Family Day: Free and fun activities across Canada

By Prajakta Dhopade on February 12, 2016
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Fishing in Saskatchewan, hot chocolate in Ottawa, Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto

The majority of the country is gearing up for Family Day this long weekend. If you plan to spend time with your little ones, we’ve found some (mostly) free things you can do in major cities that are giving their residents a day off.

1. TIFF Bell Lightbox

Are your kids film buffs? From screenings of kid-friendly movies to fun activities, drop in at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for some free family bonding time.

2. Ride the train

Toronto’s Union-Pearson Express train is free for all travellers from Feb. 13-15. If you’ve always wanted to take a ride but balked at the $27.50 adult price for a one-way trip, board the gleaming new train at no cost this weekend and bring the kids along, too. And if you need to make your way to the airport for some travel plans anyhow this weekend, even better!

3. Peruse some art

Drop by the Art Gallery of Ontario in downtown Toronto and get $10 off a family pass. If you live in Alberta, the Art Gallery of Alberta is another fun and totally free option.

4. NHL action

Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto this Family Day. Kids under the age of 13 get in for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. As a bonus, you also get a voucher for a free kids meal at the Lone Star Texas Grill just across the street.

5. Have some all-day breakfast

Kids eat for free at Denny’s this Family Day! From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.—at the Dundas Street location in Toronto.

6. Hot chocolate frenzy

Ottawa residents, make sure to check out free hot chocolate tastings from the finest vendors in the ByWard Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. None of the watery stuff!

7. Skate away

Calgarians, gear up and head to the University of Calgary’s Olympic Oval to go skating for free with your family.

8. Legislature can be fun, too

Head to the Legislature Building in Edmonton to build a Lego replica of the structure and enjoy other free family fun.

10. Check out some aviation history

Drop by the Aviation Museum of Canada in Winnipeg, Man. and traipse through the history of flight in the country. Admission is just $2 and includes a guided tour.