25 Fun Things to Do in New Tecumseth, Ontario (2025)
Looking for things to do in New Tecumseth (Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham)?
You’re in the right place. Whether you’re new to the area, or have lived here for a while, you might be looking for things to do with family, friends or as a date night While places like Toronto have countless attractions, there is more to keep you busy in our neck of the woods than you may think.
As a New Tecumseth local, and someone who loves to get out, I’ve tried many of the things to do around New Tecumseth and surrounding areas.
So, let’s jump in! Here are 25 fun things to do in Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham!
Things to Do in New Tecumseth
Here are the thing to do in the area for all age groups. These things make perfect date nights, or fun things to do with family members and friends
1. Go on a Vintage Date at the Circle Theatre
The Circle Theatre in Alliston is a historic theatre thats been open since 1938. Its a single-screen theatre that has their own popcorn maker and snack stand.
If you’re looking for that classic movie feel, this is perfect for date nights. Its also a great place to bring your kids.
During the fall season, they usually play Rocky Horror Picture Show for Halloween. During special occasions, they often show older classics that aren’t normally shown in theatres anymore, such as anniversaries for classic movies like the Wizard of Oz, Grease, etc. We’re so lucky to still have this gem in town.
The Circle Theatre also does birthday parties for kids where you can rent the entire theatre to yourself.
Check the Circle Theatre’s upcoming schedule of movies playing here.
2. Try Mead
Mead is an alcohol made with fermented honey, yeast and water that was often drank in medieval Europe. The history of drinking mead can be traced back to 7,000 BC. Mead isn’t a hugely common drink these days, but you can find at a meadery just 10 minutes north of Alliston that makes excellent mead.
Lost Meadows Apiaries and Meadery is a small family-owned business that in addition to mead, also sells jars of honey, maple syrup, skincare products, candles and other items. Its a great place to get a gift for someone, or a treat for yourself.
Lost Meadows has opening hours where you can drop in any time to visit their shop. They often let you sample the different flavours of mead before you buy.
They attend many fairs and festivals in the area, run a few events and festivals, so its worth joining their email list to stay up to date.
3. See a Show at the The Blackhorse Theatre
The Blackhorse Theatre is an award-winning performance venue in a small, stone building. Plays have been performed here since 1970.
The Blackhorse Theatre is located in highway 9, just 5 minutes outside Tottenham. Check their website to see the list of upcoming plays and dates.
4. Make your own wine
Head to the Cork & Vine in downtown Alliston to make your own wine. Cork & Vine specializes in craft wines and there are a variety of flavours to choose from.
They sell kits that you can bring home, or you can make your wine on-site.
You can get personalized labels put on your wine labels which makes for a special keepsake, or gifts for family and friends.
5. Try the Driving Range at the Nottawasaga Inn
The Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston has packages for golfing at their scenic golf course, and also for using the driving range.
There are actually two golf courses at “the Nott”: The Valley and the Ridge. You can get a membership at the Nottawasaga to also be able to take advantage of their mini-putt, pool and their fitness centre. But you can drop in to try the driving range any time.
The Nott offers 16 mat tee stations for the driving range, and it costs $10 for a basked of golf balls.
After some rounds of golf, grab lunch or dinner in their Riverview Restaurant which has a view of the golf course.
6. Have a High Tea
A high tea is an English tradition which involves drinking tea with pastries and a light lunch. The tea can be of variety of tea blends from around the world; India, China, Africa and Sri Lank, paired with crumpets with jam and clotted cream, sandwiches and other baked goods.
Alliston has two locations where you can have a traditional English tea with a light lunch and desserts.
- The Tea at the Corner (pictured above) set in a historical 1905 Victorian building in the heart of Alliston.Enjoy a quiet lunch, with a range of teas, coffees and dessert options with their high tea. Reservations need to be made in advance.
- The British Tea Shop, located in the CIBC plaza across from Zehrs. Sit in their Lady Sadie tea room to take a break from the daily grind and enjoy lunch with a hot drink, crumpets and sandwiches. Reservations in advance are required
7. Play Retro Games at Playcade
Playcade is an arcade that opened recently in downtown Alliston. It has all the typical fun games you’d want to see in an arcade – bowling, basketball, dance, Super Mario, foosball table, and a photo booth.
