After the new year, the lights and the excitement of the holidays fade and winter doldrums can set in. But there’s hope! Family Day weekend provides a welcome pick-me-up and a reminder of the fun to be had in the colder season. In 2023, businesses and organizations throughout Kawarthas Northumberland have organized family-friendly events that help people of all ages make a memorable long weekend.
Five Counties Winterfest 2023 (Virtual and in-Person)
Five Counties Children’s Centre does vital work in the community supporting children with physical, communication, and developmental needs. Their Winterfest event is all about fun and games, but it’s even more fun knowing your participation supports a good cause. In-person activities will take place in Peterborough at Lansdowne Place (645 Lansdowne St. W.) from 10am-2pm on February 18, including games arts and crafts. A similar event in the same timeframe will be held at Lindsay Square Mall in Lindsay (401 Kent St. W.) on February 19.
Virtual events include an artwork contest for kids, a workout with the Peterborough Petes, and a concert by local musician Washboard Hank. The grand finale is a showdown between OHL hockey teams the Peterborough Petes and the Sudbury Wolves at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St. W).
Buckhorn Blizzard Fest (Buckhorn Community Centre, 1782 Lakehurst Rd)
Family Day promises a flurry of fests, with Buckhorn’s Blizzard Fest taking place on February 18 from 10am-4pm. Events include wagon rides, a frying pan toss, and snowshoeing with child and adult gear available to borrow. Live music and vendor booths round out the offerings—and a chili contest will warm guests up if things get too frosty.
Splash’N Boots at FLATO Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St S)
For kids who love music, seeing the two-time Juno Award-winning outfit Splash’N Boots could be a highlight of the whole winter, let alone the long weekend. The duo, who have produced an episode of Sesame Street and collaborated with beloved entertainers such as The Wiggles and Sharon and Bram, are bringing their colourful, fun, inclusive show to Lindsay’s FLATO Academy Theatre on February 20.
Peterborough Museum and Archives: Get out and Play Featured Exhibit (300 Hunter St E)
Just steps from the historic Lift Lock, the Peterborough Museum and Archives offers a fascinating window into local history. They’re open from 12-5pm throughout the Family Day weekend, so visitors can take in their “Get Out and Play: Winter Sports in Peterborough” featured exhibit. Developed in-house, “Get Out and Play” pays homages to winter sports with a carefully curated selection of vintage sports gear, archival images, and stories.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park Winter Walks – Wildlife Detectives (328 Presqu’Ile Pkwy)
Even when the animals are hunkered down against the cold, clues are everywhere for naturalists who know where to look. On this guided tour, a park naturalist will help families sleuth out wildlife tracks and signs. It’s an exciting and educational way to learn about habitats—the fun begins February 20 at 10:00am.
Book Accommodations and Make Your Own Outdoor Fun
Sometimes the best long weekends are spontaneous—if you can’t make it to a festival, show, or event, there’s always a relaxing hotel or cabin rental, and the great outdoors. From cross-country skiing to skating to snowshoeing.
Visit our blog for even more options for a rewarding, healthy long weekend.
