Play day returns to University of Lethbridge for Family Day

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on February 18, 2023.

Herald file photo Youngsters get creative as they take part in a past year's activities at the University of Lethbridge annual Play Day event. The Family Day event is back in-person after a two year hiatus.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

After two years of not being able to host an in-person event, Play Day is back at the University of Lethbridge’s 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness on Family Day 2023.

Initially launched in 2011 and ran annually on Family Day until 2020, offering virtually in 2021, and having to cancel it last year, Play Day is bringing back a number of in-person activities for families to enjoy together.

Play Day 2023 celebrates a jungle theme and will include activities for the entire family.

Director of community engagement with external relations at the university of Lethbridge, Kali McKay said they are very excited to be back in-person to host the Play Day and bring families together.

“We involve lots of the activities that are offered through our sport and recreation services. This year we will have basketball, soccer, we will open up the Ascent Climbing Centre and the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre for use as well, and we will also offer bouncy castles in our space,” said McKay.

She said they also work with groups from across campus who offer activities for families and take part on our outreach programming.

“Groups like iGEM, Building Brains Together, Destination Exploration and our title sponsor, which is North & Company LLP Law Offices, they are a local law firm with really close ties to Southern Alberta and close ties with the university as many of their lawyers are alumni,” said McKay.

She said their sponsor is partnering up with the Lethbridge Sports Council to offer their Roving Gym.

Play Day 2023 will take place Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and those in attendance will have plenty of options to keep their family playing together the entire time.

Other activities included are synthetic biology and pipetting skills offered by iGEM and High School iGEM. Digital microscopes, camouflage animals and a Makey Makey safari game offered by Destination Exploration.

As well as a block table with brain flakes, squiggle art, brain logo tattoos and game resources for parents offered by Building Brains Together. A construction zone cardboard building offered by the University of Lethbridge Alumni Association. Face-painting and $5 meal packs which include a hot dog, bottled water and chips.

McKay said this is an opportunity for members of the community to explore what the university has to offer at no cost.

“The University of Lethbridge is an organization that benefits greatly from community support, and this is a really great opportunity to give back to the community,” said McKay.

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