Grey County Family Day Guide
Family Day in Grey County is one of those winter traditions that truly brings our communities together. Whether it’s lacing up your skates at a local outdoor rink, cheering on the kids during friendly “Family Olympics,” gathering for a hearty community breakfast, cheering on an epic road hockey game or warming up with hot chocolate after a snowy afternoon outside — there’s something special about this long weekend in our small towns.
From Markdale to Flesherton, Durham to Priceville, community halls, parks, and arenas will come alive with activity. Outdoor skating rinks buzz with laughter, hard-working volunteers make sure everyone has fun and neighbours reconnect after the long stretch of winter. It’s a celebration of fresh air, small-town spirit, and quality time — the kind of simple moments that make Grey County such a wonderful place to live.
Here’s a look at some of the Family Day events happening across Grey County this year — and where you can join in on the fun.
space
Outdoor Ice Rinks
Winter arrived early in Grey County this year, bringing steady snowfall, cold snaps, and the kind of conditions that make outdoor skating possible all season long. As Family Day weekend approaches, community outdoor rinks across the region are in great shape and buzzing with activity thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and recreation groups. From small-town rinks hosting family skates and pickup hockey to scenic skating destinations perfect for a winter outing, Grey County’s outdoor rinks offer an easy, affordable way to enjoy Family Day, support local communities, and make the most of a true Canadian winter
space
⛸ Flesherton Outdoor Rink
Location: Beside the Flesherton Arena, 105 Highway 10
Hours: Typically 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., weather permitting
Tucked behind the Flesherton Arena on the former ball diamond, this rink has become a favourite local gathering spot. Access is via Highland Drive, and the setting feels nicely tucked away while still being central. Want to warm up with a hot drink? Why not stop in at local favourites Highland Grounds or the Bakery!
The rink exists thanks to the hard work of the Flesherton Beautification and Improvement Committee.
space
⛸ Markdale Outdoor Rink
Location: King Edward Park, 75 Walker Street
Hours: Open daily; lights off around 10:30 p.m.
This great volunteer-run rink in Markdale continues to grow in popularity each winter. The rink is typically flooded early in the day, and the lights make evening skating easy and accessible. Hungry after your skate? Food and drinks are available at various spots in town including Susan’s Deli, Marilynne and Champ Burger.
If the surface looks soft following a flood or temperature swing, giving it time to harden helps keep the ice in good shape for everyone. For day-to-day updates, the rink’s Facebook page is the best source.
space
⛸ Priceville Outdoor Rink
Location: Stothart Hall, 104 Kinross Street
Hours: Open daily as weather allows; lights until 11:00 p.m.
For a small village, Priceville delivers a great skating experience. The rink is created by flooding both the ball diamond and basketball court at Stothart Hall, with lighting provided by the existing field lights.
Because it’s fully maintained by some awesome volunteers, conditions can vary after snowfall or milder weather. Checking the rink’s Facebook updates before heading out is always a good idea. If skating gets you hungry, consider a visit to Pink Velvet Bakery & Cafe (located on the other side of the village and open Wed 10-4:30, Thurs-Sat10-8) for a tasty treat!
space
⛸ Egremont Optimist Club Outdoor Rink
Location: 392137 Grey County Road 109
Hours: Open daily, weather permitting
Located behind the Egremont Optimist Club, this rink offers a more casual, community-driven skating experience. The ice isn’t serviced daily, so shovels are available for skaters to help clear snow when needed.
Courtesy, shared responsibility, and proper safety gear are encouraged here. After skating, the nearby Holstein General Store is a popular stop for soup, snacks, or fresh baked goods.
space
⛸ Hanover Outdoor Rink
Location: Kinsmen Ball Park, 310 17th Avenue
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., weather permitting
Maintained by wonderful local volunteers, Hanover’s outdoor rink follows the H.O.S.E. schedule:
- Hockey on odd-numbered calendar days
- Skating on even-numbered calendar days
The rink sits next to the park pavilion, and downtown Hanover’s cafés and restaurants make it easy to turn a skate into a full outing. Updates are shared through the Town of Hanover’s social channels.
space
⛸ Harrison Park Good Cheer Rink
Location: Harrison Park, 75 2nd Avenue East
Hours: Sunrise to 10:00 p.m.
A long-time winter favourite, the Good Cheer Rink offers a classic outdoor skating experience in a scenic park setting. The rink also follows the H.O.S.E. schedule, alternating hockey and recreational skating by calendar day.
Safety reminders are in place: helmets and protective gear are required, and children under 12 must be supervised. The Good Cheer Rink is provided through the generosity of the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer. When it’s time to warm up, lots of nearby options make it easy to grab a hot drink or quick bite.
space
⛸ Woodview Mountaintop Skating at Blue Mountain
Location: 201 Scenic Caves Road, Unit AW2
Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm
For something completely different, Woodview Mountaintop Skating offers a 1.1 km loop along the Niagara Escarpment with views over Georgian Bay. Admission includes a two-hour skating window, with rentals available for those who need them.
Weather can impact ice conditions, so checking the Blue Mountain website before heading up is recommended. After skating, the village below offers plenty of options to warm up, refuel, or relax.
space
Family Winter Olympics in Markdale
The Markdale Recreation Committee is going all out for Family Day with its Winter Olympic Family Day celebration at the Markdale Community Centre on February 16th from 11:00am–3:00pm. Families can enjoy a full lineup of activities including skating, road hockey, ice-to-ice putt, curling, crafts, and colouring — plus plenty of energy and small-town spirit throughout the day. A special highlight this year is a guest appearance and talk from Team Canada Olympian Julie-Anne Staehli, making it an inspiring event for young athletes and families alike.
Be sure to take part in the colouring contest by printing your page at home, colouring it in, and bringing it along to enter. With food available for purchase and activities for all ages, Markdale’s Family Day celebration is a wonderful way to get outside, connect with neighbours, and make lasting winter memories together.
space
FrazzleFest in Durham
Durham comes alive this Family Day weekend with FrazzleFest 2026. Enjoy a multi-day celebration of winter fun organized by the South Grey Chamber of Commerce. Cheer on participants at the West Grey Polar Plunge at the Durham arena. Join in DIY sled-making adventures or festive banner creation. Test your skills at the Egg Drop or enjoy curling and roller skating in Neustadt. Try sweeping the ice during a friendly curling match. FrazzleFest is all about hands-on fun and making memories together.
The weekend also features a Winter Sculpture Contest for both homes and businesses. Help transform Durham into a creative snowy gallery filled with imaginative winter displays throughout the community. Meanwhile, others can relax with hot cocoa while supporting a meaningful local cause. Altogether, FrazzleFest reflects the true small-town spirit of Family Day in West Grey. Be sure to review the full schedule and register early for this unforgettable winter celebration.
See the full schedule of FrazzleFest events here!
Register for your favourite FrazzleFest events here!
space
Family Day in Grey County is the perfect excuse to get outside and make the most of winter. It’s also a meaningful time to reconnect and celebrate the strong community spirit in our small towns. From outdoor skating rinks to Family Olympics in Markdale and FrazzleFest in Durham, there’s something for everyone. So bundle up, gather your crew and enjoy the simple traditions that make Grey County such a special place to call home.
space
If you have questions about any of the communities or events mentioned in this blog, we’re always happy to help. Whether you’re thinking about making a move or simply want to learn more about life in Grey County, feel free to reach out to us anytime — we’d love to connect!
