“Skating at Robson Square” by Steve Tannock licensed under CC BY 2.0

Post by Helena Zhu, Women Students Program Assistant at Access & Diversity

After powering through January, we finally get a break in February on Family Day, Monday, Feb. 9! Vancouver has plenty of low-cost and free activities to keep both you and your little one(s) active and bonding.

Robson Square Ice Rink
Situated in the heart of downtown, Robson Square Ice Rink offers free skating, skate rentals, and music for the whole family. The rink is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with free hot chocolate from noon to 4 p.m. You can get to Robson Square by busses 14 and 4 from UBC, getting off at Robson St.

UBC Aquatic Centre
UBC Aquatic Centre is open on Family Day with obstacle inflatables set up in the deep end, and two headed dragon set up in the shallow end from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The pool is free to UBC students and $2 for others during the period.

Kerrisdale: Skate for Half Price
Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena (5670 East Boulevard) is offering half-price skating on Family Day from 4:15-5:30 p.m. Family rates with discount would come to $1.45 per person. Skate rental costs $2.86. Those part of the Leisure Access Program, which low-income Vancouver residents can apply for, can swim, skate, and rent for free at the Kerrisdale Community Centre. For more information, please call (604) 257-8121.

Kitsilano: Family Day Festivities
Drop by the Kitsilano Community Centre at 2690 Larch Street between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Family Day for free family-friendly activities and entertainment. For more details, please reach the community centre at (604) 257-6980.

West Point Grey: Free Zumba, Arts and Crafts, Bouncy Castle
At the West Point Grey Community Centre (4397 West 2nd Ave.), families can enjoy free activities from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The day will start with zumba for all ages from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by the main celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Parents and children can enjoy arts and crafts, playtime, and a bouncy castle.