Make It a Fun Day

It’s mandatory—and it’s about spending time with the kids. So we’re all over finding ways to make Family Day one simple thing: fun.

Look no further for inspiration, because we’ve got plenty of events in our fair city to keep you busy and entertained (and the kids will love them, too). 

For History Buffs
Celebrate Family Day in the spirit of early Albertan pioneers. Fort Calgary’s Winter Carnival on Monday, February 20 offers free admission, carnival games, crafts, a treasure hunt, storytelling and lots more. Try outdoor activities like wagon rides and making maple syrup candy (a sticky photo op, to be sure). Good to Know: Strollers are not allowed, so bring your backpack carrier.

For Film and Theatre Buffs
The Reel Fun Film Festival wants to introduce your children to a genuine film set and the world of movie making. Starting on Family Day at the Loose Moose Theatre (and running until February 26), the whole family can enjoy all components of movie making. The lobby will be transformed into a working film set, and everyone is invited to try their hand at directing, filming or sound operation. There will be a selection of short movies showing all day long on Family Day (The Broccoli Monster and the animated Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore). A family pass costs $30 and children under four are free.

If The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was one of your favourite books growing up, then take your family along to see Storybook Theatre’s creative, theatrical version at the Pumphouse Theatre from February 17 to March 3. Tickets start at $18, and the good news is that the story is bound to get them reading the classic C.S. Lewis series.

For Skating Buffs
Lace up your skates for some free skating at Calgary’s best-loved sheets of ice. The City of Calgary is throwing open the doors to eight of its arenas around the city between 1 and 2:30 pm for a free public skate.

In the NW, the University’s Olympic Oval will host Shine FM’s Family Fun Day Skate between 12 and 4 pm. A bouncy castle, face painting and speed skating demos round out the entertainment, with pizza available to purchase when tummies start to rumble from all of those laps. Admission is free with a non-perishable donation to the Food Bank.

If outdoor skating is your thing, the Olympic Plaza downtown will be rocking with TD’s Winterfest. There will be live music, snowmen and ice-castle building, ice sculptors and hot chocolate available at the Ice Cafe. Winterfest is free and runs from 11 am to 5 pm on Monday, February 20. 

For Animal Buffs
The Calgary Zoo’s black and white ambassadors make their long-awaited debut at the Calgary Zoo on February 17. These tuxedoed birds are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face as they waddle about in their new penguin polar paradise. Regular zoo admission applies.

So you’ve got your plan of attack. Now, the only thing left to do is have fun. Tested by Fiona H., Calgary

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