10 pandemic-friendly things to do in and around Edmonton on Family Day

Ideas inspired by the NAIT community

If ever there was a time to share a moment as a family, this is it! 

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health restrictions have upended everyone's routines. More recently, a polar vortex for the past two weeks has reduced most Edmontonians to shut-ins.

While the weather won't extactly be spring-like for the Family Day long weekend, a warming trend is on the way. So poke your heads outside (or don't) and enjoy one of these fun – and safe – activities you can do with the family.

1. Enjoy a nature walk

family walking in the winter

Leave the stress of the city and pandemic behind without having to stray too far with your family or cohort!

2. Go skating

Man skating in Edmonton

What better activity for the whole family than skating outdoors? Outdoor rinks are still open – with restrictions on numbers. The NAIT Ooks women’s hockey team offers these helpful tips for beginners.

3. Enjoy the perfect cup of hot chocolate

hot chocolate and whipped cream

Now that you’ve enjoyed winter in Edmonton, warm up with our favourite hot chocolate recipe.

4. Cook a meal with your kids

kids and parent with messy hands from baking

Cooking with your kids is a safe, fun way to enjoy quality time – pandemic or not. Try your hands at sourdough, making stock or broth or an easy pasta.

5. Birdwatch in your own backyard

bird feeder with blue jays

It's the family activity that's a double winner! Not only do you get to spend time as a family watching nature, you can also help local birds get through a tough season!

6. DJ your own dance party!

record player

Drop the needle and get your family grooving! Five tips for building a great record collection.

8. Get some takeout

takeout illustration

Skip cooking and get takeout from one of the dozens of Edmonton eateries with connections to NAIT culinary grads. They need your business more than ever!

8. Break out the board games

family playing board games

What says quality time better than a board game? Enjoy these recommendations from the folks at Board N Brew.

9. Make a short stack 

stack of pancakes with blueberries and chia seeds on top

This is another tasty and simple pancake recipe to try with the kids. 

10. Be together

Yukon Jack with the fam

Read, be silly, play video games, whatever. We have this time together, so enjoy it with advice from 100.3 the Bear's Yukon Jack.

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