By Shelly Khushal
This is the first of two posts of what’s on in York Region for Family Day. Part Two will be published tomorrow.
Family Day was first celebrated in 1990 in Alberta, making it the only province to have a statutory holiday in February. Saskatchewan began observing the day in 2007. The holiday was proclaimed by Lieutenant Governor Helen Hunley, on the advice of her premier, Don Getty.
Though not an official national holiday, the event is celebrated far and wide across the country, with dozens of family festivals and things to do – organized each year in the provinces where they are observed.
Family Day is a time to spend with loved ones. It falls between New Year’s Day and Easter in order to grant another day off between these celebrations. Though only a few Provinces formally celebrate it, and only non-federal employees usually get the day off, it is a time to bond with family.
Family Day is not a national statutory holiday, it is only observed in New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan and in British Columbia. While other provinces have holidays on the same day, they are not called Family Day.
Family Day is a fairly new holiday in Ontario – established in 2010.
This year, family day will be celebrated on February 21, 2022.
Family Day Fun in York Region 2022
Family Day at Home
Special online programs and activities offered from Vaughan Public Libraries
For more information: https://www.vaughan.ca/news/Pages/Family-Day-fun-%E2%80%93-at-home-.aspx
Family Day at YR facilities
Visit for the following sites: https://www.newmarket.ca/familydayfun
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Family Day- Arctic Wonderland Storytelling Circle with Bonnie Marcus
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
February 20 – Ages 3 – 6 (children must be accompanied by one parent/guardian)
February 21 – Ages 7 to 12
Fee: $30.50 general public/ $26 McMichael members
Registration required.
Please visit https: //mcmichael.com/event/arctic-wonderland/?gclid=CjwKCAiA6Y2QBhAtEiwAGHybPcxj1PdSNdrKD7PcRg4cibnMWVE-U22pwd7Kc3Cxe51juL9KJ6XhZxoCkgIQAvD_BwE
Magna Centre
Skating, Swimming, Tim Horton’s Gym Activities
Free Public Skating, Public Swimming and Gym Drop In’s at Magna Centre all weekend, including Family Day (Monday, February 21, 2022)
Located at 800 Mulock Drive – Magna Centre (newmarket.ca)
Ray Twinney Recreation Complex
Free Public Skating and Public Swimming at Ray Twinney all weekend, including Family Day.
Located at 100 Eagle Street West – Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (newmarket.ca)
Youth Centre & SK8 Park
Free to attend all Family Day weekend.
Located at 56 Charles Street – Recreation Youth Centre (newmarket.ca)
Hours of Operation: Sat & Sun regular weekend hours, Monday February 21, 2022 (Family Day), Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The ROC, Georgina
Family Day Weekend Notice: In an effort to ensure public safety, maintain mandatory capacities and provide the best customer experience possible to all of our clients, we will be requiring all ROC season pass holders to reserve time slots on the following dates only (Feb. 19, 20, 21). The ROC winter amenities consist of four tube lanes, terrain park for skiing and snowboarding, toboggan hill, outdoor skating rink, snowshoe adventure trails and snowshoe rental program.
For more information, please visit https: //www.georgina.ca/discover-georgina/attractions/roc
Shelly Khushal is a busy mother of two and an active member of the York Region community, always keeping abreast of the social scene, latest trends and products; highlighting fun events in and around York Region.
