Hey, fellow New West parents! It's been awhile, so I thought I'd better stop in with another instalment of family fun ideas around the city.
With spring well underway and summer looming, it seems like everywhere I go, I'm seeing families out enjoying all our city has to offer.
Just last weekend, as I enjoyed a Mother's Day brunch and outing with my wee one at River Market and the waterfront, it seemed like half of New West was out there with us. I love, love, love seeing people out there enjoying our amazing city.
But if you're in need of a few extra ideas, here are some things to check out:
* Queen's Park Petting Farm: Don't forget the goats! Yes, indeed, the lovably pushy little critters are back for the season as the petting farm opens Victoria Day weekend. Kids (and grown-ups) can enjoy getting up close and personal with goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, ducks, chickens and more, and a friendly farmer is on-hand to introduce people to the animals. The farm is open May 17 to Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and admission is by donation. Call 604-777-5121 for more - or just drop in to the farm, which is just next to the spray park at Queen's Park.
* Summer Preview Artisans' Fair: Celebrate the May long weekend by stopping in at the latest in this series of artisans' fairs at the River Market. Featured artisans include Urban Sketcher, MVB Creations, Chandrasana Boutique, Kellie Flannagan Jewellery, Ribbons and Threads, KinderBooks, Carla's Victorian Heirlooms and many more. The fair is on Saturday, May 17 and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out www.rivermarket.ca for more details.
* River Critters Nursery Sing-Along: If you have little ones who love music, then this is perfect for you. Every Friday morning at River Market, you can join the good folks from Music Box New Westminster for a nursery rhyme sing-along. It's designed for all kids who love music, from babes in arms up to preschoolers and beyond. Meet up with other parents and enjoy some fun with your kids on Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. The fun all happens in the kids' play space, just behind the escalators. Check out www.rivermarket.ca .
* Parents Night Out: Yes, parents, there's one more instalment in the night-out program offered by the city's parks and rec department. The night out events let you take your five- to 12-year-olds to Centennial Community Centre for an evening of games, sports, crafts, pizza and a movie - while you go off and do something for the grown-ups. The next one is set for Saturday, June 7. It runs 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call the community centre at 604-777-5100 or check out the city's Active Living Guide (online at www.newwestpcr.ca) for more details.
* New West Public Library Summer Reading Club: Yes, it really is almost summer - and that means your three- to 12-year-old readers can have a great time taking part in the library's popular summer reading club. Registration for this year's club starts June 9 at the main branch (716 Sixth Ave., uptown) and June 10 in Queensborough. A special kickoff party is set for 3:30 p.m. on June 18 at the main branch at June 25 at 3:30 in Queensborough. Check out nwpl.ca for all the details.
* New Westminster Family Place: Family Place - at 101-93 Sixth St., downtown - offers a whole host of resources for families, including drop-ins and parenting programs. Among the special events are Tuesday drop-ins at Shiloh-Sixth Avenue United Church (9:30 to 11:30 a.m. most Tuesdays) and Thursday and Friday drop-ins in the portable at Lord Kelvin Elementary School (9 to 11 a.m.). The main site hosts a Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program, for parents of kids up to five years old, running for six consecutive Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. starting May 22. Child-minding is offered, and registrations is needed. To find out about everything Family Place has to offer, visit www.nwfamily.bc.ca or follow them on Twitter, @nwfamilyplace.
* ArtStarts at River Market: River Market has been hosting a series of free arts workshops and performances for families, courtesy of ArtStarts. The next one is set for Sunday, June 1, with sessions at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m. This month's featured performer is Anne Glover, a storyteller who creates figures out of a loop of string. It's ideal for kids aged four and up, but everyone is welcome. No pre-registration is needed - just drop in to River Market. Check out www.rivermarket.ca for details, or see http://artstarts.com/weekend.
Do you have an idea for Family Ties? Send suggestions of interest to local families to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
