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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! |
In this week's Playground: movies, art workshops, fun at the airport, community gardens and Symphony in the Park. But first, a quick announcement: The Playground is now on Twitter! If you want to hear more about all things awesome for kids and families in Vancouver, I invite you to follow me: @VIAPlayground. More importantly, I would love to hear from you! Because the best parenting resource -- hands down -- is other parents. So feel free to join in and tell me what YOU think are the best things about raising a family in our amazing city.
Here are some fun things to do with the kids this week:
Wednesday, July 7
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE: Mamma Mia is playing at Ceperley Meadow in Stanley Park (near Second Beach), 9pm. This is the first of the West End BIA's "Dinner and a Movie" series. Bring blankets and lawn chairs -- and don't forget your dinner.
Thursday, July 8
Collage Collage: Drop in MAKE art workshop for children age 2-3 with an adult. Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August from 10-11am. Erin reads a story and then the kids complete an art project inspired by that week's book. I LOVE this place, by the way. The store is cozy and welcoming and full of cool art supplies. I took Cass once and she’s been asking to go back ever since. Next rainy day for sure!
Movies for Mommies is showing Twilight: Eclipse, 12:30 at the Rio Theatre.
Friday, July 9
YVR’s Public Observation Deck. Photo courtesy of Larry Goldstein Photography
Take Off Fridays@YVR: The Vancouver International Airport is hosting family fun every Friday this summer, including face-painting, live DJs and food samples. Plus, check out the new observation area: Kids and adults alike can explore YVR’s Public Observation Area that features unobstructed views of YVR’s busy airfield, telescopes to zoom in on all the action, an interactive model of Sea lsland and behind-the-scenes videos of the airport community. Cass and her cousins would totally dig this. Great idea, YVR!
Kids Fridays at Lonsdale Quay. Face-painting, great food and free kids’ entertainment. Take the SeaBus over for an extra dose of awesome.
Saturday, July 10
Strathcona and Cottonwood Community Gardens Annual Open House and Plant Sale, 11am-3pm. Gardening and sustainability workshops, live music, tasty treats, local honey samples and cheap plants for your kids to put in the garden at home!
Brock House Summer Fair, 10am-3pm, free admission. A fundraiser for Brock House Society. Music, refreshments, raffle, silent auction, dancers, clown, crafts, games and more. And conveniently located next to Jericho Beach so you can get your sand fix at the same time.
“What a Hoot” at Science World, 11am-3pm: Check out the beauty of live birds of prey with conservationists from Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation (O.W.L.).
Sunday, July 11
Hotdogs for Heritage. Check out the Vancouver Heritage Foundation's big Architectural Salvage Sale, plus live music and activities for kids. Oh, and free hotdogs too! 11am-3pm.
The Making Place at the Vancouver Art Gallery is on this Sunday. On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, the Making Place gives your kids a chance to explore art through hands-on workshops. Free with regular admission to the Gallery.
Symphony in the Park. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs its annual free outdoor concert showcasing the beauty of Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park. Come early, bring a blanket and a picnic basket, and settle in for a wonderful evening. 7:30-9:30 pm.
That's all for this week. See you next Wednesday!
