This release was issued under a previous government.

“Family is the cornerstone of our lives, our communities and our society. Let this Family Day serve as a reminder that spending time with our loved ones is never time wasted. I am proud that our government is able to offer affordable opportunities for Alberta’s families to be able to enjoy activities together throughout the province.”

Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism

“Visiting Alberta’s provincial parks is a wonderful way for families and friends to connect with nature and be active. I encourage all Albertans to come visit our parks this weekend and experience the immediate wellness benefits of playing in the great outdoors.”

Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks

There are hundreds of activities taking place throughout the province for all Albertans to enjoy. Samples of activities are listed below; for the full detailed list, or to find an event in your region, click here.

Historic Sites and Museums

Snakes and Ladders at Rutherford House

Playing Snakes and Ladders at Rutherford House

Nine provincially-owned historic sites and museums will offer free admission on Monday, Feb.15. This includes:

Oil Sands Discovery Centre – Fort McMurray

Learn about the inner workings of the human body with The Odd-Lot Puppetry Company's all-new black light puppet show, Talent Inside. Show times are 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Enjoy a full day of fun family activities!

Rutherford House – Edmonton

Step back in time to the Edwardian era and explore the elegant home of Alberta’s first Premier and founder of the University of Alberta. Make a fun craft, play old-fashioned games, and sample delicious cookies baked in the wood-burning stove. Spend the day with family in a historic atmosphere and discover who the Rutherfords were and the activities they enjoyed.

Reynolds-Alberta Museum  – Wetaskiwin

Family Day fun at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum means playing giant versions of your favourite board games and donning white gloves to check out the cockpit of a Hawker Hurricane vintage fighter jet. Cozy up with the family to watch some vintage cartoons at the indoor Drive-In theatre.

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology – Drumheller

Special Family Day programming will be available at the Royal Tyrrell Museum all weekend long. Free admission will apply on Family Day. Storytime is perfect for the little ones. Fossil Casting allows visitors to make a piece of pre-history to take home. On Monday, kids can show off their creativity and transform themselves into a dinosaur by making their own free dinosaur hat. Free auditorium shows also run throughout the weekend. A small fee will apply to the Fossil Casting program.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – near Fort Macleod

Celebrate the “Full Moon of the Eagle” family event. The day includes a live display of Alberta Birds of Prey, a simulated archaeological dig, guided building tours, “Living Off The Land” artifact demonstrations and storytelling.

Alberta Parks

Snowshoeing in Alberta Parks

Snowshoeing in Alberta Parks

Alberta provincial parks in winter are for more than just cross-country skiing. Try snowshoeing, fat biking, ice fishing, tobogganing, skating and downhill skiing, along with festivals in Alberta’s most exciting season — winter! The fun in Alberta Parks keeps going all year. Visit AlbertaParks.ca for a list of upcoming events; click here to find a park and winter activity in your region.

Here are a few events and activities for people looking to get outdoors this Family Day long weekend: (Please note all activities are weather permitting)

Moonshine Lake – in Saddle Hills County

There’s no shortage of activities at the Moonshine Lake Family Fun Day between noon and 4 p.m. on Feb.14. Everything from ice fishing (all weekend long), ice skating and cross-country skiing to snow golf and horse-drawn wagon rides, Need a pair or snowshoes or cross-country skis? Loaners will be available for free along with hot chocolate, doughnuts and hotdogs!

Alberta Winter Games — Cypress Hills Provincial Park, near Medicine Hat

The 2016 Alberta Winter Games is coming to Cypress Hills Provincial Park Feb.14-16. Bring the family out and cheer on athletes as they compete in three sporting events: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and biathlon.

Family Fishing Weekend

Ice Fishing in Alberta Parks

Try ice fishing during Family Fishing Weekend

The Family Day weekend also marks the first of two “Family Fishing Weekends” put on annually in Alberta. Throughout the weekend, you’re invited to head out and discover the lure of fishing without the need to purchase a Sportfishing License! Of course, all regulations still apply. For more information, visit Family Fishing.

UPDATE: Due to recent warm weather conditions in Alberta, an ice condtion advisory has been issued for various areas across the province. Please use caution. 

Family FISHtival — Bow Habitat Station, 1440-17A Street SE, Calgary

On Feb.13 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., enjoy free outdoor activities including snowshoeing, marshmallow roasting and games. A fee of $5 per person will be charged for indoor activities such as feeding the fish in the hatchery, games, crafts and more! Children three-years-old and under are free.

Other events

Many other affordable events and activities are taking place throughout the province in honour of celebrating Family Day. Click here to see just a few examples of other ways to celebrate the long weekend. Some events may include a small fee, please contact event organizers for more information.

You can also search for more events and deals throughout the province by visiting Travel Alberta.