5 Ways to Spend Family Day if You Have the Day Off

With the first—and often most challenging—month of the year now behind us, many of us now turn our heads toward a much-valued recess from our winter routine, Family Day.

Indeed, Family Day (read: three-day weekend!), usually requires some creative ideas to keep the younger ones entertained over the long weekend. Whether you have toddlers, tweens, or teenagers, it can be challenging to find activities that kids of all ages and interests will enjoy together. In this endeavour, it helps to share some ideas. So here are five ways you could consider spending Family Day.

1. A museum for activities and exhibitions that cater to all ages

If you reside in the GTA, for example, the ROM is planning a lineup of activities inspired by its current exhibition, Canadian Modern, and invites visitors to participate in design-focused activities that will educate on the ways we can reduce our impact on urban wildlife. For the older ones, a museum ticket will allow them to visit the permanent Natural History and Art & Culture collections including Ancient Egypt or Reptiles & Amphibians.

Family Day Activities: Museum Visit

2. Ice cream tasting, ranking your favourite flavours

If the family’s interests lie mostly in the food and snacks department, consider visiting a Baskin-Robbins location and choose the most appealing flavours to taste, and rank them from favourite to least. With 31 flavours to choose from in the dipping cabinets, including

the must-try and fan-favourite for multiple years, Love Potion #31, it’s going to be quite the challenge! When you’ve selected the best ones, bring them home in a pre-pack to continue the enjoyment at home.

Family Day Activities: Ice Cream Tasting

3. Outdoor activities to re-energize the whole family

Whether you prefer tubing, skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating — Canada has countless outdoor activities to choose from. Family-friendly activities like these make a great excuse to rest and relax, then treat yourself to a creamy hot chocolate.

Family Day Outdoor Activities

4. Weekend getaway

No need to go too far — Family Day Weekend is the perfect occasion to visit your own province. Consider taking a day trip to a nearby town you’ve never been to before, where you can check out a new restaurant, coffee shop, or museum. You can tailor your itinerary to the family’s interests.

5. Film festival, movie marathon

If the weather isn’t in your favour during the Family Day weekend and you choose to stay home, consider curating a lineup of your family’s favourite flicks to create your very own film festival. Everyone can have a pick and delicious snacks should most definitely be served.

No matter how you choose to spend your day or weekend, make the most of this precious time with your family.