Family Day-lights

How did kids cope in the days before Family Day weekend? They clearly need a break from all the fun they’ve been having.

Here are some ways to supersize their fun with events taking place all over the city of Calgary for Family Day weekend.

Looking for some extraterrestrial fun? Take your family to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Orchestra from Planet X on Sunday, February 20 at 2:30 pm. This family-friendly concert features music that’s out of this world.

Race to the Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park to take part in Family Quest February 17 to 21 from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Families work together to complete five challenges including the Build a Car and Race It Challenge, Perform a Radio Play Challenge and Scavenger Hunt Challenge. Admission is $9.75 for adults and $4.75 for kids.

Skate the Oval at the Intact Insurance Family Fun Day from 12 to 4 pm. Admission is free with a donation to the Calgary Food Bank, and activities include face painting and bouncy castles for the little ones. Skate rentals are available on site.

For another free skating event, try the Shouldice Skate and Swim Family Event. Families skate for free at the Shouldice Arena from 1 to 2:30 pm and swim for free at the Shouldice Pool from 3 to 4:30 pm. Climb aboard the free hayrides from 1 to 3 pm or take advantage of a similar program at the Glenmore Pool and neighbouring Stu Peppard Arena.

For those of you that would rather watch than skate, the Calgary Hitmen follow up the Heritage Classic on Family Day at 1 pm with an outdoor game against the Regina Pats at McMahon Stadium. Tickets max out at $17.25.

Canada Olympic Park and the Canadian Progress Club raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area on Saturday, February 20 from 6 to 9 pm at the annual Big Snow Blast. Tickets cost $20 and include skiing or boarding, entertainment and refreshments.

Don’t try to do it all. Sleep in (if possible), make pancakes and hang out for a while before you embark on one of these fun family outings.