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Family Day

10+ Great Ways to Celebrate Family Day

It's tempting to stay in PJs, but there are lots of ways to spend quality time together—whether you put on hard pants or not.

By Max Richler
10+ Great Ways to Celebrate Family Day

Family Day is more than just a day off and a long weekend—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your family. It’s a much-welcome winter break that all Canadians could use. Read on for the ways you and your family can take full advantage.

Family Day began in Alberta when Premier Don Getty recognized the need for a break in the cold, three-month stretch between New Year's Day and Good Friday. In 1990, it became official, making the third Monday of every February a statutory holiday for Albertans to reflect on “love of family, love of home, love of faith and community”.

Eight provinces now recognize Family Day. Saskatchewan was the first to follow suit in 2007. Ontario was next in 2008. British Columbia joined the fun in 2013 and New Brunswick in 2018.

The third Monday in February aligns with heritage days in other provinces. People celebrate Louis Riel Day in Manitoba, honouring the Franco-Metis founder of the province.

Prince Edward Island introduced ‘Islander Day’ in 2008. Nova Scotia began celebrating ‘Heritage Day’ in 2015, highlighting prominent Nova Scotians. Each year, the day focuses on figures like Viola Desmond, Joseph Howe, or the Mi'kmaq people and their contributions to the province.

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Why Family Day is so important

Spending quality time with family fosters a sense of belonging and emotional security. Meals together, game nights and outdoor activities can reduce stress and promote happiness. Plus, when kids spend the day with family, they develop social skills and empathy. 

Joanna Seidel, the owner and clinical director of Toronto Family Therapy and Meditation, explains “It’s really about having quality time with your family, uninterrupted time." She says that whether you take a weekend vacation or spend that time at home, just creating memories together can strengthen family bonds.

Meaghan Grier, a mother and teacher in The Toronto District School Board loves Family Day because it falls right after report cards and parent-teacher interviews. “It’s also such a nice bonus day in February for all Canadians to get over the shortened dark days… the day should almost be rebranded as a mental health day, not just Family Day.”

Creating Family Day traditions

10+ Great Ways to Celebrate Family Day

Traditions—whether cooking a favourite family recipe, going ice skating, or simply enjoying a quiet day together—play a significant role in creating lasting memories. Family Day is a great day to establish or revisit these cherished customs. Over time, these traditions become a source of identity and pride, a foundation for your family’s values.

Alleviating Stress and Promoting Communication

Modern life often leaves little room for meaningful conversations and open communication. Family Day can serve as a much-needed pause button, allowing families to check in with one another, address challenges and celebrate successes.

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“Children are also very busy now. They value their downtime and their connection with their family restores them,” explains Seidel. “Spending time with family creates security for them. It creates a secure attachment.”

Whether it’s through shared laughter or heartfelt discussions, this time together can alleviate stress and build stronger lines of communication, laying the groundwork for healthier relationships in the future.

How to celebrate Family Day

Most of us likely want to lie around in our PJs, but you can show your kids the importance of family without changing into hard pants. Invite the kids to help in a cooking or baking project where they can enjoy the rewards of their participation. Or get into crafting. Kids can make ornaments, play with clay or design birthday cards for friends. 

Celebrating Canadian culture

Every Canadian province and region is rich with history and Family Day is a great opportunity to learn more about our history. 

Consider exploring stories from the cultures within your family tree. You could even use Family Day to document these tales by recording them or writing them down, starting a grander project to add to for future generations. Storytelling not only fosters a deeper connection to your culture but also strengthens intergenerational bonds

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Family Day activities on a budget

A mother, father and son look at an exhibit at a museum.

Municipal and provincial governments host low-cost community-based and free family events at local museums, landmarks and provincial parks.

The City of Toronto website lists events like Family Day at Colbourne Lodge, Family Day weekend at the Spadina Museum, or skating at Nathan Phillips Square. The city of Calgary offers a list of continuously updated family-oriented activities downtown. Winnipeg is home to some of the best family-oriented museums in the country, so if you haven't already been, Family Day is a great opportunity. Check out your city or town's homepage for some Family Day inspiration.

City of Calgary

City of Toronto

Saskatchewan

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British Columbia Outdoors and Indoors

New Brunswick and Grand Bay-Westfield

Manitoba

Prince Edward Island

Host a potluck

Hosting a potluck lets families bond over food and share meaningful stories in a budget-friendly way. Potlucks are budget-friendly and create opportunities for storytelling and bonding around food. Encourage guests to bring dishes with personal or cultural significance and both families get to indulge in the stories behind them. This can spark meaningful conversations and add depth to the celebration.

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How to balance screen time and quality time

Relaxing as a family often means everyone gravitating toward their screens. While there’s nothing wrong with a little downtime, Family Day offers a chance to mix it up with more intentional, hands-on activities that bring everyone together.

Blend technology with hands-on activities

Rather than viewing screens as a distraction, consider them a tool for connection. Pair screen-based activities with hands-on experiences. For instance, use a cooking tutorial to make a family meal or play family-oriented video games that can be played as a group.

Explore educational tech activities together

Technology doesn’t have to be isolating—it can also be a source of shared learning. Try an educational app or game designed for families, such as virtual escape rooms or trivia apps. Or swap your usual movie night for a documentary to spark curiosity and conversation. Animal documentaries almost always go over well (just check on the level of violence before pressing play).

One creative way to use technology as a family is through digital storytelling. Collaborate on making a short video, photo montage or digital scrapbook about a favourite family memory or event. Apps like Canva, iMovie and Google Photos can help you craft something special together. Not only does this activity foster teamwork, but it also allows you to relive these shared moments.

Tips for tech-free time

To fully unplug and reconnect, carve out some away from devices. Focus on activities that don’t require screens—like playing board games, baking or taking a walk. Create a “phone-free zone” for meals—easier said than done—so everyone is fully present for conversations and laughter. Establishing these small boundaries helps ensure that quality time takes centre stage.

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Plan ahead for a successful day

10+ Great Ways to Celebrate Family Day

Family Day is an excellent opportunity to create lasting memories, but a little preparation can ensure the day goes smoothly. Families can make the most of their time together by involving everyone in planning, staying flexible, and prioritizing safety.

Get kids involved in the planning process

Let kids suggest activities and choose between options. Whether picking a favourite board game, brainstorming outdoor adventures or choosing a movie for family night, their input makes them feel valued and adds an element of anticipation.

Adapt activities based on weather conditions

Canada’s winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to have a mix of indoor and outdoor plans. If the weather cooperates go skating, sledding or hiking. If the forecast turns icy or too cold, indoor options like baking together, crafting or visiting a local museum can be equally rewarding. Planning for both scenarios ensures you’re ready for whatever February has in store.

Create a flexible itinerary

While having a plan is important, flexibility is key—especially when children are involved. Kids often have their own timelines, and unexpected naps, tantrums or changes in energy levels can throw even the best-laid plans off track. Build buffer time into your schedule and prioritize one or two key activities rather than trying to fit too much into the day. You'll reduce stress and enjoy the moment to keep things relaxed.

Experts

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  • Meaghan Grier, TDSB teacher at Dovercourt Public School

  • Joanna Seidel, owner and clinical director of Toronto Family Therapy and Meditation

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