Feeling trapped indoors is something many of us may face at some point during winter months. Grey skies, cold temperatures, rain and snow can make it difficult to find fun things to do. This goes double if you have kids and triple if you’re trying to save money. To help in your quest for fun, we’ve put together a list of entertaining and memory-creating family activities for you to enjoy and ways to save with a BCAA Membership. Here’s how to beat the winter-time blues:

Be tourists in town

Explore BC without breaking the bank! There are plenty of local attractions that will keep your family entertained. Expand your imagination, learn and experience different ‘worlds’ at attractions such as HR MacMillan Space Centre (Members save 20%), Britannia Mine Museum (Members save 15%), Victoria Butterfly Gardens (Members save 10%) and many more. BCAA Members save on admission every day! There may also be special exhibits and shows in your community that run during the winter season. Check your community publications and local websites which list special events.

Experience PNE Winter Fair Presented by BCAA

If you’re searching for festive magic this holiday season, then you’re in luck between December 8-9, and 14-23. The PNE Winter Fair presented by BCAA is back in Vancouver. You can enjoy live performances, like the Nutcracker on Ice or the Magic of Santa, before wandering around a sparkling winterland and taking part in fun-filled activities. Skate at the Tim Hortons Ice Rink, crash around on the Ice Bumper Cars and stuff your face with holiday eats and treats. This has all the makings of a holiday tradition like no other! And better yet, BCAA Members save 30% on PNE Winter Fair passes when buying online!

Spend a day exploring a new area

Whether it’s the city centre or an area known for its architecture, arts, natural surroundings or trendy shops, spending a day strolling through a different part of town can make you feel like you’re on a family vacation. Many cities hold family-friendly events, winter carnivals like the Vernon Winter Carnival, Vallea Lumina in Whistler and the High on Ice Winter Festival in Fort St. John, film fests like the Kamloops Film Festival and the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, visual exhibitions around BC and winter farmers markets like Riley Park Winter Market in Vancouver and a ton of winter attractions and activities around BC.

Share the excitement at a hockey game

Bundle up and head to the arena to see anything from a goalmouth scramble to a hat trick (hopefully!). The Vancouver Canucks are always a fun night out. BCAA Members save up to 30% on single game Canucks tickets when you buy online, and you can score 10% savings at the Canucks Team Store by flashing your valid BCAA Membership card. 

Or if you want to avoid the downtown traffic, you can catch an Abbotsford Canucks game at the Abbotsford Centre where you can also save up to 30% on single game tickets online!

Catch a movie in style

The beauty of watching a movie in the theatre is that for a short drive, a movie can transport your mind to exciting places. So, depending on your family’s movie of choice, you can laugh, cry or scream together. BCAA Members save up to 30% on movie experience packages at Landmark Cinemas, where the whole family can soak up the full theatre experience complete with popcorn and drinks in the most comfortable reclining seats.

Head to the hills for a snow day

You don’t need to be a skiing or snowboarding family to enjoy mountain life. BC is home to many spectacular ski resorts and local mountains where you can enjoy the outdoors and fun activities like sledding. And many mountain resorts have areas where you can stroll around and check out shops, restaurants and seasonal exhibits.

Whether you venture further away from home or hit a local hill for the day—as a BCAA Member, you can stretch your dollars while taking on the slopes with savings of up to 20% at Apex Mountain resort in the Okanagan and Marmot Basin resort in the Rockies.

Sign up for drop-in activities at your community centre

You can find a range of family-oriented recreation, leisure and cultural programs for all ages at your local centre. Whether it’s ice skating, child-friendly cooking classes or performance shows, there are a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to try out. Check out your community centre’s winter guide to find out what’s in store for the season and on weekends. Here are community and recreation centres in Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby, Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Victoria, Kelowna, and Whistler.

Fill your home with play

Dig into a game of cards, board games, puzzles or craft making at home for some quality time and friendly competition. If you need more supplies, shopping for toys and games can be a fun adventure in itself. BCAA Members can earn 3% back in CAA Dollars® on select Lego toys by shopping online, 7% back in CAA Dollars on puzzles and brain teasers from Puzzle Master, 2% back in CAA Dollars at Wallmart for all your board game needs or earn up 3% back in CAA Dollars on the purchase of fabrics and crafts at Fabricville.

Get more fun family ideas and deals with your Membership

With your BCAA Membership, there’s a ton of affordable family fun you can enjoy. Interested in more ways to save? Visit bcaa.com/rewards for more great Member offers and savings at over 100,000 partner locations worldwide, and see how BCAA Members can save over $1,500 per year on everyday essentials, insurance, experiences, travel, dining and more. Dress warm and you’ll find the joy in enjoying crisp winter fun around beautiful BC!