There are many events taking place across the city to celebrate the second annual Family Day in B.C., Feb. 9, but we’ve narrowed the list down to the top five.
- Trout Lake Community Centre:
OK, the Trout Lake Community Centre should probably win a prize for offering the most performances, activities and events in one location in celebration of B.C. Family Day — thanks to funding from the provincial government. To that end, there will be dance.
This free event kicks off at 11 a.m. with an opening ceremony including Dez Dancers, Chinese dancers and the Forest Dance. Activities also include gym fun for all ages, soccer demonstrations and instructor-led sessions including Music Together, Grow with Music, Middle Eastern dancing, break dancing, salsa, a big swing band, blue grass jam, storytelling, a drama performance, readings by members of the Seniors Writing Group, family photo shoot, Aikido and Kempo demonstrations and Contact made up of keen professional artists and amateur dancers who are parents, grandparents, care givers and children up to and including the age of four.
Don’t forget to check out arts and crafts in the pottery and art studios and Olympic art in the Willow Room. The Figure Skating Club will perform from 1:15 to 1:30 p.m. in the rink and a family skate takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. As well, hungry families can enjoy tasty cooking demonstrations in the kitchen and celebrate with cake. The Trout Lake Community Centre Youth group is hosting a barbecue offering one hotdog, a drink and bag of chips for $3.50. The event ends with a grand finale of multicultural drumming and circle dance. The centre is located at 3360 Victoria Dr. Call 604 257-6955 or visit troutlakecc.com for more information.
- Ice Skating at Robson Square:
Despite the large number of coffee drinkers enjoying the January sun on patios across the city last weekend, the ice skating rink at Robson Square is still open and will remain in operation until Feb. 28. Skating is free if you own your skates and rentals are available if you don’t. Warm drinks and food are available to purchase from the concession. For more information, visit robsonsquare.com.
- Vanier Park:
This Family Day weekend, bring the gang down to Vanier Park for music, history, science and art — with live performances by Vancouver Academy of Music students and Bard on the Beach’s Young Shakespeareans.
The action is all part of the Winter Wander program, which allows participants to purchase a $5 passport that allows them entrance into the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, City of Vancouver Archives and Vancouver Maritime Museum on Feb. 7. Take your Winter Wander Passport to each location to receive a stamp and enter to win prizes at each of the attractions. Children aged five and younger are admitted free. Purchase your Winter Wander Passport at Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, or Vancouver Maritime Museum on the day of the event. Visit museumofvancouver.ca.
- Vancouver Art Gallery:
The Vancouver Art gallery is open and free to children ages 12 and younger on Family Day, Feb. 9, from noon to 4 p.m.
Celebrate the day with an exciting range of activities to participate in throughout the day, including live music, interactive shadow play, tours and hands-on art making activities. Kids will also get a gift bag courtesy of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Visit vanartgallery.bc.ca.
- Telus World of Science:
Every day is Family Day at Telus World of Science, but while the attraction is typically closed on Mondays, it will be open Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. so let the games begin.
Shows and demonstration can change, so make sure to check the website for a daily schedule, but one photo clearly shows that at least one pickle will explode. Visit scienceworld.ca/centrestage.
