Children and Families | Orillia Public Library

JUNE PROGRAMS

Family Art (All Ages)

Drop-in to the Family Dept. for a fun, all-ages art project! Each week in June, explore new materials and inspiration on Saturdays (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) or Mondays (3:30–7 p.m.).

June 13 & 15 - DIY Fans
June 20 & 22 - Beaded Key Chains
June 27 & 29 - Library Card Holders

Drop-In Family Storytime in the Park (All Ages)

Join us at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West) for mornings filled with stories, songs, activities, and crafts—each week features a different theme! This drop-in program welcomes all ages; caregivers must remain with children during the program. Please check OPL social media for weather-related updates.

This program runs Tuesdays from 10:30–11:30 a.m. until June 16.

June 16 - We're Going on a Bear Hunt

OPL Storytime @ EarlyON (Ages 0-6)

Did you know EarlyON offers ongoing Stay, Play, and Learn programs for children ages 0–6, and the library joins select sessions to share information and a storytime?

These visits take place at different EarlyON locations and each program runs from 9:30–11 a.m., with Storytime usually around 10:30 a.m. (Centres are open 9 a.m.–12 p.m.). You must register through EarlyON to attend.

Our next visit is Friday, June 19 from 9:30–11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Satellite location (255 Oxford St.)
Date is subject to change.

Primary Party: Squishy Science (Ages 6-8 years)

Get ready for Squishy Science! Join us in the Family Program Room on Tuesday, June 23 from 6-7 p.m. to explore the exciting world of science through hands-on, stretchy, ooey-gooey fun. Measure, mix, and squish as we experiment together and make DIY NeeDohs, oobleck, and more!

Register now; an up-to-date library card required.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

TD Summer Reading Club Registration (Ages 0-13)

TD Summer Reading Club is Canada's biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities. We are looking forward to another summer of reading adventures, fun library programs, and awesome prizes.

How to participate:

Register your child, in person, in the Library's Family Dept. anytime between July 2-31. Start using your official SRC logbook to track your summer of reading.
Read for fun! We'll work together to find books to spark your imagination and love of reading.
Come back weekly to tell us about your books, collect stickers, and earn ballots to enter exciting prize draws!

TD SRC Kick-Off at the Fire House Pancake Breakfast!

Visit Library staff at Orillia Fire Station 1 (500 Gill Street) on Friday, July 3 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. to register for the Summer Reading Club, pick up program information, and enjoy fun activities for children!

The event also features a pancake breakfast, fire trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. All proceeds support the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital Foundation. Admission is free; pancakes are available by donation.

Registered: Tween Tour (Ages 9-13)

Dive into a summer of endless possibilities! Join us to solve marine mysteries, design ocean-themed creations, and make a splash!

This program runs Tuesday, July 7-28, 2-3:30 p.m. in the Library Program Rooms. Registration required for each week of interest; must have a library card to attend.

July 7: Pirate’s Cove Escape Room - Register Now!
July 14: Splash Zone! (at Victoria Park - 75 Coldwater Road West) - Register Now!
July 21: Ocean Art - Register Now!
July 28: Seven Seas Amazing Race - Register Now!

Registered: Primary Party (Ages 6-8)

Primary students, prepare to dive into weekly adventures! Join us for sea slime, colourful coral reefs, beach bag art, and sunken ships!

This program runs Tuesday, July 7-28, 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Family Program Room. Registration required for each week of interest; must have a library card to attend.

July 7: Under the Sea Science - Register Now!
July 14: Dive In! Ocean Engineers - Register Now!
July 21: Fun in the Sun! - Register Now!
July 28: The Last Voyage Escape Challenge - Register Now!

Drop-In: Family Storytime (All Ages)

Bring the whole family to enjoy our Drop-In Storytime with awesome stories, songs, and rhymes!

This drop-in program runs Wednesday, July 8-29, starting at 10:30 a.m. in the Library Program Rooms, followed by crafts and activities from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Family Dept.

July 8: Under the Sea!
July 15: Silly Stories!
July 22: We're Going on a Treasure Hunt!
July 29: Make Some Noise!

Drop-In: Explorer Academy (All Ages)

It might be summer break, but there's no other school in the world like Explorer Academy! Adventure, danger, and far-off lands await while we train to become the next generation of great explorers. Drop-in to the Family Dept. to explore a new adventure each week and leave the mess here! 

This program runs Thursday & Saturday, July 9-August 1, between 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Family Dept.

July 9 & 11: Rolling on Rivers and Streams
July 16 & 18: Oceans, Ahoy!
July 23 & 25: Wonderful Wetlands
July 30 & August 1: Great Lakes & Good Ponds

Drop-In: Beach Babies (Ages 0-2)

Calling all caregivers with babies ages 0-2 years old! Join us for stories, songs, and sensory fun at Couchiching Beach Park. Oh, baby, let's have some fun in the sun! Bring a picnic blanket and sunscreen. Check OPL social media for weather-related updates.

This drop-in program runs Friday, July 10-31, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Couchiching Beach Park (Meet us at the Rotary Train area off the Jarvis Street parking lot).

July 10: Fun in the Sun
July 17: We Love the Lake
July 24: Messy Babies
July 31: Parachute Party

Drop-In: Stories with a Splash! (All Ages)

Join us at Victoria Park for stories, songs, and splash-filled fun for all ages! Come dressed for sun and water play. Caregivers must remain with children during the program. Check OPL social media for weather updates.

This drop-in program runs Tuesday, August 4-18, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West).

August 4: A Tale of a Whale
August 11: Mermaid Madness
August 18: A Shark in the Park

Registered: Page Turner Party (Ages 6-12)

Celebrate the joy of reading with interactive read-alouds, movement games, literary activities, and fun book-themed crafts. Whether you're just starting out or already a book lover, we'll explore stories together in a fun, creative way.

This 3-week registered program runs Wednesday, August 5-19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Family Program Room. A current library membership is required. Register Today!

Special Presentation: Zoo to You! - Meet and Greet (All Ages)

Come to the Family Dept. for an exciting visit from Zoo to You! The event will be filled with animal-themed crafts and activities as well as small group meet and greet time slots where you will visit with some amazing animals, including a tortoise and a rabbit!

Drop-in to the Family Dept. anytime between 10 a.m.-1 p.m., on Thursday, August 6th to participate.

Special Presentation: Ontario Parks - Victorian Games (All Ages)

Let's explore Victorian Games with Ontario Parks! Try out Victorian era games like ball and cup, Jacob's ladder, dominos, and more! Looking for more fun? Outdoor themed crafts and activities will also be available. 

Attend this drop-in event on Thursday, August 13, between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Family Dept.

Special Presentation: Science North - Power Up! (All Ages)

Families are invited to discover the wonders of the Power Up! exhibit presented by Science North!. Enjoy the Experimental Explorers Science Show, featuring thrilling live science experiments! Additionally, families can explore interactive stations that delve into topics such as renewable energy, magnetism, and other electrifying activities!

Attend this drop-in event on Thursday, August 20, between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Family Dept. Experimental Explorers Science Show will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Drop-In: STEAM with a Theme (All Ages)

You are invited to the Family Dept. to explore the fun of combining STEAM challenges with the theme of a popular book series. This drop-in program for all ages features interactive activities and crafts that encourage problem solving, creativity, and play.

This program runs Friday and Saturday mornings, August 7-22, between 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Family Dept.

August 7 & 8: Who Would Win?
August 15 & 16: Magic Tree House
August 21 & 22: Zoey and Sassafras