What to do Over the 2018 Family Day Long Weekend

Monday, February 12th is Family Day in BC, which means a long weekend for fun, spending time with loved ones, and – if you’re a student – studying for midterms.  If you’re wondering how to make the most of your time off, here are some activities to try and places to check out at UBC’s Vancouver campus.

Take your family to Kids Takeover UBC

With a packed schedule from 11:00 am to 5:00  pm on February 11th, you (or more accurately, your kids) will be able to choose from activities and performances at the Museum of Anthropology, the Belkin Art Gallery, and more. Look forward to kid-friendly food trucks, photobooths, the Thunderbird marching band, crafts, and prizes! Family pass tickets are still available, which get you access to the entire day of experiences.

Takeover Day, first launched in the UK, is a celebration of children and young people’s contributions to museums, galleries, arts organizations, archives and heritage sites.

 

Swim for free at the UBC Aquatic Centre

The UBC pool is opening its doors wide this weekend with lengthy free swim sessions, open to everyone. Enjoy the pool and all its amenities (including hot tub, sauna, and steam room!) at no charge! You can check out the weekend schedule at the UBC Recreation website.

 

Grab a bite to eat

While you’re on campus, you may want to grab something to eat with your family or friends. Luckily, Open Kitchen, Totem Dining Room, and Gather at Vanier are open all weekend and have a great selection. If you’re looking for more of a bistro-style environment, you can also check out The Point Grill on Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday). Other options include Jugo Juice, Doughgirls, and more in Wesbrook Village, and Rain or Shine, JamJar, JJ Bean, and a few others at the UBC Central building.

 

Check out the Beaty Biodiversity Museum

The Beaty Museum is famous for its blue whale skeleton hanging in its atrium. There are hundreds of specimens to look at and some great exhibits (including Dinosaur Trackways that allow you to walk in the footprints of Dinosaurs!). The museum is closed on Family Day, but will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

 

Explore Pacific Spirit Park with family and friends

Wrapping around the campus, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is marked by paths through beautiful forests, bogs, and beaches. You can choose what you want to see and the length of your adventure by picking the trail that works for you. Finish your day by traveling down the infamous Wreck Beach stairs (Trail 6) – you can even catch the sunset if you time it right.

 


Enjoy the long weekend. Try to find some ways to relax, rejuvenate, and spend time with friends and family.