Children and Families

Looking for fun things to do with the kids? We offer free programs and activities for children of all ages. All our children and family programs are free unless otherwise specified.

JANUARY PROGRAMS

Saturday Special (All Ages)

Join us in the Family Dept. for an EXTRA SPECIAL Saturday! Every week, enjoy a fresh selection of self-guided activities we have created just for you! This drop-in program runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

January 10 - Big Machines
January 17 - Winnie the Pooh
January 24 - 'KNEAD' to Read! Celebrating Family Literacy Day
January 31 - Groundhog Day

Family Art (All Ages)

Drop-in to the Family Dept. for a fun art project that all skill levels will enjoy! Let your creativity flow with different materials and inspiration
each week in January on Sundays from 1-3:30 p.m. or Mondays from 3:30-7 p.m.

January 11 & 12 - Reading Resolution Bookmarks
January 18 & 19 - Collage Art with Old Books
January 25 & 26 - Yarn Monsters

Homeschool Hangout: Dig It! (Recommended for Ages 6-12)

Calling all curious kids and families! Unearth the secrets of the past in this hands-on program all about rocks and fossils. Get ready to crack open a geode and the mysteries of Earth’s history. Perfect for homeschoolers ages 6-12 and their grown-ups—because learning rocks!

This program will take place in the Family Dept. Program Room on Tuesday, January 13 from 1:30-3 p.m. No registration required.

Primary Party: Video BINGO Blast (Ages 6-8 years)

Love books? Love BINGO? Then this program is for you! Kids ages 6-8 years are invited to join us on Tuesday, January 13 from 6-7 p.m. for a high-energy game of BINGO with a twist—each square is inspired by your favourite stories and characters. Watch short book-themed clips, mark your cards, and shout “BINGO!” for a chance to win awesome prizes.

Passport to Nature: Story Walk (All Ages)

Celebrate Family Literacy Day with us at Scout Valley! The Orillia Public Library has teamed up with Couchiching Conservancy for a unique walk in the woods, ending at Regan House (325 Line 15 N, Orillia, ON) with a warm drink, a craft, and a place to enter our scavenger hunt prize draw. This free program will be held on Saturday, January 24 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Advance REGISTRATION is encouraged. Visit the Couchiching Conservancy website for additional event information.

PA Day PJ Party: Friday, January 30

Family Dept. Drop-In (All Ages)

Roll out of bed and join us in the Family Dept. between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for a PJ PA Day Party—filled with drop-in movies, crafts, and games. Come relax, play, create, and sing with us - all while wearing your bedtime bests! No registration required.

Makerspace Drop-In (Ages 4+)

Pop into the Makerspace anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a perfect PA Day project to keep you engaged & entertained!

FEBRUARY PROGRAMS

February Reading Challenge: Reading Rangers (Ages 0-13)

Become a Reading Ranger for the month of February for your chance to win a prize! No sign-up required! Beginning Friday, January 30, drop-in to pick up your very own Ranger's Manual at our Family Dept. Ranger Station. Each manual will have a series of challenges for you to check off for the month, and when they are complete – you can enter for a chance to win a prize!

Deadline to bring your completed Ranger's Manual to the Family Dept. Desk is Sunday, March 1.

Family Art (All Ages)

Drop-in to the Family Dept. for a fun art project that all skill levels will enjoy! Let your creativity flow with different materials and inspiration
each week in February on Sundays from 1-3:30 p.m. or Mondays from 3:30-7 p.m.

February 1 & 2 - Heart Buddies
February 8 & 9 - Valentine's Day Bracelets
February 15 & 16 - CLOSED
February 22 & 23 - Ring Necklaces

Young Writers' Workshop (Ages 9-14)

Calling all creative minds! Join us for a special young writers' workshop series where your stories, poems, and artwork will come to life in a published zine! Whether you're a seasoned writer or just getting started, this is your chance to see your work in print and share it with the world. Come write, create, and be part of something awesome! (This program will be held in the Family Program Room.)

This 5-week registered program will run 6-7:30 p.m. from Tuesday, February 3 - Tuesday, March 3. REGISTER NOW!

Saturday Special (All Ages)

Join us in the Family Dept. for an EXTRA SPECIAL Saturday! Every week, enjoy a fresh selection of self-guided activities we have created just for you! This drop-in program runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

February 7 - Reading Rangers
February 14 - Lunar New Year
February 21 - Calling all Sleuths!
February 28 - Balancing Act

Homeschool Hangout: Construction Craze (Recommended for Ages 6-12)

Get ready to design, create, and build at Homeschool Hangout: Construction Craze! Homeschoolers and their families are invited to drop-in and explore the exciting world of engineering. From building bridges to DIY marble runs, this program provides activities and games that inspire innovation, creativity, and promote problem-solving skills.

This program will take place in the Family Program Room on Tuesday, February 10 from 1:30-3 p.m. No registration required.

UPCOMING EARLY LITERACY PROGRAMS & STORYTIMES

Find out more information on our upcoming Early Literacy Programs and Storytimes.