An additional day tacked onto your weekend is already something to look forward to. This month, a long weekend is coming your way to celebrate Family Day. But instead of spending it scrolling through your phone, why not plan something to really make the most of it?

Gather the family and join in on some of the array of activities happening in Calgary!

Welcome the New Year

That’s right, the new year celebrations are not over yet! The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre is putting on a Chinese Lunar New Year Festival beginning on February 10th, 2018 and running until February 18th, 2018. To mark the Year of the Dog, this festival promises to be one of the most colourful yet! With celebrations through dance, martial arts, and other cultural performances and special exhibits to see, you’ll come alive when you visit the Festival Market. 

Travel Near, Not Far

Is your family the adventurous type? Then you’re lucky to live in Calgary because it means you don’t have to travel far to embark on your next journey! Family Quest at Gasoline Alley Museum is a travel-themed event taking place on Family Day weekend. Pack your bags for a trip filled with interactive displays, games and activities, and check out their “Journey of a Lifetime” exhibit. Be sure to take a family photo as a souvenir of your vacation close to home!

Catch a Big One

Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean fishing fans have to wait until summer to indulge. Your Family Day long weekend can be one of both indoor and outdoor fun at the Family FISHtival! Outside, practice your casting, play some animal tracking games, and snowshoe your way over to roast some marshmallows by the fire. Inside the Discovery Centre, tons of fish-related activities such as trivia, fly tying, and other wildlife games will leave you bubbling with joy. This event is only $5 per person, and kids three and under are admitted free. 

Get Some Fresh Air

With more time on your hands, a long weekend is the perfect time to take advantage of all the things you can do outdoors in Calgary. Slip and slide down one of the many tobogganing and sledding hills. Work on your speed or slapshot at the local outdoor rinks. And if it happens to be too cold out for your little ones, select city arenas will be offering free public skating from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM over the weekend. Check out a Calgary city arena near you for more details.

Watch a Cheap Flick

Thanks to Cineplex’s Family Favourites program, families can cozy up with some popcorn and watch a movie on the big screen for just $2.99 on Saturday mornings at 11 AM. On February 17th, the feature film is My Little Pony: The Movie. 

Take a Dip

Calgarian swimmers benefit from year-round options to get their feet wet! There are plenty of indoor pools in Calgary and many of them offer discounted or even free swim sessions on weekends. See if there’s a location near you. Most aquatic facilities can be found in recreational centres, meaning there will also be other resources you could enjoy. Fitness, climbing, sports, nature programs and more make these leisure centres the place to be for days of family fun.

Demo Some Snow Gear

If you do feel like planning a trip away from home, a fantastic choice is Lake Louise Ski Resort. This statement is true in general, but even more so if your trip takes place on Family Day weekend. On February 17th, 2018 you have the opportunity to test out new goods from popular ski and snowboard brands – for FREE! See how a new Roxy board handles or test your turns on new Nordica skis. Representatives from companies and shops will be present and available to give you more information should you fall in love with the new gear.

Whatever mood you and your family find yourselves in this Family Day long weekend, Calgary can deliver. Indoor and outdoor activities and events, special discounts, and adventures both near and far are available to you – get out there and embrace quality family time in an exhilarating way! 

Photo credits: dragon, fish, popcorn, pool 

Author: Casey C.

I enjoy long walks on the beach...just kidding. Diehard Oilers Fan (#SorryNotSorry). Old Man Millennial.