September is upon us once again - and if you're anything like me, that means you're thinking about new activities for your family for the fall and winter season.
I've delved into the family files to pull out some ideas for New West families, particularly those with babies, tots and preschoolers.
In no particular order, here are a few ideas if you're looking for ways to fill your fall with fun:
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Books, books, books!
Who doesn't love a good book? The New Westminster Public Library is offering a host of ideas to get kids and families involved in books, starting right from babyhood.
First off, there's an awesome club for new moms and dads - a Bring Your Baby Book Club meets on third Tuesday afternoons at the main library branch uptown.
Parents get a chance to enjoy adult books and adult conversation in a baby-friendly environment (the suggested age for the baby participants is from newborn to 24 months).
The club starts on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m., and the club also meets on Oct. 21 and Nov. 18.
Register at 604-527-4667 or email [email protected].
Kids who like to talk about books can join the Young Readers' Book Club, which starts later this month at both the main branch (beginning Thursday, Sept. 25) and the Queensborough branch (starting Wednesday, Sept. 24).
It's for ages nine to 12, and books and snacks are provided. Call the children's room at 604-527-4677 to sign up.
And, of course, there are regular Storytime sessions for all ages at the library.
For the newborn-to-23-month crowd, check out Babytime drop-ins, Fridays at 10:15 a.m. at the main branch and Mondays at 11 a.m. in Queensborough.
For the two- to five-year-old crowd, there's Preschool Storytime on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at the main branch, and in Queensborough on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
There's also a Family Storytime on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. at the main branch - bring your bear and blanket to share stories and rhymes before bedtime.
The main library branch is at 716 Sixth Ave. The Queensborough branch is at 920 Ewen Ave. Check out www.nwpl.ca for all the details about the library's offerings.
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The Lower Mainland Purpose Society also offers a wonderful program for parents with young children - Fun, Learning and You (FLY).
FLY is for kids aged 18 months to five years old and their parents or caregivers, running Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon starting on Sept. 23.
It's free for New West residents, and it includes circle times, play and preschool readiness, plus parent information sessions on speech and language, early literacy and more.
Purpose also offers an English Made Easy program for families where the adults have limited or no English skills, including children up to five years old. It runs Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, offering practical English classes for the caregivers and songs, stories and crafts with an emphasis on English for the kids.
It kicks off Sept. 10.
For information or to register for either program, contact Elizabeth or Stella at 604-526-2522. The Lower Mainland Purpose Society is at 40 Begbie St., downtown.
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OK, I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty excited about the opening of the amazing new Anvil Centre downtown.
And no, it's not just going to be a place for conferences or culture snobs - it's got something for everybody.
Just downloaded a copy of the centre's fall brochure, and I've discovered a whole host of family-friendly stuff happening at the centre this fall.
A few highlights for those with wee ones:
* Art Splash: A parent participation art class for two- to four-year-olds runs Fridays from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Oct. 3 to Nov. 7, for $24.
* Art Extravaganza!: This one gives kids aged three to five a chance to learn and experiment with watercolour, acrylic, mixed media and more, and supplies are included. It runs Fridays from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Oct. 3 to Nov. 27, and also costs $24.
* Music on the go: A lively parent participation music class for the three- to five-year-old crowd will include dramatic play, activities, singing, instruments, stories and more, with an emphasis on fun. It runs Sundays from Oct. 5 to Nov. 9, with sessions at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m., and it costs $31.
And new moms, there's also one just for you: Mom and Baby Yoga (Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 8 to Nov. 12) begins with a yoga flow for babies and follows with sequences designed to help restore mom's core strength and ease a variety of common physical strains. It's $35.50.
If your kids are older, never fear - there are plenty of offerings for school-aged kids and adults as well, and I'll look at some of those in future columns.
Or you can check it out for yourself by downloading the fall brochure from the Anvil Centre website, www.anvilcentre.com.
Got a family-oriented event or parenting idea to share? All ideas for Family Ties are welcome. Email Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
