Calgary 
Family Day weekend in Alberta is a busy one this year! Around the province are winter festivals, carnivals, and Family Day activities for all ages, with some events taking place over the entire weekend – February 13 to 16, 2026.
Credit: Chinook Blast
You can find something, or several things, for you in your family no matter where you are in Alberta. The larger centres, like Calgary, Edmonton, and Medicine Hat, all have a few weekend festivals to check out, while smaller Alberta towns and cities are also set to host some fun events. Many include an option between indoor and outdoor events with many of these including skating, snowshoeing, bonding by bonfires, and sleigh or wagon rides.
Make the most of your Family Day staycation this year with the ideas and inspirations below.
- Family Day Calgary: Events, Festivals and Calgary
- Family Day Edmonton Area: Events, Festivals & Activities
1. Family Fishing Weekends Alberta
Go ice fishing this weekend. During Alberta’s twice-yearly Family Fishing Weekends, no fishing licence is required. Albertans and visitors are invited to give fishing a try on waterbodies with open fishing seasons (not in national parks). Keep in mind that fishing regulations still apply.
Special Events During Family Fishing Weekends:
- Kids Can Katch – Free fishing for kids. Volunteers are on-hand to help teach new anglers the proper ways to bait a hook, where to drop a line, and what to do once a fish has been caught:
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- Wabamun Lake – Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Athabasca – Steele (Cross) Lake — Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Okotoks – Chain Lakes Provincial Park — February 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Pigeon Lake – Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Onoway – Devil’s Lake (Matchayaw Lake) on Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Lake Newell Resort – Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 10 a.m – 2 p.m.
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2. Free Admission – Alberta Provincial Museums & Historic Sites
Enjoy free admission at Alberta museums and historic sites on Family Day. You have quite a few options to choose from: Oil Sands Discovery Centre in Fort McMurray to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
3. Alberta Winter Games
Cheer Alberta’s athletes as they shine on the ice, snow, and track. Over 2,400 athletes and coaches will compete across M.D. of Bonnyville, the town of Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and the village of Glendon.
Where: Various Venues, Lakeland Region
When: February 13-16, 2026
How much: Free
4. Grande Prairie Family Day
The City of Grande Prairie, with New Horizon Co-op, invites the community to enjoy free Family Day activities. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m., families are invited to Eastlink Centre and Design Works Centre for activities for all ages. Enjoy free public swimming, a Wibit inflatable obstacle course, games, inflatables, eSports, crafts, treat decorating, and a quiet craft corner, plus free drop-in skating with complimentary skate rentals while supplies last.
Details
Where: Eastlink Centre and Design Works Centre, Grande Prairie
When: Sunday, February 15 | 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free
Winter Fun:
- 20 Outdoor Winter Adventures in and Around Grande Prairie
- Things to Do During Winter in Grande Prairie
5. Family Day Weekend at Vista Ridge
Bring the whole family out for an adventure-filled afternoon of skiing, snowboarding, learning through lessons, or downhill snowtubing. Details
When: February 13-16, 2026
Where: Vista Ridge Ski Area – 1 Spruce Valley Drive, Fort McMurray
How much: Varies
6. St. Paul Shiver Fest
Shiver Fest returns to St. Paul from February 11–16, 2026, with free, family-friendly activities all week. Enjoy dinners, skating, swimming, movies, dances, crafts, cultural events, winter sports, tobogganing, outdoor rinks, and more at venues across town. Celebrate winter, community, and family fun for all ages throughout the weekend and beyond. Details
10 Things to Do on Your Trip to St. Paul, Alberta
When: February 11 to 16, 2026
Where: various locations around St. Paul
How much: free
7. Myrnam Antique snowmobile show and shine
The Myrnam River Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club is hosting an Antique Snowmobile Show & Shine. The event includes registration, a show, lunch, and an optional trail ride. Details
When: February 15, 2026
Where: Myrnam Elks Hall
How much: $5 to $25
8. Winston Churchill Park Winter Fun
Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park on Lac La Biche offers year-round recreation and a scenic winter getaway. Accessed by a short causeway, the park features wildlife viewing, photography, ice fishing with rentals, groomed cross-country ski trails, and extensive snowshoeing routes. Cozy comfort camping cabins are available, with the town of Lac La Biche nearby for dining and accommodations.
