Family Day is on Monday, Feb. 17, and Vancouver has a slate of events for local residents to explore.
B.C. was the fourth province to proclaim the third Monday in February each year to be Family Day, following Alberta (1990), Saskatchewan (2007) and Ontario (2008).
The provincially established holiday was meant to help families reconnect and spend quality time together.
Local families can enjoy that extra time together with a stroll through the Vancouver Art Gallery and Maritime Museum or enjoy a good laugh with comedians at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Here are some things to do in Vancouver over the 2025 Family Day long weekend.
VCT presents Family Day Weekend
Residents will celebrate the joy of laughter at the Family Comedy Stage this Saturday, Feb. 15, hosted by Just for Laughs VANCOUVER and Vancouver Public Library.
The free family-friendly event will join comedy stars Kevin Banner and Christine Bortolin on the main stage, as well as a Joke Factory creation station for kids to make their own comic strips, joke books and buttons.
There will also be a hot chocolate station and a tour of Vancouver Civic Theatres' Virtual Arts Space.
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre - 630 Hamilton St
Cost: Free. Get tickets.
The Big Bang Festival
The Roundhouse is hosting The Big Bang Festival this weekend with free interactive family-friendly activities for kids aged five years and older.
Showcasing the "rich and diverse cultural tapestry of ther city," BIG BANG has three music rooms where families can discover new sounds, as well as vocal performances by Belgian vocalist Naomi Beeldens, virtuoso santur player Saina Khaledi and the Qing Ensemble.
Booths will also be set up for face-painting, temporary tattoos and a bouncy castle.
When: Sunday, Feb. 16, starting at noon. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Where: The Roundhouse - 181 Roundhouse Mews
Cost: Entry is free. Musical Journey tickets for $15 and the Qing Ensemble Music Room for $5. Buy tickets.
Vancouver Maritime Museum presents Family Day 2025
Families can immerse themselves in the rich history of maritime Vancouver, witness captivating exhibits about deep sea exploration, and check out storytime sessions.
Heritage Harbour, including the Blue Cabin, Oarlock and the Sail Wooden Boat Club, will be open and free for the public — and the Coast Guard ships will be docked right at the Harbour. The museum said there will be something fun and engaging for everyone that attends.
Triple O's and Tacofino food trucks will be in the parking lot at the Maritime Museum.
When: Monday, Feb. 17, all-day starting at 10 a.m.
Where: Vancouver Maritime Museum - 1905 Ogden Ave
Cost: Free for children ages 18 and under. Children younger than 12 years must be accompanied by an adult
Family Day at Museum of Vancouver
Families can enjoy local Vancouver stories and the city's unique history with several featured exhibitions on display at the Museum of Vancouver on Monday, Feb. 17.
3 Crows Productions is also hosting a storytelling performance in the museum's Joyce Walley Room called Raven. Participants will experience the tale of how Raven stole the Sun through "lighthearted humour.
When: Monday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Museum of Vancouver - 1100 Chestnut St
Cost: By donation. $10 advanced registration required for Raven.
Family Day at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Storytelling and "time travelling" are on the agenda for Family Day at Vancouver Art Gallery this year.
This includes guided tours and art and movement workshops, in collaboration with Petit Architect and inspired by current exhibitions Firelei Báez; Shelley Niro: 500 Year Itch; and Emily Carr: Navigating an Impenetrable Landscape.
When: Monday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery - 750 Hornby St
Cost: Free (Full activities schedule).
