We hope your holidays were wonderful! Urban Parent is back on the case to give you the scoop on the very best free, affordable, family events in HRM!

1. Never the same river twice…Upstream Music welcomes you to the Open Waters Festival 2022! A series of online events, the Open Waters Festival allows your family to check various acts until January 13 from wherever you’re connected.

2. Can you waddle like a penguin? If so, waddle into the Library for some penguin games and crafts, maybe catch the puppet show, “Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups”. Super Saturdays at Alderney Gate Public Library are all about hands-on activities or experiences that are fun for everyone!

At the Halifax Central Library, you’ll find Crafty Kids on Sunday at 2. Drop by for simple crafts and activities. This is totally free for the family and all materials are supplied. Ages 3+.

3. Head to the Halifax Forum, Maritime Hall this Saturday at 11 for Boogie’s Vintage Market! Families can find over 15 local vendors who encourage and contribute to sustainable fashion. Enjoy vintage and curated clothing, handmade goods, and yummy local treats – $2 bucks at the door, good vibes welcome.

4. At the Halifax Shopping Centre this Saturday at 10, at Art Lab for Kids, kids can learn fun ways to create their own emoji. Staff’ll show them how to draw colourful faces and objects. Kids’ll get hands-on using the Procreate app on iPad to draw an emoji to take home. It’s another freebie and devices will be provided!

5. Finally, Pier 21’s SadMadGlad is SOLD OUT but Symphony will be performing the same concert on Tuesday, January 17 at 1:30 and 3 at Halifax Central Library! So you and your family still have the opportunity to discover all the ways that music can express mad, sad, glad, and more. Show up with curiosity and leave with a deeper understanding of how music moves us – and smiles on all the faces!