Nestled in the heart of Midland, Little Lake Park stands as our community’s premier outdoor destination for recreation, relaxation, and family fun. This expansive green space offers year-round enjoyment with its beautiful beach, modern playground facilities, disc golf course, and natural surroundings.
As a Midlander who’s spent countless hours enjoying this beloved park, I’m excited to share what makes Little Lake Park so special to our town.
Summer Fun on the Beach
When summer temperatures rise, Little Lake Park’s sandy beach becomes Midland’s favorite cooling-off spot. The designated swimming area features a gradual entry perfect for families with young children, and the roped-off deeper section satisfies stronger swimmers looking to cool down on hot summer days.
The beach area includes:
- Clean sand regularly groomed during summer months
- Changing facilities and washrooms
- Picnic tables with shade trees
- Volleyball nets for impromptu beach games
The waterfront view of Little Lake itself provides a picturesque backdrop for summer relaxation, with the added benefit of being more sheltered than the sometimes windier Georgian Bay waterfront.
The peaceful setting makes it ideal for young families or anyone seeking a more tranquil beach experience.
Playground Paradise
Little Lake Park boasts one of the most impressive playground complexes in the region, making it a magnet for families throughout Simcoe County. The main playground features equipment for various age groups, including:
- An expansive climbing structure with multiple slides
- Swinging bridges and climbing walls
- Toddler-specific play areas with age-appropriate equipment
- Accessible play features ensuring all children can participate
- Swing sets including infant swings and adaptive seating options
The playground’s layout encourages imaginative play while providing clear sightlines for parents and caregivers. Surrounding benches and shade trees create comfortable observation points, and the nearby picnic pavilion makes it easy to extend playground visits into full-day outings.
Disc Golf: A Hidden Gem
One of Little Lake Park’s most popular recent additions is the 9-hole disc golf course winding through the wooded sections of the park. This course has quickly become a favorite for both serious disc golfers and families looking for a fun, free activity.
The course features:
- Nine well-designed holes ranging from beginner-friendly to moderately challenging
- Tee pads clearly marked with distance information
- Baskets positioned to take advantage of natural terrain features
- A layout that minimizes interference with other park activities
- Beautiful scenery including lakeside views on several holes
For those new to the sport, disc golf combines elements of traditional golf and frisbee, with players attempting to complete each hole in the fewest possible throws.
Unlike many disc golf courses that require specialized discs, Little Lake’s course is approachable enough that even regular frisbees can work for casual play (though enthusiasts will want their proper disc golf equipment).
Local tip: Hole 7 plays right along the lakeshore and offers one of the most scenic disc golf experiences in Georgian Bay. Watch out for the water hazard, though—many discs have found their final resting place in Little Lake!
The course is free to play and accessible year-round, though most popular from spring through fall. Summer evenings often feature informal meet-ups of local disc golf enthusiasts who welcome newcomers interested in learning the sport.
Picnic Perfection
Little Lake Park has long been Midland’s premier picnic destination, with options ranging from casual lunches to large family gatherings:
- Numerous picnic tables scattered throughout shaded areas
- Covered pavilions available for reservation through the Town of Midland
- Charcoal BBQ pits (bring your own charcoal)
- Open grassy areas perfect for spreading blankets
- Garbage and recycling facilities promoting clean park use
The park’s mature trees provide natural shade throughout hot summer days, making outdoor dining comfortable even during July and August heat.
Local tip: The eastern pavilion offers the best combination of shade, proximity to bathrooms, and views of both the playground and beach areas.
Lakeside Dining at Tony’s Restaurant
No visit to Little Lake Park is complete without stopping at Tony’s Restaurant, a beloved local institution that has been serving park-goers for decades. Perfectly positioned with panoramic views of Little Lake, this family-friendly eatery offers the ideal combination of casual dining and scenic beauty.
Tony’s Restaurant embraces its waterfront location with large windows that frame the lake view and an expansive outdoor patio that’s consistently packed during summer months. The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a natural extension of your park experience—come as you are, straight from the beach or hiking trails.
The menu at Tony’s focuses on crowd-pleasing comfort food with something for everyone:
- All-day breakfast options that make it a popular morning spot
- Classic burgers and sandwiches perfect after a swim or disc golf round
- Fresh salads featuring seasonal ingredients
- Kid-friendly options that have satisfied generations of Midland families
- Homemade desserts that locals drive across town for
Their signature dish is the “Little Lake Fish & Chips,” featuring locally sourced Georgian Bay fish with a light, crispy batter that keeps both tourists and residents coming back season after season.
What makes Tony’s special isn’t just the food—it’s the genuine hometown service. Many of the staff have worked here for years and treat regular customers like family. Don’t be surprised if your server remembers your order from last summer or asks how your grandchildren are doing.
