From outdoor fun to local events, the region is ready for Family Day

Family Day brings plenty of opportunities to discover the region. Since its inception in 2008, more companies have jumped on board to provide activities and events locally on the third Monday every February.

Explore Waterloo Region has a plethora of ideas inside or out happening over the weekend, including Monday.

With the weather warming up, more people will likely be outside. The Province of Ontario has also opened up fishing for free this weekend to help families give it a try.

“Certain times of the year the Province of Ontario opens up fishing so families can give it a try and it’s free, you don’t have to have a license for this weekend,” Susan Cook-Scheerer, with Explore Waterloo Region, said. “So you can go and try your hand and this time of the year your ice fishing so it is a little bit different.”

Shades Mills Conservation Area will be open for this if the weather permits. Make sure to check conditions on their website before you go.

Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are also available at other Conservation areas in the region.

“There’s lots to explore in Waterloo Region, and if you’re an outdoors person this is the weekend to get over to Chicopee. So Chicopee ski and Chicopee Tube Park it looks like the weather is going to be fantastic,” Cook-Scheerer said. “They’re perfect places for families to go, get outdoors and enjoy some fun times.”

The region also hosts a plethora of ice skating rinks families can take advantage of.

Anyone trying to stay warm will also have plenty of indoor options. Family Day activities at the Kitchener Market, the chocolate trail at the St. Jacob’s Market or playing some games at Bingemans are all drawing in visitors.

“More of the attractions and the events in Waterloo Region are gearing up for families and trying to do something special with families in mind,” Cook-Scheerer said.

Some of the museums in the region will also be hosting Family Day events like the Family Day Pet Fest at TheMuseum or the Minecraft Mineral Showcase at theEarth Sciences Museum at the University of Waterloo. The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum will also have a Family Day Carnival.

The City of Cambridge has a wide list of activities happening on Family Day as well, more information can be found on their website.

A full list of what is going on for Family Day weekend can be found on Explore Waterloo Region’s website.

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