The top 4 activities to make your Family Day in Alberta memorable

Take advantage of an extra day of family time! Family Day in Alberta is Monday, February 20th and we’ve got all of the most exciting activities to keep your group entertained in the middle of winter. 

Spend the day out in nature, try your hand at a new activity, or explore your creative side with local Cochrane businesses. You’ll find endless options for memorable but cheap family activities that are as entertaining as they are meaningful. 
Here are our top 4 suggestions to make the most of your family time together.

1. Get to know your feathered neighbours

Take your birdwatching to a whole new level with the Great Backyard Bird Count! First, decide where you want to watch the birds. You might head to one of our many local parks, or just gaze out a window from the comfort of your own home. 

To participate, simply watch the birds for 15 minutes or longer, at least once from February 17th to 20th. Try to identify the birds you see or hear. If you get stuck, try out the Merlin Bird ID app to find out which of our fine feathered friends are frequenting your yard or park. This is one of our favourite accessible and cheap family activities! 

2. Discover new ways to move 

If the temperature dips, head to SLS Centre for indoor activities. Keep kids under the age of 6 entertained for hours at Play Zone, which features parachutes, tunnels, and mats to explore. 

Or, try out an activity for the whole family with the climbing wall. Kids over the age of 3 can learn how to tackle the indoor climbing gym, and adults can test their skills on the various obstacles. There’s also open gym and turf time, so you can play fun family games like indoor badminton, pickleball, lacrosse, soccer, or touch football. 

3. Find inspiration with local artists 

Get your creative juices flowing with a visit to Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery. Budding artists will love soaking in the talents of local creatives and their works, which are on rotation and displayed at the gallery. 

Take a look at their arts programming for all ages—you’ll find figure drawing classes, linocut printmaking, watercolour painting, soapstone carving, and more to expand your artistic repertoire. 

4. Get some fresh air while you skate

A beautiful day calls for a skate around the pond on Family Day in Alberta! Gather your crew and make your way to one of the many outdoor skating rinks in Cochrane for a casual cruise or a game of hockey.

Check out the scenic Mitford Pond, or Tim Bannister Memorial outdoor rink in the East End.  The Tim Bannister rink is maintained all winter and lights are on until 10 p.m. so you can end your day with an evening glide across the ice. Don’t forget the hand warmers!

Bond with the people closest to you

Fun family games are right at your fingertips to help you make lasting memories on Family Day in Alberta. Don’t let the day pass you by without a plan—explore your options for outings with us now!