From tobogganing to skating, to snowmen-making contests and icy polar dips, Family Day is all about spending time in the great wintery outdoors with family and friends. Here are seven Ontario-based events worth checking out this year.
Snowmanmania in Wasaga Beach, Ont.
Over Family Day weekend in Wasaga Beach, the town is putting on this community event that has been been running for 20 years. The event will include a scavenger hunt, the SuperDogs dog show, a hula hoop swim, and a chili cook-off. More info: explorewasagabeach.com
Family Day Weekend at Ontario Parks
Several provincial parks are putting on events for the long weekend, including Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Thunder Bay, Ont., Algonquin Provincial Park, Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville, Ont., and Sibbald Point Provincial Park in Sutton West, Ont. Activities include skating, guided hikes, and tobogganing. You can also fish without a licence all weekend. Maybe time to give ice fishing a try? More info: ontarioparks.ca
SnowFest in Huntsville, Ont.
Huntsville’s SnowFest, which has been running on weekends since January, continues on Family Day weekend. The highlight is on Saturday where families can ice skate while watching a movie on a giant, inflatable screen (not to mention, free hot chocolate!). This Saturday’s movie is Sonic the Hedgehog. More info: huntsvillesnowfest.com
Family Frost Fest at MacGregor Point in Port Elgin, Ont.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park has planned the ultimate Family Day weekend for sporty types. On Saturday, February 15, rally your family for the Winter Triathlon of skiing, skating, and snowshoeing. On Saturday afternoon, you can also DIY your own bird suet feeder. More info: explorethebruce.com
Frontenac Heritage Festival in Sharbot Lake, Ont.
This year’s Frontenac Heritage Festival almost didn’t happen again this year, but the community has rallied. Activities will include the Polar Plunge on Sunday February 16th, followed by a chili lunch at the local Legion. The winter market and craft show at Oso Hall will also return. More info: facebook.com
Family Day at Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ont.
One of the best skiing spots in Ontario will also be offering a dizzying amount of fun, snow-filled events over the course of the weekend. There’s lots of live music and activities to do. More info: bluemountain.ca
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