9. Lloydminster Winterfest
As a Family Day tradition, Winterfest is hosted annually at multiple City of Lloydminster facilities, bringing the community together for active, family-friendly fun. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Servus Sports Centre, enjoy skating, shinny, family puck and stick, bounce units, laser tag, carnival games, live music, crafts, photo booth, sparkle tattoos, refreshments, and more—offering entertainment for all ages indoors and outdoors. Details
When: Monday, February 16, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Various Venues, Lloydminster
How much: free
10. Metis Crossing Family Day Weekend
Metis Crossing is an exciting place to visit with your family at any time of year, and this winter, they added a few new outdoor activities. Enjoy Family Day weekend at Métis Crossing with a range of activities for all. Experience puppet shows, tobogganing, skiing, snowshoeing, fireside stories, and traditional games. Details
When: February 14 to 16, 2026
Where: 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake
How much: Regular Admission
11. Mundare Family Day
Your family can take advantage of free outdoor fun with Mundare’s Family Day festivities in the town’s Victory Park. Sit fireside with hot chocolate and hot dogs after a day of snowshoeing and socializing around the park. Details
When: February 16, 2026
Where: Victory Park, Mundare
How much: free
12. Redwater Family Day of Fun!
Pembina Place is hosting family-friendly activities throughout the holiday Monday this year in Redwater. Enjoy free skating, hot dogs, popcorn, face painting, balloon twisting, giant games, and inflatables. The concession stand will be open for extra treats. Everyone is welcome! Please bring a food donation for the local food bank to support the community. Details
When: February 16, 2026 | 12 PM to 3 PM
Where: Pembina Place – 4944 53 St, Redwater
How much: free
13. Smoky Lake Family Day Event
Join the Smoky Lake Family Day celebration at the National Hall for a fun-filled, free event the whole family will enjoy. Take part in crafts, games, face painting, and food, and catch The Joe Show from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Keep the fun going with free skating at the Complex, and celebrate Family Day with laughter, activities, and great memories together.
When: February 16, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Where: National Hall, 107 Willow Creek St
How much: free
14. Whitecourt Family Day Winter Carnival
TheWinter Carnival in Whitecourt is conveniently placed over the Family Day long weekend. Bring the whole family out for exciting activities, including an ice slide, skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, family games, hot dogs, bannock, hot chocolate, and the kickoff to the Winter Trail Mix Challenge! On Monday, enjoy free public skating and a free family movie at Vista Theatre. Details
When: February 14 & 16, 2026
Where: Throughout Whitecourt
How much: free
15. Pigeon Lake Skateway
Weather Dependent. The Pigeon Lake area, including the village, the ice, and the Provincial Park, offer visitors a ton in terms of winter recreation. Pigeon Lake has something new and quite large to offer winter adventurers. The Grand View and Poplar Bay Pigeon Lake Skateway is now open on the south side of the lake. Details
16. Slave Lake Frost Fest
While Frost Fest begins February 7, there are still several activities which take the Slave Lake event into the Family Day weekend. Frost Fest heats up with the return of the Kodiaks as they face the Fire Department on Sunday, February 15, in their first matchup in eight years. Wrap up Frost Fest on Family Day with Frolic in the Park, skating, sledding, firepits, hot chocolate, and a snowman-building contest at Hilda Eben Park. Details
Where: various locations, Slave Lake
When: February 7 to 16, 2026
How much: Free
17. Winter Magic Festival
Where: various locations, Hinton
When: February 6-23, 2026
How much: Free /Ticketed
18. Silver Skate Festival
Silver Skate at Hawrelak Park is an Edmonton winter tradition, encouraging the city to get out in the snow and on the ice. This includes sports and recreation, using winter to create and display art, the best of northern food, and showcasing local talent. Through Silver Skate alone, you can get a feel for Edmonton’s traditional artists, theatre groups, musical acts, sculptors, crafters, and more. Details
When: February 6 to 16, 2026
Where: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, 13221 Buena Vista Road, Edmonton
How much: free
World’s Longest Hockey Game
This extraordinary event features 40 hockey players playing an 11-day hockey game to raise $1 million and help fund the purchase and installation of life-saving immunotherapy equipment at the Cross Cancer Institute in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. It is a family-friendly event, and spectators are welcome to come and watch anytime, day or night. Details
When: February 5-16, 2026
Where: Saikers Acres, 52269 Range Rd 220, Sherwood Park
How much: Free
19. Leduc Family Day Weekend
Enjoy family games and activities, skating, and more for all ages. Highlights include cornhole, a giant Lite-Brite, photo booth, roaming performers, an inflatable obstacle course, and free public skating in the afternoon and evening.
