Free and Affordable Family Day activities in London, Ontario
Family is the pillar of society. It is important, and to emphasize its importance, Family Day has been assigned a date for many of us to celebrate. As parents, we make this day as special as it can be for our children, just like any other occasion, celebrating our togetherness and belongingness.
This family spends time together on Family Day. Photo by Jessica Rockowitz on Unsplash
In relation to this long weekend, I looked around for events that families can check out and participate in, either free or at an affordable price. These are the Family Day activities in London, Ontario and nearby areas I found. Other family or indoor places such as Fleetway, Sky Zone, Flying Squirrel, The Factory and others are open on Family Day — Monday, February 17th — some with a slight change in their operating hours and no offered family deals.
February 15, 2020
London Public Library
1. Program: Black History Month Family Day Celebration
When: February 15, 2020, 10am-2pm
Cost: FREE
This will be happening at the Central 1st Floor Lawson Foundation Room, attendees will expect to enjoy the theme “Our Community is our Strength” where the Black History month is celebrated with activities for the whole family. Visitors will find pleasure in performances, Limbo dancing, music, crafts, games and more. This program is presented by the London Black History Coordinating Committee in cooperation with London Public Library.
Cineplex Family Favourites
2. Program: Family Favourite Movies
When: February 15, 2020, 11am
Cost: $2.99
Cineplex Family Favourites is a recurring event, where an ‘old’ family movie is being shown in cinemas every Saturday for a very affordable price. Every week a different movie is being played at the participating cinemas. This week’s movie is “Playing With Fire”, starring John Cena.
Children’s Museum
3. Program: Family Day Weekend
When: Feb. 15 – 17, 2020; 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday and Monday.
Cost: $9/child 2 years+; $9/adult; $4.50 for toddlers 12-23 months
FREE for Members and infants under 12 months (The prices indicated in the daily admission)
Programs prepared by the Children’s Museum for Feb. 15th are:
Early Years Play Dates, 9am to 11am; Outreach: Black History Month Family Day Celebration 10am to 2pm; STEAM: Heart Health at 11:30 and the same at 2:30pm
Early Years Play Dates is for 0-5 years old children. It offers an opportunity for children to develop critical physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills in an environment designed to inspire curiosity and wonder. It is delivered and designed by the Early Years educator.
STEAM: Heart Health allows the participants to build their own stethoscope to hear their own heartbeat! It also teaches them how and why one’s heart rate speeds up or slows down. It gives children the opportunity to learn what a healthy heart rate is and the role it plays in our hearts.
Throughout the Family Weekend, visitors will have a fun time on giant games such as Jenga, Snake & Ladders and others, along with Fort Building that the whole family can participate in.
A hands-on collaborative art piece awaits the family as well.
February 16, 2020
Museum London
4. Program: Imagination Station
When: Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, 1-4pm
Cost: FREE
This is a drop-in program for adults and children. Imagination Station promotes self-directed communication, collaboration, and creativity. Studio monitors will provide you with a range of art-making activities, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Imagination Station is a recurring event that will take place until April 19, 2020.
Gallery Stratford at the Mall
5. Program: Family Art Sundays
When: Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, 1-3pm
Cost: FREE
This is a guided program led by a Gallery Educator to walk the participants through different art activities. This is a recurring event, every Sunday, however, the activities vary every week to ensure family and their friends will not get bored and will continue to come and be creative.
February 17, 2020
Museum London
6. Program: Family Day at the Museum
When: Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 at 1-4pm
Cost: FREE
The Museum London presents various programs for the family on this day. Visitors can enjoy the exhibitions, take a pop tour, make art and adore a participatory concert by Magisterra Soloists string quartet that will have two performances, first at 1:30pm and the second at 2:45pm.
Century-old artifacts from the Museum’s collections will also be available, along with the hundred-year-old portrait and landscape paintings of London sites. The whole family will also have an opportunity for hands-on fun, making collage and fold a single page Family Zine they will create.
Check the website www.museumlondon.ca for more information.
