British Columbia celebrates Family Day, February 11

On February 11th, 2013 British Columbians will celebrate our first official holiday dedicated to families. B.C. Family Day will be a great opportunity to go out and discover some of the incredible activities British Columbia has to offer! Spending time outdoors and enjoying some winter sport or a visiting your local recreation centre, art gallery or museum, or a day out for brunch or lunch and then taking in the shops near your neighbourhood, or spending a special evening out at your favourite local restaurant, our province is blessed with countless opportunities to spend quality time together.

Looking for some inspiration?

The BC Government Blog has compiled a very good list of events and activities for B.C. Day and we’ve shared some of that info here. But be sure to keep checking their Blog for up-to-date info: http://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcfamilyday/

Here are some affordable ideas for how you can spend this special day with your loved ones:

Special events

Cranbrook, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Vancouver and Victoria will each host free special events featuring activities for families and kids of all ages, with crafts, interactive activities, and celebrations of the province’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Click on the city closest to you for details on what’s going on in your area, or check out the listings below of other Family Day opportunities.

Vancouver

Join us at the Vancouver Art Gallery space for a day of all-ages activities and concerts including local Juno award winners Said the Whale as well as street entertainment, face painting, a hockey shoot out, local artists and more! Other highlights will include educational activities from Science World, Britannia Mining Museum, and the Royal BC Museum. Free ice skate rentals and skating will add to the fun below Robson Street at the Robson Square Ice Rink only a few steps away. Keep your eyes peeled for your favourite mascots and stilt walkers!

Download the performance schedule

Location: The Georgia Street (North) Plaza, Vancouver Art Gallery at Howe and GeorgiaGeorgia and Howe

Time: Monday, February 11^th 11:00am – 7:00pm
Note:We would like to remind our visitors for the event Howe Street will be closed from Georgia St. to Robson St. and to expect traffic diversions. Where possible please take public transit to attend our event. There is also underground parking available nearby at Pacific Center. The parkade entrances are located on Howe St north of Dunsmuir (just past Sephora) and also on the north west corner of Robson and Howe St with access via Robson St (across from Chapters).

Victoria

Come on down to Ship Point in the Inner Harbour for a day-long series of concerts by some great local bands and performers, including popular indie rockers Current Swell and one of Canada’s legendary and ageless rock bands – Trooper! Get your face painted, try our scavenger hunt, learn something new, or take a tour of HMCS Saskatoon a Canadian Forces ship.

Download the performance schedule

Location: Ship Point, Inner Harbour, Victoria B.C.

Time: Monday, February 11^th 11:00am – 7:00pm
Note:Parking downtown will be free at on-street meters and at City parkades on Family Day. Although Bastion Square Parkade at 575 Yates Street will be closed for maintenance, free parking will be available at the City’s four other parkades. For more information, visit: www.victoria.ca/parking

Nanaimo

Come and shake it up a little in Nanaimo on B.C. Family Day. Enjoy a free skate or a free swim at the community centre and arena on Third Street. See how B.C. Family Day is being done Nanaimo style! Make sure you check out the four activity zones as well!

Location: Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Nanaimo Ice Centre – 741 Third Street / Ice Centre- 750 third street

Time: Monday, February 11^th 12:00pm- 5:00pm

Prince George

It’s a Prince of a holiday in Prince George. At The Exploration Place people will be able to take advantage of free admission for the day. Chase away the Feblue-aries with the new holiday. Don’t forget to see what’s going on at the four activity zones!

Location: The Exploration Place 333 Becott Place, (at the end of 20th Ave., in Fort George Park)

Time: Monday, February 11^th 10am- 4:00pm

Kelowna

Kelowna throws its doors open to B.C. Family Day. Swimming at the Parkinson recreation centre is free to the public. Splash around at the pool or meet up with your friends at the activity zones

Location: Parkinson Recreation Centre 1800 Parkinson Way

Time: Monday, February 11^th 10:00am- 3:00pm

Kamloops

If you’re near Kamloops you’re in for a treat. For B.C. Family Day, the Tournament Capital Centre becomes a B.C. Family Day hub where you can have a free swim and check out the B.C. Family Day activity zones. Come out and see what’s going on.

Location: Tournament Capital Centre , 910 McGill Road
Time: NOTE: this event will take place on Sunday, February 10 from 10:00am- 4:00pm

Cranbrook

Cranbrook’s B.C. Family Day event will bring affordable fun to families all over the region! A free swim and a visit to the activity zones are great way to spend the day.

Location: Western Financial Place, 1777 2nd Street North
Time: Monday, February 11^th 12:00pm- 5:00pm