Family Day Fun! Families that Play Together, Stay Together!
There is so much fun to be had this Family Day long weekend around Muskoka! With attractions and festivals lined up, there will be no shortage of memories being made across our winter wonderland! Get active and get outdoors this Family Day weekend with some real winter fun!
You can book a Guided Group Tour, Family Day Tour, or a Private Tour, all of which provide a unique opportunity to see the Sanctuary’s permanent residents, hear their stories, and learn how to live in harmony with wildlife. At Aspen Valley, you may be able to see animals such as moose, coyotes, bears, and wolf packs among others. However, please note that animals in rehabilitation are not a part of these tours.
If you’re interested in booking a tour, you can email the sanctuary at tours@aspenvalley.org. The Winter Guided Group Tour schedule is as follows:
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Family Day on Monday, February 19 with Guided Group Tours at 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, and 11:30 AM.
Horse Drawn Winter Sleigh Rides
Probably one of our most popular family activities is a horse drawn sleigh or wagon ride through the stunning Muskoka back country. Back of Beyond Equine Centre is a great option for families call ahead to ensure your numbers can be accommodated. Twin Maples Farmoffers wagon rides and carriage rides for up to 16 people at their farm. Book early because these spots will be snatched up soon!
Winter Carnivals
Muskoka’s winter carnivals truly epitomize the charm of our small towns. Gravenhurst Winter Carnival 2024 runs right through Family Day weekend and features family-fun events including kids events, demolition derby, live entertainment and so much more! This year the carnival takes place from Friday, February 15th to Sunday, February 18th.
The Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival is another longstanding tradition, taking place on Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th over the long weekend. Don’t miss the annual Snowball Parade or the Friday night family skating party.
Winter in the Wild Festival at Algonquin Park on Saturday,February 17th. This family-friendly festival celebrates winter in Algonquin Park through indoor and outdoor events held at various locations throughout the Highway 60 Corridor of Algonquin Park, including many at the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Enjoy a guided winter bird walk, snowshoe excursion, Ice skating, campfire, barbecue and so much more!
Ice Fishing
Did you know that the Ontario government designates Family Day Weekend, February 17th to 18th, 2024, as a license-free fishing period to introduce Canadians to the sport? Muskoka Shores Cottages has ice huts for rent on Three Mile Lake.
Light the Night at the Cranberry Skating Trail
Light the Night is a truly magical winter experience. Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery will be lighting up their famous Cranberry Skating Trail with 400+ tiki torches on Saturday of Family Day weekend.
The ice skating trail is open for daytime skating as well, all Family Day weekend. After your skate, relax by a crackling fire while sipping on hot mulled cider or wine.
Zig Zag Escape Rooms
What better way to connect with the people you love, than to lock yourselves in a cabin together? Zig Zag’s escape cabins in Huntsville will give you an unforgettable family experience. Families work together, immersing themselves in the story, solving puzzles, codes, clues and problems to discover hidden secrets. Perfect for ages 10 and up.
Indoor Fun
If you are looking to burn some energy with the little tykes in the warm indoors, plan a visit to the Bracebridge Sportsplexin Bracebridge for swimming, Supervised Play, rock climbing and more. Or KIDZONE at Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst where kids can learn and play in an interactive environment. Both of these child focused play centres offer hours upon hours of fun. Climb Muskoka is a 6,400 sq. ft indoor rock climbing facility. They provide climbers with a full range of bouldering terrain, 33′ route walls with top rope, lead and auto belay stations. Open Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday 12-6pm & Monday 12-10pm.
Memorial Park Winter Village
This wonderful park-like skating trail is located right in the heart of Downtown Bracebridge. The whole family can skate until their heart’s content before walking to one of the nearby shops for a round of hot chocolate. The Old Station Restaurant is just a short walk away, and is home to a great line-up of hot meals, beverages and a comfortable dining area for the whole family. If your kids are able to stay up late, go for a skate at night. The skating trail is open until 9pm and looks magical under the lights.
This is an experience the kids will always remember, and certainly an experience they’ll be excited to share when they return to school. North Ridge Ranch in Huntsville offers dog sledding excursions throughout the long weekend, and there is enough room on the trails for the whole family! Book early, they’ll fill up fast!
Outdoor Ice Skating
There are a few outdoor skating rinks across Muskoka for that quintessential Canadian winter experience. Don’t forget to load your thermos with hot chocolate! Before skating on any outdoor rink, ensure the conditions are safe.
Snowshoeing is an inclusive activity for all ages and skill levels and one of the easiest ways to bring the entire family together!
If you have equipment and all you need are trails, a few of the popular treks in the area include Hardy Lake Provincial Parkis one of the most best local tracks. If you are looking for more challenging trails, venture into world-famous Algonquin Park.
Guided snowshoe tours are a fun experience as well. Let a local expert take you into Muskoka’s wondrous back-country, showing you the ropes and providing your group with interesting knowledge and facts only a local could know.
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area
There is only one place to hit the slopes in Muskoka, and families love it here! Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is a family-friendly hill, challenging enough for the avid skier but plenty of runs for the beginners as well. Bring your own gear or rent from Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area for a no-fuss day of skiing and snowboarding!
Fat Biking
A family fat biking adventure might bring back fun memories of teaching your kids how to ride a bike. Now they might be teaching you how to ride a bike … in the snow!
Liv Outside in Bracebridge has fat bike rentals and trails on-site, and Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville has bikes for rent with trails nearby.
If you require fat bikes for kids, youth fat bikes are available at Algonquin Outfitters for ages 10+, and small fat bikes are available at Liv Outside for ages 12+. Be sure to call ahead and reserve before you go.
If you are looking for a new family adventure that is a bit off the beaten path, this is it!
Special Packages:
Chalets on Lake Muskoka: Wonderful Winter Family Muskoka Getaway KIDS STAY FREE*
On-site tobogganing small and large hill available
Snow shoe rental included
Indoor skating at The Foundry. $25 food credit included
Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre Passes KIDZONE included!
KidZone is a 4,000 sq ft family hands-on interactive engagement and discovery STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, science) learning space.
*$299 per adult mid-week, $349 per adult weekend. One child 12 and under free with every adult pass purchased. 2 bedroom chalet. Min 2 paid adults per stay to qualify. Learn More
Bayview Wildwood Resort is offering a 3 night all inclusive package available to ensure great family fun!
Your Family Day All Inclusive Vacation includes:
3 Nights Lakeside Accommodations
Dinner on arrival, Breakfast Buffet / Lunch Buffet / Dinner on full days and Breakfast Buffet on departure
