Fun Family Day Events in Vancouver

Whether you're a fan of hockey, bouncy castles, or the wild outdoors, there's something for every family to do in Vancouver during the Family Day long weekend.

On Monday, February 8, Grouse Mountain tickets are 50% off for B.C. residents. Make a day of it by starting with their pancake breakfast (by donation, funds go to charity) before moving on to a family ski lesson or free guided snowshoe tour (bring your own gear, or rent on site). Take advantage of their Family Day photo ops posted around the mountain, and challenge your crew in the Global B.C. Family Puck Shoot Out on the skating pond. We recommend heading out early—it will be busy on the mountain.

The puck drops here—literally. The Vancouver Giants play the Edmonton Oil Kings at 2 pm on Monday at the Pacific Coliseum. But it’s not just about hockey—the halftime show is all fun, games and giveaways. Good to know: We like to go for the Whitespot Family Pak, which comes with a game entry, a parking pass, and food for the whole fam.

Some experiences are priceless—and so is the Vancouver Art Gallery for kids 12 and under on Family Day. With live music, guided museum tours that cater to children, and hands-on art activities, this is the day to introduce your kids to the museum if you haven’t done so already. Good to know: the gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of art by B.C’s own Emily Carr, so be sure to check out her work while you’re there.

Wake up with dolphins. Bring a sleeping bag and stay the night at the Vancouver Aquarium’s Family Sleepover, starting Sunday at 9 pm and ending Monday at 9 am. The theme is Arctic Exploration, and there will be special guest speakers, tours, and activities all night long. What could be more magical than falling asleep beside the blue light of the beluga whale tank?

Since Monday is also the Chinese New Year, the folks at ArtStarts Gallery have decided to double down with a Family Day event they’re calling ‘Monkey See, Monkey Make’. It’s an all ages day of free yoga, storytelling, art, a screening of The Croods and more.

There's so much going on at local community centres. Here are a few especially good ones worth checking out. Douglas Park Community Centre is offering free access to the fitness centre, plus games, arts and crafts, and light refreshments. Family Day at West Point Grey Community Centre kicks off with an all-ages Zumba class and includes face painting, a pottery demonstration, a bouncy castle and more.

Killarney Community Centre will offer an active day of fun for the whole family with skating, swimming, games and activities. Pre-registration is encouraged. Get a jump on Family Day, literally, by heading to Renfrew Park Community Centre for bouncy castle fun, balloon animal madness and face painting. Pre-registration required. Trout Lake Community Centre is pumping out the tunes with a live band and offering community dances, demonstrations and light refreshments.