By Parmida Modiri, AMP
The hustle and bustle of the city leaves many finding it hard to spend time with their family. That’s why in 2008, the Ontario Government introduced Family Day, a provincial holiday reserved for spending time with family and cherishing the family we have. It typically falls on the 3rd Monday in February, and also happens in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and PEI.
Since it is a provincial holiday, there are many closures. These include: libraries, banks, schools, liquor stores, many grocery stores, and public transportation is running on holiday schedules.
However, this doesn’t mean that there is a lack of things to do within the Greater Toronto Area! Here are five affordable and fun ways to spend 2010 Family Day with your loved ones:
Local Museums:
Although schools are closed on Family Day, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have some educational fun as a family! Many museums in the province of Ontario are open on Family Day, some at a discounted price. It is important to check with your local museum(s) to see what exactly is offered and times available. One interesting museum is the Markham Museum, which is offering (for $2!!) a Winterfest! They are hosting many activities throughout the day including snowshoeing, snowman building, and much more! Check out this link for more information
Fun in the Snow:
Family Day is a great way to spend learning a new activity or honing an old one. Blue Mountain, one of Canada’s finest ski resorts is offering a load of activities for children and families alike during the Family Day Weekend. This includes face painting, science shows, and much more! If that doesn’t suit you – you can always spend the time on the slopes! Not only do they offer 36 trails ranging from beginner to very-scary, they offer lessons and ski/snowboard rentals! Check out www.bluemountain.ca/index.htm for more information!
Mississauga – Family Day Pass:
If you are a resident of Mississauga, or are looking to get away from the ‘big city’, Mississauga Parks and Recreation are offering a Family Day Pass for $6.50! This pass allows entry into any one of 17 different recreation centers and museums, which are all offering different programs during the day. The pass is good for a maximum of five people!!! For specific activity schedules and detailed information, please see www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/familyday.
ROMkids Family Day Special:
The Royal Ontario Museum is celebrating 2010 Family Day by offering crafts and activities for families February 14 – February 16, 2010. Balloon T-Rex, dinosaur mascots, and Earth Treasures activities are only a few of the things your family can see and be involved in! You can also just take guided tours throughout the museum, and currently the King Tut exhibit is on, if that’s something that interests you! These programs run at no additional cost to the general admission cost and hours of operation are 10:00AM – 5:30PM. For more information, please visit www.rom.on.ca/programs/rom_kids/weekends/index.php?ref=showinfo&program_id=3831.
Love Bugs at the Toronto Zoo:
Regardless of the time of year, the Toronto Zoo is always a fun place to visit. For Family Day this year, the Toronto Zoo is offering free admission to children twelve years and under. They must bring in a ‘valentine’ for their favorite bug in the zoo! Hours are 9:30AM to 4:30PM, with last admission at 3:30PM. Not to mention, they have other exciting exhibits – such as POLAR BEARS!! For more information, please visit www.torontozoo.com/SpecialEvents.
Of course, Family Day is just about spending quality time with your family. You can always load up on popcorn and family friendly movies; spend time making Valentine’s crafts & treats, and much more. For older children and teens that may have outgrown some of these activities, many cinemas are offering discounted admission for the day!
Whatever you choose to do, have fun and enjoy spending time with your family!
Parmida Modiri, AMP is an Accredited Mortgage Professional with Signature Service Financial. Parmida can be reached at parmida@ssfi.ca or visit her website at www.signaturemortgage.ca. Mortgage Agent, Lic. #: M08005765