You can earn tickets from your winnings and put them towards small prizes.
Playcade be apart of an outing on a date night (its right down the street from Da Grazia and Williams) and its also of course a popular place to bring kids.
Bonus: Playcade also does kids’ birthday parties!
8. See a play at the South Simcoe Theatre
The South Simcoe Theatre in Cookstown has been open since the 1960s and performs several plays throughout the year.
If you haven’t been to see a play there yet, I’d recommend it – they plays are always well done, with well-written scripts and talented performers.
You can see a list of upcoming shows and performances on their website here.
9. Check out the Alliston War Memorial
The Alliston War Memorial is within walking distance from the downtown core. As the site of the annual Remembrance Day celebration held every November 11th, the memorial is also open as a place for reflection throughout the year.
On the memorial, you’ll see the names of soldiers from Alliston who dedicated their lives to wars throughout the past century, WWI and WWII, the Korean War, the Gulf War and Afghanistan.
If you look closely, you’ll recognize a lot of Alliston’s street names that are named after these brave people.
10. Learn about the New Tec’s History at Museum on the Boyne
The history in New Tecumseth can be traced back to the period when it was originally settled in 1867.
Museum on the Boyne is a great place to go to learn all about the town’s history, and to see artifacts related to households, agriculture and industry of the area over the years.
You can book a guided tour of the Museum on the Boyne; admission is free but they accept donations. Private tours can be booked on the municipal government website here.
In the gift shop you can buy locally sourced honey and bee products. The museum also does summer camps for kids.
11. Ride a heritage steam train
The South Simcoe Railway operates this heritage train that dates back to the 1800s that offers rides at different times throughout the year. The train station is so antique, then there have been scenes for movies and TV shows shot here.
The ride on the railway is a short, 30 minute round trip that takes you along a scenic route. Its especially popular in the fall and they often do scenic trips to see foliage.
There are also sometimes special events at Christmas, Halloween and Easter.
Currently, there aren’t any on-going rides on a weekly basis for the South Simcoe Railway, but they will be starting off their 32nd year in service at Easter 2024, so stay tuned. Tickets, when available, can be purchased on their website here.
12. Have a spa day at Wรคrme Sauna
Wรคrme Sauna is a privately owned spa experience on a farm just outside Tottenham. There’s a sauna, out door hot tub, massage table, and lots of coziness. Its the perfect Valentines Getaway or girl’s night, or a general way to relax.
The area is surrounded with sprawling farm hills, and mature trees. You can really escape the hecticness of life and relax in peace and tranquility. I visited Wรคrme Sauna with my husband, and we found the owner Michelle very hospitable and kind, and we loved the experience all around and would recommend it.
While I love Scandinave in Blue Mountain and Vettรค Nordic Spa in Orillia, its great to have this experience so close to home. Plus, unlike those other places, you get this place all to yourself.
Daytime visits or overnight stays at Wรคrme Sauna in Tottenham can be booked here.
13. See a movie at Imagine Cinemas
Imagine Cinemas opened in Alliston a few years ago. Unlike the Circle Theatre, Imagine is a chain, but a small Canadian chain. The Alliston location has five theatre rooms, and a concession stand.
I think I speak for many when I say that my favourite thing about Imagine Cinemas in Alliston is the reclining chairs! It makes it so comfortable to see a movie.
Another thing I love is that with the combos, they allow you to swap out the fountain pop for whatever you want – I usually choose a can of sparkling water. This wouldn’t normally be allowed, so I love that Imagine allows it.
15. Try Equine Therapy at Red Barn Wellness
The Red Barn Wellness is a retreat on a farm Tottenham that offers group classes, workshops, horse therapy, full moon sister circles, yoga teacher training, and many other events.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind, clear negative energy and get out into nature, then this is the place.
Check out Big Red Barn’s calendar of events on their website to see what events are upcoming.
16. Participate in small town fairs, parades and events
Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham offer a lot of small-town celebrations. There are country fairs, festivals, parades throughout the year.
