As the mom of a couple of rowdy boys who are up for anything and crave a daily dose of excitement, I am suddenly finding that a trip to the park doesn’t fit the bill. With my kids getting older, their expectations for our weekend adventures are simultaneously getting higher… and I am often struggling to find cool new experiences.
This week why not take them to heights they’ve never seen? You never know, it just might be the thrill they’ve been seeking.
The Hive is Vancouver’s only Bouldering Gym. Prior to taking my kids there, I had no idea what this meant, but I think I have somewhat of an idea now – at least enough to share. Located in a 10,000 square-foot warehouse tucked away off Main street in the light industrial area, the gym is home to what I describe as “indoor mini-mountains,” all with different grades and angles.
There truly are options for all levels of climbing, and even the mom who’d rather stand back and watch (and sometimes coax her kids down when her heart skips a beat). The mats are supremely soft and squishy, and the kids are given a safety lesson prior to starting, so they are well-versed in the art of falling. Yes, there is an art to falling.
The Hive boasts a kids' room and birthday party area (we held a party there last year, and it was awesome) and washrooms/showers if you get hooked and find yourself sweating it out. In addition to all this climbing stuff, they also host social events – music nights, film screenings, community arts festivals. The Hive is a hidden gem, and if you see us there, say what’s up!
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
If you can’t wait to hear those sleigh bells ring, and want to see some amazing scenery, then The Peak of Christmas is for you.
Hidden high atop the mountain is a winter-wonderland full of Christmas delights. You can check-out the (real) reindeer, have a photo taken with Santa, listen to carols, walk through the Gingerbread Village and even visit the Theatre in the Sky to enjoy classic Christmas movies on a large high-definition screen. Oh! And skate on the 8,000 square-foot mountaintop ice skating pond while you're at it. These activities are all complimentary with your Grouse Mountain Alpine Experience ticket, Annual Membership, Winter Season Pass, or Lift Ticket.
Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Canyon Lights is not to be missed this year, as it’s laying claim to be the home of the world’s tallest living Christmas Tree. This 250-year old Douglas-fir stands 46 metres tall and is adorned in thousands of sparkling lights.
If walking through a rainforest filled with hundreds of thousands of lights doesn't do it for you, then follow those lights and give the Suspension Bridge and Cliffwalk a try. I’m actually not a really-high-in-the-air bridge person, but, for some reason, when it’s all lit-up it makes it easier for me to handle… That, and in the dark my kids stay close to me, and aren’t as likely to make a rocking-the-bridge “joke.” So funny. Yeah.
If you get your kicks on being patriotic (how Canadian of you), why not spend an afternoon flying over Canada? Located at Canada Place, this new(ish) attraction will take your breath away. Preflight, you will get up close and personal with Canada in a show about our country, and then you are on your way to the boarding zone. Next stop is the flight deck, where you spend 8 minutes on the Ultimate Flying Ride soaring east to west over some of the most spectacular scenery the country has to offer.
You don’t have to take my word for it, they say on their site: “Dip into deep valleys where wild rivers rush by. Feel the wind in your hair as you fly over magnificent prairies. Gaze at snow-capped mountains that tower over the land. Seek the thrill of urban environments that buzz from morning to night.”
The Vancouver Look-Out at the Harbour Centre
If you’ve tried everything on this list, and still feel like you want to get higher, then I think The Vancouver Lookout is for you. The attraction sits atop the Harbour Centre, one of Vancouver’s tallest and most recognizable buildings.
Ride the glass elevator up, up, up the building to take in the beauty of our city. With a 360º aerial view of Vancouver (the most beautiful city in the world), you are able to enjoy a true bird's-eye view. Gastown, Stanley Park, the Northshore Mountains and Olympic Peninsula Mountains are stunning from above – and just imagine the Instagram opportunities! If social media isn’t your thing you can learn about the past, present and future of the city in a guided tour too. Hot-tip: your ticket is valid all day, so why not get a sitter and come back at night to enjoy a West Coast sunset with the one you love. High times for sure ;-)
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Bree Galbraith is the co-founder of Peaks and Harbours, a Vancouver “not just for moms” blog that showcases everything our city has to offer the younger crowd. @breegalbraith |
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