We have created a list of free and low-cost activities across Bruce and Grey Counties. Some activities require pre-registration so organizers know who will attend and when. The list also includes the best information we could find on free public swims and skating times across the region. Many municipal websites also post full schedules as downloadable PDFs.

If you are looking for informal activities, your local library is a great place to visit. Libraries often have children’s areas with activities as well as books to explore.

With the recent snow melt, rail trails may be in better condition than some hiking trails. Rail trail surfaces tend to drain faster, which can make them easier to use.

Please avoid watershed areas for now. The snow is melting quickly, and water levels in local waterways are high.

March Break at Bruce County Libraries

Go on a treasure hunt for magical creatures, learn how science can help create real magic, or amaze your friends with magic tricks learned at the Library. 

Visit their new online calendar and filter by Branch to find out what your theme will be, and if registration is required.

Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre

The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre in Southampton has a March Break filled with excitement, discovery and family-friendly entertainment planned. The lineup includes, movies, magic, wildlife, demonstrations and a giant balloon-making machine.

General admission fees apply and shows require preregistration, which is available along with a full event schedule and additional programming, at brucemuseum.ca

Explorers Camp at the Museum

General March Break Schedule:

• March 16 free popcorn will be available for a special screening of Alice in Wonderland. Preregistration is recommended.
• March 17, Raptors of Ontario will be presented by the University of Guelph’s Wild Ontario.
• March 17, 19 and 21 there will be live displays from heritage spinners and weaver, wood turners, marine heritage interpreters, Bevan’s General Store and Riding the Railways storytelling. Demonstrations vary day to day.
• March 19, 11 a.m. The Balloon Making Magic Show, an interactive performance of illusions, comedy and plenty of balloons
• March 20: Saugeen First Nation Elder Shirley John will be holding cultural demonstrations, including seasonal stories and a winter-themed craft, in the Anishinaabwe Endaat gallery on March 20. Saugeen First Nation community member and educator Natalka Pucan will lead storytelling in the lower cafe.
• March 21 at 11 a.m. with The Steve Baker Magic Show featuring the Great Steverino, where kids will have a chance to learn simple yet impressive magic tricks to perform at home.

Owen Sound and North Grey Library

Registration is required for most events and can be done at ysinfo@library.osngupl.ca or 519-376-6623 ext. 4. More information can be found at osngupl.ca

• March 16 with Creative Clay from 2 to 3 p.m. in the auditorium. Children in Grades 1 to 6 are invited to create sculptures using air-dry and modelling clay.
• March 17 there is a preschool storytime drop-in from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and a stop motion studio teaching animation techniques for children in Grades 1 to 6 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
• March 18 there is LEGO Club: Zany zipline building for K to Grade 6 at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a teen hangout time for Grades 7-12 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• March 19, babytime with songs, rhymes, stories and more runs from 10:30 to 11 a.m., casual crafting from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and family escape room sessions running from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• March 20, family fun for those with children in Grades K to 6 runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with more escape room sessions from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Grey Roots Museum and Archives

Online registration is open for a variety of March Break events at Grey Roots Museum and Archives near Rockford. For those interested in taking part, it is best to hurry, as events are already selling out.

Admission to the museum is included with registration and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. More details and registration is available greyroots.com/march-break

Activities run indoors at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. from March 16 to 20. Campfire cooking sessions each afternoon have already all sold out.

Events with spaces still available, as of Friday (March 6) included:

• STEAM and Sugar Showdown: Gingerbread Houses on March 16 at 10 a.m.; 3D Sugar Studio on March 17 at 10 a.m.;
• Gingerbread Buddy Build on March 18 at 10 a.m.;
• Gingerbread Man Trap on March 19 at 10 a.m.;
• Weather Wizards: Make a Rainbow Magic on March 19 at 12:30 p.m.;
• Offline gingerbread cookie coding on March 20 at 10 a.m.
• Splash and stomp art on March 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Pools and the like

Area pools have March Break program and day passes, family passes etc are all detailed on each location’s website

Port Elgin: Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre

Kincardine: Davidson Centre

Owen Sound: YMCA Fitness and Aquatic Centre

Hanover: March Break program (lower right side of website for PDF of March break schedule)

Free Skates and the like

Owen Sound – Julie McArthur Recreation Centre: March Break Skates March 16 to 19, 2026 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Harrison Park Ice Rink is currently closed due to melt)

Hanover: MARCH BREAK ICE SCHEDULE

Helmet and face masks are mandatory. Full equipment is strongly recommended. $4.00/person/per session paid at front desk.

• March 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20 Public Free Skates | 11:00 to 11:50am Thank you to our sponsor Grant’s Independent Grocer.
• Wed. March 18 Public Free Skate | 4:00 – 4:50pm Thank you to our sponsor Co-operators.
• Sun. March 22 Public Free Skate | 1:00 – 1:50pm Thank you to our sponsor Bohnert Fire.
• Mon, March 16 & Fri, March 20 Adult & Senior Skate | 1:00 – 1:50pm
• Youth Shinny Mon, March 16 & Fri, March 20 Session 1 | Ages 9-12 | 9:00 – 10:00am Session 2 | Ages 13-17 | 10:00 – 11:00am

Wiarton – schedule to be posted on the website

Kincardine & Tiverton – full schedule for March Break on the website