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The Playground - Week 17

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.

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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 the Playground for the week of September 1-7: Clinton Park Harvest Festival, The Secret of Kells, Telus Taiwan Festival, Fall Fair at Burnaby Village Museum and more. Here are some fun things to do with the kids this week:

Okay, normally I don't cover stuff that's this far out of town, but I think Dusty's Dinotown is worth a mention. If you grew up in the Vancouver area, chances are you've got some good memories of the park (and if you visited in the summer of 1989, you might have got a hug from yours truly in a Dino costume). We took our daughter last weekend. She loved the stage show and the mini golf, and I loved watching her climb on the same dinosaurs that awed me at my fifth birthday party.

Dinotown is closing forever on September 6 so if you're up for a road trip there's still time for one last ride on the paddle boats. And while you're there you can pick up your very own pedal car -- only $999! Get more info on Dinotown HERE.

Wednesday, September 1

Movies for Mommies is showing The Kids Are All Right, 12:30 at the Rio Theatre.

Thursday, September 2

Don’t know what to do with that gianormous zucchini you grew in your garden? Bring it to the Clinton Park Harvest Festival for the 5th Annual Vegetable Contest! Stay for bubbles, face painting, watermelon and pizza. 10am-2pm at Clinton Park.

Friday, September 3

The Secret of Kells is playing at Vancity Theatre until September 6. The Irish film was an Academy Award Nominee for Best Animated Feature in 2009 and has gotten stellar reviews. It follows the adventures of 12-year-old Brendan as he fights Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. For more details click HERE.

Kid’s Fridays at Lonsdale Quay is wrapping up with a visit from the Vancouver Circus School. Check out students demonstrating their skills on a 24-foot aerial rig, 9am-7pm.

Saturday, September 4

The Telus Taiwan Festival kicks off Saturday and runs throughout the long weekend. Lots of family-friendly entertainment including puppetry, folk music and dance. You can learn more about the festival HERE.

Sunday, September 5

This is the last week of Artful Sundays at Napier Street and Commercial Drive. Local artists, live music, artist workshops, demos and more from 12-5pm.

Monday, September 6

Head to the Fall Fair at Burnaby Village Museum for some old-fashioned fun including apple peeling, free carousel rides, Model T rides, vaudeville entertainers, Madame Katarina - Fortune Teller, heritage toys and games and more. Details HERE.

Monday is your last chance to see the Treasure! exhibit at Science World (also, adults pay the children's admission rate until Monday!) and Sponge Bob in 4D at the Vancouver Aquarium. AND it's the last day to go to the Fair at the PNE and get your deep fried jellybeans.

But don't worry, even with all these endings there's still plenty of awesome coming up. This for instance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riJRODogRVI

10 sleeps until Yo Gabba Gabba Live! Have you got your tickets?

That's all for this week. See you next Wednesday!