Sometimes the most glorious gifts cant be wrapped and placed under the tree. Case in point: how do you put a bow on an experience?
Experiential gifts are great for everyone, but perfect for kids, who are happiest when theyre stimulated, playing, and embarking on an adventure — not to mention making memories with their loved ones.
This year, give the kids in your life the gift of a cherished memory via one of these priceless — and quintessentially Vancouver — experiences. (As for how to wrap it, consider pulling out some crayons and drawing a picture.)
Although scientists insist that magic doesn't exist, Science World is an undeniably magical place. Between the spine-tingling OMNIMAX films, mind-boggling exhibitions, hands-on Discovery Lab and immersive (and super-fun) Kidspace, kids learn powerful lessons about scientific concepts through play and exploration without realizing that they're learning anything at all. What's more magical than that? Membership includes unlimited admission, discounts on OMNIMAX tickets, invitations to special events, use of the members-only entry line, and more. From $110 at ScienceWorld.ca/memberbenefits.
Ever wanted to cavort with a sea turtle? Canoodle with a dolphin? Banter with a beluga? Children eight years old and older can embrace their inner Dr. Doolittles in one of the Vancouver Aquarium's Animal Encounters experiences. Participating kids (and accompanying adults) are invited to step behind the scenes of the internationally renowned marine centre and interact with belugas, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, Amazon birds, or Schoona the sea turtle. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult; various prices at VanAqua.org. (Tip: aquarium members receive a 20 per cent discount on Animal Encounters experiences, so consider purchasing a family membership before booking your encounter; it's a gift the entire family can enjoy throughout the year).
Kids get stressed, tired, and bent out of shape, just like grown-ups do. Arm your kids with the tools they need to cope with life's many stresses with a slate of classes from Kitsilano's YogaButtons, Vancouver's first and only kid-centric yoga studio. Classes foster stamina, flexibility, deep breathing, and emotional wellbeing. Gift certificates are available for any number of drop-in classes, a space in the Winter Break Camp (December 30-January 3) or a 10-class card. YogaButtons.com
Don't let the name fool you: kids do a lot more than play with glue and paper at Collage Collage. The hip Kingsway crafting centre is a creative playground for the little Martha Stewarts and Bob Rosses among us. There's a relaxed art-making class for the preschool set, and sewing, painting, sculpture, creative writing, sock monkey making and yes, collage for older kids. Peruse the class menu and register for classes at CollageCollage.ca
Kids develop poise, hand-eye coordination, and an appreciation for history in Academie Duello's Youth Swordplay program — but more important than all of that is the fact that they learn how to handle a sword, and swords are awesome. Students work with rapiers, longswords, sideswords, and polearms, and learn medieval and renaissance wrestling and grappling techniques. In the event that dragons ever appear in Vancouver, your young musketeer will be ready. Download the full brochure at AcademieDuello.com