When: Monday, February 16, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Leduc Recreation Centre, 4330 Black Gold Dr, Leduc
How much: Free
20. Carnaval de St. Isidore
Enjoy the annual Carnaval de St-Isidore. Since 1982, this annual celebration gives people a taste of the vibrant francophone culture of Northern Alberta. Details
When: February 13 to 15, 2026
Where: Various Venues, St Isidore
How much: $15 to $30
21. Fire & Ice Festival
Stop by for all kinds of activities including a firefighter obstacle course, a petting zoo, pond hockey, and more! Details
When: February 16, 2026
Where: Lacombe Lake Dog Park, McKenney Avenue, St. Albert
How much: free
22. Beaumont Family Day
Beaumont’s annual Family Day celebration offers a variety of free activities for all ages, including stage performances, crafts, and games. Details
When: February 16, 2026
Where: Beaumont Community Centre, 5204 50 Ave, Beaumont
How much: free
23. Vegreville Family Day
The Vegreville Family Day features a pancake breakfast, an entertainment stage, photo booth, story time, hay rides, and food bank donations. Activities include a free family fun zone, swim, skate, dance party, and glow bowling. Details
When: February 16, 2026
Where: Vegreville Social Centre, Vegreville
How much: free
24. Red Deer Family Day Snow Fest
Enjoy memorable Family Day winter adventure in Waskasoo Park. Visit three exciting locations where families can cross-country ski, ice skate, or snowshoe while enjoying hands-on educational activities in nature. Each activity earns an entry toward a grand prize, with up to three chances to win by visiting all sites. Bundle up and enjoy a day of outdoor fun, learning, and winter magic together. Details
When: February 16, 2026 | 1 PM to 4 PM
Where: Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Bower Ponds, River Bend, Red Deer
How much: Free
25. Sylvan Lake Ice Dragon Boat Festival
Sylvan Lake makes a great getaway destination for many reasons this winter and is a simple daytrip from Edmonton/Calgary and all the places in between. The lake is open for skating and ice fishing.
The Ice Dragon portion of the festival is cancelled due to warm weather. Enjoy a festive winter weekend with horse and wagon rides along Festival Street and the lively spectacle of Chinese Lion and Dragon Dancers on Saturday. Sunday features hands-on ice carving with Lil Chippers, live carving demonstrations, and a dazzling fireworks show over the ice to close the celebration.
When: February 14 – 15, 2026
Where: Sylvan Lake
How much: free
26. Crimson Lake Winterfest
Credit: Rocky Winterfest & Freezin For a Reason
Celebrate Family Day at the Crimson Lake Winterfest, hosted by local organizations and Alberta Parks. Enjoy a day of free outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, carnival games, sleigh rides, and skating. The Winterfest promises a variety of events like ice fishing, chainsaw carving, hockey, and even a pet adoption event. Expect bonfires, delicious food, and cross-country skiing, all part of this community-driven, memory-making festival at Rocky Mountain House. Details
Where: Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Rocky’s Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Bear Dip on February 14, 2026; Dip at 1 pm
Where: Crimson Lake Provincial Park, Rocky Mountain House
How much: free
27. Blackfalds Winterfest
Celebrate Winterfest with a day of family fun! Enjoy Free Family Skate presented by Blackfalds Smiles, Fire Department BBQ, bingo, a movie, and more. Then cap off the day by skating with the Blackfalds Bulldogs.