Local tip: If you visit during peak summer weekends, try to time your meal for slightly off-hours (before noon or after 2pm) to avoid the lunch rush. And save room for their legendary homemade pie—flavors rotate seasonally, but the blueberry made with local berries is particularly outstanding when available.
Tony’s Restaurant operates seasonally from May through October, with extended hours during July and August. It’s become a cherished tradition for many families to begin and end their summer season with a meal at Tony’s, watching the ice cream cones slowly give way to cups of hot chocolate as autumn approaches.
Trails and Natural Areas
Beyond the developed recreation facilities, Little Lake Park encompasses beautiful natural areas that showcase Midland’s ecological diversity:
- Walking trails circumnavigating Little Lake itself
- Wooded paths connecting different park sections
- Wetland observation areas with interpretive signage
- Bird watching opportunities throughout the seasons
The relatively flat terrain makes most trails accessible to visitors of all fitness levels, and benches positioned at scenic viewpoints provide rest stops along the way. Spring visits offer wildflower displays, while fall brings spectacular color to the park’s maple and oak trees.
Winter Wonderland
Unlike many seasonal attractions, Little Lake Park transforms into a winter recreation destination when snow blankets Midland:
- Perfect sledding hills of various steepness for different age groups
- Cross-country ski tracks through the trail system
- Snowshoeing opportunities throughout the park
- Winter bird feeding stations attracting chickadees and cardinals
- Annual winter festivals and community events
The park’s main hill has introduced generations of Midland children to the joy of sledding, with its gentle grade providing thrilling rides without excessive speed. On snowy weekends, the sounds of laughter echo across the park as families continue traditions started decades ago.
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Little Lake Park serves as home to several organized sports facilities:
- Baseball diamonds hosting youth and adult leagues
- Tennis courts with night lighting
- Basketball courts for pickup games
- Open fields for soccer, frisbee, and other field sports
Many of Midland’s community sports programs utilize these facilities for practices and games, creating a lively atmosphere during evening hours and weekends. The multi-purpose nature of these spaces allows for diverse recreational uses throughout the seasons.
Special Events and Gatherings
Throughout the year, Little Lake Park hosts community celebrations that bring Midlanders together:
- Canada Day festivities including fireworks over the lake
- Summer concert series at the bandstand
- Community picnics and cultural celebrations
- Charity walks and running events
- Seasonal festivals marking holidays
These events strengthen community bonds while showcasing the park’s versatility as a gathering space. For many Midland families, these annual traditions create cherished memories linked inextricably to this special place.
A Park with History
Behind today’s recreational paradise lies a rich history stretching back to Midland’s earliest days. Originally part of a larger water system connected to Georgian Bay, the “little lake” that gives the park its name has been a focal point for the community for generations.
The park was formally established in the early 20th century, and many of its stone structures and pavilions were built during the 1930s as part of Depression-era work projects. These historic touches remain visible today, with the stone gateway entrance standing as a testament to the park’s enduring importance to our community.
Over the decades, the park has evolved while maintaining its character as Midland’s gathering place. Recent years have seen thoughtful improvements focusing on sustainability and accessibility, including shoreline naturalization projects, native plant gardens, and updated stormwater management to protect Little Lake’s water quality.
Accessibility Features
The Town of Midland has worked to ensure Little Lake Park remains accessible to community members of all abilities:
- Paved pathways connecting major features
- Beach accessibility mats during summer months
- Accessible washroom facilities
- Designated accessible parking spaces
- Adapted playground equipment
These features reflect our community’s commitment to inclusive recreation spaces where everyone can enjoy Midland’s natural beauty.
Planning Your Visit
Best Times to Visit:
- Summer weekdays offer a more relaxed experience than busy weekends
- Early mornings provide peaceful trail experiences and wildlife viewing
- Fall afternoons showcase spectacular leaf colors
- Winter weekends bring the sledding hills to life
Amenities:
- Modern washroom facilities near the main parking area and beach
- Drinking water fountains and bottle filling stations
- Ample parking including overflow areas for busy summer days
- Bike racks encouraging eco-friendly transportation
Regulations:
- Dogs must remain leashed throughout the park
- Alcohol is prohibited without special event permits
A Beloved Community Treasure
For Midlanders, Little Lake Park represents more than just recreational facilities—it embodies our community’s values and shared experiences. Many residents share stories of learning to swim at the beach, celebrating birthdays under the pavilions, or meeting friends at summer events held at the bandstand.
Whether you’re a lifelong Midlander or a first-time visitor, Little Lake Park offers a glimpse into what makes our community special—our connection to nature, commitment to family-friendly recreation, and appreciation for shared public spaces that bring people together through all seasons and generations.
Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring this beloved green space during your Midland visit—and don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning day after day as you discover all the park has to offer.