Feb 12-18 (York)

Good morning, York Parents. Long weekend alert! How brilliant is Family Day? It was created to fill that long stretch between New Year's and Easter when winter feels endless. This week brings Lunar New Year celebrations at Vaughan Mills all weekend long, Valentine's markets and crafts across the region, and the main event—Family Day Monday packed with Aurora's Arctic Adventure, McMichael Art Gallery activities, free skating at East Gwillimbury Sports Complex, and Disney fitness fun, pottery painting, and nature walks from Newmarket to Stouffville. Stay cozy!

What York Region is Talking About

Former Vaughan Viking Competing for Team Canada at the Olympics
A former Vaughan Viking is competing for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics!

New Toy Store Coming to Newmarket: Tommy's Toys and Treasures
Check out Newmarket's newest toy store! Tommy's Toys and Treasures grand opening weekend is February 20-22.

Markham Wants to Hear From You: Parks Redevelopment Strategy
The City of Markham is developing a Parks Redevelopment Strategy and wants your input! Share your favourite parks, what's working, and what could be improved by completing the survey and adding your ideas to the interactive map.

What to Do

Thursday, Feb. 12

• 🎬 Thursday Movie Night @ Jolly Bubble Markham | Jolly Bubble, Markham

Friday, Feb. 13

• 🎬 Movies for Mommies Richmond Hill: Wuthering Heights + Free Valentine's Day Minis | Parents and young children | Imagine Cinemas Elgin Mills, Richmond Hill

• 🧧 Celebrate the Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year at Vaughan Mills | Vaughan Mills

• 🌙 Kids' Night Out: Valentine's Day | Ages 5-12 | Carville Community Centre, Vaughan

Saturday, Feb. 14

• ❄️ Arctic Adventure | Aurora Town Square and Aurora Town Park

• ⛸️ Caroline Mulroney's Valentine's Day Family Skate | East Gwillimbury Sports Complex

• 🥾 Love in the Wild Winter Hike | Happy Valley Tract, King

• 🧧 Ten Ren's Festive New Year Bazaar | Ten Ren's Tea, Markham

• 🛍️ Newmarket Farmers' Market Winter Market Pop Up | Newmarket Community Centre/Lions Hall

• 💝 Michaels Kids Club: Valentine's Keychain and Mardi Gras Mask | Michaels, Richmond Hill

• 🧧 Celebrate the Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year at Vaughan Mills | Vaughan Mills

• 🏛️ Family Day at the Museum | Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum

• 🛍️ The Stouffville Winter Market | 55+ Club Building, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Sunday, Feb. 15

• ❄️ Winter Family Fun Day at Y Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre | Y Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, King

• 🧧 Ten Ren's Festive New Year Bazaar | Ten Ren's Tea, Markham

• 🎨 Michaels Sunday Makebreak: Spring Charm Bracelet | Ages 13+ | Michaels, Newmarket

• 🧱 IndigoKids Lego Make & Take | Ages 6+ | Chapters, Newmarket

• 🧧 Chinese Spring Festival Celebration | Richvale Community Centre, Richmond Hill

• ⛸️ Annual Family Skate at Carrville Community Centre Skate Trail | Carrville Community Centre Skate Trail, Vaughan

• 🧧 Celebrate the Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year at Vaughan Mills | Vaughan Mills

Monday, Feb. 16 (Family Day)

• ❄️ Arctic Adventure | Aurora Town Square and Aurora Town Park

• ⛸️ Free Family Day Community Skating | East Gwillimbury Sports Complex

• 🎉 Newmarket's Family Fun Day | Various venues, Newmarket

• 🎨 Family Day Artventure at the McMichael | McMichael Art Gallery, Vaughan

• 🏃 Disney Inspired Fitness Fun | Ages 3-5 | Vellore Village Community Centre, Vaughan

• 🎨 Craft with Me: Winter Animals | Ages 2-4 | Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, Vaughan

• 🖌️ Paint Your Own Pottery: "Home" Décor Piece | Ages 3+ | Vellore Village Community Centre, Vaughan

• 🌲 Diane Kashin Family Adventure Walk in the Forest | Kortright Centre for Conservation, Vaughan

• 🧧 Celebrate the Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year at Vaughan Mills | Vaughan Mills

• 🎉 Family Day Event at LOL PlayLab | LOL PlayLab, Whitchurch-Stouffville

• 🐴 Pause Awhile Equestrian Centre Family Day Event | Pause Awhile Equestrian Centre, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Tuesday, Feb. 17

• 🧧 Celebrate the Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year at Vaughan Mills | Vaughan Mills

Traveling with Car Seats: Tips from the Hive

I know a lot of you are escaping this winter for warmer climates, and I've heard tons of questions about traveling with car seats. Here's what fellow parents have shared with me:

Two Ways to Check: You can check your car seat at the ticket counter with your luggage when you first arrive at the airport, or gate check it right before boarding (the popular option since it means less handling and stays with you longer).

Free Protection: Airlines usually provide plastic bags at check-in to protect your car seat during handling.

Where to Pick Up: If you checked at the ticket counter, pick it up at the oversized luggage area at your destination. If you gate checked, you'll pick it up right at the gate or jet bridge when you land.

The Good News: Most airlines include one free checked car seat per child—it doesn't count toward your baggage allowance. This typically applies for kids under 2 or young children using car seats.

The Fine Print: Policies vary by airline. Check with your carrier before you fly—some have age restrictions or specific packaging requirements.

Thanks for reading! See you back here, next Wednesday!

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