As we approach the second anniversary of B.C.’s Family Day statutory holiday Feb. 10, it’s a good time to pause, plan and prepare for a memorable and much-needed time out.
Spinning our wheels in a world full of distractions and noise, life as a parent can at times feel like running on a non-stop treadmill. Between work, social commitments, play dates, sports, errands, groceries and general chaos, it’s nearly impossible to stop and breathe, let alone coordinate multiple family schedules. Leave It to Beaver family mealtimes seem to be a thing of the past.
It can get old and exhausting coming up with new ways to entertain your kids. By the end of the week everyone is bushed and tapped for ideas. Here are a few suggestions to help families create a simple, yet memorable “staycation” this Family Day.
- Introduce the little ones to the luxury lifestyle at one of Vancouver’s family friendly hotels. Pack an overnight bag and enter the palace gates. Don’t forget the princess dresses and the swimsuits. Tourism Vancouver’s Amber Sessions lets us in on her top recommendations. The Four Seasons Vancouver boasts the only indoor/outdoor hotel pool in the city and has been recently awarded a five-star rating by the Forbes Travel Guide. Kid-friendly offerings include spacious suites perfect for families, complimentary cribs, high chairs, strollers, playpens, child-size bathrobes, baby and children’s toiletries and items to baby-proof your room. Various family discounted packages are available depending on your needs. For example, the Kids In the City package will save you 30 per cent on a second room if bunking with your teenagers is not what you would call luxury.
- If conservative and classic luxuries are more your family style, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver offers a daily “bubblegum tea” for kids while parents enjoy High Tea (1 to 4 p.m. on Family Day). You may be sleeping not far from home but your kids will never forget the memories and the 600 thread count sheets.
- Turn out the Lights on Feb. 9 as the Vancouver Aquarium offers families the ultimate marine staycation — a slumber party where you can choose the marine backdrop of choice. A fully inclusive experience, the sleepover includes special activities, tours, presentations and guest speakers. After a delicious evening snack, the behind-the-scenes marine lab allows overnighters the chance to get personal with the stars of our sea. Wake up to a continental breakfast and more special tours. Pre-booking online required at vanaqua.org.
- If you prefer simple, active and fun, community centres take Family Day seriously, offering endless fun and inexpensive programming for everyone.
Mount Pleasant offers a free parent and tot session, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. that includes games, crafts and activities (for families with children 5 and under).
Trout Lake hosts a free event 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring entertainment, instructor demos, art, barbecue, skating and other activities.
Templeton Pool offers a special all-ages swim session, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., including activities, games and prizes.
West Point Grey host a free event 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. featuring zumba, arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle.
Hillcrest Centre’s Family Day program, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., costs $2 per child and includes a mini Olympic Games for the whole family, crafts, sport activities, entertainment and more. Pre-registration is required.
Killarney Community Centre’s event runs 1:30 to 4 p.m. and features a variety of activities including a family gym with Olympic-themed crafts and games. Pre-registration is required. Admission by food donation.
For more information, visit vancouver.ca.
There are no rules to planning a Family Day staycation. More is always merrier, so gather your clan and create magic together with multiple families or a classic family reunion. Creatures of habit may prefer spending a leisurely day at one of Vancouver’s staple hot spots: VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Stanley Park, Robson Square Ice Rink, Vancouver Art Gallery or Science World, to name a few.
