Family Day Fun 2023

Family Day has returned and we are here to help you discover an enjoyable way to spend time together. 
Look no further, as we've compiled a list of all the exciting events and activities happening in Simcoe County this year.

From thrilling adventures to relaxing outings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 
So gather your family and get ready to create some unforgettable memories this Family Day!

Family Day Winter Adventure
Cost: Free
Location: Barrie Community Sports Complex
Get active together in the great outdoors for the 8th annual Family Day Winter Adventure. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides skating on an outdoor rink, snowshoeing, broom ball, kick sledding and axe throwing (ages 10+).  Plus, bring your own sled to go tobogganing. End by warming by the bonfire and creating a craft!
Click HERE for details.


Nature in Winter Pop-Up
Cost: Free
Location: Sunnindale Park
Learn about our environment in winter with a self-guided tour using QR coded videos and information presented by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. The QR codes are posted around the playground area leading down towards the feeder.  Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count at the feeder station.  Instructions will be on-site and the feeder will be located at the edge of the forest path directly behind the Dorian Parker Centre. 
Click HERE for details.


Free Fishing
There are only 4 times per year that you can fish in Ontario for free without a license and this weekend is one of them!
Enjoy fishing all weekend long without needing a permit. But don't forget you will still need to follow catch limit and size limit rules as well as all fishing regulations. 
Need equipment? The Barrie Public Library offers a Tackle Share Program! 


Free Paintball 
Location: Barrie Paintball
Get out and try something new this Family Day. Barrie Paintball is offering a day of free paintball on February 20 from 11 am to 5 pm. All you need to pay for is the paint which in on sale for $120 per case of 2000. Entry, equipment and HPA will be free. Come early to avoid a long wait. 
Click HERE for details.


Family Day at Simcoe County Museum
Cost: $8 for Adults, $6 for Youth and Seniors, $5 for Children
Location: Simcoe County Museum
Explore the 300+ acres of the Simcoe County Museum. Take a journey down the 1km skating trail, snowshoe through the forest or zoom down the toboggan hill. There are indoor and outdoor activities including delicious treats! 
All activities are included with your admissions. Bring your own skates, helmets, and toboggans. 
Snowshoe rentals are available for free. 
Click HERE for details. 


Skate Escape at Friday Harbour
Cost: Free
Location: Friday Harbour
The Skate Escape at Friday Harbour will be open on Family Day. Activities include ice skating in the Piazza, live entertainment, and the Harbour Skate Trail (pay-to-use). Once you're ready to warm up, you can head to the chalet cabins for some treats and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and handcrafted cocktails in the warming lounges. 
Click HERE for details. 


Snowman Mania
Cost: Free
Location: Wasaga Beach
What started as a snow-building competition is now a full-blown winter festival with activities for the whole family.  All Family Day weekend long, Wasaga Beach will be hosting Snowman Mania with activities including fire spinning performances, fireworks, an inflatable maze, kick sledding, axe throwing, hot chocolate in an igloo, The Snowman Mania Illumination Trail, horse and carriage rides, indoor games, toolbox building and crafts, magic shows, pancake breakfast and more! 
Click HERE for details.


Downtown Hot Cocoa Trail
Location: Various locations downtown Barrie
Warm up before your day of family fun with delicious hot chocolate from February 18-19. There are 24 participating locations with unique takes on hot chocolate and delicious treats. As an added bonus, every hot chocolate purchase from a participating location will include a chance to win a $250 Downtown Barrie prize pack!
Click HERE for details.

Family Fun at Horseshoe 
Location: Horseshoe Ski Resort
February 18 between 6pm and 9pm, families will get a free tubing pass and glow sticks to enjoy glow tubing with a live DJ.  February 17-19, you can also go on a moonlit snowshoe adventure. The one hour tour includes snowshoe rentals, headlamps and hot beverages around the fire. The tour leaves at 7pm and 8pm from the Alpine Rental Centre at the Main Chalet.
Click HERE for details.

Celebration of Diversity
Location:  MacLaren Art Centre
This Family Day, MacLaren Art Centre is hosting a Celebration of Diversity.  Events include exhibitions, a printmaking class, creative painting and embroidery as well as live entertainment. 
Click HERE for details.

 

No matter how you spend the Family Day weekend, we hope you make time to be intentional about spending time with the ones you love! 

From our families to yours, HAPPY FAMILY DAY!