. Evenings ended with relaxed harbor walks just steps from the front door. Everything felt easy.

The rooms are comfortable for families, and the indoor pool becomes an instant highlight for kids. You can walk from here to downtown dining, boat tours, and waterfront parks without ever moving the car.

2. Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront

This is one of the most reliable family hotels in the city. The indoor pool is big enough for actual swimming rather than just splashing, which makes a big difference for kids who need to burn off energy after sightseeing.

It sits right on the water and keeps you within walking distance of both downtown and harbor activities. It works especially well for families with younger children who need simplicity.

3. Kingston Marriott Hotel

This hotel places you right in the center of Kingston’s downtown activity while still keeping you close to the water. During our visits, Market Square has always been full of life with street performances, public skating in winter, and families gathering in the evenings.

The rooftop pool adds something different to the experience, especially for kids who like novelty. You step outside, and the city unfolds around you.

4. Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge

This hotel is ideal for families who appreciate space and flexibility. The suite layouts and kitchens allow for slower mornings, packed lunches, and quieter evenings when everyone is tired from exploring.

It still sits directly on the waterfront, so you get the same easy access to walking paths and downtown without sacrificing comfort or privacy.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Downtown Kingston

1. The Frontenac Club

This hotel lives inside one of Kingston’s landmark limestone buildings and gives families a stay that feels special without being stiff. The suites offer room to spread out, and the downtown location keeps restaurants, waterfront walks, and Queen’s University within easy reach.

It is a good option for families who want character and space without giving up convenience.

2. The Secret Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast

This is a smaller, quieter option tucked into a residential pocket of downtown. It feels removed from the busier streets but keeps you close to everything you want to explore.

Families who prefer calm evenings after busy sightseeing days tend to gravitate here.

Tips for Staying in Kingston with Kids

• Book waterfront hotels early for summer weekends.
• Plan at least one evening walk along the harbor.
• Visit Fort Henry earlier in the day before the tour crowds build.
• Market Square is ideal for letting kids move freely while parents relax nearby.
• Winter visits pair well with seasonal light displays and indoor hotel pools.
• Staying downtown works best when you plan to walk most of the day.
• Make sure to check out some of the amazing areas near Kingston as well. Thousand Islands National Park, Quinte West and the Bay of Quinte, and Bonnechere Caves are all incredible attractions within easy reach of the Kingston waterfront.

Final Thoughts on Staying in Kingston as a Family

Kingston does not overwhelm you. It settles in. For our family, it has become a place where trips feel simple and satisfying. Morning coffee by the water. Long walks with no strict plan. Watching our kids grow more confident in navigating city streets and harbor paths.

Choosing the right hotel in Kingston allows those moments to happen naturally. Whether you stay along the waterfront or in the heart of downtown, the city works best when you slow down and let it unfold at its own pace. For families looking for an easy Ontario escape with history, water, and space to breathe, Kingston delivers.

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