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Barrie Blog

 

Discover Barrie & Area on a Budget: Free and Affordable Activities for the Whole Family

You don’t need deep pockets to experience the best of Barrie and the surrounding area. Whether you’re a local rediscovering hidden gems or a visitor planning a laid-back day trip, there’s no shortage of free and low-cost fun. From scenic waterfronts and lively festivals to hands-on art and military history, these activities prove that some of the best things in life really are free.

 

Centennial Beach and Park

Cost: Free (Paid parking – rates vary)
Location: Lakeshore Drive, Barrie
Lifeguards on duty: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., daily from June 27 to August 29, 2025

Barrie’s waterfront comes to life in the summer, and Centennial Beach is at the heart of it. Let the kids dig into the sand, play on the lakeside playground, or splash in the shallow bay waters. Meanwhile, stroll or cycle the 6.7-kilometre lakeside trail, perfect for soaking in sweeping Kempenfelt Bay views.


 

Arboretum at Sunnidale Park

Cost: Free
Location: 227 Sunnidale Road, Barrie

Tucked within Barrie’s largest urban park, the Arboretum is a leafy oasis filled with labelled trees and gardens. Families can explore winding trails, a sprawling playground, open meadows, and even an off-leash dog area. It’s the perfect mix of nature and learning, right in the city.


 

Heart Barrie Sign at Heritage Park

Cost: Free
Location: Heritage Park, Downtown Barrie

Snap a photo with Barrie’s iconic red “Heart Barrie” sign—the ultimate souvenir shot. Located right on the waterfront, the park also offers gardens, art sculptures, and breezy trails along the bay.

 

maclarenart

 

MacLaren Art Centre

Cost: Pay-what-you-can donation
Location: 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Step inside this welcoming, light-filled gallery for a dose of Canadian contemporary art. The MacLaren Art Centre often features interactive exhibits, public art, and kid-friendly scavenger hunts. Explore the gallery, browse the gift shop, or unwind in the café—no big spending required to enjoy the experience.


 

Barrie Farmers’ Market

Cost: Free to attend
Location: 70 Collier Street (City Hall)
Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wake up with the community at the Barrie Farmers’ Market, where stalls overflow with seasonal produce, baked goods, preserves, crafts, and more. With live music and a warm, community vibe, it's the kind of place where shopping feels like an outing.


Cost: Free
Location: Dunlop Street East, Downtown Barrie
Dates: July 12, July 26 & August 16

Dunlop Street transforms into a pedestrian promenade on select summer weekends, with live music, street performers, sidewalk sales, and extended patios. Each date has its own theme—from butter tarts to classic cars to “Eats on the Streets.” A lively way to explore downtown, on foot and at your own pace.

 

Kempenfest Midway

 

Kempenfest

Cost: Free entry (some attractions may have a cost)
Location: Barrie Waterfront
Dates: August 1–4 (vendors open Saturday–Monday)

Each August long weekend, Barrie’s shoreline transforms into one of Canada’s largest outdoor arts and crafts festivals. Kempenfest features 300+ artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, a midway, and a kids’ fun zone. The energy is electric—and soaking in the lakefront atmosphere is completely free.



LawnChair Luminata Outdoor Movies

Cost: Free
Location: Meridian Place, Downtown Barrie

There’s nothing quite like a movie under the stars. Bring your blanket and lawn chair to Meridian Place and enjoy a lineup of free, family-friendly films. This year’s screenings include Moana, School of Rock, Jaws, Free Solo, and more—right in the heart of downtown.


 

Base Borden Military Museum

Cost: Free
Location: 27 Ram Street, CFB Borden (Approx. 25 minutes from Barrie)

Hours:

Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A short drive from Barrie, Base Borden is home to one of Canada’s most impressive collections of military artifacts and vehicles. Explore tanks and armoured carriers at the open-air Worthington Memorial Park (aka "Tank Park") and step into the restored Hangar 11—birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Force. It’s immersive, educational, and completely free to explore. 


 

From lakeside lounging to art exploration and outdoor festivals, Barrie and its surrounding region offer a variety of ways to enjoy your time—without spending much at all. These free and low-cost activities are perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers looking to discover the charm, creativity, and history woven into the city.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit tourismbarrie.com for seasonal guides, event listings, and trip ideas, or stop by the visitor information centre to plan your next outing.


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