Orillia Review– Top 8 Free Adventures for Families
Updated: Feb 18, 2024
Check out our list of 8 activities you can do for FREE with your family this year in Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
1. Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market (2 Locations)
This activity is great for all ages. Every weekend the community comes together to promote local vendors, enjoy freshly baked pastries, and purchase local produce, crafts and wares.
There are two locations to choose from:
One is location in downtown Orillia Library located in the City Centre, 50 Andrew St S Suite 300, Orillia, ON L3V 7T5
Pros- There is usually music and or entertainment and you can get there by bus.
Cons- It can be difficult to find convenient parking.
The second location is 4500 Fairgrounds Rd, Severn, ON L3V 0Y2.
Pros- There is usually entertainment. Due to the more rural location sometimes they have farm animals you can watch, pet and feed. Located only 5 minutes from town there is lots of parking.
Con- You need a vehicle to get to it.
This market is fun because there is something for everyone and the content is ever changing with the seasons and the variety of vendors.
2. The Orillia Public Library
The library, located at 36 Mississauga Street West, is a spot where you can gather to study, read, or participate in the various activities offered for the community.
There is a lot of parking across the street off of Andrew Street and behind Crunch fitness. It is easy to get to and closed to all the core downtown shops. Local transit stops right outside the doors of the library and there is a playground at Victoria Park two blocks away. Best of all most of the programs are free.
Recently renovated the library is beautiful with natural light, comfortable innovative seating and spacious community gathering areas. Check out all that they can offer at this link below.
3. Home Depot
Home Depot has free workshop for kids once or twice a month, typically on the weekend.
These workshops are perfect for children from ages 3 to 13. Located at 3225 Monarch Drive in Orillia you can complete your shopping or grab a bit to eat in the same area.
You can registration online but most of the time you can just walk in and join. During March break they run events each weekday.
These fees events usually have two stations an assemble station and a paint station. The workshops can take up to two hours onsite or you can take it to go and do it yourself at home.
4. Cineplex- Community Day
Movies these days can be a very expensive activity for the family. However, Cineplex, has a Community Day once a year where you can take the family for free.
The Orillia Cineplex is located at 865 West Ridge Boulevard.
The date varies but usually Community Day occurs at the end of October or the beginning of November. Families can choose between two to six free movies. Concession prices are reduced usually in the range of $2.50 per item with $1.00 of each purchase going to charity.
The movie selection can be limited, and the seats fill up fast. The movies start early in intervals of 9:30am to 11:00am
If you plan ahead and have the time free this is a great event for your family and the community to enjoy for free!
5. Odas Park - Trunk or Treat Event!
This fun seasonal event is great for all ages. Located at Odas Park, 4461 Fairgrounds Rd the event runs typically on the closest Saturday to Halloween.
There is ample parking at this free event. Make sure you register a head of time to secure you spot as space is limited.
You can go to Odas Parks website Home (odaspark.com) and there will be a link for tickets www.theBigevent.ca
6. Roller Skating Place on Family Day.
ODAS park, located at 4442 Fairgrounds Rd has lots of other events and activities throughout the year. On Family Day in February, they offer free roller skating. Great for any age!
7. Michaels Craft Store- Craft Workshops
This Michaels location is at 95 Murphy Road and offers free kids workshops every Sunday from 2-4pm. Great for younger children under 10 years old.
Dates and times are subject to change so it's best to check their website first.
BONUS- They also have a winter workshop on zoom from December 1st to December 13th. Called the 12 days of Merry Making, these zoom classes run every day at 3pm Eastern Standard time. You will need to register and sign up on the website.
8. The Rec Centre
This recent addition has been amazing for the Orillia community. The Rec Centre offers activities for young and old. Located at 255 West Street South they run a variety of free community events.
If you are looking for something to do with the kids early evening on December 31st, they run a New Year's Eve Bash. The event typically runs from 5pm-8pm with the fantastic balloon drop between 6-7 typically.
At this event you will also be able to take part in other free activities including a taking a swim, making a craft, playing an arcade game, or bouncing on an inflatable. While you are there the kids can get their faces painted, be entertained by a magician and test their luck with the balloon drop.
Make sure you bring your socks because you have to take your shoes off to get into the gym for the inflatables. We recommend you have an extra person or two to watch the kids while the others stand in line for the cotton candy and or popcorn. Get there early to really enjoy all that the day has to offer.
We hope these Orillia adventure reviews help you to bust the boredom and find something fun to do!
Let us know your comments on this blog post or suggest other cities or activities you would like to see reviewed in the future.
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