That’s right — February 17th is Family Day! That means we get a long weekend, and you can decide how to spend extra time out of the house. Whether you’re bundling up for a winter adventure, cozying up indoors, or exploring a new part of the city, there are plenty of ways to celebrate!
Family Day is the perfect chance to slow down, spend quality time together, and make new memories right here in the city. From skating and s’mores, to interactive museums and festive events, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy Family Day — indoors or outdoors — in 2025.
*Note: Calgary weather can be unpredictable! Before you head out, double check these events are still happening, as sometimes things get rescheduled, relocated or cancelled last-minute.
Outdoor Family Day Activities In Calgary
Appreciate Art & Installations At Chinook Blast
This annual outdoor winter festival is the perfect excuse to get outside and see something new. Featuring art, music and entertainment throughout downtown and Calgary, Chinook Blast runs for 2.5 weeks, bringing creativity and uniqueness to this cold winter month. Don’t miss musical performances on the Stephen Avenue stage, pop-up markets featuring local vendors, and artistic installations hidden all over the city.
- When: January 31–February 17.
- Where: Downtown Calgary and various locations around the city.
- Activities: Outdoor light displays, art installations, and performances.
- Cost: Many events free to attend.
Spend An Afternoon At This Winter Pop-Up
Celebrate winter at the University District’s Winter Pop-Up! Bring your skates to take a spin on the Central Commons Park outdoor rink, or rent a pair from their on-site skate shop. This day only, you can also catch a sledge hockey demonstration. There’s plenty of seating here and local shops to browse, so come for the afternoon, and enjoy a toasty warm fire with complimentary s’mores — plus a few other surprises!
- When: February 16 from 1–4pm.
- Where: Central Commons Park.
- Activities: Skating, live sledge hockey demo.
- Free Hot Chocolate & S’mores: Keep warm with complimentary treats.
Take A Winter Wellness Walk In Calgary Parks
Looking for a way to unwind and recharge over the weekend? Spend some quality time together while exploring some of Calgary’s quieter parks! Whether you’re looking to escape the city noise or just an excuse to get out of the house and into the outdoors, we’ve rounded up our 9 favourite spots to stretch our legs and enjoy urban nature. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife!
- When: Any day, anytime.
- Where: Our 9 favourite winter wellness walk parks.
- Activities: Walking, hiking, birdwatching, fat biking, snowshoeing, you name it!
Check Out Some Of Calgary’s Most Unique Playgrounds
If your kids love to climb, slide, and explore, Calgary has unique playgrounds all over the city. Here are some of our favorites:
- Quinterra Legacy Garden – Calgary’s first fully dedicated musical garden and performance space.
- Shouldice Park – Explore 16,000 square feet of inclusive, accessible playground.
- St. Patrick’s Island Playground – This spot features a giant slide and interactive nature play.
- Elsa’s Tower – Found in Seton, this unique playground is designed for all ages.
- Belmont Mounds – A climber’s paradise, this playground has tons of neat features!
Cozy Up Around A Stocked Fire Pit
Nothing beats the warmth of a crackling fire on a cold winter’s day. The City of Calgary regularly stocks several fire pits, making it easy for families to gather, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few popular locations you can warm up at without hauling your own wood:
- Bowness Park – A family favourite with on-site skate rentals so you can explore the frozen lagoon and ice trail with beautiful riverside views.
- North Glenmore Park – Enjoy a scenic winter walk or skate the ice trail before warming up around the on-site fire pits (there’s a fun playground here too!).
- Hygge Hut (East Village) – This cozy Scandinavian-inspired space serves as a perfect pop-in to warm up and enjoy the winter atmosphere.
- More firepits – Want to bring your own wood? Visit the City of Calgary website for bookable locations.
Try A New Outdoor Winter Activity
Looking for new ways to get outside and stay active in the winter months? We’ve compiled 8 fun, affordable outdoor winter activities to keep you moving — and you don’t even have to leave the city! You’ll find all the spots we mention in Calgary, plus more options beyond city limits if you’re looking for an epic adventure.
Indoor Family Day Activities In Calgary
Treat Your Sweettooth At YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
If you and your family love a sweet treat, you’ll definitely want to check out YYC Hot Chocolate Fest! Every February, local cafes create their own unique take on hot chocolate and compete across the city. Visit their website for an interactive map to find your new favourite drink.
- When: February 1-28.
- Where: Participating cafes, restaurants and coffee shops around Calgary.
- Bonus: A portion of your purchase goes to Calgary Meals on Wheels, so you can sip for a good cause!
Want to create your own outdoor adventure without breaking the bank? Get 100+ outdoor winter activities you can try in and around Calgary sent straight to your inbox!
Visit The Bow Habitat Station FISHtival
Check out this FISHtival, put on by the Bow Habitat Station. Enjoy family-friendly games and themed activities complete with casting, fish feeding, tasty bites, and more!
- When: February 15 from 9:30am-4pm.
- Where: Bow Habitat Station.
- Activities: Ice fishing demos, interactive exhibits, kids’ crafts.
- Cost: Adult $10.50 // Youth 6-17 $6.40 // Student $8.40
BONUS: Alberta’s Family Day weekend is also a Free Fishing Weekend, which means you don’t need a license to fish in the province’s lakes and rivers! Grab your rod, your ice screw and hit the road for some extra family fun.
Don’t Miss The Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with cultural performances, lion dances, and more in northeast Calgary. You can learn traditional Chinese dough art, how to play mah jong, and the art of Japanese origami.
- When: February 15 from 10:30am-5pm
- Where: Vivo for Healthier Generations.
- Activities: Check out the event schedule at All Culture One Day.
Participate In The Great Skate
Lace-up your skates and take part in the Great Skate happening at WinSport. By joining in and moving your body, you’ll support a local initiative working towards ending homelessness with all funds going to Inn From The Cold.
- When: February 17 from 8am-2pm.
- Where: Markin MacPhail Centre @ WinSport, COP.
- Cost: FREE // complimentary skate rentals are available on event day.
Check Out The Olympic Oval Winter Festival
This is Sport Calgary’s first-ever Winter Festival! Try a new sport, or skate on the world’s fastest ice this Family Day weekend.
- When: February 17 from 12-5pm.
- Where: Olympic Oval.
- Activities: Skating, games, and challenges in a variety of sports.
- Cost: Free skate + helmet rentals (first come, first served), free parking in Lot 10
Visit Studio Bell For Free
Explore Canada’s rich music history at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. On Family Day only, you can wander through stories, instruments, and musical history for free!
- When: February 17 from 10-5pm.
- Where: 850 4 St SE.
- Cost: Free for all visitors.
- Activities: Hands-on exhibits, live performances, and interactive music experiences.
Whether you’re exploring indoors or outdoors this Family Day Weekend, we hope you enjoy some much deserved time out of the house!
