The Stronach Centre
About
The Stronach Centre is Aurora's premier family recreation hub offering year-round fun with indoor pools, skating rinks, and dedicated children's programs. This modern municipal facility provides a comfortable, clean environment where families can swim, skate, take fitness classes, or participate in seasonal camps and activities together.
Highlights
- ✓Indoor pool complex with leisure and lap pools suitable for all swimming abilities
- ✓Twin ice rinks offering public skating sessions with skate rentals available
- ✓Dedicated children's programs including swimming lessons, skating lessons, and March Break camps
- ✓Family change rooms making it easier for parents with multiple young children
- ✓Clean, well-maintained facilities with modern amenities and helpful staff
Pro Tips
- 1.Check the online schedule before visiting as pool and ice rink times alternate between public use, lessons, and private bookings throughout the day.
- 2.Arrive 15-20 minutes early for public swim or skate sessions during weekends and school holidays, as these fill up quickly with local families.
- 3.Bring loonies and toonies (Canadian $1 and $2 coins) for lockers, which require a refundable deposit.
- 4.International visitors need to purchase day passes at the front desk. Ask about multi-visit punch cards if you're staying in the area for several days.
- 5.The viewing area upstairs is heated and perfect for parents who want to watch kids skate without being on the ice.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are quietest, especially during school hours (September to June). Weekend mornings can be busy with local families, so arrive early or visit after 2pm for shorter wait times.
What to Know
Day passes are affordable (typically under $10 CAD per person, with family rates available). Free parking is available on-site. There's no food court, but vending machines offer snacks and drinks. The facility is fully accessible with elevators and barrier-free change rooms.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with different programs each season. Summer offers day camps and extended pool hours. Winter features more ice skating programs and holiday skating events. Check the Town of Aurora recreation guide online for current schedules, as times vary by season.
Nearby Eats
Head to downtown Aurora (5 minutes away) for family-friendly options like Symposium Cafe (casual dining with kids menu) or Turtle Jack's Muskoka Grill (relaxed atmosphere with burgers and comfort food). Both are accustomed to serving families.
More Activities Near Aurora
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex
The Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex is a comprehensive municipal facility offering something for every family member, from toddler swim lessons to youth hockey programs. With indoor pools, ice rinks, and a full schedule of drop-in activities and registered programs, it's a one-stop destination for active families visiting the Greater Toronto Area. The facility's family-friendly approach and variety of activities make it perfect for burning energy on rainy days or enjoying structured programs during your stay.
Keenan Park
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Hemingway Splash Pad
Hemingway Splash Pad in Aurora offers a refreshing outdoor water play experience perfect for families looking to beat the Canadian summer heat. This free, seasonal attraction features interactive water jets, spray features, and a safe, supervised environment where children can run, splash, and cool off while parents relax nearby.
Hoggs Back Park
Hoggs Back Park offers families a peaceful escape along the riverside with plenty of space for kids to run, explore, and connect with nature. The combination of easy walking trails, open fields perfect for games and kite flying, and scenic picnic spots make it an ideal destination for a relaxed outdoor day with children of all ages.