Free Family Day events in Greater Victoria

Photo: Shutterstock

The first long weekend of the year is almost upon us, and there’s no shortage of activities to fill that extra time off.

This year, the Family Day weekend overlaps with Valentine's Day, making it an extra-special occasion to share quality time with the people you love most.

Events kick off on Friday, with plenty of fun to be had through to Monday. Check out the new winter arts festival happening downtown, or bring the whole family out for a day of skating, swimming, or yoga. Get your kids learning how to code or discover new art techniques.

Below we’ve rounded up some fun things—and almost all are free—to do with your family.

Victoria at Dusk | Downtown Victoria | Feb 13-15

This free, multi-night event will guide visitors along a walkable route with light-based installations, performance art, storytelling, and creative cultural expression. This self-guided tour will take you to Ship Point, Bastion Square, Government Street, the Victoria Conference Centre, and the Royal BC Museum. 5-9pm.

Kids Splash | YMCA Westhills | Feb. 13

Bring the kiddos to this free swim where they can play on the lazy river and enjoy waterslides. 10-11:30am. ‍

Free Family Yoga | YMCA Westhills | Feb. 13

Stretch and move with your loved ones at this class, accessible to all skill levels. 6:30-7:20pm.

Free Fun Swim | Westshore Parks & Rec | Feb. 14

Make a splash with the whole family at this free family swim. 1:30-4pm.

Free Love to Play Day | Centennial Park | Feb. 14

Celebrate the weekend of family and love in the new Centennial Park Sport Box. The event will feature a giant inflatable obstacle course, crafts, face painting, sports samplers and more. 10am-12pm.

Family Coding Workshop | Code Ninjas Westshore | Feb. 14 & 15

Transform your child’s love for technology with free family coding classes, empowering kids to gain valuable tech skills! Make sure to register ahead of time. Saturday 3:15-4:15pm; Sunday 2:15-3:15pm.

Family Swim | YMCA Westhills | Feb. 15

Bring the whole family to dive into this free swim and explore the different features of the pool. 12-3pm.

Family Ice Skating | Westhills Arena | Feb. 15

Enjoy free skating for the whole family, with complimentary skate rentals—no need to bring your own. 3-4:30pm.

Family Sunday | Art Gallery of Greater Victoria | Feb. 15

Discover the etchings and woodcuts of Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, learn how to make your own monogram, and sketch a scene from a fairy tale, employing Dürer’s technique. There will be Valentine’s cookies available to decorate for loved ones. 2-4pm.

Family Arts Festival | Cedar Hill Rec Centre | Feb. 16

Kids of all ages can explore different free art activities and enjoy live performances. Hot food and snacks will be available for purchase. 11am-3pm.

Family Day Celebration | Crystal Pool | Feb. 16

Bring your family and friends to make memories at the pool. Entrance is free or by donation, and there will be free snacks, crafts, and more! Lanes and family swim: 10am-1pm; Fun swim with the waterslide and water features running: 1-4pm.

Parent and Tots Dance Class | Elevate Dance | Feb. 16

Get your little ones grooving—this free class is ideal for kids aged 1-5, accompanied by a caretaker. 9-9:45am & 10-10:45am.

Family Fun House | Community Urban Bazaar (650 Yates) | Feb. 16

Join this family-friendly dance party, featuring five DJs, face painting, balloon animals, and light refreshments. Pay-what-you-can entrance fee. 11am-3pm.

Esquimalt Family Day | Esquimalt Rec Centre | Feb. 16

Bring your kids for a swim or skate, or check out the bouncy castle, kindergym, face painting, crafts, and more. All activities are free for the day. 10am-1pm.

Family Day at the Imax | Royal BC Museum | Feb. 16 ‍

Visitors are invited to explore the museum’s core galleries and feature exhibitions, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the magic of IMAX. The museum will be open by donation, and IMAX® Victoria tickets will be $5 all day. 10am-5pm.

Family Day Lecture | Bay Villa Historic House Museum | Feb. 19

‍ Join award-winning UVic assistant teaching prof. Georgia Sitara for a whirlwind tour of pivotal moments in the last 150 years of Canadian history as they changed the lives of the young. ($10) 7:30-9pm.