5 Things to Do on Family Day in Brampton

Family Day is a strange holiday indeed. Relatively new, the mid-winter holiday offers a little reprieve from work and school, but not much in the way of an overarching cultural celebration (it’s no Canada Day or Christmas).

While Family Day might not be attached to a broader (and arguably more fun) holiday, it’s a day to relax and, well, spend time with family. This year, Family Day is on Monday, February 17.

So, without further adieu, here are a few activities to enjoy on Family Day in Brampton (in no particular order).

5) Skiing

Although most people may not associate Brampton with skiing, the city boasts a quaint skiing/snowboarding destination in Mount Chinguacousy. Located in Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park, the area boasts a ski chalet and a hill that’s open from late December through to March (weather permitting, of course). If you’ve known about the ski and snowboard opportunities for awhile but haven’t taken advantage, remember that an impromptu ski trip might make for a great—and local—date.  Skis and snowboard are available for rent if you do not have your own, but be sure to bring a valid piece of government issued ID to borrow equipment. Lessons are also available for beginners or people who want to freshen up their skills.

4) Take a family-centered drop-in class

Family swim, family yoga, family zumba, and family skate – all four of these fun activities are happening at South Fletcher’s Sportsplex on Family Day in Brampton. All of these activities are subject to standard drop-in rates, and they take place at varying times from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. depending on what you’re interested in. The point is…you could get active with your family on Monday!

3) Skating

Although winter is rarely anyone’s favourite season, it offers a few choice opportunities to enjoy some relaxing seasonal sports. Take advantage by indulging in the awesome outdoor skating rinks that Brampton has to offer. Skate through the trees of the beautiful Gage Park in downtown Brampton or visit the new skating trail at Chinguacousy Park (which is 2,000 square metres of winter fun and skate rentals and food trailers available on-site) or the Mt. Pleasant (which also has Family Day activities happening at the library) skating rink. If you’re headed to Gage Park, a ton of additional activities are happening, too, like cookie decorating and an afternoon fire pit with marshmallows!

2) Chinguacousy Park

According to the city, residents can visit Chinguacousy Park to enjoy a range of family-friendly activities (it is Family Day, after all) from around 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Residents will be able to access entertainment throughout the park, with highlights like the All Around the World festival from noon until 4 p.m., stilt walkers, crafts and games, snowshoeing, and fun food options like Sul Irmaos Smokehouse’s food truck, Curb Side Dogs, Maple Taffy Station, and Jamie’s Cracked Corn – yum.

1) Brampton Library or PAMA

If you’re a little more cerebral or just looking for a quiet space to catch up on some work (because some people just can’t get away, holidays aside), you might be happy to know that all Brampton Library branches (including the new Springdale branch!) are open on Family Day from 1-5 p.m. You might also want to hit up PAMA (Peel Art Gallery Museum + Archives), which will have free admission from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.! Check out the latest exhibitions, try some Family Fun Yoga, or if you have little ones, enjoy a Sing-a-long with Brampton artist Bayani Llagas, early learning activities, or even Play Outdoors Peel, presented by Ecosource.