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Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver parents and their awesome kids. Every Wednesday I post a roundup of upcoming family-friendly events and activities. I’m always on the lookout for fun stuff to do, so if there’s something happening that you think I should know about, contact me at [email protected]. Because Vancouver is awesome for kids too! |
Did you know that the Bloedel Floral Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park is still open to the public? You might remember it was slated to close due to budget constraints. The Vancouver Park Board is currently reviewing proposals that will allow the Conservatory to continue to operate. So it’s open until further notice, and if you haven’t been there yet, it’s a GREAT place to take the kids. If you have been there, you already know why it’s awesome enough for another visit. The dome is full of exotic plants, tropical flowers, colorful 'Koi' fish, and over 100 free-flying exotic birds, like this Chinese golden pheasant.
Not to mention the incredible city views from the top of Queen Elizabeth Park make it an excellent spot for a picnic! Extended summer hours are in effect so there’s lots of opportunity to show your support for Vancouver’s “green jewel”. If you want to learn more, check out the Bloedel's blog.
Movies for Mommies is showing Prince of Persia today at the Rio Theatre. Baby-friendly cinema with change tables, stroller parking, bottle warming and reduced sound. There’s a Movies for Mommies show every second Wednesday at 12:30. Join their Facebook group for updates.
The Pacific Rim Kite Festival is happening this weekend at Vanier Park. The weather promises to be amazing, so bring a picnic and a blanket, lay back and enjoy the show. Here’s a clip I found from last year’s festival.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdnTVrLRbWQ
Okay, you might not want to watch all ten minutes, but you get the idea. That’s some serious kiting! Free, Saturday and Sunday from 10-5.
MEC Bikefest is this Saturday, June 12. A daylong community celebration of all things bicycle related, including free how-to clinics, guided bike rides, a stunt show, a dance show and children’s entertainment. It’s all happening at Creekside Park next to Science World.
The Young Naturalists’ Club of Stanley Park is meeting this Sunday, June 13 for a special exploration of the rocky intertidal zone of the park. Search for a variety of interesting creatures such as crabs, barnacles, sea stars, worms, mussels and seaweeds to learn about where they live and how they interact with each other. Experience the fresh air and spring tides at their lowest, learn to practice good beach manners, and get your hands dirty – marine biology at its finest! 11:30 to 2:30, suitable for ages five and up. Free but you need to register 604-718-6522 or [email protected].
Also on Sunday, Vancouver Family Roots Society and Gemini Visuals present Kits Family Photo Day, a fundraising event for the Sunny Hill Health Centre for Kids. Great community vendors to check out, free beverages, samples, information, entertainment and prizes, a fun day for the whole family! Admission by donation for adults, full door proceeds will be donated to Sunny Hill. Sign up for a fundraising photoshoot, partial proceeds of which will also be donated to Sunny Hill. Packages are $40 for 15 high-res images on CD for one child; for two or more $65 for 25 images. At Kits Neighborhood House on Sunday from 11:30-4:00.
This weekend is your last chance to catch A Day Out with Thomas at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Ride on a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt. Storytelling, music and more, June 12 & 13.
In last week's Playground I announced that Yo Gabba Gabba Live is coming to Vancouver September 11 & 12 (we've got our tickets already, can't wait!). And Bob posted an awesome preview of the show. Well, it turns out there's another big show coming to town that weekend -- Max & Ruby Live! It's on September 11 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey and September 12 at The Centre In Vancouver For Performing Arts. Tickets for both events are on sale now.
That's it for this week. See you next Wednesday!
