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, don't hesitate to contact me. |
On lazy weekend afternoons, we like to take Sadie down to Hastings Park to watch the pony races. Just a stones throw from the PNE, it's a free and entertaining way to fill a weekend afternoon (until October 2nd). I don't know the first thing about betting on the horses and nor do I promote doing it with you child. We only go to watch the horses. Sadie loves identifying a horse by its colour or number and cheering for it during the 2 minute race.
The expansive seating area up in the stands and concourse near the track provides plenty of room for children to roam, eat snacks, interact with other kids and watch the races. There is even a playground nearby for the kids.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: September 16th – 22nd
September 16th
3 pm – 8 pm
Head out to UBC this free event to celebrate celebrate food, music and community at Vancouver's largest working farm. Enjoy local bands, audience-participation square dancing, farm fresh corn, a supervised children's area with face painting, bubble wands and more!
September 17th
11am - 4pm
Bring the entire family to this free annual celebration of trees on the Riverview Hospital Lands. Happening rain or shine, this FREE event includes guided tree tours, live entertainment, art exhibition and sale, heritage building walk, children’s crafts & activities and much more.
September 17th
10am - 4pm
West Coast Railway Heritage Park
The Sea to Sky Family Fair is a high energy Baby & Kids Show in Squamish BC. They will have everything for young families under one roof. There will be information, shopping, a photo contest, a fantastic Kids Zone and 2 concerts by Bobs & Lolo. Tickets are $10 (kids under 2 free) and include all the activities and 1 free minirail ride.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park Nature Walk for Kids aged 4-10
September 17th
10am - 11am
Pacific Spirit Regional Park (33rd and Camosun Entrance)
This nature walk takes place every third Saturday at Pacific Spirit Park. Rain or shine, this easy walk filled with fun activities will teach kids and to help them appreciate nature. For questions please contact Lauren Wright or Madelaine Barois at psp.youth@gmail.com
September 17th
12pm – 6pm
Main St. (between Broadway and E. 12 Avenue)
Shift into a more sustainable lifestyle with Mount Pleasant BIA's Autumn Shift Festival! This free, family friendly event will celebrate the shift in season and the growing shift in attitude towards sustainability, eating local and urban gardening. This popular annual event will feature great music, lots of fun activities for kids, a merchant market, BLIM, gardening booths and enthusiastic community participation.
Sharing Our Wealth - A Neighbourhood Festival at Douglas Park Community Centre
September 18
12pm – 4:00pm
Free fun for the whole family! Rides, entertainment, carnival games, silent auction, community displays & more! Kids, come with your “Happy 125th Vancouver” themed Lego creation to win prizes. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable item for our Food Bank Fundraiser.
September 18th
12pm – 4pm
McLean Park, Vancouver
The Harvest Festival is a multi cultural, all ages, free community celebration where everyone can join in the festivities, sing and dance to the music of local talent, play some good old fashioned games, enjoy feasting and spend a fun filled afternoon with old acquaintances while having the chance to make some new ones.
Movies for Mommies Burnaby: Midnight in Paris
September 21st
12:30pm
Enjoy a matinee screening of Woody Allen's latest film in a child friendly environment.
Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes
September 21st
7pm
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Vancouver
Pete the Cat is coming to show his moves at a live performance with author Eric Litwin and illustrator James Dean. One copy of Rocking In My School Shoes will be included with the purchase of the tickets. There are also events in North Vancouver and Surrey. Visit here for ticket information.