When Family Day approaches, it’s tempting to want it as a day off of work to set yourself on the couch and finish that latest episode on Netflix, or catch up on updates on Facebook from your inner circle. Or maybe you’re the complete opposite, and see it as an opportunity to get extra chores done around the house that you otherwise wouldn’t have the time or energy to do during the work week.
Rather than staying indoors or being around electronics this long weekend, our advice at UrbanMoms is to do something fun and active with the whole family—while supporting your local businesses in your city or town. If you take the time to look around, there are many places across Canada that remain open or new events that pop up for the holiday.
Toronto, ON
Family Day: Monday, February 15th, 2016
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, Ripley’s is a great place to go to with your family to do something new and exciting. While exploring a colourful, underwater aquatic world is an adventure in itself, Ripley’s has guided attractions like informative Dive Shows, and up close Stingray encounters. You can also dine at Ripley’s Cafe, and shop at their gift shop before or after your tour. According to Ripley’s website, the aquarium is open from 9 am to 11 pm. You can get tickets at the door or online. For ticket prices, click here.
Family Snow Day, eh!: The Canadian Cancer Society has put together a great fundraising event to help families embrace winter with an exciting day of entertaining activities. Enjoy crafts, mini snowboarding, snow stenciling, snowshoeing along the Don Valley trail and lots of yummy treats and hot drinks. Family Snow Day, eh! will take place on February 15th (Family Day) from 10am to 3pm at Todmorden Mills in Toronto. There will also be an event held in Milton on February 21st, if you can’t make it on Family Day.
Family Fun Fest: On what may be a cold or snowy long weekend, an indoor amusement park is an option for those who can’t bear outside activities. It is inside of Film Studio 3 at Downsview Park, and you can even go earlier on in the weekend, as it is open from the 13th to the 15th. The majority of rides are targeted for children ages 2-12, but there is something for everyone, like indulging in their delicious food options. One vendor listed on their site—for those who have a sweet tooth—is Beavertails.
TIFF Bell Lightbox: Don’t miss family movies that TIFF is playing this holiday. You can get lost in the vibrant worlds with movies like Pororo: The Racing Adventure to The Land Before Time that will be screened throughout the day. From 10 am to 4 pm, there will also be a number of fun, and interactive activities at the location for children to enjoy.
The AGO: Stop by and participate in some hands-on studio classes where you can make your own works of art, as well as games.
AGA Khan Museum: From 10 am to 6 pm you can stop by with your family to browse a number of diverse exhibitions from artists around the world. There will also be special activities at the museum which have yet to be announced.
Ontario Science Centre: Get a new perspective on how your body works with the film “The Human Body” in high definition at the IMAX Dome. There will also be other special activities that will be taking place, but they are to be announced soon.
Hockey Hall of Fame: Fun for the hockey lovers in your family, the Hockey Hall of Fame is open on Family day from 10am-5pm where you can get an up close look at the Stanley Cup and learn about historical facts of everything hockey related. There are even realistic simulation games that the whole family will have fun participating in. The Hockey Hall of Fame also has a limited time offer: up to 4 youth under the ages of 13 will be admitted free with the purchase of one adult ticket. For admission, tickets must be bought on their site, and the special offer is valid until February 15th, 2016.
Ottawa, ON
Family Day: Monday, February 15th, 2016
ByWard Market: Come and visit Ottawa’s one-stop-shop destination: their largest market filled with entertainment in the arts, delicious restaurants, and eye-catching stores. Up until February 15th there is a snow-carving competition taking place on ByWard Market Square, where you can see the process of wonderful, icy art sculptures being made.
Winterlude: The long weekend is the end of the season for Winterlude, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get one last hurrah in! Held in Ottawa-Gatineau, you can skate on the world’s largest skating rink, see live entertainment, get active in a wintery playground or view the detailed work of professional ice sculptors in a thrilling ice sculpting competition.
Calgary, AB
Family Day: Monday, February 15th, 2016
Alberta’s Free Family Fishing Weekend: Take a family excursion to one of Alberta’s beautiful rivers to learn the basics of fishing and bask in the great outdoors. Fishing without a license only happens twice a year, and this is a great opportunity to connect with your family and get back into nature within the snowy season.
Spring Creek Family Skating Party: Sharpen your skates and spend a delightful afternoon with the whole family from 11:00 to 3:30 pm at the Spring Creek Ice Rink.
Penguins on Parade: One of the most popular attractions year-round are the penguins at the Calgary Zoo. If the weather conditions allow it, they go on a daily walk outside of their usual habitat to explore the zoo. You can come and see their waddlin’ up close, beginning at 11 am. There will also be other events taking place and many other animals to see during the day.
Shaker’s Fun Centre: Open from 11 am to 7 pm, Shaker’s has everything a kid could ever want. Fun for the whole family, you can whirl around the track with your little one on go-karts, or compete against each other in a thrilling game of lazer tag, miniature golf, or a variety of arcade games.
Let us know if you decide to go to any of the events above, or what you get up to this Family Day in the comments!
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