The province's first BC Family Day is this February 11, 2013, and there are lots of special events and family activities happening around Vancouver for the inaugural holiday. Use this list of the Top 10 Things to Do on BC Family Day in Vancouver to find the perfect activity for you and your family!
1. Free Ice Skating at Robson Square
One of the top free things to do on BC Family Day in Vancouver is skate at the Robson Square Ice Rink, Vancouver's only outdoor ice skating venue. Free ice skating at Robson Square runs through February 28, 2013, including 9am-9pm on BC Family Day (February 11). Skate rentals are $4; cleats and helmets are $2.
2. Half-Price Lift Tickets & Family Activities on Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain celebrates the first-ever BC Family Day with half-priced lift tickets and general admission tickets for all BC residents, plus multiple family events, including a by-donation pancake breakfast, family photo ops, kids' activities, special family-friendly terrain parks, and a family apres-ski dinner.
Learn more: Grouse Mountain Family Day 2013
3. Secret World of Sharks & Rays at the Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium's newest exhibit, The Secret World of Sharks and Rays is definitely one of the best things to do on BC Family Day in Vancouver! (Seriously: You know you want to see the sharks.) In honour of Family Day, the Aquarium has extended hours all weekend, February 8 - 11, from 9:30am - 6pm.
4. BC Family Day at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Kids under 12 get free admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) (when accompanied by an adult), so families can make the most out of their visit to VAG on BC Family Day. Special Family Day events include a special presentation of The Making Place, which offers hands-on workshops for all ages, Art Agents, and live music from Gene Ramsbottom and the North Vancouver Wind Trio, plus admission to all of the Gallery's current exhibits.
Learn more:BC Family Day at the Vancouver Art Gallery
5. Vancouver Giants Family Day Game
The Vancouver Giants play the Portland Winterhawks at the Pacific Coliseum on February 11, and have turned the event into one of the top things to do on BC Family Day in Vancouver by offering special Family Day activities with each ticket, including post-game autographs, live music, kids' games, and more.
Learn more: Vancouver Giants
6. Half-Priced Admission to the BC Sports Hall of Fame
For more sports-themed family fun, head to the BC Sports Hall of Fame on BC Family Day for half-priced admission, a scavenger hunt, colouring games, and more.
Learn more: BC Sports Hall of Fame
7. Vancouver Attractions for Kids
Lots of the top Vancouver Attractions for Kids--including Science World--have special activities and events planned for BC Family Day. Use my guide to the best attractions for kids to decide which attraction to visit on February 11, 2013.
Learn more: Best Vancouver Attractions for Kids
8. Explore the Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Vancouver
It's easy to find things to do in Vancouver with kids. There are loads of free activities, parks and beaches to visit, places to bike and hike, fun and educational things to do on a rainy day, family-friendly museums and Vancouver attractions, and much, much more!
Learn more: Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Vancouver
9. Take a Family Weekend Getaway or Day Trip
Vancouver is perfectly situated for a wide range of day trips and weekend getaways. The Best Vancouver Day Trips take you to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest, to some of North America's top ski and snowboard resorts, to picturesque villages and historic cities for shopping and strolling, and to the best spots for outdoor recreation, including camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more.
Learn more: Best Weekend Getaways & Day Trips from Vancouver
Don't have kids? Top 5 Romantic Getaways from Vancouver
10. Vancouver Outdoor Activities
One of the best things to do on BC Family Day in Vancouver--or for the whole long weekend--is head to the mountains and parks around Vancouver for a day of outdoor exercise, hiking, biking, or family camping. Use these Guides to find the best Vancouver Outdoor Activities for your family:
