12 things to do in and around Edmonton this Family Day weekend

Fun ideas inspired by the NAIT community

Whoo! It's the first long weekend of 2022 – and there is no shortage of things to see and do.

In case you need a few more, we offer these ideas to share with your family, each one inspired by NAIT grads.

1. Do some birdwatching

bird feeder with blue jays

It's the family activity where nature wins too! You get to spend time together spotting species that stick around for winter and the birds get a meal. Check out these tips from Biological Sciences Technology instructors and students for attracting all kinds of avian friends.

2. Go for a fancy doughnut

destination doughnuts

Tim Who? Treat the family and yourself to a creative take on a bakery staple: the doughnut. Destination Doughnuts, run by Arlyn Sturwold (Baking ’72, Steamfitter/Pipefitter ’09) and daughter Jill Sturwold (Lab and X-ray Technology Combined ’97), makes everything by hand, from sratch, locally sourcing what they can. Set aside a chunk of time just for choosing – Destination has roughly two dozen varieties on hand daily.

3. Go skating

Man skating in Edmonton

What better activity to celebrate the holidays with than skating outdoors? The Ooks women’s hockey team offers these helpful tips for beginners.

4. Enjoy the perfect cup of hot chocolate

hot chocolate and whipped cream

Now that you’re well into enjoying winter in Edmonton, warm up with our favourite hot chocolate recipe, courtesy of a chocolate expert and Culinary Arts instructor.

5. Make bannock

bannock

Give this delicious biscuity bread a try at home with a recipe from Derek Thunder, manager of NAIT's Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre.

6. Enjoy a nature walk

family walking in the winter

Get into nature without having to get too far out of the city. Check out these great trails suggested by a Biological Sciences Technology grad.

7. Support a local business

woman in mask at counter of a store

Because of the pandemic, local businesses need our support more than ever. Find one to adopt for the weekend, with these tips from community builder and blogger Linda Hoang (Radio and Television ’11).

8. Try out virtual reality

girl using virtual reality headset

Take the kids to explore a coral reef, to the summit of Mt. Everest, or soaring high above any location in the world – all without leaving the city limits. Game OVR, co-owned by Stephanie Roberge (Electrician '16), offers virtual experiences and games perfect for fostering real togetherness.

9. Check out a winter patio

takeout illustration

Snacks and drinks outside in winter? You bet – we're Albertans! Check out this list of spots to visit where NAIT grads set the menus, do the cooking or both.

10. Break out the board games

family playing board games

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

11. Make excellent pancakes

stack of pancakes with blueberries and chia seeds on top

Hungry after all that sleeping in? Try this Culinary Arts instructor's tasty and simple recipe for fantastic flapjacks.

12. Start planning for summer

tent in forest

There's still be snow on the ground, but spring and summer are just a few sunny days away. Start dreaming, start planning. From our grads and instructors, here's all you need to know about enjoying the season to come and making the most of it together.

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