It's that time of year again - when kids give a collective "yippee!" and parents sigh and scratch their heads wondering how to cope with two weeks of spring break.
(Yes, New Westminster has gone with a two-week spring break this year - March 15 to 30, to be exact.)
To help make things a little easier for local families, I thought I'd do some digging and put together a list of ideas for spring break fun around New West.
Here's what I've come up with so far:
* New Westminster parks, rec and culture: As always, the city has planned a busy schedule for families looking for spring break fun. There are activities for all age groups, from toddlers to teens and adults. For the toddler set, there's parent and tot gymnastics or motoring munchkins. Preschoolers can enjoy dance camp, mini-chefs or playtime.
Older kids have a host of choices: Fun en français, Action Adventure Day Camp, Kids Cook, Crazy Creators, Field Trip Fridays, Mind Your Manners, Sailing on the Fraser, Jamboree Dance Camp, Mad Science ... well, you get the idea.
Teens can enjoy drop-ins at the youth centre and Queensborough Middle School or take part in outtrips with the city's youth services department.
And whole families can bond in special family swims at the Canada Games Pool - a Superhero Spectacular and a Hawaiian Adventure - or a drop-in trampoline and gymnastics program at the Queen's Park Arenex. Special spring break skating is also offered.
Look for the spring break brochure at city facilities or see it online at www.newwestpcr.ca.
* New Westminster Public Library: The library's two branches offer a Spring Break Bonanza, a drop-in program for ages six to 12 that features games, crafts, stories and a special activity. It's at the main branch (716 Sixth Ave.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays (March 18, 20, 25 and 27) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. It's also on at the Queensborough branch on Wednesdays and Thursdays (March 19, 20, 26 and 27) from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
* Music Box: The New Westminster music school, at River Market, offers a variety of spring break programs. From March 17 to 21, kids can take part in Music in the Mornings and Theatre and Dance Afternoons, with separate sessions for ages four to seven and eight to 12. From March 24 to 28, it's Let's Put on a Show, which will give kids a chance to learn everything from how to build a set and sew costumes to performing on stage. It runs Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and before- and after-school care is available. Check out www.musicboxnw.ca, email [email protected] or call 604-553-1176.
* The Stage New Westminster: This performing arts school (which runs out of Dance With Me Studios at 230-50 Lorne St., downtown) offers a week-long musical theatre day camp that will culminate in a presentation for family and friends on the Friday. Kids aged seven to 10 can take part from March 17 to 21, and kids aged 11 to 14 can enjoy a week of fun March 23 to 27. Check out www.thestagenewwest.ca, email [email protected] or call 604-518-1291.
* The Dance Matrix: This New West dance school is offering up Spring Loaded, a spring break dance camp from March 17 to 28. Children aged six and up will receive instruction in a variety of dance styles, plus set and costume-making, games, arts and crafts. At the end of the two-week session there will be a showcase for family and friends. The program runs 9 a.m .to 4 p.m. daily, with before and after care available. Previous dance experience is NOT necessary. The Dance Matrix is at 802 Agnes St. Call 778-397-0934, email [email protected] or visit www.thedancematrix.webs.com.
* Vancouver Circus School: Kids can run away to join the circus with day camps geared towards youth aged six to 16. Kids of all fitness levels and abilities are invited to take part in the camps, which will include aerial silks, bouncy trampolines, juggling and more. There are full- and half-day options, and the camps run March 17 to 21 and March 24 to 28. Call 604-544-5024, email [email protected] or visit www.vancouvercircusschool.ca for all the details.
* Douglas College: The college's New Westminster campus offers a wide variety of camps running March 17 to 21, including Sports and Computers, All-Star Presenters, Creative Writing, Dance Camp and Multisport Camp. From March 24 to 28, there's Young Artists, Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, Web Design and Table Teenis Camp. Some camps are half-day and others run full-day sessions. For full details, call 604-527-5680, email [email protected] or see www.douglascollege.ca/youthcamps.
Have I missed anything? If so, feel free to send me an email, [email protected].
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Do you have an idea for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related suggestions to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
