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The Playground: September 23rd -29th

Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver families.Every week I post a roundup of upcoming family-friendly events and activities.

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.

The nice thing about living in a city like Vancouver is that you don't have to go very far to get out of it.  One of my favourite 'escapes' from the hustle and bustle is Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver.  Just a fifteen minute drive from east van (exit 19 on the number 1),  it makes for the perfect morning outing with a little one.

Sadie's favourite part is the suspension bridge.  Smaller than the Capliano Suspension Bridge, it is no less thrilling (especially for height weary folks like me) and it's free.  If you are brave enough to look down, you get one heck of a view.

Once you cross the bridge, there are quite a few trails that you can follow through the woods.  Even on our short 20 minute jaunts, Sadie finds no shortage of birds, trees, wooden walkways, moss and bodies of water to marvel at.

When our walk is complete, Sadie loves to visit the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre.  A field trip staple, the Ecology Centre has lots of interactive exhibits to teach you all you need to know about the ecosystems in the surrounding forest, global/local environmental issues and the natural history of BC.

Entrance into the Ecology Centre is by donation, and while you are free to explore it on your own, they also offer a number of programs from guided nature walks to stories and crafts.  Check out their online schedule for more information.  Lots to do to get your child excited about the outdoors!

Community Events:  September 24th - 25th

Semiahmoo Salmon Festival

September 24 - 25

White Rock Beach

This two day festival takes place at the Semiahmoo Park at White Rock Beach. This interactive multicultural event features stage entertainment, powwows, family activities and a salmon barbecue.  Admission is by donation.

BC Rivers Day

September 25

11:00am - 4:00pm

Williams Park, (238 St. & 68 Ave. Surrey)

The 31st annual celebration of rivers in Canada - BC Rivers Day, offers undersea crawl zone,  face painting and henna art, and ?bird house and feeder building and much more.  ?The festival also features live musical performances by Will Stroet, The Genuine Jug Band, and Tony Prophet.

Songs of the Forest

September 25

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Pacific Spirit Park

Bring your family and friends to a unique storytelling event along the trails!  Every 10 - 15 minutes, guides will take groups on a 90 min. enchanting walk. As you walk along the story trail you will encounter costumed actors who will tell you the stories of the frogs, birds, water, wind and more.  The event is held at the Park Outpost Parking Lot (north side 16th Avenue between Blanca Street and Wesbrook Mall).

This is Strathcona Festival

September 25th

11:00am – 6:00pm

MacLean Park Vancouver

Celebrate Vancouver's 125th birthday in its oldest neighbourhood.  This festival will have a scavenger hunt, live entertainment, a kid zone and more.