Has your calendar been marked for February 17 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 family are nature-lovers, arts enthusiasts or love to be active, there’s something for everyone this Family Day in Surrey. Be sure to schedule time to eat between your activities, Surrey has an incredibly diverse dining scene – and save room for a sweet treat or ice cream!

Go Outside

Did you know that Surrey is home to several parks that provide year-round birdwatching? 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 is information about where to go and what to look for.

Visit the Surrey Nature Centre‘s interpretive space and learn about local flora and fauna and how local animals cope with the cold, 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 and take a walk around the woods of Green Timbers Urban Forest. (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. If you and your kids can lift an axe, they can teach you how to throw it. 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, playing 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 15 from 10 am to 4 pm. Take part in free family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, craft station, live music by Scott Jacob, demos from the Honeybee Centre and mini donuts from Little Ooties Mini Donuts. 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

Enjoy a day of family fun at Museum of Surrey on February 15 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Play board games, join a scavenger hunt, sing-a-long with the Beauty Shop Dolls, and strike a pose with the museum mascot Raj the Racoon. 

Head to the Clayton Community Centre on February 15 between 1pm and 4pm, for an afternoon of arts, recreation and library activities, plus, at 2:30 pm enjoy a Surrey SPARK Stages’ for a free presentation of Frog Belly Rat Bone by Axis Theatre a tale about friendship perfectly suited for ages 3 to 10.

Head to Elgin Heritage Park and explore Historic Stewart Farm and Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House this Family Day weekend. From noon to 4:00 pm on February 15 explore the historic farmhouse on your own or with a guide to share the stories of the farm, watch heritage demonstrations and try Victorian pastimes. Lorelei Lyons from 2 Métis Women will be onsite at Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House teaching the art of dot painting.  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.