Has your calendar has been marked for February 21st since the holiday season? 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 youngster is a nature-lover, or they have a soft spot for animals, there’s something for everyone this Family Day in Surrey.
Animal Lovers
For the animal lovers, discover exotic reptiles and animals at the Urban Safari Rescue Society. This rescue organisation is dedicated to teaching kids all about conservation and how important ecosystems (like Surrey’s) are. Make a reserveration online to book a tour of the facility and meet some reptile friends.
Did you know that Surrey is home to a number of parks that provide year-round birdwatching? In fact, 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 their natural habitat and get a little exercise at the same time. Here’s a little information about where to go and what to look for.
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. Basically, if you and your kids can lift an axe, they can teach you how to throw it. And for a good old-fashioned arcade experience, head to Central City Fun Park, Metro Vancouver’s largest indoor amusement park! They will be open on Family Day for mini-golf, roller skating, bowling and classic arcade games. Reservations are not required, but capacity is limited.
At the Garden
Darts Hill Garden Park will be celebrating Family Day early with a special winter opening on Saturday, February 19 from 11 am to 3 pm. Take part in free family-friendly activities including guided nature walks, live music, storytime and educational activities. And our friends from the Honeybee Centre will be on site as well! 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, planted and groomed specifically to flourish during all four seasons. Family Day event activities are free with entry to the garden.
Farm Fun
Head to the Historic Stewart Farm for a three-day weekend of activities from noon to 4:30pm daily. Located on the edge of the beautiful Nicomekl River and within Elgin Heritage Park in South Surrey, they’re also known for putting on one heck of a family-friendly party. Enjoy a tour of the Victorian farmhouse (re-opened after being closed for almost 2 years), take in a heritage demonstration, make crafts and do a scavenger hunt.
For Explorers
Discover something new about your favourite park by going on a good old-fashioned geocache hunt. Choose your destination, download the Geocache app, follow the hints and find the hidden “treasure”. Open up your treasure, mark your name as a finder, and replace the treasure inside with a new gift for the next finder. Wrap your day of hunting up with a delicious take-out dinner from one of Surrey’s fabulous restaurants.
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 Family Day weekend for exploring the city, dining out and then returning to the hotel to let your kids (and yourself) splash to their heart’s content.
Looking for more inspiration? The City of Surrey has a great list of free and low cost activities.