OK, I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited about the opening of the amazing new Anvil Centre downtown.
And no, it's not just 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 over the next couple of months.
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.
* Mom and Baby Yoga: 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 as well.
Five- to eight-year-olds can try their hand at art through a Young Masters program on Mondays, starting at 4 p.m. Oct. 6, or an Art Expressions program on Sundays at 2 p.m. starting Oct. 26.
On the crafts front, you've got Pop Up!, teaching six- to eight-year-olds how to make fun pop-up cards. It runs 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19.
There's Crafty Creations, for eight- to 12-year-olds, on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m., and Printmaking and Collage Basics for 10- to 12-year-olds - running Tuesdays at 4 p.m. from Oct. 28 to Dec. 9.
For the theatrically inclined, there's a Monday course in Tween Theatrics (ages nine to 12), running from Oct. 20 to Nov. 24, and a Thursday Shakespeare Playground (ages eight to 13) from Oct. 2 to 30.
And, of course, there are teen programs - including a Teen Art Lounge Sundays starting Oct. 5, and a course on Selfies and the History of Portraiture (for those aged 13 and 70) on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
For the musically inclined, there are piano lessons, guitar and bass lessons, violin lessons, and music theory lessons on offer.
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, if you pick up a brochure, you're bound to find something to suit your family!
Check it out at www.anvilcentre.com.
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Last column, I mentioned a few book clubs and storytimes on offer at the New West Public Library, so this week I thought I'd throw out a few more library-related suggestions.
If you'd like your young one to get some reading practice, why not check out the library's Reading Buddies program.
Young buddies aged six to nine are paired with a teen volunteer (aged 13 and up) to practise reading. Buddies must already be able to read in either English or French.
English Reading Buddies meet Tuesdays, Sept. 23 to Nov. 25, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. French Reading Buddies meet Wednesdays, Sept. 24 to Nov. 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The library also offers a chance for tweens to get creative.
Its Creative Tweens craft program for kids gives the nine- to 12-year-old crowd a chance to try out something new each month.
At the main library, it runs Thursdays, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. It also runs in Queensborough on Wednesdays, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
For more on all the happenings at the library, check out www.nwpl.ca.
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If you're looking for affordable family fun in New West, don't forget to check out River Market.
The market always has things happening for kids and their parents.
On Fridays at 10 a.m., you can check out a free drop-in Mini Music class at Music Box (upstairs at the market), designed for young'uns aged nine months up to five years old. Music Box also offers Music Box Music Kids' Club on Saturdays, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., for the three- to five-year-old crowd. It's $25 to drop in, or $20 with a club card.
Check out www.musicboxnw.ca, email [email protected] or call 604-553-1176 for info.
On Saturdays, you can also try out a Family Intro to Circus class at the Vancouver Circus School (also upstairs).
The one-hour class runs from 10 to 11 a.m. and gives the whole family a chance to try out trampoline, juggling and aerial silks.
It's for kids aged four and up with adults - $25 for one adult and one child, $35 for one adult and two children, or $50 for two adults and two children.
The circus school also offers a parent-and-tot drop-in on Tuesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m., offering supervised circus fun for parents and kids aged six months and up. It's $10 per child.
On Tuesdays, you can check out a River Critters baking class, with Katia from Pamola Bakery leading a fun, hands-on session for kids aged five and under. It starts at 10 a.m., and registration is through Eventbrite. It's $5 per child.
Check the River Market website for full scheduling details. Details of these and all the other River Market events can be found at the market's website, www.rivermarket.ca.
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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.
