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Family Day Weekend in Peterborough is an exciting time for families to create lasting memories together. So why not celebrate all month! From outdoor adventures to indoor activities, there's plenty of opportunities for adventure and fun for families of all sizes in Peterborough and the surrounding areas throughout the month of February. Here are some of our top family-friendly recommendations for you to explore.
Winterfest 2023
Get ready for Winterfest 2023! This exciting event is the perfect way to celebrate winter in Peterborough with a mix of virtual and in-person activities. Not only will you and your family have a blast, but you'll also be supporting the Five Counties Children’s Centre, which helps over 6,000 children and families in the Peterborough area.
From February 1st to 28th, you can participate in a range of virtual events like workout sessions with the Peterborough Petes, a winter scavenger hunt, baking demos, and more.
On Family Day weekend, don't miss out on the family-friendly activities taking place in person at Lansdowne Place Mall on February 18th and at Lindsay Square Mall on February 19th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm both days.
Make sure to also check out the first-ever "Thank You Card Contest" for kids, giving them the chance to show their appreciation for Five Counties supporters. The winning artwork will be featured on Five Counties thank you cards!
Visit the Winterfest Website (click here) for more details and join the fun while supporting a great cause!
PolarFest 2023
PolarFest is back for a winter extravaganza in the Township of Selwyn! This event is perfect for families looking for fun, exciting and unforgettable experiences during the winter season. Kicking off on February 3rd at 6:30pm at Chemong Lodge with a spectacular opening ceremony complete with fireworks and a roaring bonfire, the event promises to be a memorable start to your PolarFest experience.
There's something for everyone to enjoy at PolarFest, from the Snowman Building Challenge that lets you showcase your creative skills, to the beautiful ice carvings and the 3rd Annual Hot Chocolate Festival that features delicious hot chocolate from participating restaurants in Lakefield (don’t forget to vote for your favourite). Warm up indoors with a cozy Polar Bear Scavenger Hunt at the Bridgenorth Library or build your family out of blocks at the Selwyn Library.
For the more adventurous members of your family, consider taking part in the 43rd BEL Rotary Polar Plunge, where the 2023 theme is “be a rockstar to the charity of your choice”! Participants must be at least 12 years old, with those between 12-16 accompanied by an adult.
With a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, PolarFest is guaranteed to provide a fun-filled and unforgettable experience for the whole family. Visit the PolarFest Website (click here) for all the details.
Skating on the Canal
Skating under the Peterborough Lift Lock is a must-visit winter experience for families in Peterborough. With its breathtaking views of the world-famous lock, gliding on the frozen water of the canal is a quintessential Canadian activity that offers a fun and memorable experience for all ages. Whether you’re skating with your kids, friends, or a significant other, this ice-skating spot offers something for everyone. Just be sure to check the safety flag status before heading out, as the City of Peterborough maintains the ice surface and only allows skating when conditions are safe. A green flag indicates skating is permitted, while a red flag indicates it's not.
Experience the Thrill of Top Speeds at the Ontario Speed Skating Oval
Photo Credit: Ontario Speed Skating Oval
Get your winter sport fix at the Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield. With a 400-metre track that caters to both recreational and speed skaters, this outdoor oval is the perfect destination for families seeking thrills and excitement. Enjoy free public skating sessions, club practices, and special events throughout the month including the enchanting Candlelight Skate on February 3rd and 4th, where hundreds of lights illuminate the oval and make your skate an unforgettable experience. Speed skates are available for rent and remember to bring a flashlight to guide your way from the parking lot. Book your timeslot today on the Ontario Speed Skating Oval website (click here). Whether you're a beginner or an experienced speed skater, the Ontario Speed Skating Oval is a must-visit for all winter sports enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this magical and thrilling opportunity!
Winter Fun at Kawartha Nordic Ski Club
Get ready for a family-friendly winter adventure at Kawartha Nordic Ski Club! With ski trails for all levels, from 1km to 30km, this is the perfect spot for Nordic skiing. Skate and classic country trails are well-groomed, and a warm chalet awaits you for rest and warmth. Join the fun on February 3rd, as the club celebrates the full Snow Moon with a ski after sunset and an evening of music in the Woodfine Lodge. Guided tours start at 6:00pm, and entertainment in the Chalet begins at 7:00pm. Don't forget to dress warmly, bring snacks, beverages (hot chocolate is a must!) and a headlamp. Besides Nordic skiing, the club offers snowshoeing, horseback riding, bird watching, and hiking on trails, including the Trans Canada Trail. Make lasting winter memories with your loved ones at Kawartha Nordic Ski Club this Family Day weekend.
With all these amazing activities and more, Peterborough is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored by you and your family this February. With an abundance of outdoor and indoor activities for families, it's the perfect destination for making unforgettable memories. Create your own adventure headquarters and embrace the beauty of winter in Peterborough's premier community, Nature’s Edge.
