What's Happening Family Day Long Weekend

Family Day (February 17) is filled with endless possibilities, making it hard to choose just one activity. Luckily, Barrie and the surrounding areas are hosting multiple events in celebration of this special day. The best part is, many of them are free!

Before we jump into the activities, let's take a look at the history of Family Day ...

How Family Day Weekend Started

Ontario didn’t always have a three-day holiday weekend in February. We used to go all the way from Christmas to Easter before getting a long weekend. It wasn’t until 2007, when Dalton McGuinty made it a campaign promise that if he were to be re-elected as Premiere of the Province, he would create a provincial holiday in February.

The reality is, most of us celebrate and spend time with our family all year round. But it's nice to have a long weekend dedicated to forgetting about our day-to-day responsibilities and enjoying time together. Especially in the middle of winter.

Family Day Activities In Simcoe County

If you aren't sure how you want to spend Family Day 2025, here’s a list of things happening all over the region this weekend ...

1. Barrie's Family Day Winter Adventure

The City of Barrie is hosting a Family Day Winter Adventure from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Barrie Community Sports Complex (2100 Nursery Road, Midhurst).

Start your day with exciting activities, including axe throwing, kicksledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and broomball. Or try your hand at snowshoeing, and tobogganing.

Once you're ready to take a break from the cold, warm up by the bonfire or participate in some craft-making. All activities are offered for free, making it the perfect family-friendly event for this special day.

2. Sugar Bush Family Day

On Family Day, Friends of Sugarbush are hosting their 14th Annual Sugar Bush Family Day event. Enjoy carboard toboggan races, skating, winter games, wagon rides and more between 11 AM and 3 PM at Sweetwater Park.

To register for the cardboard toboggan race, friendsofsugarbush@gmail.com.

3. MacLaren Art Centre Drop In

The MacLaren Art Centre invites families to join a drop-in art session this Family Day.

Participants will have the opportunity to craft a vibrant and joyful project with regional artist Tessa Deneumoustier. The Family Day drop-in event will be held from 11 AM to 2 PM and admission is free.

4. Barrie Rec Centres

On February 17th, the Allendale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield Recreation Centre, and Peggy Hill Team Community Centre will be offering an array of drop-in activities from 6 AM to 9 PM.

Activities include fitness classes, public skates, open swims, hockey, and more.

To view the schedule, visit barrie.ca.

6. Free Fishing

In Ontario, you have a few opportunities to fish without a license, and this weekend is one of those rare chances. So, make the most of it and enjoy fishing without having to obtain a permit.

Keep in mind that you're still required to abide by certain rules, such as:

• Catch limits outlined in your conservation license
• Size limits and protected areas
• Fishing regulations in place

If you don't have fishing equipment, take advantage of the TackleShare program available through the Barrie Public Library or other loaner sites.

8. Hot Cocoa Trail

Heat up your Family Day weekend and start the celebration early with the Downtown Hot Cocoa Trail!

All weekend long, get cozy with a cup of delicious hot chocolate at over 15 locations during the Downtown Hot Cocoa Trail. Each stop will offer a unique twist on the classic treat, as well as a chance to win 1 of 5 $50 Downtown Barrie prize pack with every purchase! So before you head out for a day of fun, warm up with a sweet and indulgent drink.

9. Discovery Harbour's Mid-Winter Social

Experience enchantment, melodies, and the delights of winter at Discovery Harbour's 2025 Mid-Winter Social! Running from February 15 to February 17, this historic Penetanguishene site undergoes a magical transformation daily from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Newly introduced for 2025, guests can savor live musical performances and captivating magic shows at King’s Wharf Theatre, complemented by activities like Bubble Soccer for lively competitive enjoyment. Embrace outdoor escapades including snow tubing, snowshoeing, and engaging historical demonstrations. Children can indulge in face painting, Arctic art activities, and imaginative dress-up stations. Satisfy your appetite with delicious fare available at Captain Roberts' Table or from the Foodiez food truck.

Admission is priced at $12 per person, with complimentary entry for children aged five and under.

10. A Weekend At Wasaga Beach

This weekend, Wasaga Beach is the place to be for nonstop fun and entertainment at Snowman Mania! Take part in exciting activities like outdoor shinny, public skating, scavenger hunts, and a chili cook-off, with plenty more to enjoy throughout the weekend. Visitors can also catch incredible live performances, including a mesmerizing hula hoop show, the amazing SuperDogs, and more!

There's really something for everyone to enjoy!

Services Affected By Family Day

On Family Day, Barrie Transit will be running according to its regular Sunday service. You can find more information on their schedule by visiting myridebarrie.ca.

Note that there will be no curbside collection for garbage, organics, or recycling in Barrie on this holiday. Collection for the rest of the week will take place one day later. Learn more at www.barrie.ca/CurbsideCollection.

City Hall will be closed for the holiday.

If you're planning on visiting downtown Barrie, note that parking (both on-street and in lots) is free on all statutory holidays. However, parking enforcement at the waterfront operates 24/7/365, so residents must display their permits. If you're a visitor, parking is $10 per hour, with a daily maximum of $50. Visit www.barrie.ca/Parking for more information.

RELATED: What's open and closed on Family Day ...

There's lots to do this family day so, make sure to take advantage of all the fun and excitement that's waiting for you and your loved ones.