Details
Where: Monday, February 16, 2026 | 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: Eagle Builders Centre, Blackfalds
How much: free
28. Fireworks at the Three Hills Campground
If you are in the central-east area of Alberta for Family Day, you can celebrate mid-weekend with big fireworks display in Three Hills. The Campground is allowing you to park and enjoy the light show for free with the whole family, and snack on the free hotdogs! Details
When: February 14, 2026 | 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Where: Three Hills Campground – 1401 2nd Street NE, Three Hills,
How much: free
29. Sundre Winterfest
This is your chance to explore the best of Sundre in Winter! Explore Sundre and discover loads of free family activities around town. Walk through Greenwood Park and Campground to discover ice sculptures, take a free wagon ride, visit the museum for free, or go tobogganing at Snake Hill. Details
When: February 16, 2026
Where: Various Venues, Sundre
How much: free
30. Ice Bubbles of Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake offers a unique winter spectacle with its famous ice bubbles, created by methane freezing before the lake does. Visitors can explore these natural phenomena for free from roadside lots along Hwy. 93, skate on the lake, or opt for a more immersive experience with guided tours from Nordegg Adventures or Rockies Heli Canada, including half-day, full-day, hikes, snowshoeing, photo tours, and helicopter views.! Details
31. Cabin Fever
Embrace the chill on the toboggan hill or face off on the ODR before you sip a cup of sweet cocoa by the bonfire as you beat the end of winter blues at Cabin Fever, Airdrie’s new winter festival! Details
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 1-4 p.m
Where: Nose Creek Regional Park, 1691 Main St S, Airdrie
How much: Mostly free
32. Nightrise
This unique winter activity merges multimedia, storytelling and nature for a new and inspiring perspective at such an iconic Banff location. Created by Montreal’s Moment Factory with the participation of the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Nightrise brings the nighttime silence and wonder of the Canadian Rockies to life in unforgettable ways. Details
When: until March 29, 2026
Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff Gondola, Banff
How much: Regular Admission
33. Winter Fun in Banff
Winter in Banff is known for its 3 big ski resorts: Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise. While skiing may be why most people head to Banff National Park in the winter, there’s so much more to do than just that. From sleigh rides to ice skating and museum hopping, you’re sure to find ideas for this family day weekend getaway.
34. Guided Ice-walk Tours
Experience seldom-seen Rocky Mountain winterscapes through a guided ice-walk tour. The scenery is worth the trip alone, but with the ice walks, you get to be part of the scenery as you’re taken to forested locations or frozen waterfalls. It is highly recommended you bring warm and waterproof footwear, snow/ski pants, and all your other layers of warmth. Places to Go For Ice Walk Tours in Alberta’s Rockies
35. Fat-biking
To take a bicycle through the snow and ice, your tires need to be fat, and they need to have grip. You need a fat tire bike. If you’re just looking to get into the sport, or try fat biking for the first time, you can pick from a few guided tours, where the pros can show you how its done.
Kananaskis Country is a popular fat biking destination, and there are places you can rent from nearby in Calgary. Canmore is just as popular, with Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park currently offering five groomed fat bike trails in good condition.
