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Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver families.Every week 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.This weeks events include the outdoor concerts, movies, museums, crafts and fairs! |
One of my favourite things to do in the summer is going to the Twilight Drive In for a late night movie. Since you can control the volume and you are in the privacy of your own vehicle, it's a great way to see new release films when you have younger kids. So pack up your blankets, pillows, pajamas and some bug spray and head down to Aldergrove to one of North America's last standing Drive Ins.
To get the best spots, arrive early. Gates open 90 minutes before the first film (8:45pm) on weekends and 30 minutes on weekdays. There is a large grassy area in front of the screen that is great for letting the kids run off some steam before the film starts and steer clear of the car-filled aisles. One often sees film goers enjoying a game of Bocce or Red Rover.
We have a pretty small car so we put down the back seats, lay out some blankets and pillows and enjoy the film with the back hatch open. If you choose to watch the film this way, don't forget the bug spray! Lots of people bring folding chairs and bring them to the field in front of the screen.
Like most theatres, Twilight depends on the revenue from their snack bar so resist the temptation to bring in your own. They have plenty of reasonably priced movie treats like candy, popcorn and hot foods.
Even if you don't decide to stick around for the second show (two shows for the price of one!), make sure you stay for at least the intermission cartoons which are sure to bring you back to the days when you were a pajama wearing kid at the drive in.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: September 2nd - 7th
Summer Night Concerts at the PNE: Hall and Oates
September 2nd
8:00pm
West Jet Concert Stage at the PNE
See everyone's favourite guilty pleasure live at the PNE. Show your kids your Maneater dance moves in the festival style seating which is available on a first come, first served basis on a grass area directly in front of the stage. The Summer Night Concerts is included free with purchase of a Fair Gate Admission Pass. A regular Fair Gate Pass costs $20 at the gate or $16.80at a Lower Mainland 7-Eleven or Safeway location. Kids under 13 are free.
Fort Langley Farm Fall Fair
September 3rd – Monday September 5th
9am – 6pm
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada
History comes alive at Fort Langley National Historic Site this long weekend. Watch blacksmith and weapon demonstrations, participate in the sac race, ride a pony and get your face painted. Regular admission fees apply.
Crescent Beach Collector Cars And Motorcycles Event
September 3rd
10 am – 3 pm
Tap into your inner Jay Leno and make your way out to Crescent Beach for the annual Crescent Beach Invitational Collector Cars and Motorcycles Event. This event has traditionally been held in Gastown but has moved to Blackie Spit Park in Surrey. It is a great opportunity to get up close to rare cars and motorcycles and chat with the folks whose passion it is to collect and restore them. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
Free Outdoor Movie Nights in Tsawwassen - E.T.
September 3rd
6:30 pm - late
Pack up your blankets, chairs, bug spray and Reese's Pieces and watch E.T. under the starts at Tsawwassen's Diefenbaker Park. Pre movie activities and food begin at 6:30 so head down early. Film starts at dusk.
Victory Square Block Party
September 4th, 2011
2pm to 9pm
Victory Square, Cambie & Hastings, Vancouver
Put on your Wayfarers and lay out your Pendleton blanket and go to the Victory Square at the corner of Cambie and Hastings to check out some of the city's best bands: Sun Wizard, Hot Panda, B-Lines, Men at Adventure, My Friend Wallis, Peace, and Bleating Hearts. There will also be DJ sets by Blood Diamonds, Glory Days and Teen Daze.
Vancouver Aquarium @ the Plaza behind Kids Market
September 4th
12pm - 4pm
Kids Only Market in Granville Island
A new and exciting tent using interactive props and educational games programmed around the Birds Up Close show, a dynamic aerial show that explores the unique relationships between the sea and sky. There is also face painting daily at the Kids Only market from 1pm - 4pm (prices ranging from $3-$7).
Burnaby Heritage Village Museum Fall Fair
September 5th
11 am – 4:30 pm
Burnaby Heritage Village Museum 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Celebrate the Museum’s 40th Anniversary with an old fashioned fall fair complete with games of chance, races and entertainment. Join one of the races, try the corn shucking, or bite your way through the watermelon-eating contest. Free carousel rides compliments of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission and C.U.P.E. Local 23
