Family Day happens on the third Monday in February in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan (and on the second Monday of the month in British Columbia). The holiday is not observed in the other provinces, although, on the 3rd Monday in February, PEI Islander Day is celebrated along with Louis Riel Day in Manitoba.
If you happen to be in one of the provinces in Canada that will be either celebrating Family Day of have another holiday on Feb. 16 this year, we’ve sourced some affordable fun for the whole family. Here are some cheap things to do on Family Day.
Ontario
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Braden’s Hot Chocolate Festival is happening on Family Day in Hamilton. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dundas Valley Conservation Area Trail Centre and there will be free entertainment, events and cups of hot chocolate by donation ($2 suggested).
If you’ll be in Ottawa on Family Day, Winterlude will be just wrapping up, so it’s a good opportunity to check out the annual festival. Play in Snow Kingdom, the biggest snow playground in North America, check out the ice sculpture competitions and skate on the Rideau Canal, the longest skating rink in the world.
In Waterloo, visitors and locals can spend Family Day at Winterloo. Now in its 12th year, the popular event features many free winter activities for families, including ice sculpting, skating and free family movies.
Families in Toronto can celebrate with the fun-filled and activity-packed Family Day on Toronto’s Waterfront. From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. participate in all kinds of free events along the waterfront including magic shows, clowns, crafts, face painting and guided tours of the Museum of Inuit Art. Don’t forget to bring a travel mug so you can get a free hot beverage.
Alberta
Canmore, Alberta plays host to the Canmore Winter Festival, which runs from Feb. 5 to Mar. 1, so you can catch some of the free fun on Family Day. The snow playground is where you’ll find games, a snow slide and ice carvings, and the Winter Carnival Warm-Up Station has free treats and maps to the carving stations.
Calgary’s Eau Claire Market is hosting a free Family Day event called Family Fun Day. Visitors can expect live entertainment, ice carving, carnival games and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you get there early, Good Earth Coffeehouse and Bakery will be supplying free hot chocolate to the first 500 guests.
Also in Calgary, there is some Family Day fun happening at Shouldice Arena and Shouldice Aquatic & Fitness Centre. There will be free swimming and skating as well as a DJ, food trucks and games.
Silver Skate festival, the longest running winter festival in Edmonton, runs from Feb. 13 to 22, so you can catch some of it on Family Day – and it’s free. There are many family-friendly events happening such as ice skating, snow sculptures, live music, winter sports and much more.
Saskatchewan
If you’re in the mood to skate on Family Day and you’ll be in Saskatchewan, there’s a free family day skate happening in Regina (hosted by Skate Regina) on Feb. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be free refreshments on hand when you need a rest.
In Saskatoon you can also do some skating on Family Day at the Cameco Family Day Skating Party from noon to 4 p.m. on the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink. If you forget your skates or don’t have any, there are a variety you can borrow.
Manitoba and Prince Edward Island
Like Family Day, Louis Riel Day occurs in Manitoba and Islander Day in Prince Edward Island on the third Monday of February. With the day free to spend time with loved ones, why not find something fun to do in those provinces? Here are a few ideas.
In Winnipeg, Manitoba head straight for The Forks. Family Rendez Vous on the Red River Mutual Trail is happening on February in honour of Louis Riel Day from noon to 4 p.m. There will be lots going on including free hot chocolate and free activities for kids and parents to enjoy. Expect fun activities like tug of war, canoe races, fish toss, burling and more.
In Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, celebrate Islander Day with free activities for the whole family during Island Family Fun Day on Feb. 16. There are a variety of events happening all day beginning with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. There will also be a family skate, a family swim, movies and bowling – all free on a first come, first served basis.
Featured image: davebloggs007
