What's Happening Family Day Long Weekend!

FEBRUARY 19th, 2024

Published February 9, 2024

Family Day is almost here! If you're looking for something to do, you're in luck! Barrie and the surrounding area are home to a number of activities to celebrate the occasion, with many of them being free of charge.

In fact, there are so many things to do on Family Day, you may struggle to choose what activities to add to your list.

Before we jump, here are the services that will be affected by Family day.

Have an event you want to add to the list? Submit it using this form!

Barrie Services That Will Be Affected By Family Day

Barrie Transit: Transit will be following its regular Sunday schedule. For more information, visit myridebarrie.ca.

Curbside Collection: There will be no garbage, organics, or recycling collection in Barrie on Family Day. Garbage collection for the rest of the week will be delayed by one day. For more information, visit www.barrie.ca/CurbsideCollection.

City Hall: It will be closed.

Parking: Downtown parking, including on-street and lot parking, is free on Family Day and all other statutory holidays. Waterfront parking is enforced every day of the year and residents must display their permits. Visitors must pay $10 per hour, with a daily maximum of $50. For more details, please refer to www.barrie.ca/Parking.

Family Day Activities

There are lots of great family day activities happening in Barrie and the surrounding towns during Family Day weekend. Here are some highlights:

Activities In Barrie

If you're looking to stay within the city limits, you have tons of great options:

1. BARRIE’S FAMILY DAY WINTER ADVENTURE

The City of Barrie's Family Day Winter Adventure is returning for its 9th year, which is ideal for a family-friendly day out. The event is free, and there are plenty of exciting activities to participate in, including:

Axe throwing
Broomball
Kicksledding
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
Nature crafts
Snowshoeing
And more ...

The event takes place at the Barrie Community Sports Complex from 10 AM to 2 PM on Family Day.

2. SUGAR BUSH FAMILY DAY

Friends of Sugarbush are hosting their 13th Annual Sugar Bush Family Day event. The day will be filled with cardboard toboggan race (register by emailing friendsofsugarbush@gmail.com, skating, campfire, winter games, wagon rides, and so much more!

The event takes place at Sweetwater Park from 11 AM to 3 PM.

3. ACTIVITIES AT BARRIE RECREATION CENTRES

Drop-in activities at Allendale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield Recreation Centre, and Peggy Hill Team Community Centre start from 6 AM to 9 PM on February 20th.

Activities include fitness classes, public skates, open swims, and hockey, providing a great way to stay active and engaged with others. You can view the schedule for the day by visiting barrie.ca.

4. FAMILY LETTERS AT MACLAREN ART CENTRE

The MacLaren Art Centre is hosting a drop in art session on Family Day. During the event, families can create a fun and colourful project that celebrates family and a positive sense of self.

The Family Day Letters drop-in takes place from 11 AM to 2 PM and is free to do.

5. HOT COCOA TRAIL IN DOWNTOWN BARRIE

Celebrate Family Day weekend with the Downtown Hot Cocoa Trail from February 17th to 18th. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at over 20 locations, each with its unique twist on the classic treat. Plus, with every purchase, you'll have a chance to win 1 of 5 $50 Downtown Barrie prize pack.

Events Happening Outside Of Barrie

Here is a list of events happening throughout Simcoe County if you're up for a short drive ...

1. FREE FISHING EVERYWHERE

Ontario is offering a rare chance to fish without a license this weekend. You can fish for free, but you will still need to follow specific rules. This includes catch limits, size limits, staying away from protected areas, and other fishing regulations.

You can borrow fishing equipment from the TackleShare program available through the Barrie Public Library or other loaner sites.

2. FAMILY DAY AT HORSESHOE VALLEY

Join Horseshoe Valley for a fun-filled long weekend celebration. From February 16 to 19, the resort will be filled with excitement and laughter as you embrace a variety of winter activities.

On February 19, families can also take in a live Sonshine & Broccoli performance.

2. FRIDAY HARBOUR SKATE ESCAPE

For a fun Family Day experience, head to Friday Harbour from February 15 to 19. Enjoy ice skating in the Piazza, dazzling fire shows, a visit from Olaf, live performances and lots of other great activities.

When your ready for a pick me up, head to the cozy chalets for a treat or enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate and signature cocktails in the warming lounges.

3. WASAGA BEACH

Wasaga Beach is hosting lots of fun shows and activities all weekend long. On Saturday, you can catch the SuperDogs, an fast paced and interactive show, free at the RecPlex.

Then, on Sunday, kids can take part in a Hockey Skills Competition (pre-register by emailing hockeycircuitnorth@gmail.com), take in a Jeremey and Jazzy show, and enjoy a magical performance staring Edlluision.