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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 theplayground@vancouverisawesome.com. Because Vancouver is awesome for kids too! |
In this week's Playground you'll find forensics, comedy for kids, symphony in the forest, Caribbean Days, Illuminares, free ice cream and more!
Here are some fun things to do with the family this week:
Wednesday, July 21
Learn how to make mini-art on buttons with Laura Bucci at The Art Way. Workshops for children age 8-12 are happening Wednesday from 4-6pm and Saturday 1:30-3:30pm. You can register and get more info on Laura's website.
Movies for Mommies is showing Inception, 12:30pm at the Rio Theatre.
The Celebration of Light is back and our very own Bob Kronbauer is an official judge this year! How awesome is that? The USA kicks things off at 10pm.
Thursday, July 22
Summer forensic workshops for kids begin Thursday at the Vancouver Police Museum. Fingerprints, impression evidence, forensic entomology and ballistics are among the offerings for your aspiring CSI. Space is limited so check out the schedule and register asap.
According to Fresh Air Cinema’s Facebook page, over 5,000 Vancouverites showed up for The Goonies last week. Wow. This week’s free outdoor movie at Ceperley Meadow in Stanley Park is Monsters vs. Aliens. Get there early for a good seat.
Kooza opens July 22. If you haven't already got your tickets for Cirque de Soleil's latest spectacle, you can do so HERE.
Friday, July 23
This week's Kid's Friday at Lonsdale Quay features comedian Mike Battie. Two shows, 1:30 and 2:30pm.
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks presents Forest Symphony at Pacific Spirit Park: A musical engagement awaits you in our majestic forest. Musicians dot the trail and their songs fill the air. Walk begins on Clinton Trail across from the parking lot on 16th Ave (just west of Blanca). A free drop-in event. What a gorgeous idea.
Saturday, July 24
Caribbean Days is July 24 & 25 in North Van. Soca, Reggae, Calypso, Latin, African and other international sounds, dancing, a kids play area and a multicultural street parade on Saturday.
Vancouver Pride is hosting a Picnic in the Park. Besides the beer garden and DJs, there will be kids theatre, face painting, games, balloons and barbecue, so bring the whole family. Brockton Oval at Stanley Park, 11am-8pm.
The official reopening of Oppenheimer Park is Saturday at 11am. Come on down and celebrate the park's new redesign with some barbecue, cake, entertainment and soccer.
BUILD A BOAT AND FLOAT IT AT TROUT LAKE: In case you didn't catch Jeff's post yesterday, you can build a boat and float it at Trout Lake on Saturday! Details HERE.
Illuminares comes to downtown on Saturday evening! Join this celebration of community, art and light:
We are enthusiastic about working with the Downtown Eastside community and working with the community of amazing artists, performers, musicians, volunteers and staff that help create the framework for this amazing event. This year's Illuminares promises be a new and spectacular event for all spreading thru W2 Storyeum's large indoor spaces, and out into Trounce Alley and around the Woodward's site.
Sunday, July 25
As part of the Caribbean Days festival, there will be a Children’s Carnival Parade on Sunday at 1pm starting at Waterfront Park in North Van.
The Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. and Gymboree are pairing up for Pizza and Parachutes, a special event at your favourite family-friendly Kits restaurant: Come on out and enjoy some musical exploration, make your own pizza & finish with parachute games. Cost is $6.75 child and includes a mozza pizza. I also noticed Rocky Mountain Flatbread is offering kids cooking classes in early August, fun! Details HERE.
July 25 is International Bog Day and the Burns Bog Conservation Society is celebrating with free admission, interactive exhibits, live entertainment and a kid's adventure tent with games and prizes.
The Making Place at the Vancouver Art Gallery has some great projects for kids this Sunday. Participate in a collective mural, build your own room in a shoebox and get creative with old photographs. Free with regular admission to the gallery. More details on the VAG's family programs HERE.
Tuesday, July 27
It's the 25th birthday of the DQ Blizzard and to celebrate, Dairy Queen is throwing a party downtown. Meet Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist Maelle Ricker AND get a free Mini Blizzard. Sweet! At the TD Plaza (Granville & Georgia), Tuesday, 11:30am-1pm.
That's all for this week. See you next Wednesday!
