Looking for things to do with the littles?
The New Westminster parks, culture and recreation department has just put out its Leisure Guide for spring, and it's packed full of possibilities for folks of all ages.
I couldn't possibly reproduce all 80-some pages worth of information for you, but I thought I'd find a few highlights for the tiny tot set - especially things of interest for stay-at-home parents.
If you're looking for some fun activities with your wee ones, here are a few possibilities:
* Baby Talk: Designed for first-time parents of kids from newborn up to nine months old, this drop-in runs regularly at the Centennial Community Centre on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. A public health nurse is on hand, and a guest speaker offers chats about a variety of parenting-related topics. And, of course, it's a chance to get to know other parents of babies as well. This is one I can vouch for personally, having attended many Baby Talk sessions with my wee one during her first year of life. You learn new things, meet cool people and just have a nice afternoon out. Plus, there's no cost. What's not to like?
* Babytime at the library: The New Westminster Public Library offers free drop-in babytimes for the newborn-to-under-two-year-old set, with singing, rhymes and stories. Whether your wee one is a babe in arms or a toddler on the move, you'll learn some fun songs and rhymes to use at home and have a chance to socialize with other parents. It runs Fridays at the main branch, 716 Sixth Ave., at 10:15 a.m., and at the Queensborough branch at 1:30 p.m. (Another one I can vouch for personally, since my wee one has always loved it. Although last time we went she spent more time running in circles than listening to the stories, but hey, it's all part of the fun!)
* Motoring Munchkins: This drop-in play session is designed for one- to six-year-olds, with balls, trampolines, swings, and kid-sized slides and other fun toys. It runs at the Queen's Park Arenex on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and Fridays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m.
It's $3.25 to drop in, or you can buy 10- or 20-session passes for reduced rates. Kids under one year old are welcome free of charge.
The city also offers a host of registered programs for toddlers and preschoolers - music, dance, swimming, arts and crafts, and more.
See the Leisure Guide for all the offerings. You can view it online at www.newwestpcr.ca or pick up a copy at city facilities.
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Here's a sweet idea for the preschool set.
River Market offers an ongoing River Critters Baking Class for the five-and-under crowd.
It runs Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
Kids can join Katia from Pamola Bakery as she teaches them how to roll cookies, decorate cupcakes and make treats.
"This popular class is great for younger kids to get their hands dirty and play with their food," an event notice says. (And anyone with a small child knows how much kids love both of those things!)
All classes take place in the main food hall in front of Pamola Bakery.
There's a $4 fee per child, and registration is available one week in advance of the class date.
You can register a maximum of three kids per adult.
Any questions, email Kiran, [email protected].
Registration for the classes takes place through Eventbrite.
(On a personal note, the more I think about this one, the more I like the idea of teaching my toddler to bake. After all, I certainly don't, and it would be nice if someone in the family did! Perhaps I'll have to take a Tuesday morning off one day and pop down with her. I'm sure my editor won't notice if I disappear on a deadline day!)
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And introducing ... my family-focused Tweep of the Week.
Here's an official shout-out to @KidsNewWest, which has a great Twitter feed providing info about local events, as well as other articles and resources for parents.
Hop on to Twitter and give them a follow!
I'm in the process of building up my Twitter contacts in the family and parenting world, so I'm welcoming suggestions if you know a good person or group I should follow - find me @juliemaclellan to let me know.
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Do you have ideas for Family Ties? Send news and events of interest to Julie, [email protected]. You can also find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
