20 Ways to Enjoy Family Day Weekend in BC
Family Day weekend is almost here. And given that it’s one of the few long weekends we get between New Year’s and Easter, you’ll want to make the most of it. While unpredictable weather and pandemic restrictions may be driving you to cross annual favourites off your list, there’s still plenty to do as you celebrate Family Day weekend in British Columbia.
Whether you want to get out and get active, cozy up at home, or check out local art and culture — there’s something for everyone! We’ve put together a list of suggestions for ways your family can make the most of this long weekend.
Get Out and Enjoy Family Day Weekend Richmond
Richmond
Walk Richmond encourages residents to get out and explore all that their community has to offer with a series of free guided walks designed to help you get a healthy amount of physical activity without having to hit the gym. Check out guides, scheduled walks, and maps if this appeals to you.
Terra Nova Rural Park offers hours of free outdoor fun for your family at the Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment. This experience is completely unique to the Lower Mainland and offers an exciting play space that’s been sustainably built using local products and practises to reflect local agricultural traditions.
The Richmond Children’s Arts Festival offers activities and classes to make Family Day weekend fun for your budding artist. This free festival is an annual favourite for the Richmond community. Check out their website for the latest information on this year’s event.
Love plane spotting? The Larry Berg Flight Path Park offers a prime view of YVR takeoffs and landings, with space for picnics, paper airplane benches, trails, and runway paths designed to mimic real runways with their lighting. There’s also a bike tuneup station at the park for quick repairs while you’re out for a ride.
Kidtropolis is an 18,000 foot indoor mini city for families to explore. Although the facility is normally closed on Mondays, they’re open for the whole Family Day weekend (including Monday). Kidtropolis has pandemic safety measurements and capacity limits in place to ensure a safe experience for your family, so online pre-booking is recommended.
Nanaimo
Hit up the Morrell Nature Sanctuary — owned by the B.C. Nature Trust — for some free outdoor fun exploring their beautiful trails and trying to spot some local wildlife. Be sure to check their website for opening hours.
For a Family Day adventure with a truly unique theme, why not hit up the Nanaimo Bar Trail for some sweet treats as well as new takes on a Canadian classic? From desserts to cocktails, spring rolls to pedicures, there’s a Nanaimo bar here for everyone.
The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre boasts the largest wave pool in Western Canada. Get the whole family out for a day of fun with waterslides, dive tank, and wave pool, or relax in the hot tub or lazy river.
Prefer skating to swimming? The Starlight Skate at the Nanaimo Ice Centre lets you escape the frantic pace of the day to day with a relaxing lap skate under the soft light of stars and passive LED lighting. This event is held on various Sunday evenings, including the Sunday of Family Day weekend.
Feeling more creative? Check out classes at the Bowen Park Pottery Studio. Lessons are available for would-be potters ages 7 to adult, with classes for a variety of skill levels. Pre-registration is required.
Parksville
Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville is one of the most popular family destinations in British Columbia. Reconnect with nature at the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House or check out the seafloor at low tide, when the ocean recedes nearly a kilometer from the shoreline.
Take a tour through the Horne Lake Caves — voted one of the Top 25 Activities for Canadian Kids. Skilled guides will help you explore the mysteries of Vancouver Island’s underworld in an exciting underground adventure. Proof of vaccination is required and advance bookings are recommended.
Stroll under one of the most accessible Douglas fir stands on Vancouver Island in Cathedral Grove at MacMillan provincial park, exploring the trails between these majestic giants — some of which have stood for over 800 years — for a memorable Family Day weekend experience.
Across British Columbia
The Pacific Museum of Earth at the University of British Columbia is offering virtual programming (including a scavenger hunt) to make your Family Day weekend fun even if you’re not ready to head out into the world. Book a tour or explore the museum virtually at your own pace.
Darts Hill Garden Park in Surrey is offering special free winter activities on the Saturday of this year’s Family Day weekend. Enjoy guided nature walks, explore the gardens on your own, or take part in storytime, live music performances, and other educational activities.
See the forests of Whistler in a whole new light at the Lumina Night Walk, which features exciting video, lighting, sound, and other special effects to create an enchanting experience in an old-growth forest. The nighttime journey is suitable for all ages, but be prepared for the temperatures — dress in layers to stay warm.
The Vancouver Aquarium has special pricing in place for this year’s Family Day weekend. Get one free child’s admission for every regularly priced ticket you buy. (This offer actually starts before Family Day — it runs from February 11 to 21.)
Kids Take Over UBC is scheduled for Sunday, February 20 this year. This open-door festival at the University of British Columbia celebrates arts and culture, and puts kids in charge and offers the opportunity to interact with artists, musicians, dancers and more. Don’t miss out.
The city of Burnaby is offering a Toonie Skate event this Family Day. For just $2 per person, get out on the ice — the admission price even includes skate rentals. (Admission is free for children 3 and under.)
Not feeling like getting outside? Netflix Canada is adding The Cuphead Show! — an animated series based on the popular video game — on February 18. Pop some popcorn, snuggle up with the family, and follow Cuphead’s misadventures.
Babbl Makes Life in B.C. Better
Whether you’re streaming TV and movies or searching for something to do this Family Day weekend, Babbl offers affordable home internet across south western BC in Southern Vancouver Island and from Whistler to Chilliwack. If you’re in other parts of Western Canada, let us know where you want to Babbl, and we’ll alert you as soon as we’re available in your city.