36. The Wildlife Festival
See a sloth! Hug a boa constrictor. Pet a Wallaroo! See the worlds largest porcupine! All this and more at the Wildlife Festival. Details
When: February 13 to 16, 2026
Where: Nutrien Event’s Centre Stampede Grounds, 1800 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary
How much:$17.9 – $30
37. Chinook Blast
Chinook Blast will be heating up our city with a celebration of community, culture, and civic pride. The best of Calgary’s art, music, theatre, sport and recreation will be on display. Details
When: Until February 16, 2026
Where: Various Venues, Calgary
How much: Free
38. Calgary Chinese New Year Festival
Immerse yourself in a weekend of multicultural performances, a vibrant vendor market, dragon and lion dances, art exhibitions, and more—all with free admission for the entire community. Details
When: February 14 & 15, 2026
Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 1st ST SW, Calgary
How much: Free
39. Hot Chocolate Festivals
Over the month of February, the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, hosted by Meals on Wheels, creates a tasty way to support local. $1 from every non-spirited hot chocolate/$2 from every spirited drink will go to Calgary Meals on Wheels. Download the official YYC Hot Chocolate Fest app (Apple and Google Play stores) and choose from their list of cafes from which to taste your cocoa. Give the hot chocolate your official rating and stay tuned for the winners!
40. Nika Yuko Japanese Gardens
You can still purchase tickets for the Gardens’ Winter Light Festival. Tickets are available for the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the long weekend, and grant you access to the serene gardens and pathways at night. You can explore under a blanket of soft lights and quiet and enhance your visit with a food and drink package. Details
When: Until February 28, 2026
Where: 9th Avenue South and Mayor Magrath Drive in Lethbridge
How much: $15 to $17+fees
41. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding in Southern Alberta
You need not travel far for skiing and and snowboarding in the region of Southern Alberta. There are three popular and highly-reviewed resorts in the area, all of which provide their own scenery and features: Castle Mountain in Pincher Creek is in the southern Rockies near the BC border; Hidden Valley Ski Resort is in the hills of south eastern Alberta; and the Pass Powderkeg is in the foothills near Crowsnest Pass.
42. Winter Activities in Crowsnest Pass
The Crowsnest Pass in southern Alberta offers year-round adventure, with a landscape perfect for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and photography. In winter, it transforms into a snow-covered paradise, providing numerous opportunities for exploration and adventure for all ages and thrill levels. Visit during Family Day weekend for a memorable experience.
43. Family Day in Medicine Hat
Join the Annual Family Day Celebration at Police Point Park, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat. Enjoy a free scavenger hunt, build a wildlife kit, and learn from interpreters throughout the park. Complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, and hot dog roasting are available. Details
When: February 16, 2026 | 11 AM to 4 PM
Where: Police Point Park, Medicine Hat
How much: free
44. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
During Family Day weekend, explore Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, located along the Milk River. Renowned for its serene winter escape, the park offers self-guided exploration among coulees and hoodoos. A National Historic and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is celebrated for ancient rock art significant to the Blackfoot and other Indigenous cultures.
45. Explore Cypress Hills Provincial Park
The southeast corner of Alberta (and the southwest corner of Saskatchewan) is the home of Cypress Hills, an expansive Provincial Park filled with trees, hills and badlands. There is a ton of winter fun you can enjoy here, like snowshoeing, and fat tire biking, and there are groomed trails for cross-country skiing.
46. Winter in Waterton Lakes National Park
Phenomenal vistas, adventures, animals and experiences await you here. Step away from the busy places and head south to find some peace and quiet amidst the sparkling, snow-covered scenery of Waterton.
47. Visit Alberta Provincial Parks
Never mind heading south. Who needs a tropical vacation when you live in a winter paradise? Don’t miss your chance to explore some of Alberta’s parks this Family Day Weekend.
Winter Adventures in Alberta Parks For An Exciting Day Out
48. Bucket List Winter Adventures in Alberta
This Family Day weekend, embark on new winter adventures across Alberta. From ice skating on picturesque frozen lakes to unique experiences like dog sledding or snowshoeing, ice walks, and frozen waterfalls, there’s something for everyone. Discover 17 bucket list winter activities to make your Alberta visit unforgettable.
49. Visit Alberta’s Small Towns
This Family Day weekend, explore Alberta’s towns beyond mere recognition. Whether previously visited during road trips, work travels, or never at all, winter offers a unique opportunity to delve into their food scene, culture, shopping, and recreational activities. With a slower pace and fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time to truly acquaint yourself with these locales.
Bucket List Winter Adventures in Alberta