The Bruce Hotel
7. Program: Family Day Kid Zone
When: February 17, 2020, 12pm – 8pm
Cost: FREE
A room full of fun is allotted for Family Day! This room is prepped up with a popcorn bar, board games, indoor lawn games, movie at 2pm and much more. Everyone is welcome, and although no reservations required, if you want to guarantee a spot for your kids, it is highly recommended that you call for a reservation. Here are the contact information 519-508-7100 | 855-708-7100 | reception@thebruce.ca
Mark’s Anglican Church
8. Program: Board Games for Family
When: Feb. 17, 2020; 1- 4pm
Cost: FREE
Sponsored by Optimist Club East London, this event is free with snacks and refreshments being provided while family plays together, enjoying various board games, cards and other entertainment. Don’t hesitate to join and get to meet and know new friends. For more information call 519-455-8160.
Museum of Ontario Archaeology
9. Program: Family Fun Day
When: Feb. 17, 2020; 10am to 4:30pm
Cost: Family (1 or 2 adults & up to 3 children) $12.00; $5.00/ Adult; $4.00/Senior; $4.00/Student; $3.00/Child (5-12)
FREE for children under 5 years old and members/sponsors
The family can take pleasure in archaeology crafts and activities. There’s also a chance to earn a certificate of recognition as a Junior Archeologist for young visitors who will explore the new feature exhibit and pass the knowledge test. Should the weather cooperates, the management intends to provide the visitors with an opportunity to build snow snakes on the grounds outdoors.
Ska-Nah Doht Village & Museum
10. Program: Family Day Snowshoe
When: February 17, 2020; 12pm – 4pm
Cost: $5/vehicle
If you want a real winter feel then this program is the best option for a bonding time this Family Day. Learn about the history of snowshoeing, the different styles, and most of all, enjoy a quick outdoor lesson. Wear low or no healed winter boots and dress for an hour or two of outdoor fun! There are lots of woodland trails to explore, at the Longwoods Road Conservation Area or just the Ska-Nah-Doht Village itself!
Family Day snowshoe rental, weather permitting, will be available at the venue. Everyone is invited to try out snowshoeing, one of the oldest forms of winter travel! Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority staff will be on hand to teach you all you will need to know to enjoy an afternoon of fun at Longwoods.
Expect something for everyone in the family and crafts for all ages. You can even try a bow drill! Watch the winter birds from inside or walk a trail. Then warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
For last-minute updates check their Facebook page or call on Sunday mornings 519-264-2420 to check their answering message for conditions.
Storybook Gardens
11. Program: Family Day at Storybook Gardens
When: Feb. 17, 2020; 10am to 5pm
COST: $13/family of 4; $4.50/Adult; $3.50/child. The wagon ride is available at $6 additional cost
FREE entrance for Annual Pass Holders and 24-months and under
This is one of my favourite family places to go to. On this day, visitors can have a family pancake breakfast at the Gardens, it is served at 11am-2pm. Enjoy skating together at the outdoor setting with skate rentals only $6.50. Meanwhile skate aids, wheelchairs and sledge free are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is important to note that children 5 years and under require a CSA approved helmet for skating.
Should you want to experience the horse-drawn wagon ride around the park, it is available for an additional fee of $6.
Kidscape
12. Program: Family Day
When: February 17, 2020, 10am – 5pm
Cost: $7/child
FREE for adults and infant (under 1-year-old).
Kidscape is an indoor place that I believe is ideal for children 10 and under, where parents can relax while letting their kids have fun. For Family Day, there will be Free concert by The Thinking Caps where they will delight the visitors with their performances at three different times – 12pm, 12:50pm and 1:40pm. Virtual Reality demos from VRCADIA will also be available with admission.
If you want a chill ambiance for your little ones, this could be the place for them.
Other activities happening this weekend:
London Muslim Mosque
13. Program: 3rd Annual Youth Conference
When: Feb. 15 – 16, 2020; 9am – 4:30pm
Cost: FREE
This free event is open to youth age 13+ and presented by the London Muslim Mosque. It is the 3rd Annual Youth Conference with a theme: Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders! This event presents a great opportunity for youth to listen to notable keynote speakers, engage in learning opportunities, gain leadership skills, learn about community resources, prepare for employment and much more.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Although the registration deadline is January 15th, 2020, don’t hesitate to check them out on the day, just in case, some registrants didn’t show up.
These look like such great ideas for families at such amazing prices!! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, I’m glad you liked it.