With no shortage of things to do on Family Day, your only problem will be narrowing down your options. Barrie and the surrounding areas have all kinds of activities happening this weekend in celebration of Family day and many of them are free!
Outdoor Family Day Activities In Barrie And Area
Barrie and surrounding areas have plenty of events and activities planned to keep you busy this Family Day (Monday, February 17, 2025). Here’s what you need to know:
Barrie's Family Day Winter Adventure
The City of Barrie is hosting a Family Day event from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Barrie Community Sports Complex (2100 Nursery Road, Midhurst). The event offers FREE outdoor activities including:
- Axe throwing (ages 10+)
- Broomball
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides
- Tobogganing (bring your own sled)
- Kicksledding
- Snowshoeing
- And more
When you're ready to take a break from the cold, warm up by the bonfire or make some crafts.
Nature in Winter
On February 15 you can head over to Sunnidale Park for the Nature In Winter Pop-Up. While there, you can learn about local animals, birdwatch, snowshoe, hands on activities about owls and other birds, and much more.
You can also join in on Forest Bathing with Beth to learn about the benefits of nature in health. Sessions will take place at 1 PM. Registration is required.
Discovery Harbour's Mid-Winter Social
Discover magic, music, and winter wonders at Discovery Harbour's 2025 Mid-Winter Social! From February 15 to February 17, this historic site in Penetanguishene transforms into a winter wonderland from 11 AM to 4 PM daily.
New for 2025, enjoy live music and mesmerizing magic shows at King’s Wharf Theatre, along with activities like Bubble Soccer for hilarious competitive fun. Dive into outdoor adventures including snow tubing, snowshoeing, and historic demonstrations. Kids will love face painting, Arctic art adventures, and dress-up stations. Indulge in delicious food at Captain Roberts' Table or Foodiez food truck.
Admission is $12 per person, children five and under free.
Sugar Bush Family Day
The 14th Annual Sugar Bush Family Day event, hosted by Friends of Sugarbush, promises a delightful day packed with activities. Head over for thrilling cardboard toboggan races (register via email at friendsofsugarbush@gmail.com), skating, cozy campfires, winter games, wagon rides, and more!
The event will be at Sweetwater Park from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Free Fishing
There are only 4 times a year you can fish in Ontario without a license and this weekend is one of them. Enjoy fishing all weekend long without having to go get a permit to do so.
But remember, you still need to follow a few rules including:
- Conservation licence catch limits
- Size limits and sanctuaries
- Fishing regulations
If you need equipment, take advantage of the TackleShare program through the Barrie Public Library or other loaner sites.
Family Day in Wasaga Beach
This weekend, Wasaga Beach is your destination for non-stop entertainment and excitement with Snowman Mania! Enjoy activities like outdoor shinny, public skates, scavenger hunts, chili cook offs and so much more all weekend long. Throughout the weekend there will also be tons of great live performances including a hula hoop show, SuperDogs and more.
Hot Cocoa Trail
Warm up before your day of family fun with delicious hot chocolate all weekend long.
The Downtown Hot Cocoa Trail will be running for just two more weeks until the end of the month. There are 18 participating locations with unique takes on hot chocolate and delicious treats.
As an added bonus, every purchase of hot chocolate at any of the participating locations will include the chance to win 1 of 5 $50 Downtown Barrie prize pack!
Indoor Family Day activities in Barrie
If you're looking for indoor fun, we've got you covered ...
Barrie Rec Centres
All three recreation centres (Allendale Rec Centre, East Bayfield Rec Centre and Peggy Hill Team Community Centre) will offer a variety of drop-in activities from 6 AM to 9 PM on Family Day. Activities include:
- Fitness classes
- Open swim
- Family Day swim
- Hockey
- And more ...
To view the schedule, visit barrie.ca.
MacLaren Art Centre
This Family Day, MacLaren Art Centre is hosting a drop in art session from 11 AM to 2 PM. Family's will be able to create fun and colourful projects that celebrate their family and a strong sense of self with regional artist Tessa Deneumoustier.
Family Day Fun in East Gwillimbury
From 10 AM to 1 PM, head to the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex a day of Family Fun.
The event will include a Health and Active Living Fair, free skate, face painting, EG Skating Club performance, LEGO activities, music, food and so much more.
Services In Barrie That Will Be Affected By Family Day
- Barrie Transit will operate according to the regular Sunday service schedule. Visit myridebarrie.ca for details.
- Curbside Collection: There will be no garbage, organics, or recycling collection on Family Day in Barrie. Collection during the week of this holiday will occur ONE day later for the remainder of the week. Visit www.barrie.ca/CurbsideCollection for details.
- City Hall will be closed.
- Parking: Downtown parking (on-street and lots) is free on all statutory holidays. Waterfront parking is enforced 24/7/365; residents must display their permits and visitors are required to pay $10/hour (daily maximum: $50). Visit www.barrie.ca/Parking for details.
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