When I'm brainstorming about activities that will keep the kids busy, I'm also thinking about what I'll have fun doing too. If I can add an adult friend and her kids into the mix for one giant play-date, then I am one happy mama. Here are four outings in Vancouver you can take your children to in the next week that are also grown-up friendly!
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Skating at Robson Skate Rink
Until the end of February, you can still head to the centre of downtown Vancouver and take a spin or two around this rink with your little ones. If you have your own set of skates, it's totally free. If you need to rent some, it's just $4.00 and helmets are included! It does get busy - because it's so awesome - so expect a more leisurely skate. There's a cafe where you can grab a hot chocolate if you need to take a break while the lunch crowd thins out.
Letter Writing Club at The Regional Assembly of Text
On the first Thursday of each month, the wonderful ladies at The Regional Assembly of Text, on Main Street, hold their Letter Writing Club - with typewriters! They clear off the large stationary display table in the centre of their store, line it with vintage typewriters, and provide all the paper, stamps, cookies and tea you could ever need. I take my older child Finn (8 years old) and leave my son Augustus (5 years old) home to hang with dad for this one. She adores this night and waits for it excitedly every month. We'll be there next Thursday, February 5th, so say hello if you see us. Oh, and it's completely free!
Bowling at Grandview Lanes
This bowling spot on Commercial Drive is seriously amazing. It's your one-stop-shop for birthday parties, rainy day excursions, and office get-togethers. Whether you're into 5-pin bowling, 10-pin, or you just really want to experience some of that black light bowling excitement, Grandview Lanes is a rad spot to spend the afternoon with your kids and friends. They have metal guides for the teeniest of bowlers to roll their balls off, and they can also put up guards on the lanes to quell any newbie frustrations. They also have a ton of food, drinks, and adult beverages!
Drop-in Art Classes at Collage Collage
Do you have a little one that's not in full-time school yet? From Monday to Saturday, Collage Collage holds their 2-4 year olds' Drop-In Make session at 11am. For an hour, your child will be guided and encouraged through a teacher-led art class, with a changing theme and medium each time. At the end of class, you'll not only have a piece of art to hang on your wall, or play with, but you'll gather 'round the story time chair to listen to a story from one of Collage Collage's incredible selection of books. $12 covers all your materials, and the skills of your teacher!
Carina-Marie Nilsson 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. @carinamarienilsson
