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Outdoor activities with family and friends is time well spent
The Family Day weekend is just around the corner, and you may be looking for ideas for activities to do with family, friends, and loved ones. With the recent return to colder weather, it’s time to embrace the last few weeks of winter and get outdoors. Home to trees, trails, and rugged wilderness, Severn’s landscapes are a perfect backdrop for outside activities and for celebrating community and family connections. Indoor activities are also an option when you need a reprieve from the cooler temperatures.
Free public ice skating
Lace-up your skates and enjoy free public skating at the Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive).
Free skates are scheduled for:
- Sunday, February 18 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
- Monday, February 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.
Thank you to the Connor Family and Coldwater Home Hardware for sponsoring these skates and making them free for participants. View schedules and additional programs on our Skating page.
Free bowling in Coldwater
MPP Jill Dunlop and MP Adam Chambers have partnered to offer two free bowling opportunities on February 19. Head to the Coldwater Bowling Centre (19 Michael Anne Drive) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to strike up some fun and share laughter, friendly competition, and quality time together. Pre-registration is required by February 16. Call 705-686-3321 to reserve your spot.
Frosty Fun Fest
If you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy, look no further than the Frosty Fun Fest. The event will take place at the Coldwater Mill (1 Mill Street) on Saturday, February 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will include activities such as log sawing, ball toss, relay races, and more. Visit the Coldwater Mill Facebook page for full event details.
Hiking
If the snow arrives, enjoy some winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing, but even if its milder, you can still take advantage of the trails and embark on a family-friendly winter hike through Ian Crichton Memorial Park (2055 Birkeshire Woods Lane), or by visiting the Simcoe County Forests' Slessor Tract (3721 Burnside Line), or exploring Couchiching Conservancy's Grant's Woods (1485 Division Road West).
A popular route is Severn's 30-kilomtre Uhthoff Trail. Users can hike, cycle, ski, or horseback ride along the Uhthoff Trail that crosses over rivers and wetlands, through woodlands, and past charming settlements. View the Uhthoff Trail Map to find parking, trail access points and to plan your route.
Karaoke
Sing your heart out at the Coldwater Legion Branch 270’s (2 Michael Anne Drive) karaoke night on February 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Join other amateur singers for an evening of musical fun and laughter. Children are invited to join until 7:00 p.m. under parental supervision.
Outdoor ice rinks
Severn operates two outdoor rinks. One is located at the Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street) and the other is located at Marchmont Community Park (2049 Avery Lane). Please ensure that the outdoor rink guidelines are followed.
Roller-skating
The Roller Skating Place is a favourite year-round destination for families and friends to have fun in Severn. Swing by the Orillia and District Agricultural Society location (ODAS Park, 4500 Fairgrounds Road) for some indoor fun and fitness. Skates are available to rent from infant size 6 to men's size 15. Visit the Rollerskating Place page on the ODAS Park website for details.
Snowmobiling
Before heading out, always check trail conditions and view a list of safety tips on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiler Clubs website. For up-to-date trail conditions and status, download the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs app. There’s a lot to appreciate about snowmobiling, including the beautiful trails and landscapes, fresh air and snow, the speed of travel, and more. It's a great social activity, and something that is fun for all ages and abilities.
Tobogganing
If the snow starts to fly, head to the Coldwater Fairgrounds (11 Michael Anne Drive) or Bass Lake Woodlands Park (1956 Pine Avenue) for a fun ride down the hills. Bring your toboggans and enjoy this popular winter activity before the last days of winter are gone. C.S.A. approved helmets are encouraged and children and youth should be under adult supervision at any toboggan hill. All hills are unsupervised and should be used at your own risk.
Fishing
Take advantage of free Family Day weekend fishing from February 17 to 19. Grab your gear and find a safe spot to wind in some in-season fish. Remember, clear blue ice is the strongest and white or opaque ice is much weaker. Shoreline fishing is also free and depending on the location may be a better choice as ice conditions can change quickly. Read more ice safety tips from the Province of Ontario website.
Visit the Trumpeter swans in Washago
In the winter, Washago is one of the favourite hangouts of Trumpeter swans. The swans enjoy Washago Centennial Park for its minimal ice-cover, quiet surroundings, and access to food. These beautiful birds were almost extinct in Ontario in the 1980's but have been successfully reintroduced. A reminder that feeding the geese is not permitted per our Feeding Wildlife By-law (By-law 2020-35). Always keep your distance when viewing wild animals.
Share your Family Day adventures
Share your Family Day weekend photos in Severn with us and our community. Tag us in your posts using the hashtag #familydayinsevern and show us how you’re celebrating loved ones and friends. Share details about other ideas for family-friendly activities and create new community connections! Find and follow us on Facebook, X, or Instagram.