Free March Break Activities in Barrie and Simcoe County

March Break is almost here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping the little ones entertained without breaking the bank. Luckily, Barrie and the surrounding area have a ton of awesome free activities planned to keep your kids engaged and having a blast!

Spacetacular Adventures Await at the Library

The Barrie Public Library is launching into March Break with a lineup of great events! From March 8th to 16th, all three library locations (Downtown, Holly, and Painswick) will be hosting exciting activities for all ages.  There will be crafts, obstacle courses, escape rooms, live animal exhibits and so much more!

Escape the Winter Blues at Friday Harbour

Dreaming of a winter wonderland escape? Look no further than Friday Harbour! This picturesque destination is the perfect place to soak up some sunshine (or at least fresh air!) and enjoy some family fun. During March Break, Friday Harbour will be bustling with activity, offering free ice skating on their scenic rink, live entertainment and exciting activities along the promenade, and a variety of delicious treats to keep everyone fueled for adventure.

Meet Your Favorite Characters at the Georgian Mall

Get ready for some meet-and-greet magic at the Georgian Mall this March Break! During the week there will be appearances by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and SpongeBob. If your kids love to move and groove, don't miss the high-energy sing-along and dance party with Team T&J Kids Jumpin' Jamboree!  Check out the Georgian Mall website for the complete schedule of March Break activities.

Animals and Fun at Tanger Outlets

Head to Tanger Outlets for a double dose of March Break fun! From March 9th to 17th, Tanger Outlets will be hosting March Break Ed-Zoo-Cation, completely free of charge! This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to get up close and personal with a variety of fascinating animals and learn more about these amazing creatures.  Visit the Tanger Outlets website for more information about these events.

Go On A Scavenger Hunt Road Trip

If you're looking for a fun and interactive way to explore Springwater this March Break, the Springwater Scavenger Hunt is a perfect choice! Hosted by the Springwater Public Library, this event runs from Monday, March 10, to Friday, March 14, offering families and groups the chance to complete exciting challenges and win great prizes.

While this event is not free, it is low cost. For just $5 per group, participants can pick up a scavenger hunt kit from any library branch and set off on an adventure around the community. Registration is required, and spots may fill up quickly—so don’t miss out on this exciting way to make the most of March Break!

Explore the Outdoors

Barrie and the surrounding area boast a wealth of beautiful parks and conservation areas perfect for exploring with the family. Pack a backpack with snacks and water bottles and head out for a hike or nature walk.  

If you’re looking for a planned outdoor excursion, head to Sunnidale Park where 2 family-friendly events are scheduled throughout the week. 

1. March 11 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM - Snowshoeing in the Park
2. March 12 to March 15 - Bounce Bonanza with Moonwalk Entertainment

Get Creative at Home

There are countless free and low-cost activities you can enjoy with your kids at home. Have a movie marathon with their favorite films, get crafty with construction paper, paint, and glue, or build an epic blanket fort and lose yourselves in a world of imagination.

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These are just a few of the many free activities happening in Barrie and the surrounding area this March Break. So grab your little space explorers, animal enthusiasts, and character lovers, and get ready for a week of unforgettable fun!