School Break!

Winter Break is here and kids are out of school! Here’s a list of 15 ideas of activities for young families to college students.

School’s out! This week, February 19-25, 2024, brings Winter Break for both Red Deer Public and Catholic School Divisions across the city, along with Reading Week for students attending Red Deer Polytechnic.

Whether you’re a student relishing the break or a parent seeking entertaining activities, our community is brimming with exciting things to do. Join us as we explore ideas below to make the most of this school-free week (both 18+ and family friendly events listed below!)

1. Road Trip! Bubbles of Abraham Lake.

Living or visiting central Alberta sure has its perks! One being that day trips to amazing places are completely doable. Created in 1972 with the construction of the Big Horn Dam, this manmade lake with its frozen methane bubbles in the winter is a popular tourist destination for people around the world! Abraham Lake is 199kms drive, 2 hours to this winter wonder and all its great photo opportunities is great!

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Abraham Lake

2. Happy Birthday Donut Mill!

The Donut Mill is celebrating a BIG milestone! Stop by the iconic windmill on Gasoline Alley and wish them a happy 30th anniversary and indulge in some Donut Mill originals: Apple Fritter, Crueller, Sour Cream Glazed and Strawberry Bismark. They are also giving away Donut Mill Swag on their birthday February 23. Click here for pictures of these mouthwatering treats (caution, drooling alert!).

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The Donut Mill

3. Get Vertical, Locally!

With over 538 vertical feet Canyon Ski Resort is the local destination for epic outdoor adventure! It’s easy to spend a whole day at Canyon considering they offer 80 acres of skiable terrain, rustic lodge or cozy lounge. Click here for more information on rentals, tickets and passes.  

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Canyon Ski Hill

4. Red Deer RV Show

Family camping on the bucket list this summer? Friday, February 24 through Sunday, February 25 all 8 Red Deer RV dealers are under one roof at Westerner Park. 18 and under are free with $15 adult admission. Click here for details on “The Biggest Little RV Show on Earth”.

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5. Sign up for Summer Camps!

Yep, some spring and summer camp registrations are now open! Click here to register for JKL Trail Rides 2024 Summer Riding Camp which includes horseback riding and general horse care, float trips down the river, hikes and nature exploring.

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JKL Trail Rides

6. Family Snowshoeing

Get some fresh air and get active! Bring the family for snowshoeing fun at beautiful Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. Only $3 per person or $10 per family. Click here for more information.

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Kerry Wood Nature Centre

7. Karaoke Night in the Market Kitchen

Unleash your inner rock star and hit the town for a night of all ages karaoke fun! Get ready for a night out of delicious food and drinks and sing along to your favourite tunes in the Gasoline Alley Market Kitchen February 24 from 4pm – 7pm. For more information click here.

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Karaoke at The Market Kitchen

8. Polar Glow Downtown Red Deer

With numerous shops, cafes and restaurants along this pedestrian friendly stretch, Ross Street Patio is always a good idea! Grab a warm beverage and get some photos of the newly revealed ice sculptures from Polar Glow (weather permitting!). Click here for details.

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Ice Sculptures Downtown Red Deer

9. Get Involved in the Community!

Join this family friendly walk in the “Coldest Night of the Year” in support of local charities Red Deer Food Bank and The Mustard Seed, organizations that support people experiencing hunger, hurt and homelessness. This Canada wide walk has raised over 75 million for Canadian Communities. Team up, fundraise and walk 2km or 5km for a cause! Click here for more information on how to register.

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Walk for a Cause

10. Paint of Interest

Unleash your artistic spirit! Sign up for the “Painted Butterflies with Gold Foil” class at Paint of Interest, taking place on Wednesday, February 21 or try your hand at Resin Charcuterie Boards Sunday, February 25. To register, click here.

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Paint of Interest

11. Live Music Velvet Olive  

Calling all arts and culture enthusiasts! The Velvet Olive is hosting a live music event on Wednesday, February 21, featuring Mariel Buckley’s unique blend of angst-ridden alt-folk. Maybe you’d prefer to take the stage? Thursday is open mike night. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or taking the stage for the first time, all skill levels and genres are welcome.! Click here for details.

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The Velvet Olive

12. Red Deer Symphony Orchestra at Bo’s Bar & Stage

Featuring music by Beethoven and arrangements of 80s pop and blues classics, this is sure to be a unique night not to be missed at Bo’s Bar & Stage. Click here for ticket information.  

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Red Deer Symphony Orchestra

13. Comedy Night at Bo’s Bar & Stage

An 18+ night of comedy with comedian Kelly Taylor on Saturday, February 24. Tickets are $40 and comes with a Troubled Monk Beverage and select appetizers. Click here for ticket information.

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Bo’s Bar and Stage

14. Red Deer Rebels

Catch the Red Deer Rebels in action against the Wenatchee Wild at the Peavey Mart Centrium at Westerner Park. Puck drops at 7:00pm. For ticket information click here.

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Red Deer Rebels

15. Golf Zone

Whether you’re on the hunt for family fun or an evening out with friends, Golf Zone welcomes all skill levels to their state-of-the-art recreation and entertainment facility. Receive 25% off on Family Sundays! Click here for more information.

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Golf Zone

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