Thunder Bay – As the forecast for the Victoria Day long weekend hints at rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, many families may be wondering how to make the most of the extra time together indoors. While outdoor adventures might be on hold, there are plenty of creative ways to turn a damp weekend into a cozy, memory-making staycation.
Crafty Creations: Turn Rainy Days into Masterpiece Moments
There’s nothing like crafting to keep little hands (and big ones) busy. Families can try DIY projects like:
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Homemade candles or soaps using simple kits from local hobby stores.
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Thunder Bay wildlife-themed art, creating paintings or collages inspired by local animals like moose, foxes, and loons.
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Recycling challenge: turn household recyclables into creative sculptures or dioramas.
For inspiration, check out local art hubs like Definitely Superior Art Gallery, which often posts virtual workshops and art challenges.
Board Game Bonanza: Friendly Competition Around the Table
When it comes to family-friendly board games, classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue never go out of style. These timeless titles are easy to pick up, making them ideal for families with a range of ages and gaming experience. Monopoly can ignite some friendly competition while teaching lessons about money management, while Scrabble is perfect for sharpening spelling skills and vocabulary. Clue, with its detective mystery theme, lets players work together to solve a classic “whodunit.”
In recent years, modern board games have taken center stage for family game nights. Games like Ticket to Ride, where players build railways across North America, or Carcassonne, a tile-laying game where players create medieval landscapes, offer strategic play without being too complex for younger players. Catan, with its engaging resource-trading mechanic, is also a hit for families who enjoy building, trading, and negotiating — it often sparks lively conversations and alliances around the table.
For families with younger children or those looking for more lighthearted fun, cooperative games like Outfoxed! or Forbidden Island are gaining popularity. These games encourage teamwork rather than competition, creating an inclusive and stress-free environment. Outfoxed! lets the family work together to catch a crafty fox, while Forbidden Island challenges players to retrieve treasures before the island sinks — perfect for families who want to build problem-solving skills and foster collaboration during rainy day weekends.
Revive family game night with classic board games or explore new ones from local favorites like GameShelf or Toy Sense. Some engaging options include:
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Thunder Bay trivia night: Make your own game testing family knowledge about the city’s landmarks, history, and local legends.
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Cooperative games like Pandemic or Forbidden Island are great for teamwork and laughs.
Cook Up a Storm: Family-Friendly Recipes to Warm the Heart
Cold weather calls for comfort food. Turn the kitchen into a family workshop by:
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Making homemade pizzas with creative toppings.
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Baking Thunder Bay’s famous Persian rolls together – adding your own twists with fun icing colours.
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DIY hot chocolate bar, complete with marshmallows, sprinkles, and whipped cream.
Shopping local? Order ingredients from Thunder Bay Country Market vendors online or try recipes from local chefs who often post on social media.
Movie Marathons & Blanket Forts: Old-Fashioned Comfort Indoors
Why not go retro? Build an epic blanket fort in the living room, stock it with snacks, and host:
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A Disney or Marvel movie marathon.
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Local documentary night, exploring films about Northwestern Ontario or Indigenous stories available on streaming platforms.
Local Twist: Supporting Thunder Bay Businesses from Home
Even while staying in, families can support local businesses by:
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Ordering special meal kits or baked treats from local cafes and restaurants.