Here are some of the main annual events in Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham to look out for:
- Alliston Potato Festival, held in early August
- Beeton Honey Festival, held in mid-May
- Beeton Agricultural Fair, held in mid-September
- Tottenham Bluegrass Festival, usually held end of June
For special events held during the holiday season, read my post on New Tecumseth Chrismtas Activities.
17. Pick Berries at Murphy’s Farm Market and Bakery
Murphy’s is a small farm just outside of Alliston with a lot of things to do, for families and individuals.
You can do berry picking in the summer, pumpking picking in the fall, or attend one of their markets and special events. You can also just stop in their shop to purchase home baked and locally sourced food items.
Their pies are to die for and they make really good cookies and other treats. If you don’t want to pick berries, you can also drop by to buy pre-picked ones when they’re in season.
There’s a play area on-site specifically for kids, and you can get a membership to drop in as often as you want to.
18. Tour the The Banting Homestead
This heritage home in Alliston is the birthplace and home of Frederick Banting, who invented insulin. He was born on November 14th, 1891, which is now celebrated as World Diabetes Day! The high school in Alliston is named after him.
You can do guided tours of the Banting Homestead to learn about Sir Fredrick and his legacy. This is pretty popular for school groups, but you can also do a private guided tour.
During or after your visit, you can also go for a walk on the Legacy Trail which is open to dog walkers, and strollers.
To book a guided tour of the Banting homestead, contact Kat at info@bantinglegacy.ca
19. Do a photoshoot at Laura’s Farm Stand
Laura’s Farmstand is a local farm that is open in the late summer and fall months. In the summer you can talk a walk through a trail in the sunflower fields. You can also usually pick your own flowers.
You can come back in the fall to visit their pumpkin patch, where there are usually cute instagrammable fall-themed photo-ops, a market selling some fall harvest items as well as jams, and the best caramel popcorn I’ve ever tried. You can also pick your own pumpkin; they have a variety of colours and sizes.
Whether you come in summer for the sunflower season, or in fall for the multicoloured pumpkins and harvest, Laura’s makes a great morning or afternoon out. Laura’s Farmstand is located in Cookstown, just 15 minutes east of Alliston.
20. Get outside at the Tottenham Conservation Area
The Conservation Area in Tottenham is great for walks, hiking, camping, water sports, disc golf, and tobogganing in the winter.
It has a sandy beach area along the pond where you can have a beach day in the summer.
The Tottenham Conservation Area does Canada Day fireworks, and is also the location for the Tottenham Bluegrass Festival in June.
You can visit the conservation area anytime between 8:00am to 8:00pm. You can visit for free if you’re a New Tecumseth resident. If you’re from out of town, then click here for day-use fees.
Things to Do With Kids in New Tecumseth
While many of the above ideas can be done with family, these are activities that are exclusively for families in Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham
21. Meet the cows at Sheldon Creek Dairy
Sheldon Creek Dairy is a farm that holds multiple ‘day on the farm’ family events throughout the year, where you can join in activities, meet the cows, and shop in their farm shop and vendor market.
One of the best part about these family fun days is that they’re completely free of charge. And from the times I’ve gone, quite a bit of planning goes into them. They have seaonal-themed activities, like egg-hunts near Easter, and a playground on-site for children to play.
You can wait for a Day on the Farm event, or you can go shop in their farm store anytime. You can see the list of upcoming events at Sheldon Creek Dairy here.
22. Burn off some energy at an indoor playground
If you have kids, you will undoubtedly become familiar with the indoor playgrounds in the area. We are lucky to have two indoor playgrounds nearby that offers drop-in-play, birthday parties and summer camps.
They both have toddler section suitable from 0-3 years old, and activities for older kids up to 12. Occasionally, they both hold special events and markets for the community as well. including their new rock climbing wall and arcade games.
Here’s what you need to know about indoor playgrounds in New Tecumseth:
- Safari Kids in Alliston has a rock-climbing wall and a few arcade games. Opens every day at 10am, closes at 7pm on weeknighs, 2:30pm on Saturdays and 5pm on Sundays.
