How to Enjoy BC’s First Family Day: February 11

Gear up for some fun family bonding time with BC's first-ever Family Day events, activities, and special promotions on Feb. 11

Family activities and special offers make it easy to celebrate BC’s first Family Day holiday

Chase away those “Feblue-aries” with a day off! Pack up your brood and celebrate the first-ever BC Family Day with activities and special deals around the province — from mountain playgrounds to city events. If you have a Family Day event to share, post it in our comments section.

Sidney Family Day, Vancouver Island

Visit Sidney, on the shores of the Saanich Peninsula, for family-fun activities including a large-scale live LEGO build with renowned LEGO certified professional Robin Sather of Brickville DesignWorks at The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa from 10am – 4pm. Watch Robin work, build something, and enter to win great prizes from LEGO and the merchants of Sidney. Don’t miss Sidneyland indoor playground (kids 3+) at Mary Winspear Centre for games, a raffle, face painting, a bouncy castle, costumed characters, and more from 11am-2 pm.

50% Off Lift Tickets — BC Ski Resorts

Wax up those skis and boards and bundle up for a day on the slopes. Looking for special accommodation prices and lift ticket deals? Many BC ski resorts are offering half-price lift tickets to BC residents and other package discounts like Big White Ski Resort‘s Stay and Ski for Free promotion. Check individual resorts for deals:

Apex Mountain Resort;Crystal Resort; Fernie Alpine Resort; Kicking Horse Mountain Resort; Kimberley Alpine Resort; Mount Washington Alpine Resort; Panorama Mountain Village; Red Mountain Resort; Revelstoke Mountain Resort; Silver Star Mountain Resort; Sun Peaks Resort; Whistler Blackcomb; Whitewater Winter Resort.

Credit: Flickr / lululemon athletica

Family Fit’n Frolic Run/Walk, Skate & Swim, Coquitlam

Head to Coquitlam to get your family’s heart pumping with a 5 kilometre walk/run. Afterward, enjoy refreshments and fun activities at the Glen Pine Pavilion. Support February Heart Month and wear red or pink.Registerahead or on event day. 10:00am-12:00am at Spirit Square, 3003 Burlington Drive. $5.00 per person (includes refreshments).

Family Day Skate: 10:00am to 11:15am & 11:45am to 1:00pm. Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex Free admission and rentals.

Family Swim Day: All day at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. $2.00 (per person, immediate family members only).

Credit: BC Ferries

BC Ferries — Kids Travel Free

BC Ferries is providing free fare for all children 11 years of age and under travelling with their family during the Family Day long weekend. This special promotion is available on all routes from Friday, February 8, 2013 through Monday, February 11, 2013. Contact: (250) 386-3431, 
Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779). Schedules and Reservations.

BC Ferries Vacations — BC Family Day Packages

BC Ferries Vacations is offering four packages for the Coast Victoria Harbourside and the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria, the Coast Plaza in Vancouver, and Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksille. These getaways start from $149 per person based on double occupancy plus taxes and fees, and include return ferry travel for one vehicle and two adults. Kids stay free! For packages, schedule details and reservations, visit BC Ferries.

Children’s Art Festival, Richmond

Bring your family to the 5th annual Children’s Arts Festival on Feb. 11 for top-quality, highly interactive artistic activities led by professional artists. Creativity classes are led by accomplished artists in the realm of dance, musical theatre, puppet making, cartooning, animation, circus, and more.

Eric Litwin, New York Times #1 bestselling author of Pete the Cat picture books, will share musical stories for kids of all ages. Pre-registration is required to meet Eric Litwin ($10/ticket) and to attend creativity classes ($10/class).

Richmond Cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond); 10 am to 4 pm., Opening ceremony, 9:45 am. Registration online or 604-276-4300. Wristbands ($5 on site) provide access to hands-on Imagination Stations for origami and balloon twisting, plus free admission for family skate or swim at Minoru Arenas and Minoru Aquatics Centre.

High on Ice Winter Festival, Fort St. John

The 9th annual High on Ice Winter Festival brings families together with outdoor activities and events for everyone from February 8-11. Events include ice carving, snow sculpting, sleigh rides, children’s activities in the park, an ice fishing derby, a ball tournament, comedy shows, a pond hockey tournament, dinner and dance, and more. Explore more exciting things to do with the family in Northen British Columbia.

The Making Place — Vancouver Art Gallery

Join the celebration for all ages at the Vancouver Art Gallery with a special presentation of The Making Place with collaborative and independent activities and concerts for the entire family, including local Juno award winners Said the Whale, and Gene Ramsbottom and the North Vancouver Wind Trio.

Other highlights include street entertainment, face painting, a hockey shoot out, and local artists. Educational activities will inspire from Science World, Britannia Mining Museum, and the Royal BC Museum. Free ice skate rentals and skating at the Robson Square Ice Rink only a few steps away. Watch for your favourite mascots and stilt walkers!

11:00am – 7:00pm; Georgia and Howe, Vancouver.

Vancouver International Boat Show — Feb. 7-11

Ahoy BC families! Explore all things nautical at this year’s Vancouver International Boat Show at BC Place and an in-water venue at the Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina. Shop the biggest boats of the season, enjoy free boat rides, and visit the Maritime Lounge aboard Carousel II; 250 exhibitors will showcase the latest boats, boat products, accessories and services at the best deals of the season at BC Place.

Highlights: Boat rides at Granville Island; Kids’ Zone; Sport Fishing in BC; SailFest, offering the latest sailboats, gear, and destinations; and, Discover Boating Centre, an educational one-stop-shop for answers on how to get started in boating. Don’t miss Duma, the wakeboarding and boat driving dog.

Over $25,000 in prizes and prize packages. Check online for tickets, schedules, and hours or call 604-678-8820.

Tournament Capital Centre, Kamloops — Feb. 10

The Tournament Capital Centre, the showpiece ofKamloops with an Olympic length pool(8 lanes X 50m), FIFA-certified artificial turf field, internationally acclaimed track and field facilities, modern training centre and well-equipped gymnastics centre, becomes a BC Family Day hub where you can have a free swim and get involved at the activity zones.

Check out what’s going on from 10:00am to 4:00pm; 250-828-3655; City of Kamloops and Tourism Kamloops.

Credit: Flickr / ebbandflo_pomomama

Family Skate and Activities, Port Moody

The City of Port Moody welcomes everyone to lace up and enjoy an afternoon of skating from 1:00-3:30pm. Kids will delight in the facepainting, clowns, magic and fun! Admission $3.75 includes free rental. Skate shop: 604-469-4555.