10 Easy Adventures That Get Kids Off Screens (Barrie Edition)

When life feels like a non-stop cycle of school, work, screens, repeat, sometimes what your family needs most is open air and a slower rhythm. Barrie makes that easy.

Around Barrie, outdoor family time is easy — and unforgettable. Whether you’re paddling a quiet bay, hiking through the woods, splashing at a lakeside beach, or learning to ski together for the first time, these day trips offer more than just fresh air.

They’re simple, close-to-home escapes that remind you just how good it feels to trade Wi-Fi for waves.

Centennial Beach

This waterfront gem is the heart of summer fun in Barrie. Soft sand, shallow swimming, a huge playground, and a waterfront trail make it the perfect place for an easy, joyful family day by the lake.

• Location: Barrie
• Best For: Toddlers through pre-teens
• What You’ll See: Kempenfelt Bay, sandy beach, splash pad, playground
• Why Families Love It: Easy beach access, stroller-friendly promenade, huge playground and splash pad for hot days
• Insider Tips: Arrive early on sunny weekends — parking fills up fast!

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Hewitt’s Fun Farm

Old-fashioned outdoor fun meets endless energy at Hewitt’s. Explore sprawling play areas, climb giant inflatables, meet farm animals, and tackle corn mazes — perfect for letting kids run wild and free.

• Location: Barrie
• Best For: Toddlers through tweens
• What You’ll See: Farm fields, corn mazes, animal barn, giant play zones
• Why Families Love It: Tons of active outdoor play, seasonal events like fall harvest festivals, affordable admission
• Insider Tips: Bring extra clothes — kids WILL get muddy if it rained recently!

Ardagh Bluffs Trails

Lose yourself in a peaceful pocket of forest right inside the city. These shady trails are perfect for beginner hikers, nature explorers, and families who just need a breath of fresh air.

• Location: Barrie
• Best For: Preschoolers through teens
• What You’ll See: Shaded forests, occasional wildlife, gentle hills
• Why Families Love It: Free, stroller-friendly sections available, short loop options for little legs
• Insider Tips: Bring bug spray in summer and snap a photo of the trail map at the entrance.

Snow Valley Ski Resort

Snow Valley is built for beginners — gentle slopes, small lifts, and a welcoming vibe make it the perfect place for a first family ski day or snow tubing adventure.

• Location: Minesing (just outside Barrie)
• Best For: Kids 3+ and beginner skiers
• What You’ll See: Bunny hills, snow tubing park, winter forests
• Why Families Love It: Relaxed atmosphere, excellent beginner lessons, tubing fun for non-skiers
• Insider Tips: Reserve rentals and lessons early during holiday breaks — it books fast!

Tiffin Centre for Conservation

This natural oasis is packed with kid-friendly trails, wetlands teeming with birds, stroller-ready paths, and a maple syrup festival that’s a must-visit in early spring.

• Location: Utopia (10 minutes from Barrie)
• Best For: Babies in carriers through teens
• What You’ll See: Wetlands, boardwalks, forests, wildlife
• Why Families Love It: Easy trails, accessible for strollers, beautiful seasonal changes year-round
• Insider Tips: Spring syrup season weekends offer wagon rides and pancake breakfasts — check event dates.

Springwater Provincial Park

Quiet and uncrowded, Springwater offers peaceful walking trails, picnic areas, and winter rentals for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing — a hidden gem for year-round outings.

• Location: Barrie
• Best For: All ages
• What You’ll See: Forests, fields, small lakes
• Why Families Love It: Easy day trip with lots of space to run and roam, winter snowshoe rentals available
• Insider Tips: BYO sleds for winter fun if there’s enough snow!

Horseshoe Resort Adventure Park

Adventure-loving families will find something for everyone — climbing walls, ziplines, tree-top trekking, and mini golf in summer, plus skiing and snow tubing in winter.

• Location: Oro-Medonte (15 minutes from Barrie)
• Best For: Adventurous kids 5+ through teens
• What You’ll See: Adventure courses, zip lines, mini golf, ski hills
• Why Families Love It: Four-season fun packed into one easy-to-access destination
• Insider Tips: Adventure passes and winter tubing tickets sell out quickly — book ahead online.

Little Lake Park

Just a short drive north, this waterfront park in Midland offers splash pads, a playground, shaded picnic areas, and an easy beach day without the crowds.

• Location: Midland (30 minutes from Barrie)
• Best For: Toddlers through tweens
• What You’ll See: Little Lake, sandy beach, splash pad, playground
• Why Families Love It: Relaxed vibe, free or low-cost activities, easy water access for little ones
• Insider Tips: Bring bikes — there are easy paths looping the park and around the waterfront.

Kempenfelt Bay Paddling + Fishing

Calm, protected waters right in downtown Barrie make Kempenfelt Bay ideal for beginner paddlers and first fishing experiences with kids.

• Location: Barrie waterfront
• Best For: Families with kids 5+
• What You’ll See: Open water views, waterfront parks, fishing docks
• Why Families Love It: Gentle waves, easy kayak rentals in summer, close access to playgrounds and beaches
• Insider Tips: Rentals at Centennial Beach open seasonally — call ahead for availability.

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

While technically closer to Collingwood, this destination is worth the short drive — towering suspension bridges, tree-top treks, scenic lookouts, and easy hiking trails make it an unforgettable day trip.

• Location: Collingwood (40 minutes from Barrie)
• Best For: Confident walkers 4+ and adventurous tweens
• What You’ll See: Caves, forests, bridges, breathtaking views
• Why Families Love It: Unique adventure with lots of flexibility — from easy walks to mini-ziplining
• Insider Tips: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory — and arrive early to beat the afternoon crowds.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to plan a big getaway to make real memories — Barrie’s blend of lake life and forest trails keeps wonder close at hand.

Whether it’s skipping stones, spotting chipmunks, or watching a sunset reflect on the bay, these small adventures do something bigger: they bring everyone back to the present. Because childhood — and connection — deserve more fresh air and fewer notifications.

Where will your next adventure take you?

Related Posts You’ll Love

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Day Trips in Ontario
• 10 Scenic Collingwood Hikes Under 3km for Families
• Family Day Trip Guide: Explore Ontario’s Best Adventures Together

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