- Dinoland in Tottenham has a small basketball court and some arcade games. Open on Wednedays from 10am to 3pm, Thursdays 12 – 5pm, Fridays from 10am to 5pm, and weekends from 10am to 4pm. Dinoland is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
We’re lucky to have both of these indoor playgrounds in town, and they’ve both become highly popular places for young families in the area to hang out and bring their children.
23. Cool off in the summer at Riverdale Playground and Splash Pad
One of the best parks in Alliston is Riverdale Park. Its especially nice in the summer, because after playing at the park, you can cool down at the splash pad which is right across the street.
Because of it being an older park, Riverdale Park has lots of mature trees which provide some shade and breaks from the sun on a hot day.
Riverdale Park and splash pad are located right next to the Museum on the Boyne, and just a stone’s throw from the hospital in Alliston.
24. Go for a swim at the Alliston Rotary Pool
Alliston’s Rotary Pool is an outdoor pool, open only in the summer months between Canada Day and Labour Day. They offer public swim, and parent and tot swim, aqua zumba and lane swim.
The Rotary Pool worked on a reservation basis during the pandemic, but have since moved to a first-come first served model.
The fees for a single swim are $1.50 for 0-4 year olds, $3.75 for 5-17 year olds and $4.75 for adults. Inside there here are Muskoka chairs, picnic tables and green space for you to relax while the kids are swimming or spread out and enjoy an afternoon by the pool.
Good to Know: There are usually swimming lessons offered at the Alliston Rotary Pool, but they weren’t able to run them in 2023, due to lack of lifeguards. The closest pools for swimming lessons near Alliston are Base Borden, Barrie, Bradford, or Splashy’s, east of Tottenham. There are also some locals that are certified swim instructors who offer swimming lessons in their pools.
25. Play with alpacas
Tenacres Farm is a private farm just 15 minutes west of Beeton that welcomes families with kids of all ages to meet their alpacas, feed them and sometimes take them on walks.
We love taking our children here to meet the friendly alpacas. There are also animals on-site such as cats, a dog and ducks.
I’ve been to Tenacres with large groups of 20+, and with small groups. You can do parties, or a private tour and visit with the animals.
Tenacres Farm is a private property and does not have a website. The best way to arrange a visit with Tenacres is to connect with them on Instagram at @tenacresfarm.
Places to Stay in New Tecumseth
Coming from out of town? Here are some places to stay in Alliston, Beeton or Tottenahm or nearby
- For couples: Stevenson Farm Harvest & Spa Bed and Breakfast – a wellness centre where you can receive spa treatments and a country style breakfast in the morning
- For family: Nottawasaga Inn Resort & Conference Centre– indoor swimming pool, buffet breakfast, a mini-putt course and an arcade
Day Trips from New Tecumseth
If you want to get out of town, I find New Tecumseth to be conveniently located to many other picturesque places in our beautiful province.
Whether you’re looking for day or overnight trips in the summer or fall, or Ontario winter getaway, there are lots of places to visit within a reasonable driving distance from New Tecumsth. Here are some ideas:
- Barrie – 30 minutes drive. Beautiful waterfront and a wider variety of things to do; including nighlife and family activities.
- Orillia – about an hour drive. Lots of historic and cultural sights and plenty of things to do regardless of the season.
- Algonquin Park – less than3 hours. Beautiful year round, especially in the fall with the colourful foliage
- Niagara Falls – about 2.5 hours. Lots of activities for couples, friends or families with young kids. Interesting place to visit year round; summer or winter
- Toronto – about 2 hours. Downtown Toronto is full of lots of family-friendly activities, and makes a great place to visit in summer or winter.
- The Bruce Peninsula – 2 hours. Gorgeous spot for nature lovers. Check out Tobermory, the shipwreck capital of Ontario (3 hours from New Tecumseth.)
Things to Do in New Tecumseth: Final Thoughts
Taking part in the many activities and things to do around the New Tecumseth area doesn’t just make it more enjoyable to live here, but in many cases, it often supports small businesses and keeps them thriving.
We live in one of the best places to live in Ontario, and are fortunate to have a number of activities at our reach.
I hope that this has helped you discover more things to do in the small towns of Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham for you to fill your calendars with.