Family Day is just around the corner! Each year, the third Monday of February is celebrated as a day to spend with family. It is a welcome break during the height of winter and there is lots to do in Vaughan whether you prefer to stay toasty warm inside, or get outside and be active! Every family is unique, so we’ve rounded up the best options to help you create your own Family Day itinerary.
Fun outdoor activities
We’re lucky enough to have all four seasons in Canada, and what better way to take advantage of the crisp winter weather than to enjoy time with your family outside?
Black Creek Pioneer Village opens for winter fun on Family Day weekend! Take part in a frosty frolic through Black Creek and discover the magic of winter’s past. Learn how to thrive when the land slumbers under snow and ice.
Experience an outdoor Canadian winter tradition and go skating! Vaughan has some unique skating options. You can strap on your skates at one of Vaughan’s indoor arenas, enjoy the outdoor skating trail at Sports Village beneath twinkling lights, or skating trails for a great way to get outside and enjoy the season. Glide on over to Skating in Vaughan for all the details.
Looking to hit the slopes? Uplands Golf and Ski Club have got you covered. With a vertical drop of about 100 feet and slopes of varying difficulty, skiers and snowboarders of all ages have plenty of options for enjoying the fresh snow.
For those who prefer a more relaxed outdoor adventure, Vaughan has many charming and beautiful trails to explore. Take a leisurely stroll while you admire the beautiful, snowy Canadian landscape.
Indoor entertainment for all ages
After spending some time outside, warm up with one (or more) of the many fun indoor experiences you can have in Vaughan!
When it’s kids versus parents, who will take the win? For those families that include teens and older kids, gaming and being competitive can be a great way to bond. You’ll want to check out BATL Axe throwing and see who can hit the bullseye! Or how about Lazer Maze (the website says this venue is closed on Mondays, so this may be a great option if you’re planning to celebrate Family Day on another day) or Putting Edge?
There’s also plenty for younger children to enjoy in Vaughan on Family Day. Give your little one the experience of building their next best friend at the Build-a-Bear Workshop in Vaughan Mills.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is also located at Vaughan Mills, where your family can let their imaginations go wild and tour the Lego factory. While you’re there, take some time to shop at Vaughan Mills, one of Canada’s largest enclosed shopping malls. Want more shopping options? Check out visitvaughan.ca/shop and browse our listing of boutiques, brand-name malls and more.
If your little ones love animals, you’ll definitely want to put Reptilia on your itinerary for Family Day. This zoo houses over 250 species of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids from all around the world, representing animals that cannot be found in other Canadian Zoos.
Vaughan can be fun for all ages, and we’ve got the ideal spots for multi-generational families. Dave and Busters is a great choice for parents and grandparents to sit down and enjoy a drink or a meal while the younger ones go wild at the massive arcade.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection is another wonderful option for all ages, where families can see more than 7000 works by Canadian artists and enjoy a gourmet meal at Cabin, the gallery’s in-house restaurant.
Get a tasty snack or a cozy drink
It’s time to refuel! Grab a tasty snack at one of the many cafes or maybe it’s a sweet treat or a cozy drink that you’re craving. Bubble Tea & Me is the perfect spot for all the bubble tea aficionados. Looking for a caffeine boost? Try Big Cannoli Lane or Balzac’s.
In the mood for sweets? Visit Bartholomew Bakery, Mr. Puffs or Chocolada. These are just a few of the many spots across Vaughan where you can refuel with a quick drink or snack. The dining directory lists more options for you to choose from. The hard part is choosing!
Best family dining
Having a meal together is a special way to celebrate Family Day, and you’ve got lots of diverse options to choose from in Vaughan. Some great options for family dining are Cora’s Breakfast & Lunch, Creole Jamaican Kitchen & Bar, Earls Kitchen & Bar, Grazie Ristorante,
Avenue Cibi e Vini, Buca, or State and Main. But don’t stop there – there are many more restaurants in Vaughan, so be sure to browse our dining directory to find delicious and diverse options to suit your family.
Make it a family staycation
Since Family Day is on a Monday, why not book a hotel the night before so that you can wake up and enjoy the entire day in Vaughan?
With the kids in tow, pack your swimsuits if you’re planning on staying at a hotel with a pool. The Aloft, Novotel, Springhill Suites, Courtyard by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn each have a swimming pool, a great way to fill in downtime in between all the fun you’ll be having in the city. But that’s not all, Vaughan is home to many more accommodations, so you can find your perfect stay now!
After the hectic holiday season, Family Day is the perfect time to enjoy some relaxing time with your loved ones. For more ideas on what to do with the kids, visit our Winter in Vaughan page! Whether it’s outdoor fun or indoor excitement, the city is bustling with lots to experience for all ages.
SHARE YOUR #VISITVAUGHAN MEMORIES
As you explore all that Vaughan has to offer, don’t forget to tag us at #VisitVaughan and follow us on Instagram at @visitvaughan!
