The family fun doesn’t end once Dec. 25 has come and gone – and neither does the need to find ways to keep the kids busy.
Whether the weather outside is frightful or delightful, parents can rest assured of finding plenty to do for the whole family this holiday break. We’ve searched around and come up with this list of ways to keep the small humans busy over the Christmas break, both before and after Christmas Day.
MOVIE MATINEE
The New Westminster Public Library is hosting a free family movie screening (yes, there will be popcorn) on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 1:30 p.m. People of all ages are invited out to see Rise of the Guardians in the library auditorium. Call 604-527-4660 for information.
POTTERY CLASSES
Queensborough Community Centre has a Clay Creations offering for five- to 10-year-olds, running Dec. 27 to 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. daily. Call 604-525-7388. At Centennial Community Centre, six- to 12-year-olds can sign up for Pottery: Cocoa Kettles and Mugs, Dec. 28 to 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 604-777-5100.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
The City of New Westminster is offering a host of kids’ programming through the winter break, so be sure to pick up a Christmas Active Living Guide (www.tinyurl.com/ChristmasActiveLiving) for a full list. Among the options: Club Royale, for six- to 10-year-olds; Winter Blast, for five- to 10-year-olds; and Mad Science, for seven- to 13-year-olds. There are also Winter Break Outtrips for youth in grades 6 to 10, with activities such as bowling, Science World, rock climbing, mini-golf and swimming.
CIRCUS DROP-IN
Swing on down to Vancouver Circus School, on the second floor at River Market, for the Big Top Toddlers drop-in, with sessions on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 23 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Kids up to age five can try out circus apparatuses, a bouncy castle, toys and juggling props. Parents must stay with kids. It’s free for kids under one year old, $5 for other kids. See www.rivermarket.ca.
There’s also an Intro to Circus Drop-in on Friday, Dec. 23 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Kids aged six to 14 dcan take part from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. (drop-in fee $15), and teens and adults are welcome from 5:30 to 7 p.m. ($30 per person). Drop-in spaces are limited, so it’s recommended you sign up in advance at 604-544-5024, or email [email protected].
YOUTH CENTRE DROP-IN
Kids in grades 6 through 8 can drop in to the New West Youth Centre for a free drop-in from 1 to 3 p.m. daily, Dec. 19 through 23 and 27 through 30. (You can register early for 50 cents and be entered in a draw for a gift card.) Call the youth centre at 604-834-2007.
INDOOR PLAYLAND
The drop-in fun for one- to six-year-olds continues at Queensborough Community Centre on Mondays and Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., until Dec. 29. Note there’s no class on Dec. 19 or 26. It costs $3.75 for parent and one child, plus $1.25 for each additional child. Call 604-525-7388 for details.
GET IN THE SWIM
Canada Games Pool is open throughout the Christmas break – note that it’s closing early on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day. Otherwise, there are public swims daily, plus extra events like Parent and Tot Playtimes and adult swims. For a whole schedule, see the Christmas Active Living Guide (you can get one online at www.tinyurl.com/ChristmasActiveLiving, or pick one up at city facilities).
GET ON THE ICE
If blades are more your style, then slip on some skates and take to the ice at Moody Park Arena. It’s closed Christmas Day but has daily drop-in sessions throughout the Christmas break – including a host of Loonie Skate sessions. See www.tinyurl.com/ChristmasActiveLiving for the full schedule.
Do you have an item for Family Ties? Send family- and parenting-related suggestions to Julie, [email protected].
