There’s plenty of opportunities for some family fun during the Family Day long weekend in Central Alberta.
Whether people get out to watch the brave souls raising money for charity by jumping into freezing water at Sylvan Lake and Blackfalds, or skate in Rocky Mountain House, or learn about sculpture in Red Deer — there are plenty of ways to celebrate family.
SATURDAY
Family Fun at the Lake runs from 12 to 3 p.m. on the east side of the pier in Sylvan Lake. Activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, mini golf, fishing and ball toss games with prizes, a hockey shootout, sleigh rides, a barbecue with hot dogs, bonfires with s’more roasting, coffee and hot chocolate. Some activities have a fee or are by donation.
Family Fun begins with Lions Pancake Breakfast at Lions Hall (5119 50A Ave.) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 12, and free for ages five and under.
Chili and a Bun will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 (4916 50th Ave.). Admission is $5. Children get a free hot chocolate.
Frozen Party at Sylvan Lake Municipal Library (4715 50th Ave.) runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Movie start times are 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Crafts and snacks available throughout the party.
The Polar Bear Dip on the west side of the pier happens at 1 p.m.
Winterfest Farmers Market at the Community Centre (4725 43rd St.) runs from 12 to 4 p.m.
Family Day Dance & Social at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 is from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Fireworks from the pier start at 7 p.m.
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The first annual Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Bear Dip in Rocky Mountain House from 1 to 2 p.m. at Crimson Lake Provincial Park to raise money for non-profits in the Rocky area.
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Penhold’s Family Day Weekend Free Public Skate at Penhold Regional Multiplex (1 Waskasoo Ave.) runs from 3 to 5 p.m.
SUNDAY
Penhold Winterfest at Penhold Regional Multiplex (1 Waskasoo Ave.) runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Enjoy bouncy castles, face painting, skating, wagon rides, balloon animals and bonfire, hot chocolate and more. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Party RV will be onsite with virtual reality equipment to fundraise for a skate park.
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Jim Hurley Free Skate sponsored at Blackfalds Multi-Plex Arena (5302 Broadway Ave.) from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Sponsored by Blackfalds Ag Society.
FAMILY DAY
Family Day in Rocky Mountain House at town recreation facilities. Activities include shinny from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., glow in the dark skate from 1 to 4 p.m., length/pre-school swim from 12 to 1 p.m., public swim from 1 to 3:30 pm, and a family field bonspiel from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free to all events.
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Winterfest in Blackfalds at Abbey Centre (450 Womacks Rd.) runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Duel Ice Development Society Pancake Breakfast is from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Community Centre (4810 Womacks Rd).
Servus Kidz Zone runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Abby Centre Field House where there will be a bouncy castle and games. Li’l Chipper Ice Carving Workshops and demonstrations will also be held.
Horse Wagon Rides run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick up and drop off at Abbey Centre drop-off zone.
Ice Slides & Snow Maze runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Abbey Centre Family Day Special runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
Fire Department Barbecue runs from noon to 2 p.m. Donations will go to the Sutherland family fundraiser.
Tim Hortons Hot Chocolate is available from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Minimum donation of $1. Proceeds go to Blackfalds Food Bank.
11th Annual Penguin Dip is at 2:30 p.m. at Abbey Centre. A trophy goes to the dipper in the best costume.
Juiced Audio Free Family Skate Party runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at Multi-Plex Arena (5302 Broadway Ave.)
Blackfalds Youth Crew Family Bingo is on second level in banquet room at Multi-Plex Arena.
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Family Day at NexSource Centre (4823 49th Ave.) in Sylvan Lake runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in activities happen throughout the day. Admission is $2.
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Extreme Sculpture at Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (4525 47A Ave.) runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Activities include a group sculpture, individual projects and a selfie station to be part of a relief sculpture that can be altered. Event admission is free. For more information visit www.reddeermuseum.com or call 403-309-8405.
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Servus Family Fun Day at Alberta Sport Hall of Fame and Museum (Hwy 2 north of 32nd St.) runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Play interactive games, create family-friendly crafts and enjoy hot chocolate. Admission is $5 for adults, free for youth and children (sponsored by Servus Credit Union). For more information visit ashfm.ca or call 403-341-8614.
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Family Day Farmers Market at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (128 Leva Ave.) in Gasoline Alley runs from noon to 5 p.m. Popular local and provincial vendors summer market vendors will be on site. A free mini kids craft station will be set up in the kids area, and giveaways while supplies last. Admission is free.