What's Happening Family Day Long Weekend!
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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.
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.
RELATED: What's open and closed on Family Day in Barrie and Simcoe County ...
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 10th 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 14th 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 17th.
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 with regional artist Tessa Deneumoustier.
5. HOT COCOA TRAIL IN DOWNTOWN BARRIE
Celebrate Family Day weekend with the Downtown Hot Cocoa Trail all weekend long. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at over 15 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. DISCOVERY HARBOUR'S MID-WINTER SOCIAL
Step into a world of winter magic, music, and fun at Discovery Harbour's 2025 Mid-Winter Social! From February 15 to 17, this historic site in Penetanguishene transforms into a seasonal wonderland, open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM.
New for 2025, enjoy live music and spellbinding magic shows at King’s Wharf Theatre, along with exciting activities like Bubble Soccer for some friendly competition. Explore the great outdoors with snow tubing, snowshoeing, and historical demonstrations. Kids can get creative with Arctic art, have their faces painted, and play dress-up. When it’s time to refuel, grab a bite at Captain Roberts' Table or the Foodiez food truck.
Admission is $12 per person, and children five and under get in free!
3. WASAGA BEACH
This weekend, head to Wasaga Beach for non-stop fun at Snowman Mania! Enjoy a packed schedule of activities, including outdoor shinny, public skating, scavenger hunts, and a chili cook-off. Plus, don’t miss incredible live performances throughout the weekend, featuring a thrilling hula hoop show, the amazing SuperDogs, and more!
4. FAMILY FUN DAY IN EAST GWILLIMBURY
From 10 AM to 1 PM, head to the Family Day Fun event being held at East Gwillimbury Sports Complex.
The event will include a free skate, face painting, 3 on 3 hockey tournament, music, food and so much more.
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