Diversity, inclusion, celebration, love – these are the elements that define our communities and neighbourhoods. They make our cities vibrant and beautiful. They provide strength to us all, no matter our age, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.
This Family Day, however you define your family, you too can be a champion of inclusiveness and love! Why not get out and explore our diverse community with your family and friends?
Here are seven diverse activities for you and your family to try, no matter what corner of the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley you call home.
Light up the night
On Monday, February 12th, stop by the ACTS Art Centre in Maple Ridge for free lantern-making workshops and craft programs. Put on by the Maple Ridge Festival of Light Society, this event aims to celebrate art, culture and diversity within the Maple Ridge community.
Learn about Islam
If you’re going to be in Abbotsford this weekend, you are invited to attend the Abbotsford Islamic Center’s Open Mosque Day on Saturday, February 10th. Meet new friends, sample delicious snacks and experience henna tattooing. On-site volunteers will help you with a tour of the Mosque and educational displays. You can also witness congregational prayers between 12.30 – 1.00 pm.
Ride the rails
The Port Moody Station Museum invites individuals of all ages to a ‘Working on the Railroad’ Family Day event on Monday, February 12th. Feeling crafty? Make your own conductor hat! Feeling strong? Flex your muscles by hammering your name into the train tracks. Feeling united? Work as a team in a spike hammering activity.
Photo credit: https://hiveminer.com/
Attendees can also travel back in time by climbing aboard a 1921 train car while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate – the perfect treat after all of your hard work!
Think outside of the box
Richmond’s annual Children’s Arts Festival is taking place on Monday, February 12th. Dance the day away, enjoy live music or sign up for a family creativity class. Take your time exploring the Festival’s ‘Imagination Stations’ and many performances across the following areas and themes: The Imagination Playground, Once Upon a Time, Sonic Garden and Art Alley.
Like Willy Wonka said: “There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination.”
Science on the road
This year, New Westminster plays host to the Lower Mainland’s largest free Family Day event. On Monday, February 12th, all parks and recreation facilities – including the Anvil Centre, Fraser River Discovery Centre and River Market – are available at no cost. Head down to the Anvil Centre to check out “Science World on the Road”, Ishdafish, Nintendo games, photo booth fun, live entertainment, crafts and more.
Icing on the cake
City of Surrey arenas will be hosting fun and free skates from February 9th to February 12th for the Family Day weekend. Skate rentals and helmets are also no cost.
Photo credit: vancouversun.com
On Monday, February 12th White Rock families can also enjoy a trip around the rink with free public skating, skate rentals and snacks at Centennial Arena. If you’re in Vancouver, grab your skates and head to Britannia Ice Rink for free ice skating between 1:00 – 3:00 pm, while North Vancouver residents are invited to lace up at Harry Jerome Recreation Centre and Karen Magnussen Community Centre.
It takes a village
Take part in special activities for young children at the Burnaby Heritage Museum, including storytelling, heritage games and unlimited carousel rides from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on Monday, February 12th.
No matter what you get up to this weekend, we wish you a safe and fun weekend with your family and loved ones!
Looking for other ways to celebrate the space you call home? Here are more ways to get active in your community.
Topics : Building strong communities, Local love
