Toddler Tourist by Hillary Handy

Orillia Park
Passport Adventure
and contest!

Summer is on the horizon! There are so many fun things I have planned. Dreams, schemes…that turn into memes. No matter what I plan, there is usually an element of chaos that ensues. Do I keep trying to plan things, knowing they will go amuck? Yes, yes, I do.

One activity that is a win, no matter where you find yourself, is a park visit. I know this to be true based on several personal, anecdotal observations. Motherhood is a science experiment, and I am always taking notes. I can attest to the validity of the park experience for all ages. From toddlerhood to pre-teen, the park will always, always win.

For example, when we paid an arm and a leg to visit Ripley’s Aquarium, the highlight of the day was playing on the play structure at the end of the tour. When we went on a holiday to Florida, which included a lifetime of saving for Disney, my kids remember playing at the (free) park the best. When we visited cousins in Virginia, the highlights were playing at the park at the local church, which was, once again, free. Why pay money for something when there are free parks everywhere we look? Some of the best summer adventures in Orillia are completely free and I want you to capitalize on that!

This summer, our family is taking on a simple challenge: to visit as many Orillia parks and playgrounds as possible. Think of it as a local “park passport” adventure. Now, I recognize there are many parks in our surrounding communities that rock! Coldwater, I mean, come on! Maybe that can be an adventure for another time. For now, let’s tackle Orillia with this list!

Parents are always searching for activities that check all the boxes:

• fun for kids,
• affordable,
• low-stress,
• outdoors,
• and easy to fit into busy schedules.

Exploring local parks does exactly that.

Some days it’s a quick hour after dinner. Other days it turns into a full adventure complete with beach towels, snacks, and emergency changes of clothes.

Orillia is packed with incredible parks, and each one has its own personality. Some are perfect for climbing and big-kid energy. Others are ideal for quiet stroller walks or toddler-friendly playgrounds with lots of shade.

At quick glance, J.B. Tudhope Park is a hit. Between the splash pad, beach, trails, playground, and giant open green spaces, there is something for everyone. Add in a picnic lunch and suddenly you’ve filled an entire summer afternoon.

Couchiching Beach Park is another family favourite, especially for younger kids. The boardwalk is perfect for stroller walks, and the playground and beach combo makes it easy to spend hours there without hearing, “I’m bored.”

The City of Orillia has a comprehensive list and photo visuals on their website to help guide your experience. We have combined their information to make an easy printable for you to check out and bring along on your adventures. This summer, challenge your family to participate in our Park Passport Adventure contest. Download our checklist and let us know how many parks YOU visit this summer!

And, enter our June July issue contest! Visit five parks, send us a photo of you at one of them, and be entered in a draw to win a $50 gift certificate and prize pack from Jack and Maddy’s Orillia. Contest deadline is July 1!

Summer can feel expensive and overscheduled, but local parks remind us that some of the best family memories are surprisingly simple. A sandbox. A splash pad. An instant playground friendship formed.

No tickets. No reservations. No giant road trip required.

See you at the park this summer!