To help families to celebrate this long weekend, the Province is supporting more than 200 free activities in B.C. communities.

“This year, more than ever, B.C. Family Day serves as a reminder of the importance of family and of safely spending time with those you love,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “As we all continue to do our part to bend the curve against COVID-19, our government is proud to support safe, free and affordable activities for families to enjoy in every corner of our province. As a gentle reminder this Family Day long weekend, stay local and spread love, not COVID-19.”

The B.C. government is providing more than $280,000 to support free Family Day activities through participating recreation centres, parks, cultural centres and museums. Families can swim or skate for free all weekend, participate in outdoor activities, visit local museums or enjoy other online activities. Refer to each organization’s website to confirm its reservation requirements to follow safety protocols.  

For example, people in Vancouver can share family traditions, learn about Lunar New Year traditions online or write Chinese couplets with a calligrapher’s help at the recently opened Chinese Canadian Museum exhibition in Chinatown. Families can also participate in online activities, such as learning Kwak’wala with Elders on U’mista’s Zoom class or watching an IMAX documentary online through the Royal BC Museum.

B.C. Family Day is Monday, Feb. 15, 2021.

Quotes:

Rebecca Tunnacliffe, CEO, BC Recreation and Parks Association –

“Our municipal community recreation and parks departments have acquired expertise in ensuring their facilities have stringent COVID-19 safety protocols. Their programs and services have been adapted over the pandemic period to safely offer imaginative Family Day activities for all members of the community to participate in and have fun. I encourage everyone to participate in what their community is offering this year.”

Ryan Hunt, executive director, BC Museums Association –

“This is a Family Day like no other, and these grants will allow museums, cultural centres and art galleries to safely celebrate B.C.’s diverse arts, culture and heritage with families across the province.”

Quick Facts:

• Last year, more than 90,000 people participated at provincially funded activities over the Family Day weekend.
• People are asked to only enjoy Family Day activities with their immediate household, stay close to home and not travel outside of their community.
• When in public indoor spaces, remember to always wear a mask.

Learn More:

Find free Family Day activities in your community: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/bc-family-day

Read the latest COVID-19 public health orders and provincial restrictions: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19