Has your calendar been marked for February 20th since the holiday season ended? It’s the first holiday in almost two months (not that we’re counting), and we’re here to make sure you get the very best out of Family Day … and the whole weekend leading up to it! There’s so much family fun just waiting to be discovered in Surrey, and whether your youngster is a nature-lover, or they have a soft spot for animals, there’s something for everyone this Family Day in Surrey.
Go Outside
Did you know that Surrey is home to a number of parks that provide year-round birdwatching? In fact, Surrey’s on the South Fraser Bird Trail and there are over 200 unique species of birds to spot in Surrey! Make a checklist of common birds to look for, grab your binoculars if you have them, and head out on a birdwatching adventure. It’s an ideal way to appreciate Surrey’s winged wildlife in its natural habitat and get a little exercise at the same time. Here’s a little information about where to go and what to look for.
Visit the Surrey Nature Centre‘s Sky Room interpretive space and learn about local flora and fauna, then pick up an activity backpack (and a fishing rod) and head into Green Timbers Urban Forest to put your newfound knowledge to the test! Get cosy in the reading nook which is filled with plant and animal guidebooks, visit Sammy the salamander, and take a walk along the Story Trail featuring a storybook. (note: closed Sundays and statutory holidays)
Get Active
Keeping the kids active on a day off is a breeze in Surrey. Let your kids climb the walls (literally) with zero stress at one of Surrey’s climbing gyms. Or book a lane in advance at Bad Axe Throwing and learn how to throw in a safe, welcoming environment. Basically, if you and your kids can lift an axe, they can teach you how to throw it. And for a good old-fashioned arcade experience, head to Central City Fun Park, Metro Vancouver’s largest indoor amusement park! Spend the afternoon playing mini-golf, roller skating, bowling, checking out the classic arcade games and trying your hand at a virtual reality game.
At the Garden
Darts Hill Garden Park will be celebrating Family Day early with a special winter opening on Saturday, February 18 from 10 am to 4 pm. Take part in free family-friendly activities including guided nature walks, a birding workshop, live music, storytime, educational activities and free mini doughnuts. Known as a true plantsman’s garden, Darts Hill Garden, which was once a flourishing fruit orchard, is now a beautiful collection of trees and plants from around the world.
Get Cultured
From the instantly-recognizable, The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Cafe Terrace at Night to the lesser-known Almond Blossoms and Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, over 300 of Van Gogh’s paintings are freed from their frames and come to life in at Beyond Van Gogh, an immersive exhibit in Cloverdale. Beautiful music accompanies the images and guests can walk (or dance) around, sit, or stand as paintings shift and swirl on the walls and beneath their feet.
Enjoy a day of family fun at Museum of Surrey on February 20 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Play board games, join a scavenger hunt and take a photo with the museum mascot Raj the Racoon. And be sure to take time to pose for the caricature artist who will be on-site doing family portraits.
Farm Fun
Head to the Historic Stewart Farm for some old-fashioned family fun at the farm. From noon to 4:30 pm on February 20 explore the historic farmhouse on your own or with a guide to share the stories of the farm, try your hand at old-fashioned chores, make a traditional paper toy to take home and catch a butter-making demonstration. Located on the edge of the beautiful Nicomekl River and within Elgin Heritage Park in South Surrey, be sure to explore the park and trails while you’re there.
Staycation
What’s the number one request from your kids when booking a hotel stay? A pool! It has to have a pool! And Surrey’s hotels have got some great ones! Book a staycation (or a vacation) with one of Surrey’s hotels with pools and make it your home base exploring the city, dining out and then returning to the hotel to let your kids (and yourself) splash to their heart’s content.
Wrap your day of exploring with a delicious dinner from one of Surrey’s fabulous restaurants.